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.


Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
36th Annual International Snowball Fight Competition to be held in Uonuma this February
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Commercial reveals what some LGBT individuals go through in Japan
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Are 100-yen shop Daiso’s gel nail polish strips a good dupe for salon quality nails? Let’s find out
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Commercial reveals what some LGBT individuals go through in Japan
Canned cuteness as Hello Kitty and friends kick off Can Chara capsule toy line【Photos】
Are 100-yen shop Daiso’s gel nail polish strips a good dupe for salon quality nails? Let’s find out
Kentucky Fried Chicken has all-you-can-drink beer in Tokyo for less than 10 bucks
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Genuine Muramasa blade and Muromachi katana on display at Tokyo’s Touken Ranbu store【Photos】
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
The five-patty Lotteria burger wasn’t big enough, so we made a 35-patty burger instead!
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Japanese women’s breasts continue to grow, reach historic tipping point in lingerie maker’s study
Two beautiful Totoro Catbus interior piece figures scamper back to the Studio Ghibli store【Pics】