Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Tomoyuki Oka
Tomoyuki Oka, Japanese pro-wrestler and all around tough guy, has already captured the hearts of an unlikely otaku audience by being very open about the fact that, despite appearances, he’s actually one of them. He’s recently released a promotional video where we can see the contrast between his tough, physical side and his completely nerdy, anime-obsessed personality, but also find that there’s more synergy between the two aspects than might be expected.
The man pictured above is Tomoyuki Oka basking in the glow of winning the All-Japan Sambo Championships. Having excelled in the Russian grappling sport, he exhibits all the features of supreme manliness: a square hair-lined jaw, steely and dominant glare, burly muscles that dwarf his first place trophy (the Putin Cup), and a half-hearted effort at those “V” fingers that Japanese people usually pose with in pictures.
But wait a minute… What’s that under his sambovka?
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Man in Japan takes four parakeets hostage in attempt to force woman to meet with him
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Blowfish-shaped fugu bento appears to celebrate Japan’s Blowfish Day [Taste test]
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in JapanJapan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on MiyajimaIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weaponNew Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
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
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Blowfish-shaped fugu bento appears to celebrate Japan’s Blowfish Day [Taste test]
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
We try five menu recommendations from a clerk at CoCo Ichibanya and almost fall in love
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Is Japan’s new Super Thick Ramen worth waiting two hours in the Tokyo cold for?【Taste test】
All participants of “orgy party” in Japan arrested
Tokyo police claim prostitution ring let customers eat curry rice off a naked woman’s body