Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
prisoner
While some of us get to spend our days taking selfies, slurping on Starbucks and shopping at designer stores, others are not quite so lucky.
In a crushing reminder of the disparities and injustice that exist in our world, a woman shopping at luxury New York department store Saks Fifth Avenue has discovered a note at the bottom of her bag written by a man imprisoned in a forced labour camp in China, pleading for help contacting his family and the United Nations.
Starting on April 20, a special art exhibition featuring the works of death row inmates will open at the Tomonoura Museum in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. The prisoners have been sentenced to death but are unaware of when their sentence will be carried out. The exhibition, which contains paintings that were created during a grim time in each prisoner’s life, aims to answer the question, “Why do people express themselves?”
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet rangeMysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schoolsThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
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”Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
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
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Which Japanese convenience store has the best steamed curry buns?【Taste test】
Famous Japanese painter’s centuries-old cat artwork proves Japan has always loved felines
Survey shows that guys like girls who eat a lot, so long as it’s salad
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Old-school titillation: A trip to one of Tokyo’s few surviving “telephone clubs”