Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Police station
The central police station in Nagano Prefecture is revamping its image by introducing a new pair of mascot characters. But unlike the jiggling yellow blobs and big-headed animal abstractions that we’re used to seeing, these two image characters are beautiful men, drawn in a popular manga style that often appeals to young women. They’ve only been around for a couple of days, but these pretty-boy policemen are already attracting a lot of attention!
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Where’s the happiest place for foreigners to live in Japan? Study investigates
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Gorgeous Sailor Moon princess dresses for all the galas in the galaxy【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese baseball star takes on world record with a paper plane
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour TotoroOne of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Where’s the happiest place for foreigners to live in Japan? Study investigates
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Gorgeous Sailor Moon princess dresses for all the galas in the galaxy【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese baseball star takes on world record with a paper plane
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Can our gourmet writers tell which fruit jelly is luxuriously six times more expensive?
McDonald’s Japan has free smiles on its delivery menu, but does asking for one make a difference?
Japanese prison will become luxury hotel managed by country’s premier resort company
“Demon manju”: A low-prep recipe for a delicious regional snack made from sweet potato
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime