Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
OS X
Installed on the recently released OS X Mountain Lion is a breathtaking image of an aquamarine pond with trees growing out of it. We previously gave you the impressions of the photographer Kent Shiraishi, but now we went straight to the real Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido to see if it lives up to the photo.
One of the MacBook Pro desktop backgrounds featured on Apple’s website shows an astoundingly exquisite azure pond with bare trees coming out of the water, covered in snow. It will be one of the backgrounds included with OS X Mountain Lion, to be released this July. We’ve found out a bit about the photographer responsible for this particular work… Read More
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
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Taking revenge on Starbucks in Japan with 10,000 yen at the Reserve Roastery TokyoJapanese 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 frostStudio 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 charactersShakey’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
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Taking revenge on Starbucks in Japan with 10,000 yen at the Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
Tokyo’s famous Lost in Translation hotel is closed
Tenga releases masturbatory-aid shaped chocolates for Valentine’s Day in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Japan creates public monument to original doge meme dog in her home prefecture【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a special tea latte to celebrate the Year of the Snake