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

No-charge karaoke rooms now available across Japan to keep country singing during the pandemic

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelKaraokekan shifts to a new strategy. A lot of businesses are taking a beating these days, but the blows are especially heavy for karaoke box operators. “Gather a group of friends and sit together in a closed room while breathing all over a microphone that you pass back and forth” is a business model that […]

World’s smallest official Rubik’s Cube developed by Japanese companies

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterWhat it lacks in size it more than makes up for in price. Who doesn’t have fond childhood memories of picking up a Rubik’s Cube, solving one side, and then giving up for a year or so before bothering to attempt it again? However, there are also those special few who stuck with the three-dimensional […]

Happy Halloween! Now eat your eyeball mochi

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelIt’s the gooey filling that really makes them delicious. Japan likes its food to not only taste great but look good too, and that philosophy makes a lot of sense when you’re talking about sweets. Desserts are inherently indulgent, and since the only reason we eat them is for enjoyment, we really should enjoy every […]

Steamed bun pancakes are this year’s must-try sweet

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeOnly available in Japan for a limited time. If there’s two things we love here at SoraNews24, it’s pancakes and nikuman steamed buns. In the past, we would’ve classed these tasty treats as two separate things, but now we can have our pancake and eat our nikuman too, thanks to a new divine sweet called […]

We eat the best crayfish of our life at a Tokyo specialty restaurant【Taste test】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollThis Takadanobaba restaurant blew us away with its delicious Chinese-inspired dishes! Crayfish aren’t really popular to eat in Japan, despite being native to the country. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good place to eat them. In fact, there is a restaurant in Tokyo exclusively dedicated serving crayfish…and since it was the best […]

Asakusa luxury – the best matsutake soba we’ve ever had at a price that can’t be beat

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie PaskEnjoy the taste of autumn without breaking the bank! Japan is a country that fully embraces the changing of the seasons, and this is most apparent when you look at menus in restaurants. The arrival of spring brings with it the arrival of cherry blossom and matcha-flavoured products. Summertime means festival food is everywhere you […]

Japanese wife begins writing daily list of reasons to not murder her husband

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelIt’s a really sweet idea…probably. In any household, there’s always a slew of tasks and chores that need to be done, and they only get more numerous when you’ve got a small child in the house, like Japanese Twitter user @P_chan_papa and his wife do. So it sounds heartwarming when @P_chan_papa mentions that recently his […]

Nara deer “addicted” to rice crackers, lose weight with no tourists to feed them

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeThe coronavirus is affecting the health of Japan’s deer population at Nara Park.  The city of Nara in Nara prefecture is famous for its free-roaming deer population, who’ve been known to cross at pedestrian crossings and bow to tourists in Nara Park in return for senbei rice crackers. The animals’ love for gathering around tourists who […]

Japanese politician caught watching crocodile video in parliament meeting finally explains himself

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA simple reason for a bizarre scandal. In the modern workplace, where we have such easy access to Internet-connected devices, there’s often a temptation to secretly take a break and chill out with a video or two while you’re actually supposed to be working. Maybe that’s not the worst professional sin you can commit, but […]

Studio Ghibli anime art appears in new ad campaign: What if our mugs were used in Ghibli films?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeJapanese company tests the bounds of “common sense” by using Ghibli art to advertise their wares.  Studio Ghibli has long protected its works with a watchful eye, and sharp sword, over the years, so companies know to steer clear of using the studio’s art in their campaigns without prior consultation. Back in April, when the […]

Princess Kaguya dioramas let you decorate your home with art of Ghibli’s uniquely beautiful anime

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelFive scenes from the anime that looks like no other are waiting for you to recreate them. The films of Studio Ghibli are extremely beautiful works of art, but even within that rarified group none of the others are beautiful in the way that The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is. At first glance, the […]

Class is in session with Starbucks’ new college sweet potato Frappuccino【Taste test】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA traditional autumn treat arrives as its star ingredient comes into season. In Japan, the academic year begins in April, so you won’t see any back-to-school sales in the fall. There is an atmosphere of higher learning at Starbucks Japan right now, though, thanks to the arrival of the brand-new “college potato” Frappuccino. Called the […]

