Sword Art Online
Creator of Sword Art Online asks fans to answer a question that’s often brushed aside in the anime world, with some surprising results.
Enako, one of Japan’s most popular and beautiful cosplayers, is ready for her close-ups dressed in an alternate costume of a beloved anime heroine.
When you’ve got a meeting with cosplayers from around the world on your schedule, a suit and tie just won’t due.
The Western comic icon gets a warm reception from the character designers responsible for some of anime’s biggest hits.
After seeing her amazingly recreate so many different looks of the same character, that’s starting to feel like the most logical explanation.
Kirito and his fellow virtual reality adventurers to be portrayed by real-world actors.
IBM Japan wants 208 people to be scanned into 3-D avatars and put into a virtual world designed after the one depicted in anime Sword Art Online (and hopefully return).
Throw on your favorite soundtrack and check out the amazing craftsmanship of Ely.
A new series of glasses that cut blue light emitted by computer screens features six beautiful Sword Art Online character designs, plus some gorgeous accessories.
Last week we took a look at a new brand of instant curry on sale in Japan that includes a DVD of a sexy model who pretends to be your girlfriend as you eat it. Now, who’s ready for some dessert?
In Japan, it’s not a proper Christmas Eve without a romantic date and some cake, so unattached anime fans will be thrilled to know that one of the industry’s most popular voice actresses is available for a dessert date this year. The only catch?
The date takes place in virtual reality.
Japanese fans of the Sword Art Online light novel series know all about the importance of attending the seasonal Dengeki Bunko festivals in Tokyo. This is the main stage on which Japanese publisher ASCII Media Works and its Dengeki Bunko imprint make all their big announcements regarding the series, and it was no different at the Dengeki Bunko Autumn Festival held in Akihabara on Sunday, where it was revealed that Sword Art Online will be made into a new anime movie, with an all-new storyline from its creator Reki Kawahara.
Even among animation aficionados, it can sometimes be hard to justify spending the equivalent of a hundred dollars or more on an anime character figure. No matter how high the quality of the product is, that’s a lot of cash to shell out for something that’s going to just sit there gathering dust on your shelf, even if it looks pretty doing it.
But perhaps it’ll be easier for shoppers to pull the trigger on this particular figure. True, the subject being a busty and bikini-clad anime heroine isn’t anything we haven’t seen before, but what makes this figure special is that it’s designed to let otaku cram a straw between its breasts to suck on as they enjoy a refreshing glass of milk.
There’s a huge variety of fees that need to be paid when renting a new apartment in Japan. In addition to an advance payment of your first month’s rent, there’s insurance, the security deposit, the realtor’s fee, and the dreaded “key money,” basically a sign-up cost that you pay to the landlord for the privilege of being allowed to start giving him money on a monthly basis.
Add it all up, and you’ll probably find yourself out several months’ worth of rent before spending the first night in your new home. But there’s a nice upside if you chose to go through one unique realtor, because while you’ll still have some fees to pay, you’ll also get a nice housewarming present in the form of several hundred dollars’ worth of anime merchandise.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
90 minutes of all-you-can-drink alcohol for 550 yen at revolving sushi restaurant Koma Sushi
Nicolas Cage meets Gachapin and a world record is broken at Osaka Comic Con 2025
Mr. God? See which unusual names win Japan’s “Best of Family Names 2015” award
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
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】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
- 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】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Yearly
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 releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
90 minutes of all-you-can-drink alcohol for 550 yen at revolving sushi restaurant Koma Sushi
Nicolas Cage meets Gachapin and a world record is broken at Osaka Comic Con 2025
Mr. God? See which unusual names win Japan’s “Best of Family Names 2015” award
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Japan’s wagyu heart-shaped steaks are the perfect alternative to Valentine’s Day sweets【Photos】
Reality comes crashing down for naked man on trip to escape reality in Japan’s northernmost town
Japan’s new canned chu-hai with fresh lemon slice: disappointing gimmick or drink revelation?
-
