Coronavirus vaccine to be free for all people in Japan as government foots bill, insiders say

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelInitiative comes with a massive price tag for Japanese government. With medical researchers still in the process of developing a coronavirus vaccine, it’s looking increasingly likely that one won’t become available until next year. But while the questions of “When?” and “How?” we’ll eventually be able to immunize ourselves against the worst pandemic in a […]

Japanese vending machines now sell pandemic goods

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeWelcome to the new normal. From canned ramen to insects and mysterious tales, Japanese vending machines seem to have a sixth sense for knowing what their customers want. Now, during the global pandemic, people want to stay healthy, not just with drinks but with protective gear too, so it only makes sense that there’s a […]

Mos Burger teams up with Nintendo’s Kirby, charms Internet with adorable burger wrappers and bags

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelThe video game star who’s always ready to eat wants to share your lunch. As the country’s most popular domestic burger chain, Mos Burger often gets called “the McDonald’s of Japan.” That’s not a perfect analogy, though, since really McDonald’s Japan is the McDonald’s of Japan, and also because in contrast to McDonald’s’ slick/tear-jerking ad […]

Our reporter takes a sightseeing trip up Tokyo Skytree, admits he only has one regret

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyOur reporter Seiji finally ascends one of Tokyo’s most beloved tourist attractions — and for a discount! It is a truth universally acknowledged that the closer you live to a tourist attraction, the less likely you are to ever actually visit said attraction. No one knows this better than our in-house reporter Seiji Nakazawa, who […]

Aichi man arrested for stealing 70,000 yen in toy money from safe

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterCrime doesn’t pay, unless you have a game of Monopoly planned later on. Over the years, we’ve reported on numerous cases involving criminals passing off toy money as the real thing. That’s because a unique feature of Japan is that many of its stores offer novelty cash that very closely resembles the real thing. ▼ […]

A winter work-from-home essential from Japan: The kotatsu desk【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA traditional piece of Japanese furniture gets a modern update to make telecommuting extra cozy in the cold part of the year. Several months into the pandemic, most people with the option of telecommuting have gotten pretty used to doing so. With widespread availability of a vaccine increasingly looking like something that’s going to have […]

Japanese gamer has brilliant, cheap way to keep you from rage-smashing your expensive controller

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelBefore you ignore the future consequence, take a moment to remember something important from the past. Video gaming obviously changes as technology advances, and you don’t have to look farther than controllers for a clear example. Once gimmicky, finicky features, analog inputs and wireless use are now the industry standards, allowing for precise gameplay from […]

What do Japanese fans think of Lee Isaac Chung directing the Hollywood remake of Your Name?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollThe highly acclaimed director is taking on the reins of the highly anticipated adaptation–but will he satisfy Japanese fans? As time goes on, more and more information is trickling out about the Hollywood adaptation of the extremely popular and highly-acclaimed Japanese animated film Your Name. First, the fact that J.J. Abrams would be the producer […]

Tokyo train stations to host Super Mario box/character art displays to celebrate 35th anniversary

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelNintendo’s flagship franchise reaches a milestone. While you can debate whether Nintendo’s Mario made his video game debut in 1981’s Donkey Kong (where he’s also referred to as “Jumpman”) or 1983’s Mario Bros., there’s no debate that it was 1985’s Super Mario Bros. that made him a star. 2020 marks 35 years since the release […]

The best Pokémon music video of all time is here, thanks to Bump of Chicken and Bones【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelTwo new Trainers take a walk through 20 years of Pokémon protagonists in a glistening nostalgia trip. With 20 years of Pokémon anime TV episodes and nearly two dozen theatrical features, a lot of Japanese musicians have had their work featured in the franchise. In that light, the absence of J-rock band Bump of Chicken […]

Weirdest plastic model ever – A 1:1-scale Cup Noodle, including the ramen and toppings【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelSure, you’ve made instant ramen before, but never like this. There are a lot of different brands of instant ramen out there, but the undeniable standard in cup noodles is, well, Cup Noodle. Nissin’s flagship product is essentially the model for all instant ramen, but today we’re putting together a model of Cup Noodle. Last […]

Pet your cat and remain effortlessly stylish with this fur-resistant coat

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie PaskThe coat is sure to appeal to fans of both felines and fashion. Sometimes, when you’re heading off to a stylish cat cafe, you want to look the part. You want to show up looking fashionable enough to fit in with your surroundings, but you also want to show the world how much you love […]

Japan has a “Totoro Tree” that looks just like the Studio Ghibli anime star【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelKosugi no Osugi isn’t just cute, it’s sacred too. Once you’ve watched anime classic My Neighbor Totoro, it’s hard to see woodland scenery in Japan and not be reminded of the lovable Studio Ghibli mascot. That mental connection is particularly strong, though, in Yamagata Prefecture’s Sakegawa Village. As a rural town, Sakegawa doesn’t have a […]

Fukuoka man cleared of theft charges because he was “only borrowing” victim’s bike

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterProbably the only time that excuse ever worked. We all know the cliche excuse when someone is caught red-handed stealing something: “I was just borrowing it.” It’s both as awkward and ineffective as a guy texting someone “I’m super good at massages,” and yet it is still often used in those Hail Mary situations. However, […]

Man travels 100 kilometers in middle of the night in Japan to punch another dude in the throat

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelSuspicion that girlfriend was cheating on him prompted late-night road trip. In every young man’s life, there comes a point when he has to ask himself how far he’d go for the sake of love. Usually that’s a metaphorical question, but last weekend one 24-year-old Japanese man gave an answer in physical distance…though you could […]

Man travels 100 kilometers in middle of the night in Japan to punch another dude in the throat

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelSuspicion that girlfriend was cheating on him prompted late-night road trip. In every young man’s life, there comes a point when he has to ask himself how far he’d go for the sake of love. Usually that’s a metaphorical question, but last weekend one 24-year-old Japanese man gave an answer in physical distance…though you could […]

Grand opening date announced for Japan’s new moving life-size Gundam anime robot

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelWe finally know when we’ll be able to get up close and personal with Yokohama’s 18-meter (59-foot), 25-metric ton (55,500-pound) mobile suit. A blank spot on your middle-of-the-week entertainment calendar isn’t that unusual, so under ordinary circumstances we wouldn’t have been feeling that bad about not having any plans for Thursday. This Thursday is different, […]

New Dassai sake parfait crashes reservation system in Japan

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeThere’s a reason why they call this the “phantom sake”. If you were to ask anyone in Japan to name a famous, high-quality Japanese sake, the name “Dassai” would inevitably come up in the conversation. In fact, Dassai has become so popular and sought after in recent years that it’s sometimes referred to as “phantom […]

Foreigners to blame for livestock theft, according to Japanese media

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J SoraNews24Spate of stolen pigs, cows and produce sparks fears in Japan, but the media is preoccupied with the nationality of the criminals. Japan has often been touted as a safe country, where theft is so rare you can leave your smartphone, laptop or wallet unattended and rest easy knowing that nobody else will touch it. However, this […]

Hiking restrictions result in huge drop in climbing accidents, with zero on Mt. Fuji

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollClosing popular hiking trails has led to an unexpected extra benefit. The pandemic has led to a lot of closures, not least among them the the hiking trails of Mt. Fuji. Where ordinarily hordes of people would be lining up–literally, on some days–to climb Japan’s tallest mountain in the summer, this year, for public health […]

Nintendo puts out important notice for casual gamers who’ve bought a Switch during the pandemic

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelDon’t forget that your Switch needs regular attention, even if there isn’t anything you want to play on it. Not that Nintendo is happy about a global pandemic, but there’s no denying that the coronavirus situation has had a tremendously positive impact on sales of its Switch console/handheld hybrid system. Less expensive than rival hardware […]

How does Japan feel about a Hollywood adaptation of the Yakuza video game series?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelSega’s Japanese mafia gets the Hollywood nod, but not every fan approves. There’s been a recent respiring of interest in Hollywood live-action adaptations of video games, with the commercial and critical successes of Detective Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog likely part of the reason. The latest franchise to be announced for the Hollywood adaption treatment […]

Japanese man finds other man he’s never seen before sleeping in his bed

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelEven Japanese hospitality has its limits. Freedom and peace and quiet are definite upsides to living by yourself, but it can get a little lonely coming back to an empty house or apartment every night. At the end of the day, it really is nice having someone waiting for you at home. Of course, the […]

Eat Japanese street food at home with this amazing sweet potato maker

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeEnjoy the seasonal flavour of a stone-roasted yakiimo from the comfort of your kitchen! One of the best comfort foods you can enjoy in Japan during autumn and winter is a steaming hot, roasted sweet potato. Known as yakiimo, this tasty treat is so popular during the colder months that vendors drive around neighbourhoods in […]

Luxury brand Longchamp announces electrifying new line of Pokémon bags

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J KayPikachu zaps some serious cuteness into these bags, and we wholeheartedly approve!  French luxury brand Longchamp recently announced the launch of their new “Longchamp x Pokémon” collection line, and we have to say Pikachu-infused high-fashion is a look we can easily fall in love with. While collaborations between manga/anime/game franchises and luxury brands are not […]

Soft serve ice cream robots create the perfect cone in under 40 seconds【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J ShannonWould you prefer dog-made or dino-made ice cream? If you’ve ever tried to create the perfect soft serve ice cream cone, you know it can be way more difficult than it looks. It can get stressful to churn them out in the exact amount, shape, and time necessary, especially when you’re serving them in a restaurant. […]

Hot spring hit by manga thief shows saintly kindness as it tries to recover its missing comics

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelOnsen’s management asks social media to keep hate to a minimum while it believes in the goodness of Demon Slayer fans. The water in Japanese hot springs is, not surprisingly, hot. So while it’s hot enough to soothe aching muscles and stiff joints, 15 minutes or so is usually about as long as most people […]

Japanese Oversized Menswear Style w/ Nomad Goba Shirt, Kujaku Wide Pants, Kenzo, Officialp Flower Earrings & Loake Boots

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While out and about in Harajuku, we came across Japanese drummer Shouta Tanaka sporting an all black look.

The Japanese model, actor and musician is dressed in an oversized graphic print shirt from Nomad Goba and wide leg pants with side slits from Kujaku. Dark blue ribbed socks and a pair of black leather Chelsea boots from Loake completed his outfit. His accessories include silver ear piercings, bull horn earrings, fluorescent flower earrings from @officialp, a silver Kenzo watch and multiple silver knuckle rings from Wachi.

Japanese streetwear brand, Yohji Yamamoto, is Shouta’s favorite brand and he likes rock music. Check out Shouta’s style feed on Instagram.

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The post Japanese Oversized Menswear Style w/ Nomad Goba Shirt, Kujaku Wide Pants, Kenzo, Officialp Flower Earrings & Loake Boots first appeared on Tokyo Fashion News.

Tokyo Street Style

Japan Airlines abolishes use of “ladies and gentlemen” in English for sake of sexual minorities

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelNew policy to go into effect almost immediately. Japan’s second-largest airline, Japan Airlines (also known as JAL), has announced a change in its customer service policies that will be taking effect soon. The change isn’t related to air travel complications caused by the coronavirus pandemic, however, but instead is part of the company’s continuing diversity […]

Kyoto’s Kinkakuji creates unusual photo opportunity for visitors

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeWorld Heritage-listed Golden Pavilion is currently covered up for repairs, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see the building.  Kinkakuji, or the “Golden Pavilion” as it’s commonly known, is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, drawing thousands of admiring visitors to its gleaming facade every year. Now, visitor numbers have dropped significantly due […]

We eat imoni, a delicious autumn stew, at a unique version of a traditional Japanese festival

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie PaskCelebrating the arrival of autumn with a piping-hot bowl of delicious stew! If you’ve ever visited the Tohoku region in northern Japan, you may have heard of the tradition of Imoni-kai. An autumnal answer to hanami, the spring-time picnics that people enjoy under cherry blossoms, Imoni-kai is a tradition where friends and families gather together on […]

New survey ranks top ten fan favorites among over 50 Kyoto Animation productions

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Ingrid TsaiDid your personal favorite make it into the top ten? Since its founding in 1981, Kyoto Animation has become a powerhouse studio in the realm of Japanese animation. Though the studio suffered immense tragedy in 2019 due to an arson attack, it has since rebuilt itself, releasing a new film feature and reviving theatrical screenings […]

Fuji Dream Airlines is offering limited Mt. Fuji sightseeing flights

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Krista RogersThis special sightseeing deal offers passengers a chance to see Mt. Fuji in a whole new light. Climbing enthusiasts who were hoping to add Mt. Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain, to their list of accomplishments this year had to put their plans on hold in light of the mountain being closed all summer due to the […]

Learn about meat cuts with…chocolate?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeGetting kids to slow down and really think about the food they eat.  If you go out to a yakitori, yakiniku or sushi restaurant in Japan, you’ll quickly learn there’s waaaay more on offer than just sirloin, wings and salmon. Here, all parts of the animal are eaten and nothing goes to waste, which means […]

Neco Republic’s latest venture: Cat fur-patterned “finger masks” with touchscreen capabilities