What’s going on in this crazy beautiful picture of Mt. Fuji?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelIt’s aliens, right? There’s no mountain in Japan that more people want to see than Mt. Fuji, but unfortunately it’s one of the hardest mountains to catch a glimpse of. Local geography and weather patterns mean that even though Fuji is the highest peak in the country, it’s often shrouded in mist and obscured by […]

One in four Japanese women is now over 70

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterNot no country for old women. Last Monday was “Respect for the Aged Day” in Japan, which is a holiday to celebrate those who have reached the upper years of life by treating them to dinner or with gifts. This is good news for the struggling economy as the number of folks in their golden […]

How to make a beautiful matcha cheesecake using a microwave, toaster oven, and hardly any effort

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelA gorgeous and delicious world of sweets is waiting for even the most inexperienced home chefs. Japanese sweets fan and Twitter user Yuri Yamamoto (@syunkon0507) recently posted photos of a pair of beautiful and delicious-looking cheesecakes, one standard, and one matcha green tea-flavored. But as enticing as they are to look at they’re probably a […]

Studio Ghibli images go viral for perfectly depicting the life of a housewife

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeHilarious captions with viral hashtag help everyone “Learn about housewife work through Ghibli”. It hasn’t even been a week since the creative geniuses at Studio Ghibli released 400 images from eight of their movies for the public to download for free, yet they’ve already inspired people to get creative, with captions under the #ジブリで学ぶ主婦業 (“Ghibli […]

Japanese houses that cost just US$28,000 thrill the Internet, also break its heart

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey Baseel“If I can get a house for the same price as a car, I’m buying the house.” 2.98 million sounds like a big number, and depending on what you’re talking about, it definitely can be. If you had 2.98 million things to do, for example, you’d be soul-crushingly busy, and 2.98 million cheeseburgers would be […]

Studio Ghibli releases its first-ever train jingles, to be played at one special Japanese station

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeMonument also to be erected in the shape of Totoro. One of the things we love about Japanese train stations is their unusual departure melodies, which cover everything from the Star Wars theme tune right through to AKB48’s smash hit song from 2013, “Koi Suru Fortune Cookie”. Now, it’s just been announced that another train station […]

Street footage from Hollywood movie “Tokyo Joe” shows post-war Shibuya colourised by AI 【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeOriginally used as the background for Humphrey Bogart’s close-up, these Japanese folks are now having their time in the spotlight. It’s always fascinating to go back in time and look at footage of old Japan, and now that we’ve got access to advanced digital technology, life as it was in the past has the ability […]

Mysterious eyes found in Japanese vending machine coin slot

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeThere’s something living inside this machine! Japanese vending machines are known for their unique wares, dispensing everything from flying fish to persimmons. However, on very rare occasions, it’s not what’s inside the window of the machine that’s surprising, but what’s going on around the coin slot, because sometimes that’s where you can find the most […]

Is there any better place for a nap than inside a fluffy Totoro sleeping bag?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelAll three Totoros show up in the adorable set. There are a lot of heartwarming scenes in Studio Ghibli’s classic anime My Neighbor Totoro, but perhaps the sweetest is when little sister Mei first encounters the titular forest spirit. Rather than scream or run away in fear, she hops right up on the cuddly creature’s […]

Krispy Kreme Japan’s Halloween donuts are crammed with rich autumnal flavors【Taste Test】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyPurple potatoes, pumpkins and caramels abound in Krispy Kreme’s tasty monster harvest. Summer is receding into the horizon and fall is drifting into the limelight, replete with golden-red leaves, chilly evenings, and a persistent smell of pumpkin spice. As the temperatures begin to cool, stores begin to tout seasonal sweets to boost everyone’s moods and […]

Company uses empty buses to create giant maze after tours drop due to COVID-19【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeA very different kind of bus tour for tourists. It’s been a tough year for businesses, particularly those tied to the tourism industry, as international and domestic travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic have put a huge dent in financial turnovers. One of the businesses affected has been Japan’s Hato Bus company. Known as […]

Beautiful highway in Japan has terrifying traffic safety reminder

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelThe open road might tempt you to step on the gas, but being so far from traffic means you’re far from something else too. Pretty much every stretch of highway in Japan has signs to periodically remind you of the importance of staying safe while on the road. “Let’s all drive safely,” “Curves ahead: Watch […]

