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…)
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Pokémon Smart Bath Mats are amazingly cute, but there’s more to them than meets the eye【Photos】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Ultra-realistic cat latte art blows us away, puts us off our coffeeJapanese 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 frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour TotoroMysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Starbucks Japan gifts us with the Matcha Classic Green Tea Latte for a limited timeMajor Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
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
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Pokémon Smart Bath Mats are amazingly cute, but there’s more to them than meets the eye【Photos】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Ultra-realistic cat latte art blows us away, puts us off our coffee
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Former SMAP member Shingo Katori announces marriage to woman he’s been dating for 25 years
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
10-year-old Japanese girl is youngest person ever certified to prepare deadly poisonous blowfish
American tourists give us their opinion on the new Icee slushie drinks in Japan
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost