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?
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s sticker wars are reaching a breaking point, even for enthusiastsUniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and moreKyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in JapanStarbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” cultureJapanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in JapanUniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s ShueishaNew official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried beforeJapanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniformWhat’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks 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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s sticker wars are reaching a breaking point, even for enthusiasts
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Japanese convenience store challenge is only for those with extreme tastes
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Video of man spraying liquid on conveyor belt sushi leads to arrest in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why