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Tokushima

Crowdfunding success for handmade formalwear masks in samurai’s favorite color

Look like victory with Kacciro.

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Have you tried Tokushima ramen? No? You should (says our obsessed Japanese-language reporter)

This relatively unknown local delicacy is well worth getting your hands on…if you can find it!

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Shikoku Island holds world landmark lookalike photography contest judged by AI

Many of the greatest places on Earth are all on one rural Japanese island.

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Nike’s newest addition to ISPA sneaker line blends Japanese tradition and contemporary style

Throwback to the ’90s? Nah, let’s throwback to the 15th century. 

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Medical university in Tokushima honors student for his gaming

And I have yet to hear from my alma mater…

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Japanese netizens confused by sign that boasts “on-the-spot change back with any cash purchase”

Finally, no more having to go on riddle-filled quests in order to get your change.

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Bug hunt! Some areas offering rewards for alien beetles threatening Japan’s cherry blossoms

Municipalities and prefectures are hoping they can stop the dreaded red-necked longhorn beetle before they get out of hand.

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Petition to protest bulldozing of Ghibli-featured shrine gathers over 10,000 signatures worldwide

The people have made it clear that they want the shrine to stay, but will that be enough to save it?

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Dragon Ball’s Frieza discovered conducting train in Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture

Maybe someone told him to “go train,” and he misunderstood.

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Hotel offers guests the chance to experience the 1,000-year-old lifestyle of the Heian Period

Japanese history can be a lot of fun to explore, from the Sengoku era to the modernization of Japan in the Meiji Period. We’re sure everyone has their own favorite time period, but one that doesn’t always get the respect it deserves is the Heian Period. Lasting roughly from 794 to 1185, the period was a relatively peaceful time in Japan that saw a blossoming of culture in everything from literature to music.

Unfortunately, we can’t just hop on a plane and go back in time to see everything for ourselves. But there is a hotel in Shikoku where you can experience a bit of the Heian life for yourself complete with period costumes, games, and architecture! So whether you’re a history buff or just need a major change of scenery, you’ll want to check out Gosho Yashiro no Mori!
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Creepily cute mascot Okazaemon gets female counterpart in Okazaennu

April this year saw the nationwide emergence of Okazaemon a regional mascot (called yurukyara in Japan) who operates out of Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. In spite of looking like a strung-out cat that will stab you for its next fix, Okazaemon has captured the hearts of mascot fans with his offbeat charm.

In fact, Okazaemon’s ever-rising star has earned him second place in the Regional Yurukyara General Elections after Funasshi, another breakout mascot success of 2013. And with such notoriety there are bound to be those who emulate the formula. Enter Okazaennu: the female weird kanji cat character.

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