Japan now has drinkable gamer fuel gelatin, so let’s see if it can power us up【Taste test】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelGame Booster promises to replenish energy for smartphone, PC, and console gamers. What’s the most formidable enemy in video gaming? Punch-Out!!’s insanely powerful Mike Tyson? King of Fighters 94’s ridiculously cheap Rugal? Any of a half-dozen Dark Souls bosses who’ve claimed the lives of thousands of controllers thrown into walls in fits of post-defeat rage? […]

Harajuku Idol in Black & Red Street Style w/ Fangs, Plaid Dress, Rocking Horse Shoes, Giant Heart Bag & Quirky Accessories

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Rokurokuroku is a Japanese idol – a member of the group Last In My Cult – who we often see around the streets of Harajuku.

In addition to her fangs, Rokurokuroku is wearing an Anna Sui jacket over a plaid bow dress, a handmade beret, a giant heart bag from Sinz Harajuku, and Vivienne Westwood rocking horse shoes. Accessories include rings from Goregro, a Vivienne Westwood necklace and Vivienne Westwood socks, and a bow with hands brooch.

Vivienne Westwood is Rokurokuroku’s favorite fashion designer and she likes the music of her own group, Last In My Cult. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter for more of her fashion and music.

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Japanese graphic designer finds his wife’s old notebook doodles, wows the Internet with their quality

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyThe pages are filled with intricate etchings of everything from talk-show guests to Shadow of the Colossus to Coraline. Japanese Twitter user @barusu_xxx is a graphic designer and part-time illustrator, but he primarily uses his Twitter account to share his trips out to local art galleries and smaller, personal illustrations like this nengajo (Japanese New […]

We visit the “Naples of Japan”, a secret destination tourists don’t know about yet

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeEnjoy the charm of a Mediterannean-style port town without leaving Japan.  Not many people know that Oita Prefecture, located on the southern island of Kyushu, is home to a remote island so picturesque it’s been dubbed “The Naples of Japan“. Called Hotojima, this tiny island welcomes visitors to its shores with a collection of multi-storey houses built up along […]

Could Coronavirus be helping prevent the spread of influenza? Japanese Twitter speculates

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollMaybe the measures people are taking to prevent the spread of Coronavirus are helping protect against the flu, too! As Coronavirus becomes a more serious concern every day, efforts to prevent widespread outbreak in Japan has led to popular conventions being cancelled, tourist spots being shut down, and even a call for schools to close […]

Japanese Gothic Lolita Street Style w/ MR Corset Top, Sheglit Vest, Na+H, Bloody Rose & Amber Snow

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Sana Seine is a well known personality in the Tokyo gothic scene. We were happy to run into her on the street in Harajuku.

Sana’s gothic lolita look includes a headpiece by Amber Snow, a Sheglit corset vest, MR Corset blouse, Na+H skirt, Bloody Rose tights, and Na+H lace up boots.

Her favorite brands include MR Corset, Triple Fortune, and Nath and she likes the music of 1MYB. Follow Sana on Instagram or Twitter for more of her gothic fashion.

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Japanese company invents a way to let us “drink” potato chips

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelCan also be used to turn other snack foods into snack drinks. Here are SoraNews24, we’ve got an especially deep respect, and ravenous hunger, for potato chips (especially when they’re covered in matcha chocolate or KFC-flavored). However, even we don’t sit down and eat a bag of chips as a formal meal. Potato chips are at […]

Perfume fans insult Perfume by being angry at celebrity who didn’t really insult Perfume

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterEither that or this was sarcasm on an unheard-of scale. On 26 February, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare issued a message to all organizations and events in Japan, asking them to deeply consider the risks of not cancelling activities in light of the ongoing coronavirus outbreaks. Many heeded the call, leading to school […]

Weird Japanese vending machine find: Roasted potatoes in both hot and cold varieties

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeA machine created to help locals with disabilities.  From nappies to edible insects and even origami, there are a lot of weird and wonderful items just waiting to be found at Japanese vending machines. We’ve been on a nationwide hunt to track down some of the nation’s best and most unusual mechanical dispensers recently, which […]

