The real-world Village-3 from Evangelion Thrice Upon a Time launches the Shin Hamamatsu Project.
statue
Full-scale, self-standing Psychic/Fairy-type is even bigger than other life-size Pokémon plushies we’ve seen.
Monument unveiled by children yelling “Totoro!” plays out like a scene from a Ghibli anime film.
The famous symbol of freedom gets a new twist in Yokosuka as torch and tablet are replaced by nakedness and fist pumps.
The city of Yokohama adds an awesome, eight-meter (26.3-foot) tall attraction to convince people to come down from Tokyo for the afternoon.
This exam season, a statue of an important historical figure at Kyoto University has gotten a Kirby makeover as part of a now yearly tradition.
With all the information technology around these days, it’s getting harder and harder to build a gigantic gold statue in peace.
Do you love fantasy RPGs and Hatsune Miku? If so, then you’re definitely going to love this new figure of the vocaloid designed by the popular artist mebae!
“Gangnam Style”, the absolute mega-hit of 2012, came pretty much out of nowhere. The song was popular not only in its home country of South Korea, but all over the world, going on to become the most watched video on YouTube ever. Psy, the artist of this masterpiece, traveled all over the world to show the gathering masses his weird, but very iconic “horsey” dance.
And now, to immortalize this historic achievement, South Korea’s Gangnam district is proposing a grand addition: a gigantic monument positioned in the horsey hands pose.
Sono & Sons is a building maintenance company that also specializes in pest control. Their SEARCH (We Safeguard our Environment with Alpha Roach Control Helper) system promises to leave any roach intruding on the sanctity of your home dead as Dillinger.
Despite their cold efficiency as slaughtering cockroaches, Sono & Sons also owe them a debt of gratitude. After all, roaches played a large role in building the company. So out of respect, they commissioned a memorial statue for all the cockroaches who have succumbed to their poisons and filled the company’s bank account as a result. They spared no expense either because everyone online is agreeing that it’s one cool statue.
Fukuoka Prefecture is a major tourist destination in Japan, drawing people form all over the country all year round. But what’s unusual about the prefecture is that, despite its great many visitors, it doesn’t have any particularly famous sightseeing spots. Most people come for the food alone—a fact which should give you an indication of how good it is.
That’s why our reporter, Takashi Harada went in search of something worth gawking at in the otherwise wonderful land of Fukuoka and came across something that every visitor ought to see: the “World’s Largest Buddha statue” nestled deep in its mountains.
If I’m being perfectly honest, I’m not a huge giant mech/giant robot fan. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a full episode of Patlabor or Gundam–though it’s not out of spite or anything! There are only so many hours in the day, and I rarely seem to have time to watch giant mechs beating the crap out of each other. Though that sentence is making me question some life choices now…
As such, I’ve always been perplexed by the idea that someone has actually gone out of their way to build enormous statues of the suits. The “why” has always left an itch in the back of my mind–it just doesn’t seem worth, does it? Well, that’s what I thought until I actually came face-to-face (face-to-boot?) with an enormous Patlabor statue. Here are some photos of the giant mech emblazoned with a Japanese police badge and why I actually hope they make more!




















Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train 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 character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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 Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
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
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Our Japanese reporter’s encounter with American school lunch
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
We found the “world’s best breakfast” at this Japanese hotel, and it was not cheap【Taste test】
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Which conveyor belt sushi place’s chawanmushi egg custard is the best? We investigate【Taste Test】
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch