More often than not, stories and franchises start as manga in Japan and, if they become popular enough, you will see them evolve into an anime, musical, or sometimes even a live-action versions. While it is great to see our favorite stories presented in different formats, viewers will usually know exactly where the plot will go and how the characters develop.
A show that can never fall victim to that trap is a completely original anime series that makes its debut on the TV screen. You won’t know if it’s going to be any good, but with the kind of pedigree behind Active Raid: Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit, you can bet we are looking forward to its 2016 release. Though it’s going to take us a while to use its full name in conversation…

Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
Stars of Japan’s longest-running anime get gorgeous modern makeover in new video【Video】
Police in Japan warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Mr. Sato gets his bush trimmed at a fancy Tokyo hair salon【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Sakura in Japan 2019: The best spots for hanami cherry blossom viewing
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Mr. Sato gets invited out to dinner by seven beautiful models, struggles to speak intelligibly