Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
TMD Shanghai
The folks from YouTube channel TMD Shanghai are back with yet another quirky observational video about life in China. After nailing the differences between girls in the north and those in the south and mercilessly sending up both single white and Chinese men, this time they’re here to talk about what it’s like to be black in China with a video titled, well, Being Black in China.
Pranksters and sketch-makers TMD Shanghai are back with another look at relationships in China – and this time, it’s the girls getting sent up. TMD, formerly known as Monkey Kingz, are the team that brought us that ‘Single Chinese Guy vs Single White Guy’ skit. As we might expect from a comedy video playing on ethnic stereotypes, that provoked some decent debate online. Is it ok to make generalisations based on race? Does the comedic context make it more, or less acceptable?
So after watching TMD’s new video ‘Chinese Girlfriends: North VS South’ video, we immediately jumped to the YouTube comments, expecting the usual cries of stereotyping and “WTF man you couldn’t be more wrong.” But we were surprised to discover that, well, everybody loves it!
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Man’s rejected proposal goes viral as he tries to turn a ‘no’ into a ‘yes’【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
“Totoro” restaurant in non-touristy Tokyo serves up very green matcha ramen【Taste test】Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown TokyoCherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certificationJapan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited AwayIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
“Totoro” restaurant in non-touristy Tokyo serves up very green matcha ramen【Taste test】
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
7-Eleven Japan now has two tiers of salmon rice balls, but is the new, cheaper one any good?【Taste test】
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Japanese city to deploy anti-bear drones against ursine adversaries, stages adorable demo【Vid】
Over half of Japanese students in nationwide test score zero percent in English speaking section
Sailor Moon’s Senshi team up with Hello Kitty and Sanrio for pajama party crossover merch line