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
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Why Sensoji temple in Asakusa is better at night
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Nattoku! Factory offers free factory tours of a famous natto brand production process
Instant cozy anime cosplay can be yours with new Ranma 1/2 roomwear sets【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
35 fascinating photos of Korea from 100 years ago (before K-dramas took over Asia)
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie PrefectureStarbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Nattoku! Factory offers free factory tours of a famous natto brand production process
Instant cozy anime cosplay can be yours with new Ranma 1/2 roomwear sets【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
35 fascinating photos of Korea from 100 years ago (before K-dramas took over Asia)
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
How special is Starbucks Japan’s new “Special Ver.” Frappuccino?
Japanese Twitter reveals the one Japanese word that gets English-speakers super excited
Graffiti artist Pikachu plushies coming to brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center megastore【Photos】
New Sailor Moon figure turns your bedroom into an anime backdrop
Here’s the oldest recipe for Japanese curry in existence, and how it tastes【SoraKitchen】
Hayao Miyazaki draws Year of the Dragon illustration for New Year’s card to Studio Ghibli fans