Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Pluto
The idea of “smart appliances” has been around for a while now, but has yet to really infiltrate the average household. Even having moderately priced smart machines running your home would add up considering you’d have to replace all of your old stuff.
The young developers of “Pluto” offer a simple solution which would allow you to smartify all of your currently existing home electronics for the reasonable price of 12,800yen (US$140).
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
These Tamagotchi will take care of you, because they’re cool multi-balm cases【Photos】
A trip to see the breathtaking mountain beauty of Nagano’s Kamikochi【Part 1】
Ghibli Park opens final area to first visitors, with stunning new attractions and shops 【Videos】
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in JapanSip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
Dark and edgy Jujustu Kaisen teams up with bright and cheery Sanrio for new merch line【Pics】
Overwhelmed by modern social media? Japanese company is bringing back pagers with an emoji-twist
Totoro stamp collection lets you add adorable Ghibli touches to cards and letters【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new holiday goods at Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Discovered: An even better way to open Japanese convenience store rice balls【Video】
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Starbucks Japan unveils Halloween Frappuccino for 2024, and it’s like drinking a magic spell
Studio Ghibli releases new Howl’s Moving Castle goods that capture the magic from the anime movie
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in Tokyo
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tsukemen ramen restaurant becomes a hit with foreign tourists in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases new insect whistle necklace from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
These Tamagotchi will take care of you, because they’re cool multi-balm cases【Photos】
A trip to see the breathtaking mountain beauty of Nagano’s Kamikochi【Part 1】
Ghibli Park opens final area to first visitors, with stunning new attractions and shops 【Videos】
Sakura season arrives at McDonald’s Japan with new range of exclusive menu items
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
Kamishibai — the precursor to manga and anime?
The Vatican now has an official anime-style mascot character【Video】
Japan’s new mayonnaise ice cream doesn’t taste like you’d expect【Taste test】
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Move over headphones, Sony’s new speakers let you blast music out of your shoulders