The earth has always enjoyed a special relationship with the moon. The month-long cycle of push-and-pull between the planet and its natural satellite means we calculate days in terms of lunar months and in Japan they even use the same kanji character (月) to mean both month and moon itself. Oh, and instead of seeing a man on the moon’s surface, they see a rabbit pounding rice.
So when it comes to ‘that time of the month’, the connection with lunar forces in Japan has given birth to an unusual collaboration between Sailor Moon warriors, with a girl called Usagi-chan, or rabbit, at the helm, and Elis sanitary pads. Fans are gushing over the adorable packaging and the chance to win free related merchandise!
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Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
What, there’s now a specialty burrito shop in Tokyo? Of course, we had to go try it ourselves!
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
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The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
What, there’s now a specialty burrito shop in Tokyo? Of course, we had to go try it ourselves!
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
A diner’s guide to oden: Japan’s weird-looking, super-popular winter dish
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money