Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
otome game
The dating simulator scene is getting weirder and weirder, so it’s hard to be surprised by anything they come up with these days. Humans are already old news and we’re now used to romancing all manner of strange creatures. Even so, this mobile game for girls caught my eye with its unique character designs and by promising love with powerful ancient Egyptian deities.
Do you even lift? ‘Cos these macho guys certainly do! While the heroes of otome games, story-based romance games aimed at women, tend to err on the feminine side, the hunks in this mobile game cater specifically to women (or men!) who like their guys beefy. And when I see beefy, I mean ox-on-steroids beefy.
The “magical girl” anime trope is well-established in Japan. Usually, a high-school girl discovers she has magical powers and bands together with her classmates who also have magical powers in order to save the world from evil forces. But what if, instead of pretty magical girls, we had boys instead? Pretty, magical boys? Well, new series Binan Koukou Chikyuu Boueibu LOVE (Pretty High School Boys Save The World Club LOVE) is here to break down gender stereotypes (or just pander to the female love of pretty boys) with their brand-new anime show which launches in 2015 (and, oh, there’s a video game, too…)
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Starbucks Japan adds a Shine Muscat Grape Frappuccino to the menu for a limited time
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo adds exclusive drinks to the menu for autumn
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
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
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourismDownloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 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 goalIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited AwayYokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Starbucks Japan adds a Shine Muscat Grape Frappuccino to the menu for a limited time
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo adds exclusive drinks to the menu for autumn
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New sushi restaurant hidden inside Tokyo Station is a secret gem
Lawson changes its iconic egg sandwich, makes it bigger but smaller at the same time
Criminals of Japan’s Edo Period Were Often Punished by Getting Face Tattoos
All Tokyo public high schools abolish rules forcing students to dye non-black hair, underwear color regs
Site of the worst bear attack in Japanese history is a chilling place to visit
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】