Australian politician calls for immediate review of all anime due to depictions of “child abuse”

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey Baseel“They contain depictions of wide-eyed children, usually in school uniforms, engaged in explicit sexual activities and poses, and often being sexually abused.” Back when anime was just starting to become available at more-or-less mainstream retailers in the U.S., I remember reading a quote from a scathing newspaper article calling them “perverted sex and violence cartoons.” […]

Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea will close for two weeks because of coronavirus fear

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelShut-down goes into effect almost immediately, follows previous request for people with cold-like symptoms to refrain from visiting the parks. Yesterday, the organizers of Anime Japan, Japan’s biggest anime industry convention, said that they were cancelling this year’s event due to concerns about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and Tokyo’s Ghibli Museum is currently closed for […]

Pokémon of the Year results announced, and Pikachu wasn’t even close to winning【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelWhat’s behind the pika-poor showing for the face of the franchise, and also a disappointing finish for Eevee? February 27 was when the original Pokémon Red and Green Game Boy games went on sale back in 1996, and so the date is now known as Pokémon Day. For 2020, though, the day of celebration included […]

Our cat-loving reporter decided that this year, for Japan’s Cat Day, she’d become a jellicle cat

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyA makeup studio augmented all her feline facial features until she could pass for Bombalurina! Our reporter Natsuki Gojo loves fashion, makeup and fancy butler cafés… And she also loves cats! February 22 in Japan is known as Cat Day due to how it’s read in Japanese: all those twos, or nis, sound like the […]

Japanese artist creates adorable short anime in honour of Pokémon Day

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeMeowth, Eevee, and Pikachu are just some of the characters to appear in this very Japanese scene. Today is Pokémon Day, a day that commemorates the 27 February debut of the multimedia franchise back in 1996 with the release of Pokémon Red and Green for Nintendo’s Game Boy. It’s a day of celebration that comes with […]

Modern Hollywood movies get a ‘70s/’80s Japan makeover with awesome retro film posters【Pics】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelTalented fan takes John Wick, Pikachu, and Marvel heroes back to the golden era of Japanese poster graphic design. In our modern world, online trailers and video teasers are the way to drum up interest in a movie. But turn the calendar back to the 1970s or early ‘80s, before everyone had at least one […]

Flower Crown, Colorful Faux Fur Coat & Orange Sock Boots in Harajuku Japan

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Shelly’s colorful faux fur coat and pretty flower crown caught our eye on the street in Harajuku.

Her look features the oversized faux fur coat over a satin romper, a handmade flower crown, pink Opening Ceremony tote bag, and orange sock boots.

Follow Shelly on Instagram or check out her website for more on her flower filled life.

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Japanese public intoxication on parade in new line of capsule toys

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterYou know, for kids. As a country with a lenient attitude towards drinking in public, it’s not uncommon during certain seasons to find people struggling with their own bodily functions on the street. A businessman stripped of his ability to stay awake or reveler with a suddenly overactive gag reflex are among the many drunks […]

Oldest ryokan at Japanese onsen resort goes bankrupt due to coronavirus

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeCOVID-19 claims its first major business casualty in Japan. As Japan struggles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officially named COVID-19 by the World Health Organisation, the local economy is being hit hard, with businesses at popular tourist sites now facing an uncertain future. In the city of Kyoto, local merchants have taken matters into […]

Sakura isn’t cherry?!? Starbucks Japan release the Sakura Cherry Frappuccino, and we try it

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelStarbucks gives us a delicious reminder that sakura sweets are different from cherry ones. This week, Starbucks made our heart, and sweet tooth, sing with the launch of its newest Japan-exclusive dessert drink: the Sakura Cherry Frappuccino. But wait, sakura trees are cherry trees, right? So isn’t “Sakura Cherry Frappuccino” a little redundant? Sakura sweets […]

