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.














Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
New cherry blossom party picnic essential: This super-handy folding cardboard table
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Instant tempura and abura-age from Cup Noodle maker Nissin coming to power up your noodle meals
Very limited sale of glasses that can halt or reverse nearsightedness begin in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
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
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
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
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese man drives truck that’s on fire directly to fire station, drops flaming potatoes[Videos]
Instant tempura and abura-age from Cup Noodle maker Nissin coming to power up your noodle meals
Very limited sale of glasses that can halt or reverse nearsightedness begin in Japan
What does Japan want to eat when it’s drunk?【Survey】
Instant vs. Restaurant Ramen Project: Ippudo spicy miso tonkotsu battle【Taste test】
Graffiti artist Pikachu plushies coming to brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center megastore【Photos】
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Kesho Danshi: Visiting Yushima’s sublime transgender bars
Japanese gamer builds his own custom arcade cabinet full of nostalgic feels 【Video】
3 larger-than-life ninja tales
Hit anime Your Name inspires new sake, blessed by priests in the shrine that appears in the movie
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura