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.


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New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japanese Starbucks that’s also an art gallery hosts exhibition by painters from Tokyo’s top art school
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off