Japanese PM asks schools around Japan to close as coronavirus cases rise

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeSurprise announcement comes as children are now testing positive for COVID-19. As the coronavirus continues to spread in Japan, with 912 cases recorded as of Thursday night, including 705 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the Japanese government is scrambling to put measures in place in order to contain the virus while the outbreak is […]

Anime Japan, Tokyo’s biggest anime industry convention, cancelled due to coronavirus fears

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelFour-day event completely scrubbed for 2020. With the coronavirus outbreak on everyone’s mind in Japan, but not much that the average layperson can do to help the situation on a macro scale, a lot of people would no doubt enjoy a little escapist entertainment right about now. However, if you were planning to get your […]

Inventor of the Konami Code Kazuhisa Hashimoto dies at 61

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterGolden-age Konami programmer left an indelible mark on gaming and digital entertainment. It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Kazuhisa Hashimoto on 26 February. The cause of the 61-year-old’s death has yet to be released but the effects of it has sent ripples across the gaming community. As programmer for Konami during […]

IOC member says decisions on Tokyo Olympics must be made by late May due to coronavirus fears

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyPostponing Games due to coronavirus is not an easy option, official says. The coronavirus has spread rapidly since its 2019 inception in Wuhan, China, with cases currently confirmed in 45 territories. Japan has seen the fifth most, with 172 cases and 2 confirmed COVID-19 deaths, leading to an increased demand for face masks and increased […]

Monster girl brothel anime finally makes a friend as it finds new broadcast partner in Japan

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelInterspecies Reviewers has been kicked off multiple networks in Japan, but now it’s found one that’s welcoming it with open arms. Interspecies Reviewers is an anime in which the protagonists visit a new monster girl brothel (or two) each and every episode. But while that’s a pretty impressive display of stamina by the its cast […]

Japanese woman’s heartwarming train encounter reminds us all not to judge too quickly

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie PaskJapanese woman’s uncomfortable experience on train actually turns out to be something much more positive. With the spread of the coronavirus dominating the news, bleak stories have been popping up all over the Internet. Events are being cancelled, people are committing crimes, and Asian people both in Japan and elsewhere have experienced discrimination. And sure, it’s […]

“Single women only” say rules for anime voice actress auditions for new Love Live! series

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelNo married women allowed, but 15-year-olds are A-OK. For an otaku-oriented franchise as perpetually popular and profitable as Love Live!, there really hasn’t been all that much anime content produced for it. The original got 26 TV episodes and a theatrical feature, as did its follow-up/spin-off, Love Live! Sunshine!!. Toss in a single direct-to-video OVA […]

Fisherman attacked by wild boar jumping out of the ocean, defeats it with bare hands

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterBoars can do that apparently. I’ve never been a big fan of the ocean; it’s full of water and a whole host of predatory creatures best left to their own devices. And yet despite all this, I could have at least rested assured that a wild boar would never suddenly jump out from its waves […]

Avant-garde Tokyo Street Fashion w/ Hair Falls, Neuron Nailz, Cropped Jacket, Box Bag & Flame Print Booties

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Standing out on the streets of Tokyo in her red-and-black ensemble is Maiko, the Japanese nail artist and owner of Neuron Nailz Tokyo.

Sporting a partially-shaved hairstyle with multiple braided tails (or hair falls) and striking red eye makeup, Maiko stepped out in a black bandage dress with a floral embroidery detail, which she styled with a red cropped bomber jacket with zippered pocket sleeves and contrasting black trims. Red-and-black knee-high striped socks, black lace-up booties with flame print heels, a black leather crossbody bag, and a silver box handbag completed her ensemble. Multiple black ear studs and a red leather choker are the finishing touches to her striking style.

Check out Maiko on Instagram.

