Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Yōjirō Arai
While we are always ready to get excited about a new Miyazaki project, we have to admit that we’ll get equally excited about pretty much any announcement connected to Studio Ghibli. So, you’d better believe we’ll be lining up on June 5 to see a new film from Studio Colorido called Taifu no Noruda—the directorial debut of Yōjirō Arai, an ex-Studio Ghibli animator.
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Teacher says Japanese schools’ mandatory extracurricular activity rules don’t benefit students
Move over single-serve coffee pods, one-touch miso soup is where it’s at
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
Don’t like trigonometry? Then you’re just like Hitler, says Japanese high school English teacher
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerkStamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourismNintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Teacher says Japanese schools’ mandatory extracurricular activity rules don’t benefit students
Move over single-serve coffee pods, one-touch miso soup is where it’s at
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
Don’t like trigonometry? Then you’re just like Hitler, says Japanese high school English teacher
New anime mecha figure’s pilot is…you!?!【Photos】
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools