As of August 25, 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Donations have reached a whopping US$70.2 million. The challenge has made it across the globe, with participants ranging from Benedict Cumberbatch to Kumamon. While the challenge is raising awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), new participants are finding their own ways to make the challenge more interesting.
One Korean-American rock band has challenged the leaders of three Asian countries to pick up that bucket and do their part to raise awareness and money for the neurodegenerative disease.

Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
This balding middle-aged fairy is one of Japan’s most unique mascot characters
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Ramen with strawberry sauce and white chocolate in Tokyo? Oh, yes, please! 【Taste test】
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Don’t forget that the best convenience store in northern Japan has branches farther south too
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
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
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
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】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
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
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Ramen with strawberry sauce and white chocolate in Tokyo? Oh, yes, please! 【Taste test】
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Don’t forget that the best convenience store in northern Japan has branches farther south too
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
“Moe temple” in Tokyo to woo anime geeks with maid cafe
Five types of foreigner you’ll meet in Japan
Five different ways to say “children” in Japanese
What’s it like at Samoyed Cafe Moffu Harajuku?
Studio Ghibli releases amazing new My Neighbour Totoro merchandise in Japan
Rental grandma service growing in Japan, can help cook or break up with boyfriends