Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Volkswagen
Leave it to Japan to make a bowl of rice absolutely adorable. The Volkswagen Japan official Facebook page has recently been the topic of conversation on the net thanks to the publication of a bowl of chirashi-zushi, or “scattered sushi”, with the image of a VW Beetle. However, that’s not the only edible auto to show up on the site.
The Volkswagen Beetle (often known as the Bug in the US) has been around since the 1930s, and is adored worldwide for its simplistic and cute rounded design. Though the German automobile has evolved over the years, it still keeps the characteristic bug-like shape that everyone recognizes at a glance.
But will you still be able to recognize a Beetle on the road if it had a Japanese bathtub in its backseat? We’re not kidding, the Beetle makers in Japan really did make such a car!
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
We check out the new apartment building construction site area that opened in KidZania Tokyo
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Real dry bonsai trees coming to Japanese capsule toy vending machines【Photos】
How to avoid queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Japan
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Osaka to Fukuoka for less than 40 bucks? It’s possible with Japan’s overnight ferry
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 1 of Summer Comiket 2019【Photos】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerkStamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourismNintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
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
Real dry bonsai trees coming to Japanese capsule toy vending machines【Photos】
How to avoid queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Japan
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Osaka to Fukuoka for less than 40 bucks? It’s possible with Japan’s overnight ferry
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 1 of Summer Comiket 2019【Photos】
Canada’s biggest fan convention has amazing anime, sci-fi, and game cosplay【Photos】
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Make a Burger King Whopper at home with new CooKING Burger @Home delivery set
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
We investigate the half-priced beer at Sushiro that everyone is angry about
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Death Vote 【Episode #6】
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl fashions now exist in the real world【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan