Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Natsume’s Book of Friends
Japanese animation is much-loved around the world. China is no exception, and anime has a massive following in the country. Many young people in China are enamored with anime for its creative story lines and artistic animation. It has the ability to uplift, motivate and entertain us, and allows us to momentarily escape reality, and for many foreigners, it does more than just that. It can shape our lives.
Here is one heartwarming story from China of a life-changing encounter with anime.
If you’ve spent enough time loitering around Etsy or Pinterest, you might already know of the ludicrously adorable world of needle felting, and people’s propensities for adorable needle-felted animal crafts. (A cursory search on Etsy also turns up felt Pokémon and Ghibli critters.)
For those just plunging into the world of felt crafting, though, there are plenty of books and kits out there that can show you the way and provide you instructions. Including this one from MOE magazine and crafts author Susa Suna Tomoko (previous works include a book on felt dogs, cats, and woodland creatures).
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
How to cook miso soup (the right way) in a few simple steps【RocketKitchen】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schoolsThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
How to cook miso soup (the right way) in a few simple steps【RocketKitchen】
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Taste-testing Japan’s three biggest convenience stores store-brand cup ramen【Taste test】
Losing your Japanese host club virginity: a guide for the ladies
Get ready with Roland, the top-earning host in Japan【Video】