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Tokyo Street Style

Idol group will fine fans who come to event without masks, but many don’t buy coronavirus excuse

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelThere’s a hole in the logic of the plan that’s supposedly meant to block germs. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak continues to be on everyone’s mind in Japan, and especially so for event organizers and facility managers. Fears of the nightmare scenario of the virus spreading among members of a crowd who then all head back […]

“Drinkable soft serve ice cream” in bottles to go on sale in Japan

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA brilliant idea and suddenly the only thing we want to drink. Matcha green tea has been a part of Japan’s culinary heritage for centuries, but it’s popularity has really exploded in the past few years as confectioners increasingly incorporate it as a flavor for sweets. But if turning a drink into a dessert works, […]

There’s a surprising potential risk that’s making more Japanese youth turn to dating apps

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J ShannonMany Japanese youths see dating apps as a way to protect the interpersonal relationships they already have. While some people in Japan still don’t look further than the workplace or circle of friends and acquaintances in their search for a romantic partner, dating apps have definitely gained traction with Japanese young adults, ranging from the […]

Street fight breaks out in Japan’s second-largest city between shoppers wanting to buy masks【Vid】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelCoronavirus-sparked shortage leads to early-morning violence. Shoppers in Japan can purchase some pretty cool stuff, like sliced mayonnaise and chocolate or individual-sized, essentially portable rice cookers. But one thing that’s extremely hard to get your hands on right now? Masks. The coronavirus outbreak has caused skyrocketing demand for masks, which are already big sellers at […]

Ninja Castle in Tokyo has heartwarming message for foreign tourists in midst of coronavirus

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeJapanese shadow warriors work to “eliminate corona discrimination” in its tracks. As the coronavirus continues to spread in Japan, fear of contracting the illness is also spreading throughout the country. Worrying news reports are now surfacing, with one commuter pushing the emergency button on a passenger who coughed without wearing a mask on a train […]

Burger King rubs salt in Japan’s overworked wounds with limited-edition Premium Friday Whopper

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollIn celebration of the Japanese government’s controversial work-life balance policy!…not. Japan obviously has a work-life balance issue, which is a problem the Japanese government attempted to address in 2017 with their Premium Friday policy. In it, the government politely suggested that companies let their employees off early on the last Friday of the month, which […]

Crazy photo shows how Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station can be as confusing as a video game dungeon

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelIf it’s your first time going through Japan’s busiest train station, this “helpful” sign might not make things much easier. Real-life Tokyo is pretty different from the way the city is sometimes presented in video games and anime. The city doesn’t get attacked by giant robots, martial artists aren’t waiting to test their skills against […]

Japanese YouTuber goes to Argentinian slum to make “impactful video”, gets robbed instead

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollQuickly learns that not everywhere in the world is as safe as Japan. As you well know, certain YouTubers and Instagram influencers will do all kinds of crazy things to get those extra views, likes, and followers. In Japan, some have gotten themselves into trouble by sleeping on a bed in the middle of a […]

Vending machines in Japan are now selling disposable diapers

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Krista RogersNew installations will provide welcome relief for families with young children while on the road.  Time to whip out your coin purse for a refreshing bottled beverage…and how about a diaper while you’re at it?  Japanese beverage manufacturer DyDo Drinco has teamed up with Daio Paper Corporation to offer disposable diapers along with wet wipes […]

Harajuku Street Style w/ Purple Hair, Chain Jewelry, Remake Denim Jacket, MCM Pants & Yosuke Platforms

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Catching our eye on the Harajuku street with his striking purple hair and blue-themed outfit is Yuito, a 19-year-old Japanese student.

Yuito is dressed in a remake denim jacket with paint-splattered details, a cropped sleeve and silver safety pin sleeve embellishments. A black Shakaboo2 graphic print shirt over a white sweatshirt, wore blue MCM pants cinched with a leather grommet belt, and stepped into a pair of black platform lace-up shoes from Yosuke with floral embroidery. Chained silver hoop earrings, a silver chain necklace layered with a gold lock necklace, and silver knuckle rings are the finishing touches to his style.

Shakaboo2 (Shaka Bose) is one of Yuito’s fashion and music favorites, and he is active on Instagram.

