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.
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Lawson convenience stores now offering subscription service for one free coffee daily for a month
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Taiwanese model selling fish draws a crowd to her family’s business【Videos】
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in TokyoTokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day FrappuccinoStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the countryCherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Lawson convenience stores now offering subscription service for one free coffee daily for a month
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Taiwanese model selling fish draws a crowd to her family’s business【Videos】
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Japan’s new Pajama Suit is the perfect all-day, all-situations outfit for our current lifestyle
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Historical katana dessert knives turn your sweet snacks into a delicious duel【Photos】
Relive an iconic scene from anime Weathering with You with Japan’s rentable Hina umbrellas
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle tapestry unveiled in Japan for first time
Studio Ghibli producer shows us how to draw Totoro【Video】