Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Yama no Hi
In June last year, we brought you news of whisperings in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture about the proposed creation of a new public holiday, which was to be known as Yama no Hi, or Mountain Day. Since then we have heard little more on the subject, but the good news is that, although the plans may have changed a little, parliament is now considering a bill to make the national holiday a reality, meaning everyone may soon get an extra day off every August 11!
Taking revenge on Starbucks in Japan with 10,000 yen at the Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Ranma 1/2 Cafe opening in three Japanese cities, features food with transformable flavors
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Shinkansen to permanently reduce number of inexpensive non-reserved seats on Nozomi trains
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Studio Ghibli adds a Spirited Away jewellery box to its merchandise range in Japan
Japanese idol group asks fans to be respectful towards pre-teen singer for heartwarming reason
Groper in Japan says he couldn’t resist “young females’ breasts,” all victims much older than him
Foreign worker in Japan fends off armed robber with single word, gets no respect from local media
Tatami etiquette: Why you should never step on the threshold of a washitsu Japanese roomPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in JapanUniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Mt Fuji convenience store becomes “lawless zone” as tourists hurl abuse at security guards
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Bad tourist manners lead to new Mt. Fuji view-blocking scree at Japan’s “Fuji convenience store”
Travel tip: Fukuoka has a great luggage delivery service that’s cheaper than a coin lockerShinkansen to permanently reduce number of inexpensive non-reserved seats on Nozomi trains
Big dam Godzilla appears in Japan as power-washer art on side of 195-foot dam【Video】
Japan’s workplace drinking party communication is unnecessary, says majority of workers in surveyPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippersUniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Studio Ghibli adds a Spirited Away jewellery box to its merchandise range in Japan
Japanese idol group asks fans to be respectful towards pre-teen singer for heartwarming reason
Groper in Japan says he couldn’t resist “young females’ breasts,” all victims much older than him
Foreign worker in Japan fends off armed robber with single word, gets no respect from local media
Tatami etiquette: Why you should never step on the threshold of a washitsu Japanese room
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
A carlator is shaking things up on our way to one of Japan’s last revolving restaurants
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Enjoy a Pokémon tea ceremony with new matcha goods featuring Poltchageist and Sinistcha
Tokyo’s Ranma 1/2 cafe is open, and we just stuffed ourselves with awesome anime nostalgia
Six types of Japanese people you’ll meet while living in Japan — An illustrated guide
Cute posture-correcting desk plushies can now warm you up with built-in heating pad
How good is this popular wooden onigiri mould, made by a Japanese rice specialist?
Studio Ghibli stores start selling super adorable clasp bags with Totoro-patterned fabric