Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Sonic Hour
Remember Takara Tomy A.R.T.S’ punnily-named product, the Sonic Hour (“hour” sounds similar to awa, or “bubbles” in Japanese) that we introduced you to two years ago? That device created a foamy head on a glass of beer in seconds, making it the perfect present for any beer lover in Japan.
Those same beer lovers now have cause to rejoice again because this time around, the Sonic Hour is back with a handy new portable version!
Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
American jackass tourist arrested after carving name into gate at Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine【Video】
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Tokyo park’s sea of clouds, nighttime illumination, and cosplay days make now perfect time to visit
Samurai ritual suicide contest cancelled by organizer in west Japan
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with Diglett as the star!
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】
Samurai ritual suicide contest cancelled by organizer in west Japan
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with Diglett as the star!
Japan Weak Men’s Center suddenly cancels men-only train event
Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama
Get a taste of Diglett, the star of Mister Donut’s new Pokémon doughnut collaboration in Japan
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
The best cosplayers from Day Two of the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival