Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Shimotsuki
Shimotsuki Festival is held every December in the remote mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. But as well as locals, the festival also attracts visitors from farther afield, all ooking for the magic and fantasy of the world of Studio Ghibli.
That’s because this ancient festival, featuring boiling cauldrons and dancing monsters, has an unlikely and little-known claim to fame: it inspired Hayao Miyazaki to make Spirited Away.
Tokyo park’s sea of clouds, nighttime illumination, and cosplay days make now perfect time to visit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
American jackass tourist arrested after carving name into gate at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine【Video】
Doujinshi manga/anime chain announces moratorium on Visa/Mastercard credit card payments
Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama
Sakura season arrives at McDonald’s Japan with new range of exclusive menu items
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Newly unveiled “horror room” in Osaka apartment promises a creepy day or night’s stay
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in JapanJapanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in TokyoGhibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in JapanSanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
Totoro, Calcifer, other Ghibli stars returning as humidifiers ahead of Japan’s dry winter days【Pics】Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[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
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama
Sakura season arrives at McDonald’s Japan with new range of exclusive menu items
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Newly unveiled “horror room” in Osaka apartment promises a creepy day or night’s stay
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
Pikachu/Game Boy manhole cover installed at Nintendo Museum, not viewable by general public
Cancelled your trip to Tokyo? Free papercraft download lets you build Akihabara in your own home
The best Japanese curry in Japan isn’t eaten at a restaurant
Osaka to Fukuoka for less than 40 bucks? It’s possible with Japan’s overnight ferry
New Attack on Titan theme park attraction coming to Fuji-Q Highland