Japan to reopen borders to travelers from all countries worldwide starting in October

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelSightseeing still off the table, though. Though many businesses and public facilities in Japan have remained open during the coronavirus pandemic, the country was quick to close its borders to international travel once worldwide infection numbers began to spike in the spring. The decision has been credited by many for Japan’s remarkably low number of […]

Japanese cosplayer reveals how to take the perfect mirror selfie

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeCosplay hack will have you looking taller and slimmer in all your photos. Nobody takes a selfie quite like a Japanese cosplayer. Over the years, they’ve shown us all sorts of tips for looking good in the frame, even though they might look ridiculous outside of it, and the results have been stunningly professional. So […]

Aichi man gets 10 months in prison for saying “I got corona” in electronics store, loses appeal

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterThe “I was talking about the beer” defense failed. Last month, a 48-year-old man walked into a Bic Camera electronics store in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture and started shouting out, “I got corona!” and was promptly arrested. According to subsequent reports, the man was angry that he was made to wait by staff. After growing […]

How to perfectly heat steamed buns in the microwave【Cooking Hack】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeSimple trick will give you light, supple, restaurant-quality buns every time!   Steamed buns, known as baozi in China or nikuman in Japan, are commonly made from white flour dough and filled with a delectable centre containing cooked ground beef, pork or other ingredients. The best way to have them is fresh from the steamer, when they’re […]

We try making red-bean rice using an ice cream bar【SoraKitchen】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katie PaskCelebrate even the smallest of victories with this red-bean rice shortcut. Azuki beans feature in a number of Japanese sweet treats, but they can also be eaten with rice. Called sekihan in Japanese, red bean rice is eaten at New Year or other celebratory occasions, like a new baby in the family or a special […]

Japanese government to start giving newlywed couples a wedding gift of 600,000 yen

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey Baseel”I do” equals “ka-ching” in new initiative to boost childbirth rate, When discussing Japan’s low birth rate, a lot is made of cultural factors, often with a snickering comment about how maybe modern Japanese youths would rather spend time with their 2-D anime and video game crushes than a human romantic partner. But something that […]

What pandemic? Onsen towns, hiking trails and theme parks packed with crowds on four-day weekend

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeStartling photos have everyone concerned about a possible new spike in coronavirus cases. Ever since May, when the Japanese Prime Minister declared a state of emergency and asked people to stay home as much as possible to help contain the coronavirus pandemic, public holidays and long weekends have come and gone with people cancelling trips […]

This downtown Tokyo video rental shop still has 6,000 VHS tapes, will rent you a VCR too【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelRight in the middle of one of Japan’s trendiest neighborhoods is a celebration of old-school media. If you want to spot the latest trends in Japan, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood is the place to go. Spend a couple minutes on the street with your eyes and ears open, and you’ll see the fashions and hear the […]

Puma to release super limited-edition soccer cleats inspired by the Shibuya Scramble

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollOnly fifty of these shoes will ever exist! Sports shoe and activewear brand Puma is at it again with their awesome collaborations. After the release of their Super Mario basketball shoes earlier this month,  now they’ve gone and created a new pair of soccer cleats inspired by the Shibuya Scramble crossing, and it looks like […]

Starbucks now has a foxy drinkware range

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeBeautiful new collection celebrates “an autumn festival of animals living in the coffee forest“. With outlets around the globe, Starbucks has a lot of experience in localising their products to suit local tastes, coming out with super-exclusive, limited-edition products that everyone in the world ends up wanting. So when the coffeehouse chain unveiled their latest drinkware […]

Japanese video arcade introduces free punching service for sore versus game losers

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelTired of the dai pan problem, arcade seeks to channel fists towards more appropriate target. Though they’ve largely disappeared from the rest of the world, you can still find a lot of video game arcades in Japan. “Game centers,” as they’re called in Japanese, owe their continued survival to catering to two separate but equally […]

Big win for tattoo artists: Japan’s Supreme Court rules medical licenses aren’t necessary

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Ingrid TsaiAfter three years of deliberation, the highest court in Japan has decided. Tattoos aren’t illegal in Japan, but the social stigma against them is severely strong. Associated with yakuza and crime, tattoos can get individuals — guests from overseas or not — barred from certain establishments such as hot springs, gyms, swimming pools, and even […]

