Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Toru Hashimoto
He’s known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions, from saying that civil servants who have tattoos should resign, to denying the forcible recruitment of South Korean “comfort women” during the second world war.
But it was an intense debate about whether students should be allowed to have furikake seasoning with their school lunch that left city mayor Tōru Hashimoto scratching his head this week as he asked the Osaka Board of Education: “What’s wrong with furikake?!”
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Ghibli Park puts up Christmas trees and decorations, invites fans to “come search for Christmas”
Starbucks Japan just released a new matcha green tea latte, but is it any good?
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Take a toothbrush with you to Butakin for this daring mixed noodles with chives dish
“Not paying any dating expenses at all” listed as domestic violence by Japanese government agency
Skirt that will make cat cafe cats love you supposedly found at Uniqlo’s sister brand
Our team of five reporters try to turn themselves into Japanese heartthrob Kimutaku【Photos】
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Studio Ghibli coasters keep your drinks hot and your heart warm this winterJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Sushi Bears restaurant opens in Tokyo, offers exactly what its name promises【Photos】
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisitionStarbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Take a toothbrush with you to Butakin for this daring mixed noodles with chives dish
“Not paying any dating expenses at all” listed as domestic violence by Japanese government agency
Skirt that will make cat cafe cats love you supposedly found at Uniqlo’s sister brand
Our team of five reporters try to turn themselves into Japanese heartthrob Kimutaku【Photos】
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
These Tokyo train ticket machines have a cool way of helping you if you bought the wrong ticket
Himakajima: The Japanese island with one traffic light that only turns green once a year
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
We visit Tomonoura, the scenic harbor town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s “Ponyo”【Photos】
Boy entering all-girls high school creates real-life harem anime
Family Mart holds its first-ever Mint Chocolate Fair with 9 intriguing types of snacks