Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Topiary
Gundam has been standing watch over Diversity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba all by himself for quite some time now. He’s been holding down the fort fairly well, but it looks like Gundam is in need of some flower power. That’s where the Tokyo Gundam Project 2012, an initiative aimed at promoting the green movement and tree planting, stepped in. Thanks to this initiative, Flower Gundam, with the strength of 10,000 flowers, is now helping normal Gundam keep watch.
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
New Wet Rice Cracker Burger from Dom Dom breathes new life into a “miracle” snack
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and OctoberStudy finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buyJapanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
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
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it?
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]