otome
Lotte’s gum brands become samurai warriors from the Shinsengumi and fight to protect a tooth that claims to be a high school girl.
Lotte’s new advertising campaign for its range of gum products takes inspiration from ikemen “cool guys” often featured in anime and otome dating sim games. The company has released their new “Gum Boyfriend” advert debuting five guys, each with their own different personalities and quirks corresponding to one of Lotte’s brands of refreshing gum. But which chewy bad boy is your favorite?
A lot of people were holding out for some exciting news during Final Fantasy’s 25 Anniversary event in Japan yesterday; perhaps some information on Final Fantasy Versus XIII or a Final Fantasy VII remake.
What they got instead was an elaborate 12-minute demonstration of Tokimeki Final Fantasy: Suzaku Magic Institution Peristylium ~ Oh no! I’m in Love With the Crystal’s Divine Guardian ~, an otome dating game set in the world of Final Fantasy Type-0.
Unlike American game makers, Japanese video game companies often sweat over every detail before selling their games overseas to make sure it fits the culture. Although the sentiment is appreciated the results are often poor, as people in other countries enjoy those cultural differences more often than not.
Case in point is Prince’s Proposal’s (Ojisama no Puropozu) treacherous journey abroad. Prince’s Proposal is an otome game where your character, a university student, has a chance encounter with six princes whom you must find romance with by making the right choices throughout the story.
Its recent westernized incarnation called Be My Princess, however, decided to replace the stylish anime princes and characters with rubbery, emotionless ones.





Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Cosmetic wizardry: Asian women removing makeup to reveal their true selves goes viral【Video】
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Studio Ghibli adds “komorebi” Totoro plush toys to its anime merchandise range in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese police question man for “not looking good in a suit,” turns out he robbed an old lady
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Studio Ghibli adds “komorebi” Totoro plush toys to its anime merchandise range in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese police question man for “not looking good in a suit,” turns out he robbed an old lady
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
British man arrested for biting Japanese police officer during shokumu shitsumon questioning
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Five reasons there’s no tipping at restaurants in Japan
Starbucks Japan joins Been There drinkware line with 20 cool designs for all over Japan【Pics】
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Overseas Uber driver and anime fan gets the Cowboy Bebop surprise of a lifetime【Video】
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan