Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Norihiro Miyairi
You could say that the traditional Japanese sword, or katana, symbolizes the strength and beauty of the Japanese spirit. We see these swords quite often in comics, anime and movies, but how well do we really know the spiritual and cultural elements they embody?
To find out, we went to a true expert to learn about the fascinating and mysterious world of Japanese swords. Join us for an in-depth interview with master katana maker Norihiro Miyairi!
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
Gundam can now be part of your signature in Japan with Mobile Suit Gundam personal seals【Photos】
Pocky recall issued in Japan after customers notice off-the-mark taste caused by unintended smells
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
How to make epic pancakes with your Japanese rice cooker
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks adds a Matcha & Coffee Cream Pop to the menu in Japan
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
New Pokémon ice cream, dessert drinks, and cool merch coming to Baskin-Robbins Japan【Pics】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in KantoTokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks adds a Matcha & Coffee Cream Pop to the menu in Japan
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
New Pokémon ice cream, dessert drinks, and cool merch coming to Baskin-Robbins Japan【Pics】
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Starbucks in traditional Japanese building at Ise Jingu has hidden secrets in its roof tiles
Exhibit featuring cutting-edge smell technology held at Tokyo Skytree
Secret lunch spot in Tokyo’s Muji Hotel is a hidden gem that few people know about
This Kochi sightseeing spot is one of Japan’s “three most disappointing spots,” but should it be?
Dive into a galaxy of jellyfish with Ikebukuro Sunshine Aquarium’s new Jellyfish Panorama【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Five more Japanese words we’d love to import into English