Despite its image as a sleek, technologically advanced society, Japan really sucks when it comes to free wi-fi hotspots. In fact, when the Japan Tourism Agency surveyed tourists about difficulties traveling in the country, a lack of free Internet access was far and away the number one answer.
One major city has finally taken note and begun offering better connectivity for visitors. Osaka has just announced the launch of Osaka Free Wi-fi, a program that brings free wi-fi to locations throughout the city, as part of its effort to position itself as an international gateway to rival Tokyo.
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Chiikawa lucky bag required a four-month wait, but was it worth it?【Photos】
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Draw-your-own fox charms are one of the highlights of Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Eating “adults-only” potato chips sends over a dozen Tokyo high schoolers to the hospital
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Draw-your-own fox charms are one of the highlights of Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Eating “adults-only” potato chips sends over a dozen Tokyo high schoolers to the hospital
Tokyo’s famous Lost in Translation hotel is closed
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Nara police on the lookout for man who peed his pants
Does Japan’s T.M. Revolution J-rock cake really look like the song it’s named after?
Shibuya’s Hachiko statue will be covered up for New Year’s Eve, pedestrian barricades installed
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Totoro Christmas tree cookie sets are here, are extra-special for Ghibli fans with a little luck
Trials of Mana gets live-action adaptation as stage play, full cast of heroes to appear