It’s been almost a year since the Windows 8 operating system was released to the general public. Its aim was to combine the convenience of downloadable apps with the familiarity of a PC desktop in a touch-focused environment, giving us what could have been the best of both worlds. Instead, the Win8 app store struggles against its primary competitors, iTunes and the Android app store. It’s doesn’t help that developers focus the majority of their programming prowess on developing apps for the older and more trusted operating systems, iOS and Android.
However, there is one branch of the computer app market where Win8 has a distinct advantage, and that’s its library of highly recognizable rip-offs. Just look at this list of free game apps which make nefarious use of Nintendo’s most popular video game characters!
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
New Mario Kart Happy Meal toys are racing up to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Japanese ramen restaurant serves noodles with a heartwarming side of history
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
Dark and edgy Jujustu Kaisen teams up with bright and cheery Sanrio for new merch line【Pics】
Overwhelmed by modern social media? Japanese company is bringing back pagers with an emoji-twist
Totoro stamp collection lets you add adorable Ghibli touches to cards and letters【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new holiday goods at Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Discovered: An even better way to open Japanese convenience store rice balls【Video】
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Starbucks Japan unveils Halloween Frappuccino for 2024, and it’s like drinking a magic spell
Studio Ghibli releases new Howl’s Moving Castle goods that capture the magic from the anime movie
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in Tokyo
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tsukemen ramen restaurant becomes a hit with foreign tourists in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases new insect whistle necklace from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
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
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
New Mario Kart Happy Meal toys are racing up to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Japanese ramen restaurant serves noodles with a heartwarming side of history
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
What’s the most popular way to prepare Japan’s beloved breakfast dish, Tamago Kake Gohan?
We try the Starbucks drinks that are only available at two stores in Japan
Shibuya Halloween had a very different feel this year
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists