Despite having a number of genuinely exciting events, the Winter Olympics is also home to a couple of head-scratchers (I watched the men’s slalom with the Wikipedia entry open trying to work out why some skiers were incurring penalties), and some can get kind of repetitive if watched for more than a few minutes at a time. One event I did enjoy watching, though, was the speed skating; those dudes zip around that track–with blades on their feet–at speeds that would probably make me vomit.
But imagine how much more exciting that event would be if participants had access to the full arsenal of weapon items from Nintendo’s Mario Kart racing games? As this hilarious video shows, with some green shells, a handful of banana skins, and the occasional competitor-shrinking lightning bolt, this event could be so much more interesting.

Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Denny’s new Japanese parfait looks totally different depending on what angle you look at it from
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Anime isn’t like reality: Japanese police arrest man holding three knives, one in his mouth
Escape from downtown Tokyo! How far from the city center can you get by rental bike in 8 hours?
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
No doctors or hairdressers! Survey asks Japanese women what professions they don’t want to date
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
A visit to Tokyo’s fanciest coffeehouse for a 16,200 yen (US$143) bottle of coffee【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
East Japan’s 10 most magical winter scenery experiences, as chosen by travelers
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
All Lotteria fast food restaurants in Japan to close by the end of March
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Tokyo pub explicitly soft-bans customers older than 39 from entering
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Escape from downtown Tokyo! How far from the city center can you get by rental bike in 8 hours?
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
No doctors or hairdressers! Survey asks Japanese women what professions they don’t want to date
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
A visit to Tokyo’s fanciest coffeehouse for a 16,200 yen (US$143) bottle of coffee【Pics】
Starbucks Japan’s new clear coffee is like coffee for people who don’t like coffee
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Cockroach-Killer Spider (aka Fighting Nope with More Nope)
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
It’s like the samurai era never ended at this beautiful Japanese mountain town
Spirited Away adds a dash of Ghibli beauty to hanafuda flower cards【Photos】
Sumo training hall chef shares a secret cream stew ingredient his wrestlers love【Taste test】