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.
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
We dare Tokyo’s pigeons to crap on us because we think it’ll make us rich【Experiment】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesDisillusionment 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】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesDisillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in TokyoStarbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed areaTokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
The old-school awesomeness of the New Akao, a Showa-era hot spring hotel still standing tall
We dare Tokyo’s pigeons to crap on us because we think it’ll make us rich【Experiment】
Full Screen Mario allows you to play Super Mario Bros. on your computer, create new levels!
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Instant bear curry from the northeastern mountains of Japan【Taste test】
Proclaim dedication to your special pirate-someone with deluxe One Piece-inspired jewelry
Tokyo’s Super Mario Christmas decoration displays are super cool【Photos】
Tokyo man arrested for setting go-karts on fire, follows discovery of threatening English note
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
Love Live! fan gets kicked out of event for wearing mountain of anime merchandise