predictions
Tiny background detail in ‘80s manga masterpiece getting new attention decades later.
Find out this year’s trendiest slang for Japanese female teenagers and you’ll be grouped in the cool crowd while strutting the streets of Shibuya.
The first question to a visitor from the future who could tell us about medical and technological breakthroughs? That’s right, it was about boobs.
You may remember that octopus named Paul whose accurate series of “predictions” during the 2010 World Cup about Germany’s matches and Spain’s victory shot him to worldwide fame.
Well move over, Paul, because you’ve got two new furry rivals! Stepping up to the challenge in 2014 are Munchkin kitties Kikunosuke and Rikimaru. Their owner had them “predict” which two teams from each of the initial groups A through H would proceed to the rest of the tournament. Japanese fans would be well-advised to listen to the cats, since Japan was picked to advance from group C.
Keep reading to find out which sixteen teams will advance, at least according to the cats!





Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Our reporter is willing to die on the pseudo-Italian restaurant Olive Hill
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
We eat at three Japanese family restaurants to find the one with the best-value breakfast
Uniqlo releasing first-ever Pokémon T-shirts inspired by Trading Card Game artwork【Photos】
Bent postboxes in Taiwan are a heartwarming reminder to never give up
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Shinkansen zombie outbreak occurring for first-ever haunted bullet train event
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan