Google is reportedly in talks to buy Twitch.tv, the live video-game streaming site that has exploded in popularity over the last year, currently ranking fourth in U.S. Internet traffic, behind only Netflix, Google, and Apple.
Twitch is a site where users can view other users playing popular video games. The site is also the host of Intel’s Extreme Masters World Finals, the “Champions League” of e-sports (organized video-game competitions). More than 23 million people tuned in this year to see the world’s best players square off in Counter-Strike, StarCraft II, and League of Legends.
The Twitch phenomenon was punctuated in March by one of the weirdest online experiments in recent memory. For over three weeks, nearly 1.1 million video game players collectively beat Pokemon Red on Twitch after 390 hours of game-time.
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Hamster abandoned at Tokyo ramen restaurant gets new home
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Mister Donut ready to make hojicha dreams come true in latest collab with Kyoto tea merchant
Foreigners can now apply for visas to visit fiancés living in Japan
Mint Pepsi for Yakisoba is coming to Japan, and we got to taste it before it goes on sale
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
There’s a park inside Japan where you can also see Japan inside the park
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Kyoto bans tourists from geisha alleys in Gion, with fines for those who don’t follow rules
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s new desktop Howl’s Moving Castle will take your stationery on an adventure
Hamster abandoned at Tokyo ramen restaurant gets new home
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Mister Donut ready to make hojicha dreams come true in latest collab with Kyoto tea merchant
Foreigners can now apply for visas to visit fiancés living in Japan
Mint Pepsi for Yakisoba is coming to Japan, and we got to taste it before it goes on sale
Mr. Sato eats banana flower, still isn’t sure what it tastes like, loves it anyway【SoraKitchen】
One of Tokyo’s most famous meeting-spot landmarks is closing for good
Smartphone app finds empty restroom stalls in Tokyo subway station, makes pooing easier than ever
Randomly running into a great sushi lunch like this is one of the best things about eating in Tokyo
Evangelion razor stands being given away as Gendo shaves for the first time in years in new video
Brazilian man acquitted of sexual assault after kissing Japanese woman on Nagoya train
Pepsi releases a new cola in Japan specifically for karaage fried chicken
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic