Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Sprint
Sprint’s new commercial featuring a “framily” that includes a father who is a talking hamster and daughter who only speaks French is definitely weird. If you live in the US, you may have caught the 30 second clip during prime time Monday evening and were left with an upturned eyebrow and slight frown. But this strange commercial isn’t quite an original creation. The Sprint framily was actually inspired by a long-running marketing campaign over in, you guessed it, Japan.
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
A trip to see the breathtaking mountain beauty of Nagano’s Kamikochi【Part 1】
A deep-fried sushi senbero awaits from Super Value【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
What’s the most popular way to prepare Japan’s beloved breakfast dish, Tamago Kake Gohan?
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Excuse me, could you please pass the outer space potatoes?
American teenage tourist arrested on suspicion of arson in Tokyo during family trip
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
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】
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthdayJapan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
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】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
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】
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】
A deep-fried sushi senbero awaits from Super Value【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
What’s the most popular way to prepare Japan’s beloved breakfast dish, Tamago Kake Gohan?
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Excuse me, could you please pass the outer space potatoes?
American teenage tourist arrested on suspicion of arson in Tokyo during family trip
Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store
Japan Weak Men’s Center suddenly cancels men-only train event
Hardcore Pokémon fans in Japan are spending a TON of money on Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Nightingale floors: The samurai intruder alarm system Japan’s had for centuries
Japanese Prime Minister once criticized deploying military to fight Godzilla
5 Japanese women who can kick your ass (in martial arts)【Women in Japan Series】
Starbucks Japan unveils new White Chocolate Snow Frappuccino for Christmas
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】