Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
swords (Page 6)
While many people immediately think of samurai when Japan is mentioned, you might not expect to find many swordcrafters still working in the modern-day. And certainly not out in public for everyone to see!
However, the start of every year sees a gathering of swordcrafters in Gifu Prefecture where they ceremonially pound a piece of steel in a centuries old traditional ceremony. It looks cool and must be great exercise to work off all the osechi calories too!
It’s been raining in Tokyo for more than a month now, breaking a record at least 150 years old
Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Japanese eSports prodigy becomes youngest-ever gold medalist at Asian Games
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general publicStarbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo standJapan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goodsFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in JapanLady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimonoStudio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for HalloweenDo Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general public
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
We spend a night at the Legoland Hotel (no assembly required)
Here’s why you’ll never want to hit a hole-in-one in Japan
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Japanese bookstore dares to be different with common-sense fix to weird industry hassle
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo