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?
American man runs out of money in Japan, gets arrested for overstaying tourist visa
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Studio Ghibli adds Totoro family goods to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Foreign travelers sitting on sidewalks of Tokyo’s Ginza are Japan’s latest tourism culture clash
High-speed Japanese festival cart crashes cause two deaths on same day, ignite debate over tradition
New Gundam plush goods mix cosplay and comfort for Char-custom-level coziness [Pics]
Bilingual illustrated ninja guide stealthily drops courtesy of a top ninja researcher in Japan
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know about
Town in Kanagawa struggling with violent gang of monkeysWhat’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melodyFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Experimenting with making hot sandwiches in the microwave with a device from Japan’s 3COINS
New Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful reason to write and draw by hand [Photos]Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know aboutAmerican man runs out of money in Japan, gets arrested for overstaying tourist visa
Giant wagashi cushions will turn your home sweet home into home sweet Japanese sweets home
Sushi Bus starts running in Japan, but is it a tourist trap or tourist must-do?New Gundam plush goods mix cosplay and comfort for Char-custom-level coziness [Pics]
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
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 Japan
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendshipTokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Do 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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
New Gundam plush goods mix cosplay and comfort for Char-custom-level coziness [Pics]
Bilingual illustrated ninja guide stealthily drops courtesy of a top ninja researcher in Japan
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know about
Town in Kanagawa struggling with violent gang of monkeys
New craft beer made from Japanese udon noodles celebrates centuries of Mizusawa food culture
New Tokyo facility promises to make you feel reborn, time in the womb and all [Photos]
This shrine in Japan invites you to hit and kick its god of poverty statue for good luck [Photos]
Japan’s newest anime figure crane game prize may also be the world’s weirdest hanger [Photos]
Do Komeda’s beefy rice balls continue the chain’s hallowed tradition of “reverse fraud”?
Pizza Hut in Japan now serves spicy glass noodle pizza
Free-flowing cocktails, natural onsen water, and custom pillows make this Osaka hotel a steal
Sushi Bus starts running in Japan, but is it a tourist trap or tourist must-do?
American senior citizen tourist arrested in Japan for bringing gun into country in his luggage