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…)
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Camera crew visits the abandoned town that inspired Japanese survival horror game “Siren”【Video】
We try the Jack & Coke canned cocktail to see if it’s any better than mixing one yourself
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Pikachu-ear engagement rings and Pokémon wedding rings for him and her can now be yours【Photos】
Owner of ridiculously long tongue is also a former idol, does cool tongue tricksIs 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
Camera crew visits the abandoned town that inspired Japanese survival horror game “Siren”【Video】
We try the Jack & Coke canned cocktail to see if it’s any better than mixing one yourself
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Pikachu-ear engagement rings and Pokémon wedding rings for him and her can now be yours【Photos】
Owner of ridiculously long tongue is also a former idol, does cool tongue tricks
New Era combines with old eras for amazing hat collection based on Japanese painting masterpieces
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
Six types of Japanese people you’ll meet while living in Japan — An illustrated guide
How to properly wrap a ninja hood – Now available in English!
Japan has been tossing message-bearing coconuts into the ocean since the 1980s