Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Saori
With the announcement of Mt. Fuji joining the ranks of UNESCO’s World Heritage, there has been a sudden swell of attention paid to the iconic mountain. Merchandise has been coming out fast and furious, but the popularity explosion has unexpectedly struck the cute anthropomorphic Mt. Fuji moe character Saori with some of its shrapnel. However, while people were coming for the name association, a steady fan-base is building as we learn a little more about Saori’s personality.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Sailor Moon and J-pop mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki team up for collaboration, pre-defeat scalpers
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Starbucks Japan just released a new matcha green tea latte, but is it any good?
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
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 rangeStation of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid LineMysterious 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 schools
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 ShinjukuJapanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
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 wholeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
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
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Starbucks Japan just released a new matcha green tea latte, but is it any good?
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
Japanese-style accommodation at the new Premium Dormy Inn hotel in Asakusa will blow your mind
Tokyo’s Shibuya district bans public drinking on New Year’s Eve, cancels countdown celebration
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Exhibition on the 1,500 year-history of traditional Japanese women’s clothing to open in Shibuya
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Yakuza bosses struggling to upgrade phones from 3G