Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Vita
We’re already well into the school summer holidays here in Japan, and Sony is taking the opportunity to entice younger gamers over to its decidedly more grown-up portable console, the PlayStation Vita. Join us after the jump for a closer look at these cheeky ads from Sony’s summer campaign.
We’re already thoroughly excited about the launch of Sony’s newest home console, the PlayStation 4, but news reaching us today suggesting that the Japanese electronics giant has yet another trick up its sleeve has set us buzzing anew.
Since the PS4’s grand unveiling earlier this year, Sony has been keen to push the fact that the console will be fully integrated with its portable platform, PlayStation Vita, ensuring that all developers make their PS4 games fully playable remotely via Vita. It would seem, though, that rather than just a cool extra feature, Sony is planning to make PS4/Vita crossplay a cornerstone of the PS4 experience, with industry sources suggesting that a special PS4/Vita bundle will be made available for US$500 by the end of the year.
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
Japanese fashion brand Heather releases line for people 5 feet and under
Pokémon fan chef’s Psyduck sweets are so cute they’re making our head hurt【Photos/Video】
Our delivery of meat from Katsuya was so full of everything deep-fried that we almost cried
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirementsRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
Japanese fashion brand Heather releases line for people 5 feet and under
Pokémon fan chef’s Psyduck sweets are so cute they’re making our head hurt【Photos/Video】
Our delivery of meat from Katsuya was so full of everything deep-fried that we almost cried
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 2: Towards the Gray Darkness
Starbucks Japan announces new range of Frappuccino drinks for Valentine’s Day
Vacation with Oshawott in this Pokémon collaboration hotel room in Mie Prefecture
Get a Complete Psych Profile in a Few Minutes Using Only a Pen and Paper
Japan’s new Hello Kitty and Sanrio smartwatches are cutewatches too【Photos】