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Tokyo Street Style

Hedgehog Carry House from Japan lets you take your little pets with you wherever you go

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeStylish shoulder bag opens up a whole new world of playtime with a number of handy features.  Japanese pets are amongst the most spoilt in the world, with pooches dressed in fine kimonos for special occasions and kitties honoured with entire temples dedicated to them. Even the country’s hedgehogs are beloved and adored, with people […]

Eat like a treacherous samurai! Kyoto restaurant recreates a real-life warlord’s favorite food

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelGenuine samurai chow served in an actual samurai home. With fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in its major cities, Japan offers foodies ample opportunities to eat like a king. But what if, instead, you want to eat like a samurai warlord? Then a visit to the town of Kameoka, in Kyoto Prefecture, is in order. […]

Japan has a cat real estate agency, where every apartment lets you and your kitty live together!

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelNo need to ask “Are pets OK?” as long as your pet is a cat. The first step in looking for an apartment in Japan is to log on to the website of a real estate agency and select items from a checklist of amenities you want. Maybe you want a hardwood floor or a […]

Dark ale made with crickets coming to Shibuya this March

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterInsects aside, it’s just nice to get more variety in the dark ale market in Japan. Insect cuisine seems to be enjoying a relatively slow but steady rise in popularity around Japan. More and more eateries and food producers have been dabbling in the art of six-legged ingredients, signifying a warming up to what some […]

It’s sakura bubble tea season at TP TEA stands across Japan!

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J KayFor bubble tea with a Japanese twist, how about a sakura-flavored creation from popular tea stand chain TP Tea? Fans of sweet drinks will be delighted to know that the TP Tea stand, operated by popular Taiwan based teahouse chain Chun Shui Tang, is now offering a Japan-exclusive Tapioca Sakura Latte tea drink. It’s definitely […]

Brain-breaking optical illusion from Japan is a lie within a lie, truly amazing【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelAnimation is the art of tricking the eye, but this is one trick we never would have noticed. As magically convincing as it may be, even the fluid animation in big-budget theatrical features from Studio Ghibli or Disney is still a trick. It’s an optical illusion, designed to trick your brain into thinking still pictures […]

Japanese sesame oil brand heats up their PR with love drama starring hot, fragrant, oily boys

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyOur lovestruck heroine is caught between two gorgeous men whose sweat smells exactly like Kadoya’s sesame oil. Traditional advertising extolling the quality of your product will only go so far with today’s hyper-critical consumers. Now companies will do anything they can to stand out in the crowd, resorting to such complicated measures as telling people […]

Nintendo brightens the life of a Game Boy-loving 95-year-old Japanese grandmother

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeAnother heartwarming tale of Nintendo’s legendary God-like customer service. Japanese customer service is often hailed as the best in the world, and one local company that’s become particularly renowned for its “God-like” treatment of customers is gaming giant Nintendo. Over the years, they’ve lovingly replaced parts on a gamer’s beloved 3DS for a pittance, helped kids […]

Pink Kawaii Harajuku Style w/ “Power Babe” Sweatshirt, “Baby Girl” Bag, Spiral Harajuku Rings, Loose Socks & Yosuke Platforms

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Rinta is a 19-year-old Japanese model who we met on the street in Harajuku.

Rinta’s kawaii pink street style features a crimped hairstyle, an H&M “Emotionally Unavailable Power Babe” sweatshirt with shorts from F21, rings and accessories from Kinji and Spiral Harajuku (a My Little Pony ring), a WEGO “Baby Girl” handbag, and Yosuke USA platform sneakers.

Rinta’s favorite fashion brand is Candy Stripper and her favorite music is by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Tempura Kidz. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter for more of her kawaii styles.

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Japanese photographer captures the beauty of Kyoto in the snow 【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeVisit famous tourist spots like you’ve never seen them before.  Japanese temples and shrines are often dubbed “power spots” in Japan due to the inherent, mystical beauty that makes them feel as if they’re magically regenerating the spirit of everyone who visits them. Experiencing their beauty in real life can be an unforgettable experience, but […]

Disney knows what yokai are, teaches Japanese vocabulary word to Donald Duck【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelKappa and kasa obake are among the creatures menacing Donald and his feathered friends. Being the sort of guy whose animation preferences lead him to eat at a whole bunch of anime-themed restaurants and cafes, until today I didn’t know that Disney had made a streaming series called Legend of the Three Caballeros, a follow-up […]

