If there’s any trend our posts in the past couple of years have shown, it’s that the Japanese can and will personify absolutely anything.
personification
The Japanese are rather enthusiastic when it comes to recycling. In most Japanese cities, domestic waste has to be separated into a minimum of three categories: combustable “raw” garbage, recyclable plastic and recyclable paper. Some areas have their residents splitting their trash into as many as 10 categories.
Even with that said, there’s probably no place in Japan more outreach than Kyoto when it comes to recycling plastic, as they’ve had a little magical help from a handsome new mascot: Gomi no Yousei (Fairy of the Garbage). Check out the bizarre recycling enthusiast after the break!
From countries and camera lenses to burgers and government corporations, Japan has a vibrant moe culture of personifying inanimate objects – in other words, turning them into cute, giant-eyed anime characters. The latest addition is a game populated by beautiful, shapely “warships”, which seems like a very modern idea but may actually have its origins in the prewar era.


Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Yokohama restaurant serves fried axolotl, along with giant isopod, camel, and crocodile
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
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
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
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】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
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
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Yokohama restaurant serves fried axolotl, along with giant isopod, camel, and crocodile
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japanese balloon jellies, or “Tengu’s Treasure”, are a very unique souvenir
How to use Japan’s new self-checkout supermarket carts
Uniqlo opens its first-ever cafe at newly revamped Ginza store
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s new luxury overnight bus is the conveniently classy way to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!