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyThis cat cafe brand wants you to use the tender, firm touch of a cat’s paw to avoid germs. Neco Republic is one of Japan’s most respected cat cafe chains, and one with a heartwarming mission. Their business goal is to eliminate cat culling in Japan by changing attitudes about shelter cats and raising awareness […]

Japan to amp up its “Electronic Warfare Force,” which pleases tokusatsu fans

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterBad news for aggressive foreign nations and Demon King Banriki. According to preliminary budget reports the Japanese government is planning to establish a dedicated Electronic Warfare Force (Denshi Sen Senmon Butai) of the nation’s Self Defense Forces. This unit will have its headquarters in JGSDF Camp Asaka facilities in Saitama and Tokyo as well as […]

Modern Japanese Kimono Streetwear Style w/ Lace Face Mask, Handmade Earrings, Gucci Bamboo Handle Bag & Geta/Zori Sandals

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Catching our attention on the streets of Tokyo is Geraku Kurage sporting a sleek, modern kimono streetwear look.

Sporting long, layered black hair, Geraku stepped out in a black silk kimono, which features geometric circle prints. She styled her kimono with a light peach haneri collar and an embroidered obi. Black knit socks, dark blue geta/zori sandals and a black Gucci bamboo handle handbag rounded out her outfit. A black eyelet lace mask, handmade earrings, silver bangles, a wooden bead bracelet and multiple rings are the finishing touches to her modern style.

Follow Geraku’s stylish feed on Instagram and Twitter.

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The post Modern Japanese Kimono Streetwear Style w/ Lace Face Mask, Handmade Earrings, Gucci Bamboo Handle Bag & Geta/Zori Sandals first appeared on Tokyo Fashion News.

Tokyo Street Style

Japan’s amazing healthcare system summed up in photo of hospital bill for father’s heart surgery

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Scott Wilson“I am so thankful for our medical system. Terrifying to think what it’d be like without it.” Japan’s medical system may have some quirks to it, but one thing is undeniable: the fact that it’s very affordable. As someone from the U.S., where medical insurance is at best a massive headache and at worst a […]

We tried out Japan’s new “mask you can wear while you eat”, found a way to make it much better

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollOur reporter found a major problem with the mask…but don’t worry, he fixed it! With a worldwide pandemic underway, it’s important to wear masks wherever you go, but it’s also important to support the economy. So what do you do? Besides getting takeout, you can also go to Saizeriya, where they will give you a […]

Sneak peek visit to Tokyo Disneyland’s new Baymax and Beauty and the Beast fantasy worlds

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeCome with us as we preview the hotly anticipated new magical worlds before their grand opening.  After being closed for a good chunk of the year due to COVID-19, Tokyo Disneyland has sprung back with their biggest expansion ever, creating new fantasy areas dedicated to Baymax, Beauty and the Beast, and Minnie Mouse. The new […]

Japan now has an alcoholic popsicle that’s not banned for children

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeThere’s no law that says kids can’t try this “enchanted” limited-edition Suika Bar. One of the most popular popsicles on the market in Japan is the Suika Bar. Translating to “Watermelon Bar”, this icy confection is shaped like a slice of watermelon and looks just like one, with red watermelon juice and chocolate “seeds” scattered […]

An interview with one of Japan’s few female executives, the President of Dom Dom Burger

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollShinobu Fujisaki talks of aiming to make Dom Dom everyone’s favorite burger joint.   Dom Dom Burger is a classic burger chain in Japan. Though not quite as famous as the other fast food giants, it was Japan’s first ever hamburger chain, and, thanks in part to its pretty unique burger creations, it has a […]

Vintage Harajuku Street Style w/ Blonde Mullet, Pikachu T-Shirt, Floral Face Mask, Snakeskin Pants & Demonia Platforms

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Meet Pyonchan, a Japanese vintage shop staffer (he works at Chicago Harajuku) whose blonde mullet and streetwear ensemble easily caught our eye.

Pyonchan is dressed in a vintage ensemble featuring a white oversized shirt, a green Pikachu print t-shirt and colorful snakeskin print pants. He cinched his waist with a white leather grommet belt, stepped into Demonia platform shoes and donned a floral print face mask to complete his outfit. Pyonchan also wore accessories such as a silver winged pendant necklace, a silver bracelet and a colorful bead bracelet. In addition, he is carrying a blue Coach logo print shoulder bag.

