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!


You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Animal Crossing plushie pouch towels and cozy socks show up at Family Mart convenience stores
Huge life-size Eevee Eeveelution Pokémon plushies will steal hearts, conquer living rooms【Photos】
20-something Japanese woman takes junior high boy to hotel for lewd activity, gets off with fine
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Animal Crossing plushie pouch towels and cozy socks show up at Family Mart convenience stores
Huge life-size Eevee Eeveelution Pokémon plushies will steal hearts, conquer living rooms【Photos】
20-something Japanese woman takes junior high boy to hotel for lewd activity, gets off with fine
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
We stress-test Uniqlo’s “Impressive Jacket and Pants” to see if they live up to their names
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Death Spray from Japan causes buzz online for powerful ability to cut ties with bad energy