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…)
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
These apartments are crazy-small even by Tokyo standards, and super-popular with young people
Shinkansen operator apologizes for three-minute delay because conductor was napping
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Barbenheimer posts cause backlash in Japan, prompting two-sentence apology from Warner Bros.
Burger King Japan’s All Heavy customisation hack may not be all it’s cracked up to be
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli adds folding fans to its anime specialty store in Japan
Japanese Twitter community shocked to learn that train timetables are made with Microsoft Excel
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of JapanJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art eventPokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration eventsWisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to TokyoBrand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthdayJapan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
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
Starbucks 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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Barbenheimer posts cause backlash in Japan, prompting two-sentence apology from Warner Bros.
Burger King Japan’s All Heavy customisation hack may not be all it’s cracked up to be
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli adds folding fans to its anime specialty store in Japan
Japanese Twitter community shocked to learn that train timetables are made with Microsoft Excel
Here’s the best spot to take in a panoramic view at “the most beautiful Starbucks in the world”
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils epic Frappuccino hunt with five to find in new Star birthday campaign
How honest is Japanese society? So honest this train station is fine with a non-closable “gate”
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms