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…
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Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
We Try Fried Piranha, Even Dead and Cooked It’s Pretty Dangerous
Forget dog-earing and bookmarks that fall, make your own easy origami bookmark instead!
Studio Ghibli reveals surprising secrets hidden in My Neighbour Totoro
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
What does this Japanese candy have to do with the Red Sox? Quite a lot, actually
Weekly
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw- Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature- Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time- Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
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We Try Fried Piranha, Even Dead and Cooked It’s Pretty Dangerous
Forget dog-earing and bookmarks that fall, make your own easy origami bookmark instead!
Studio Ghibli reveals surprising secrets hidden in My Neighbour Totoro
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
What does this Japanese candy have to do with the Red Sox? Quite a lot, actually
Japan’s “killing stone” splits in two, possibly unleashing evil nine-tailed fox spirit
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
10 stories of Japanese high school girls and their puzzling, laughable behaviors
Piranha Ramen arrives in Tokyo, and we try the intimidating noodle innovation【Taste test】
Japanese trains now even more convenient as new service lets you pick up groceries at station
Soaking in glimmering water and the essence of prehistoric plants at a Hokkaido hot spring
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