Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
rescue (Page 2)
Further controversy has emerged surrounding the South Korean Sewol ferry disaster, as a TV crew is accused of setting up footage of a rescue diver. Korean media reports that a member of the rescue team who was not working at the time was put in a wetsuit and drenched in water to give the appearance that he had just come back from a dive. Media crews apparently said that a dry-haired diver would not be realistic and believable enough.
Here’s a happy little story to start your weekend off right!
This Wednesday, a group of seven elementary school girls spotted an elderly lady trapped on a railroad crossing in Yamanashi Prefecture. Her electric-powered wheelchair had run out of power, leaving the poor woman stranded–and that’s when the brave girls sprang into action.
One day, one ordinary person and his family found it in their hearts to take in a tiny, abandoned kitten who had lost her sight due to a bad case of conjunctivitis. They already had two dogs under their roof, which would make it difficult to keep a cat. Nevertheless, the father devoted himself to her care as she hovered between life and death, praying for the kitten’s full recovery. He didn’t intend to give the kitten a name at first, as he was worried about becoming too attached, and just called her “cat” (neko in Japanese) but somehow everyone started calling her Niko, which means something like “happy smile”.
Every once in a while a story comes along about a flying car or helicopter that fits in a briefcase, but they always disappear into the ether never coming to fruition. It’s understandable since everyone having their own mass produced flying machine would be a safety and law enforcement nightmare.
This time, however, Hirobo in Hiroshima Prefecture may be rolling out a personal helicopter that will actually get off the ground.
On a late night light rail train in Phoenix, Arizona on what authorities believe to have been October 6, a man rescued another passenger from a fight by wielding his samurai sword towards the assailants.
The incident was caught on video and uploaded to YouTube. None of the parties involved have been identified and the police are currently investigating.
In a news story over on the Asahi Shinbun Digital, despite the Japanese coastguard coming to the aid of a Chinese freighter that had caught fire, the Chinese government has yet to issue a statement of thanks.
Chinese netizens, however, have taken to their keyboards to show their gratitude and express their joy upon hearing about the act of humanity despite relations between the two countries being so bad at this time.
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum is crazy strong, can easily carry creatures twice his body weight
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Better living through gambling at Japan’s “Day Service Las Vegas”Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the countryJapan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day FrappuccinoKrispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum is crazy strong, can easily carry creatures twice his body weight
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
Better living through gambling at Japan’s “Day Service Las Vegas”
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
8 sakura sweets to enjoy under the cherry blossoms at your next hanami picnic in Japan
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Kirby mochi arrives at Family Mart, but is it as sweet to eat as it is to look at?【Taste test】
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Field testing the magic, voice-operated pendant from Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky 【Video】
