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.

Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The not-so-fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms: An alternate perspective
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Demon Slayer anime restaurant coming to Universal Studios with Hashira meals, life-size figures
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japanese woman celebrates 100th birthday, boggles netizens’ minds with unusual name
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
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
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
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Demon Slayer anime restaurant coming to Universal Studios with Hashira meals, life-size figures
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japanese woman celebrates 100th birthday, boggles netizens’ minds with unusual name
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
A visit to Japan’s Kirby Cafe to eat the Kirby car cake and more!【Photos】
Dunkin’ Donuts Thailand causing stir with new line of black donuts
Extreme budget travel! Can you do a good weekend trip to Taiwan with 50,000 yen (US$370)? – Part 1
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Osaka Lover Takoyaki Danish Bread is this week’s weird Japanese must-try food
Death Spray from Japan causes buzz online for powerful ability to cut ties with bad energy