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.


Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Poll finds support to let women inherit imperial throne as Japan faces possible succession crisis
Japan’s last two pandas leaving for China next month, Ueno Zoo announces final day for twins
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Survey says osechi New Year’s food differs according to each region in Japan
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
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
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
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】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
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
Japan’s last two pandas leaving for China next month, Ueno Zoo announces final day for twins
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Survey says osechi New Year’s food differs according to each region in Japan
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
7-Eleven’s edible cat paw proves Japanese convenience store sweets are on a whole other level
In real life, hitting someone with Street Fighter’s dragon punch would kill him…messily 【Video】
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Exhibit featuring cutting-edge smell technology held at Tokyo Skytree
7-Eleven Japan now sells…matcha burritos?!?