wierd
What is it with Japan and weird cleaning devices today? No sooner have we received news of a remote-controlled “awesome mop” and driveable dustbin than these fluffy little creatures turn up intent on keeping our homes clean!
Going by the moniker Mocoro (a play on the word marimo, a round, fluffy moss ball, and korokoro the onomatopoeic word for a rolling object) these new time savers/lazifiers from Japanese home appliance company CCP are designed to roll around your room picking up dust while you put your feet up.
“This is one thing that I want to continue using until the day I die.”
Of all the things that Japan is renowned for– all of its architectural triumphs, pioneering technology, sexy shenanigans and mind-bending animation — it comes as a surprise to this writer to read that one Chinese blogger in Japan values one thing above all else. Residing in Japan for more than 15 years, this 39-year-old blogger and professor of fine arts claims that, were he to return to his homeland, he’d miss one item more than anything else, and simply can’t begin to fathom why it hasn’t caught on back home.
Forget underwater Walkman music players, forget strawberry ramen and cuddle cafes; for this man, the humble nylon wash cloth is the pinnacle of Japanese invention, and it has become an essential part of his life.
We all have co-workers who make us uncomfortable. A recent article on the website of popular Japanese tabloid magazine Spa included some stories about male co-workers that are too creepy to be true—at least, we hope. We thought we’d share them with you, because honestly, if these stories are true, they’re too scary to laugh…



Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Peach Coca-Cola coming to Japan in a world-first for the company
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Interview with Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially 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
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Peach Coca-Cola coming to Japan in a world-first for the company
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Interview with Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Hafu: Telling the story of Japan’s mixed-race minority and changing attitudes in society【Q&A】
We do battle with the King Yeti from Burger King Japan
Osaka restaurant has ramen for those who like it spicy, cold, sweet, hot, creamy, salty and meaty
Can rhythm games make you a pro drummer? Japanese DrumMania fans investigate【Video】
Burger King’s new sumo burger thuds into Japan…but is it worth the hype?
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan