Anno working with other key members of the Evangelion and FLCL staff on a brand-new Gundam series full of teenage girl angst and robot team battles.
sunrise
New name references parent companies, but “Sunrise” will still get its moments in the spotlight.
With 2014 winding down, it’s time to make plans for the new year holidays. For many people in Japan this means finding a place to watch the first sunrise of the year, or hatsu hinode; a common custom of the season.
However, many Tokyoites may be unaware that the perfect spot to view the sunrise is standing in plain view: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This 243-meter (797 ft) building has a pair of observation rooms which offer the greatest views in the city and is a spot popular amongst tourists, though few ever think of when it comes to New Year’s Day, assuming that because it’s a government building it would shut down for the holidays.
But ever since 1995 the building has been opening its doors to a handful of visitors, giving them the chance to take in the first sunset of the year from high above the city. Here’s how to apply for a spot on the observation deck.
As if today being a Monday wasn’t depressing enough, media outlets are reporting that the air quality and visibility in China’s capital city has become so bad that the state has begun televising live footage of sunrises on enormous screens ordinarily used for advertising. That’s right: with the real thing now almost completely hidden behind a thick layer of smog, people are actually watching nature on TV.






![Air quality in Beijing now so poor that sunrises are being broadcast on giant TV screens [UPDATED] Air quality in Beijing now so poor that sunrises are being broadcast on giant TV screens [UPDATED]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/01/screen-shot-2014-01-20-at-12-07-28-pm.png?w=640)
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Godiva Dessert joins the cute crepe game in Harajuku
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
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
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
This official Pokémon horror video is surprisingly terrifying【Video】
We tried Tokyo’s “rent a middle-aged Japanese man” service, and it was awesome!
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Luxembourg-based hobbyist’s video game dioramas are epic, wonderfully nerdy, and not for sale
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Meet and eat nostalgic Sanrio characters from the 80s at limited-time cafe in Tokyo