Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
special edition
Well now here’s an odd little promotion. Japanese gamers planning to pick up a copy of Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes, one of the prequel chapters in Hideo Kojima’s convoluted-plot-’em-up/stealth espionage action game series, are now being offered a special edition bundle that comes with a track jacket emblazoned with the logo of in-game mercenary unit “Diamond Dogs”.
Our reporter was strolling through Ginza one afternoon and found herself in an Okinawa specialty goods store. As she was browsing through the aisles, she couldn’t help but notice a brightly colored can of Coca Cola with a red shisa (lion dog) printed on the front. Upon further inspection of the can, she realized that she had stumbled upon Okinawa Coca Cola, made with the waters of Okinawa. How would this special Coke taste? She just had to buy one and find out.
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Super-detailed cherry blossom forecast maps for 2025 show warm winter doesn’t mean early sakura
Tomonoura: Where Ponyo and Wolverine crossed paths
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japan’s AI schoolgirl has fallen into a suicidal depression in latest blog post
Coca-Cola’s new limited-edition Japan travel destination bottles highlight history and culture
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the countryCherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from JapanNine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime characterJapanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day FrappuccinoCherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura seasonStudio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Super-detailed cherry blossom forecast maps for 2025 show warm winter doesn’t mean early sakura
Tomonoura: Where Ponyo and Wolverine crossed paths
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japan’s AI schoolgirl has fallen into a suicidal depression in latest blog post
Coca-Cola’s new limited-edition Japan travel destination bottles highlight history and culture
Tokyo Station’s second-most popular bento is great because of what it isn’t【Taste test】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
This gorgeous, mouth-watering traditional Japanese breakfast…is all from 7-Eleven?!?
Japanese woman stumbles on the power of the infamous “gaijin seat” phenomenon during flight
This unstaffed Japanese train station is like a Ghibli anime come to life
Studio Ghibli animator reveals the secret food eaten by Chihiro’s parents in Spirited Away
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
These Guys Keep All Their Cuteness Even When Cooked! We Try Deep-Fried Axolotl in Osaka