Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Waseda Juku
When I woke up this morning, there were a few things I had expected for my day: a few gallons of coffee, a couple hundred photos of cute cats on the Internet, and a dozen more replays of Urbangarde’s music videos. What I had not expected to see was an origin story for none other than Sailor Suit Old Man.
And in case you’re wondering, no, he’s a not a grand wizard from an alternate dimension. But that might not be too far off!
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
What makes this new Japanese convenience store chain better than 7-Eleven?
A visit to the oldest Yoshinoya chain in Japan for one last beef bowl before it closes for good
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Tokyo government planning to ban overhead power lines in new housing developments
Taiwan’s most beautiful politician kicks groper in balls during visit to Japan
Japanese school bag collaborates with a limited express train company for one awesome bag
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
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 jerk
Stamina-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
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Tokyo government planning to ban overhead power lines in new housing developments
Taiwan’s most beautiful politician kicks groper in balls during visit to Japan
Japanese school bag collaborates with a limited express train company for one awesome bag
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Edible 10-yen coins become a hot new trend in Tokyo【Taste test】
Turns out you can draw all four original starter Pokémon with just three colored pencils【Video】
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
New Pokémon x Ippudo collaboration has Pikachu on board as ramen chef