Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Zimuin G
Fan covers of video game music are nothing new by this point, but that doesn’t make them any less awesome. We’ve seen metal covers, beautiful acoustic covers, and NES cartridge harmonicas, but rarely have we seen someone so dedicated to conveying every sound in a game.
Using nothing more than two pianos, this niconico video user plays both the in-game audio and the sound effects. As one commenter put it, “This was so amazing, I almost forgot to comment!”
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Let’s eat some official Evangelion emergency rations!【Taste test】10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itselfRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Let’s eat some official Evangelion emergency rations!【Taste test】
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Lactic acid bacteria Pikachu ice cream and Poké Ball ice cream cake appear at Baskin-Robbins Japan
Ghibli Window Wall Art series turns any wall into a portal to an anime wonderland【Photos】
Hamburg and Hamburg Shibuya: A Japanese restaurant you need to put on your Tokyo itinerary
The 10 most attractive Japanese women’s names, as chosen by dating app users