Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Star Tours
It’s been a long time coming, but Star Wars fans will soon get to see the seventh installment in the long-running franchise when Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in theaters next month. While waiting for the theatrical release, fans living in Tokyo can experience the thrill of the series firsthand by venturing over to Tokyo Disneyland, where the Star Tours: The Adventures Continue attraction is now open to the public!
Three days after every other person on the internet was posting “May the fourth be with you,” Tokyo Disneyland was flooded with Star Wars fans celebrating the grand reopening of Star Tours: the Adventures Continues. The ride offers a 3-D Star Wars experience with over 50 possible randomly selected story combinations. There’s no greater thrill than feeling as if you are rocketing through space, interacting with familiar Star Wars characters in the third dimension.
But what impressed our reporter, Tashiro-kun, the most was the fanfare that day. With around 200 Disney cast members dressed in Star Wars costume and more Disney-Star Wars merchandise than you can shake a light saber at, Tokyo Disneyland on May 7 was the place to be for Star Wars fans.
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases giant Totoro plushies in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
New Japanese Kit Kat features flavour of traditional shingen mochi dessert
All-ages Catbus, real-world Spirited Away office part of new Studio Ghibli museum exhibit【Photos】
This is What a Whopper With 1000 Slices of Cheese Looks Like
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experienceIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
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
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingYokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
New Japanese Kit Kat features flavour of traditional shingen mochi dessert
All-ages Catbus, real-world Spirited Away office part of new Studio Ghibli museum exhibit【Photos】
This is What a Whopper With 1000 Slices of Cheese Looks Like
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Shangrila, a maid cafe staffed exclusively by cute “plump” girls, opens in Akihabara【Pics】
【TBT】Amazeballs! Real-Life One Piece Characters Discovered!
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Amazing Japanese temple photo gives off strong final RPG dungeon vibes
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026