pac-man
Video gaming’s newest trend meets its oldest hero with co-op game at Namco’s Tokyo amusement park.
We ignored the advice of one reviewer who said to “never, ever eat” the video game-inspired dish, but was our courageous decision a foolish one too?
Back due to popular demand and this time in Osaka, Pac-Man will give a few lucky passengers a ride as it chases takoyaki.
The magical rides include mysterious “invisible” ghosts chasing the carriage, which can be seen by passers-by.
A Japanese startup is working with Bandai Namco to rework the classic arcade game into an immersive virtual reality experience—using a touch-control VR headset that will cost under US$20.
The four different-coloured ghosts are immediately recognizable characters in “Pac-Man,” but Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde could have been all one shade if the president and cofounder of the video game company that created Pac-Man had his way.
You may remember Google’s April Fools’ challenge last year, since it was pretty epic. If you missed it, Google came out with a game where you could search for Pokemon on the Google Maps app on your mobile device. It got rave reviews and it’s such a shame that it was only available for a limited time.
This year, Google is reaching out to a slightly older generation of video game lovers, letting us play Pac-Man on real streets of Google Maps!! Of course, being Google and April Fools’ Day, there is a catch, but more or less, you can transform neighborhoods into Pac-Man game screens.
This is slowly turning out to be quite a week for sightings of unlicensed use of videogame characters. Just yesterday we brought you news of a smartphone game whose lead character looked so much like Nintendo’s green dinosaur Yoshi that the company stepped in and demanded that changes be made, and now our overseas RocketNews24 representative brings us photos of a food vendor in the Philippines whose stand and wares are plastered with a name and character that bear an uncanny likeness to Japan’s beloved dot-munching arcade hero, Pac-Man!
This boxed chocolates vendor was spotted selling from a small booth in the middle of a shopping center in the Philippines’ capital city of Manila. Unless the vendor is somehow affiliated with Namco, this has got to be brand theft! Smelling a story among all of the tasty-looking sweets, our courageous reporter went forth and confronted the sales clerk. Read More















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A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Elephant nose ice cream: The treat with a trunk
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Video game battles as woodblock prints, “Ukiyo-e Heroes: Boss Fights” now available online 【Pics】
What happens when you mix together all the jelly drinks from the convenience store? 【SoraKitchen】
Ultra-premium matcha, koji rice mold star in Starbucks Japanese New Year’s Frappuccino and drinks
Uniqlo’s Disney T-shirts feature art by manga divinity and royalty【Photos】