Love Live! character with controversial skirt to continue as orange spokesperson, petitioner says

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelChange.org petition organizer says agricultural group has pledged their continued support to the anime schoolgirl idol. Regional produce marketing isn’t usually a hotbed of controversy, but a rare exception occurred this month surrounding a partnership between Shizuoka Prefecture agricultural cooperative JA (Japan Agriculture) Nansun and Love Live!, the smash-hit idol schoolgirl anime franchise. As part […]

Studio Ghibli Museum closes due to coronavirus fears

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeSudden temporary closure has taken everyone by surprise. With 770 cases of coronavirus recorded in Japan as of midday on Sunday, including 634 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, fears that the number of infected will continue to grow has prompted the cancellation of large-scale events and community gatherings around the country. Now […]

Could this be the secret to get Americans to actually like natto (Japanese fermented soy beans)?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelJapanese online commenters react with “BLEGH” and vomiting ASCII art. Natto (pictured above) is easily one of the most difficult Japanese foods for foreigners to develop a liking of…or even an able-to-stand-in-close-proximity-to-ing of. That’s because natto is fermented soybeans, and its appearance, texture, and, most of all, smell is unlike anything that most people outside […]

460-year-old human sacrifice victim chimes in on Love Live! controversy

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterTeenage girl who was ritualistically buried alive during the Middle Ages says she can relate. At one time, moe characters–manga-style mascots usually drawn as young women–were a ubiquitous fixture in Japanese culture, being seen everywhere from Buddhist temples to beer. However, recent high-profile incidents have caused the practice to come under scrutiny and prompted people […]

Pikachu now has an afro of cherry blossoms, and you can eat it【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelTokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reveals springtime sakura dessert, Gigantamax entrees. Most of Japan’s anime/video game-themed eateries, like the Slayers cafe we recently visited, are limited-time operations. A major exception, though, is Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe, which is a permanent restaurant not far from Tokyo Station. Being open all year long means that the Pokémon Cafe can get […]

Shaved Head Harajuku Girl in Zip Front Jeans, Denim Jacket & Over-The-Knee Sock Boots

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Ito is a 19-year-old Japanese model from Osaka who we met on the street in Harajuku.

In addition to her cool shaved hairstyle, Ito is wearing a vintage Cross Fire denim jacket over a resale crop top, resale open front zip jeans, a clear belt, and over-the-knee sock boots from Bershka. She also has a nose ring.

She told us that her favorite place to shop is at vintage shops and that she likes hiphop music. Follow Ito on Twitter or Instagram for more of her street fashion.

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Majority of surveyed Japanese workers have dated a coworker, over 20 percent their boss or senpai

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelOffice romance most likely to bloom for younger workers in survey. In Japanese society, work is supposed to come before your private life. Taking care of your professional responsibilities and not leaving your coworkers high and dry are just part of being an adult, the common logic goes. But for as much as Japan traditionally […]

A mountain of chicken katsu awaits you at this restaurant in Osaka

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Krista RogersWill our reporter rise or fall to this gargantuan food challenge? All of our Japanese-language reporters enjoy the thrill of trying to down a giant-sized portion of food every now and then. Based in Kyoto, our writer Great Muromachi also has the entire Kansai region at his disposal for these gastronomic battles. For today’s challenge, we’ll […]

Chinese people hand out free surgical masks in Japan as coronavirus outbreak continues【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelAs Japan suffers through nationwide mask shortage, people in one of its biggest cities are offered some for free. While the total number of confirmed cases currently remains under 100, Japan is seeing far more coronavirus infections than many initially expected. With the outbreak originating, and primarily occurring, in China, anxiety and fear regarding the […]

The Cat in the Surgical Mask – Twitter user plans to raise money for charity with feline figurine

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie Pask“Cats are gonna save the world!” You may have seen Japanese Twitter user @meetissai’s creations floating around the Internet – he creates tiny figurines of animals, like the ones you’d find in capsule vending machines. His figures are inspired by photos of animals in a number of funny poses, and they’re surprisingly accurate, as you can […]