Pyonchan lists Chicago and Kinji as his favorite fashion brands. For more of his colorful streetwear styles, check out Pyonchan on Twitter and Instagram.

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The post Vintage Harajuku Street Style w/ Blonde Mullet, Pikachu T-Shirt, Floral Face Mask, Snakeskin Pants & Demonia Platforms first appeared on Tokyo Fashion News.

Tokyo Street Style

Japanese government to phase out fax machines, paper documents, personal seals

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterJust the fax, Kono. After a longest term in office in the history of Japan, Shinzo Abe has stepped down as Prime Minister and the position has been given to his chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga, or “Uncle Reiwa” as he’s known to a lot of teens. ▼ You might remember Suga as the guy […]

Savoring Japan’s new sweet potato sandwich!【Pics, taste test】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Ingrid TsaiPumpkin spice, move aside. It’s tuber season! From acting as a medium of edible art to testing the mettle of one’s knife skills, the sandwich is a form of versatility. Of course, the extensive timeline of the sandwich is never complete without the occasional culinary experiment, and for one of our Japanese-language reporters, Yuko Sawano, […]

Gundam can now be part of your signature in Japan with Mobile Suit Gundam personal seals【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelBut could you really trust a signature endorsed by Char Aznable? When signing important documents in Japan, it’s common not to whip out a pen, but a personal seal stamp. With names written in Japanese often having far more strokes than they would in the Latin alphabet, a personal seal (called an “inkan” in Japanese), […]

Our reporter eats the new “apple pie” flavor yakisoba noodles, so no one else has to

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyP.K. Sanjun bravely faces down notorious noodle company Peyoung’s latest concoction. Can yakisoba really taste like apple pie? First, a little backstory. Peyoung is a company that produces instant yakisoba noodles. A noble feat, you might think; it takes numerous companies to form an industry, and Nissin and Super Cup can’t keep the market running […]

Japanese “Ichiban Street” recreated at new shopping mall in China

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeComplete with a Japanese bus stop, Japanese road signs, a Japanese taxi, and a Japanese car park.  In a lot of countries around the world you’ll find Chinatowns filled with stores, food and decorative gates dedicated to China. So it’s interesting to see the reverse happen in China, where a shopping strip dedicated to Japan is […]

Harajuku Girls Street Goth Styles w/ Purple Hair, Teddy Bear, Morph8ne, Killstar, Vivienne Westwood, Never Mind the XU & Yosuke Caged Platforms

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Easily standing out on the streets of Tokyo with their purple hair and striking street goth ensembles are Mahoushozyomiuchan and Kyoppe.

On the left side sporting an all black look is Mahoushozyomiuchan, a 19-year-old medical clerk. She is dressed in a long sleeve ruffle blouse, which she tucked into a satin high-waisted skirt with lace-up corset details, ruched trims and ruffled lace hems. Her skirt is sourced from Killstar. To finish, she wore black knee high lace socks with ruffle trims and Yosuke caged platforms with chain accents. For her accessories, she wore a black lace-trimmed hat, multiple earrings, a Glavil cross necklace, black lace gloves embellished with silver knuckle rings and a jeweled heart purple hair tie worn as a bracelet. In addition, she is carrying a Vivienne Westwood glitter satchel handbag and a black ruffle-trimmed parasol. Her favorite fashion brand is Vivienne Westwood and she likes listening to Creephyp. Follow Mahoushozyomiuchan on Twitter and Instagram.

Meanwhile, Kyoppe is sporting twin purple tails styled with a black lace headdress. She stepped out in a monochrome outfit consisting of a white ruffle blouse from Faith Tokyo and a black slogan print dress from Morph8ne. Black ruffle socks, matching Yosuke caged platform shoes with chain trims and a purple leather sling bag from Coach completed her ensemble. Kyoppe embellished her look with accessories from Never Mind the XU such as dangling skeleton earrings, a black choker with a lock pendant and chain trims, a black leather cuff bracelet and a Morpeko Pokemon purple plushie keychain. The 16-year-old student is also carrying a white teddy bear embellished with a black headdress, eye mask and cuffs. Kyoppe lists Thailand fashion brand, Morph8ne as her current favorite and she is active on Instgram.

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The post Harajuku Girls Street Goth Styles w/ Purple Hair, Teddy Bear, Morph8ne, Killstar, Vivienne Westwood, Never Mind the XU & Yosuke Caged Platforms first appeared on Tokyo Fashion News.

Tokyo Street Style