Manga artist makes rare move of taking paternity break, some wonder if he was actually a woman

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelCome for the heartwarming story of a famous artist actually getting time off to spend with family, stay for the weird Japanese linguistics lesson! Being a manga artist gives you the opportunity to realize your storytelling ambitions on a grand scale, and possibly make yourself quite wealthy while doing it. The trade-off, though, is that […]

You can now eat this anime girl who’s an anthropomorphized dessert in real-life Tokyo

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelCrazy concept video game Food Fantasy completes the cycle from taiyaki to Taiyaki to Taiyaki taiyaki. Food Fantasy, from developer Fundoll Global, is a concept that seems utterly ridiculous at first, but completely logical once you hear it out. The mobile game tasks you with creating delicious meals from which “food spirits” spring forth. These […]

Japanese vending machines now have the strangest thing we never knew we needed: hot bottled water

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelWe had our reasons to be suspicious, but it turns out this is a great idea. Every year, Japanese vending machines pull off the extremely cool trick of offering hot drinks. It’s one of the greatest ideas in the food/beverage sector, and a can or bottle of hot coffee, hot green tea, or even hot […]

New cat café Neko Tapi in Kyoto combines bubble tea with beautiful cats!

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellySit, sip, and be soothed by tabby cats and tapioca tea. Two things high up on the “guaranteed serotonin boost” list: a fun drink at a cute café and giving a small, fuzzy animal a pet on the head. Too long have these wonderful comforts lain separate! Tapioca tea chain Tapista and cat café Mocha […]

Western Themed Harajuku Street Style w/ Vintage Shirt, Straw Hat, Corduroy Pants & Cowboy Boots

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Sou is a 19-year-old we met on the street in Harajuku.

His look – which he told us was styled by Bunka Fashion College student Himari – features a vintage straw hat with a shiny vintage embroidered gambling shirt, vintage patchwork flared corduroy pants, and vintage cowboy boots.

Sou’s favorite band is No Buses. Follow him on Instagram for more of his style and Tokyo life.

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Does anime need to start being more politically correct for overseas audiences? Twitter debates

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelJapanese animation has long had a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable, but is it pushing too far these days? Anime used to be conceived, produced, and consumed pretty much all within the confines of Japan. Sure, the occasional series would get licensed for overseas distribution, but with its story and characters so […]

Tokyo bento shop famous for jumbo orders offers a meaty sausage lunch for under 1,000 yen

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyThe Internet is still reeling from the amount of oblong meat products they’ve crammed into a single lunch box. Japanese bento, or packed lunches, are a dearly cherished custom. Many adults have fond memories of the lovingly sculpted character bentos they chomped down as children, while office workers always know they can turn to the […]

Tokyo ramen shop owner sets “Japanese only” rule as countermeasure against coronavirus

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Eli PangJapanese netizens were more than ready to dunk on his logic.  The new coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19 by the WHO, has seen a spike in the number of infected patients in Japan. With anxiety running high for Japanese residents, some business owners have taken extreme measures such as banning Chinese customers. However, in the wake of […]

We try a rotating sushi chain’s super high-quality 3-layer caviar, sea urchin & fatty tuna sushi

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollFor just 300 yen, you can try some of Japan’s most luxurious sushi ingredients, but is it worth it? Sushi is, of course, one of Japan’s delicacies, and if you want to sample really good sushi, naturally you might want to go to a world-famous restaurant like Jiro’s or Sushi Dai. But if you’re not able to […]

Get your Insta on with pop-up bar’s sakura pool and sakura-flavored sake【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Eli PangThis pop-up puts the extra in extraordinary.  Earlier this year, weather forecasts predicted March 19 as the date locals in Tokyo will see the first cherry blossom blooms. However, for those who like to get their flower-viewing party on earlier, sakura-themed pop-up Sakura Chill Bar is making a come back this year with a new […]

Skip Starbucks? A super-cheap, semi-secret alternative to a coffeehouse break in Tokyo

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA private room all to yourself for hours on end, free Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks, and enough space to take a nap, all for less than five bucks. In downtown Tokyo, you generally only have to walk a couple minutes to get to the nearest Starbucks, and sometimes on the way you’ll stumble across a new […]

Harajuku Girls in Platform Boots, Face Mask, Harness, Pink Hair, Dog Osaka, Cozymost & Demonia

https://ift.tt/2vPDtj3

Luna and Kana are two Japanese students we met on the street in Harajuku at night.

19-year-old Luna – on the left with pink hair – is wearing an all white look with a Top Of The Hill jacket and top, vintage pants from Neuf Resale, a Looney Tunes bag from Village Vanguard, vintage accessories, and tall Demonia platform boots. Her favorite fashion brand is the Japanese label Ikumi, and she likes the music of Made In Me and Uyuni. She is active on Instagram if you’d like to know more about her fashion.

20-year-old Kana – on the right in a face mask and harness – is wearing a resale purple sweatshirt with harness and strap pants from Dog Osaka (the same company as Never Mind The XU Harajuku), a Cozymost belt bag, Dog Osaka accessories, and Demonia platform boots. Her favorite shops include Kobinai, Never Mind The XU, and Dog. She listens to K-Pop music. Follow Kana on Instagram for more of her fashion.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

tokyo

Kumamoto Castle reconstruction well under way as the complex slowly reopens to visitors【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollTake a look at how one of Japan’s most popular castles is making its comeback.  Nearly four years ago, the southwestern reaches of Japan were struck by a series of strong earthquakes that shook the region of Kumamoto. Roads and buildings cracked and crumbled, and the shaking even moved parts of the earth by as […]

Eye reflection stalker who assaulted idol says he “would like to do everything he can” for her

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelNot home-invasion groping her in the first place seems like it would have been the nicer thing to do. On September 1, an idol singer was attacked while returning to her condominium in Tokyo. As she was about to enter her home, an assailant came up from behind and pushed her through the doorway and […]

There’s now a real-life professional wrestling Pikachu, and yes, he’s totally crazy【Videos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelPikachu used…elbow drop?!? Pikachu has had many jobs in addition to being the face of the Pokémon franchise. He’s been a detective, a salaryman, and even a cupcake baker. And now the lovable Electric-type looks to have progressed into yet another career field: professional wrestling. View this post on Instagram Who can forget @iamkylierae epic […]

Studio Ghibli suddenly makes 38 albums of anime music available on Spotify, Apple Music, and more

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey Baseel693-track selection includes many of anime’s most memorable pieces of music. There’s nothing in the world of animation that looks quite like the beautiful visuals in a Studio Ghibli movie, and fans love going back to re-watch the visuals of their favorite scenes and sequences. But the films’ music is just as memorable, as anyone […]

Soba restaurant in Japan struggles to find new employee, rewords job ad and offers flood in

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeThere’s one surprising aspect of working at a 120-year-old Japanese restaurant that has everyone wanting to work there. When looking for an ideal job in Japan, or anywhere for that matter, there are a number of factors that potential recruits tend to consider. There’s the issue of remuneration, of course, along with other things like […]

New Japanese KitKats feature sakura sake and a traditional cherry blossom dessert

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeHanami flavours are accompanied by a special limited-edition Easter treat this year.  As we head into the end of February, people in Japan are now getting ready to prepare for an annual event that marks the arrival of spring, the hanami cherry blossom viewing season. As always, the season comes with a slew of sakura-themed […]

Sliced mayonnaise and white chocolate now exist in Japan, bringing sandwiches to glorious new era

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelFour different options to make your toast savory or sweet. Oddly enough, the Japanese company Bourbon doesn’t make whiskey, or even beverages. Instead, they’re primarily a confectioner, specializing in chocolate, but they’re now expanding their product line to include mayonnaise. This isn’t ordinary mayonnaise, though, it’s mayonnaise in slices! Applying the expertise Bourbon developed through […]