Turning one of Japan’s “crappiest properties” into one-meter-sized restaurant hits crowdfund goal

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterLocation, location, location! For years, a restaurant specializing in udon, soba, and curry called Katsura stood on Geijutsukaikan Sreet just outside Koenji Station in Suginami, Tokyo. ▼ A 2013 Street View of Katsura It was unique among restaurants in that its floor space was less than one meter (three feet) wide, but with such a […]

Mt. Fuji gets its first snow of the season, almost a month earlier than it did last year【Photos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelJapan’s most beautiful mountain puts on its “snow makeup.” In much of Japan, the summer heat usually lingers until late September, but a cold snap over the weekend brought the lowest temperatures since last spring. The daytime high dipped below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in parts of Tokyo, but things were even chillier […]

We eat all-you-can-eat monster burgers at Burger King

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeOne slender Japanese man ate six of these four-patty burgers in 30 minutes.  Last week, our Japanese-language reporter Mr Sato found himself in training for one of the biggest food challenges of his lifetime: all-you-can-eat Burger King, limited to fries, drinks, and a massive new monstrosity called the Maximum Super One-Pound Beef Burger. On the day of […]

Life-size Gundam statue in Japan can now move, and it looks incredible【Videos】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey Baseel18-meter (59-foot) anime robot now in motion in Yokohama. Last month residents of Yokohama, as well as anime fans around the globe, were thrilled to get their first glimpse of the life-size RX-78 Gundam anime mecha standing in the city’s bayside district, roughly 45 minutes south of Tokyo. But even that was just a precursor […]

DyDo is offering Japan’s first “reverse” vending machine of drinks for a very limited time

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Krista RogersNew vending machine prioritizes nutritional information over product packaging. Drink vending machines by Japanese company DyDo have always incorporated some fun quirks, including free, recycled umbrellas during Japan’s rainy season or facial recognition technology to let customers buy drinks without pulling out a wallet. Now the company has introduced yet another novel idea in the […]

Studio Ghibli animator reveals the secret food eaten by Chihiro’s parents in Spirited Away

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGee19-year mystery solved with startling revelations from the person who drew it.  Now that Studio Ghibli has made the unprecedented move of releasing 400 images from its films free for the public to download and use — “within reason” — there’s been an unexpected development. One of the animators who worked on the 2001 film […]

Woman sues Tokyo company after having to work 48 days in a row with limited bathroom breaks

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J SoraNews24Labor Standards Office recognizes treatment as workplace psychological injury. If you work in the entertainment/mass media sphere, you probably need to be prepared for a grueling work schedule, since it’s often not a 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday kind of job. That goes double if you’re working in that industry in Japan, where in a lot of companies […]

Osaka’s aged idol group Obachaaan still on fire, also helping prevent fires

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterDon’t call it a comeback. They’ve been here for years, dispensing candy and unsolicited advice. It was back in 2012 when a plucky crew of upper-middle-aged women formed the idol unit Obachaaan. Dressed in their stereotypical leopard-print garb, they burst onto the music scene with their debut single “Obachaaan Theme,” in which the mostly rapped lyrics […]

Eevee evolves into the latest Pokémon dessert with an adorable, drinkable “apple pie”

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelPikachu Sweets cafe also offers unnecessary yet must-have accessory. As the most famous and recognizable Pocket Monster, it’s no surprise that Pikachu is the one with his name on the sign at the Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe. It’s also a no-brainer that in addition to the permanent-menu Pikachu cupcakes, the franchise mascot is also […]

Over 130,000 Japanese netizens rank the Top 20 anime opening themes of all time

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J ShannonYou’ll never guess what’s at the top, or maybe you will. (You probably will.) As the birthplace of anime, Japan is pretty serious when it comes to everything about it – the characters, the storylines, and even the songs. This cultural phenomenon’s popularity is likely what drove over 130,000 Japanese netizens to cast their votes […]

Studio Ghibli releases 400 images from eight movies free to download online

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeSurprise gesture of goodwill comes with an amusing caveat from producer Toshio Suzuki.  Studio Ghibli has built up a reputation over the years for steadfastly keeping a stern hold over the distribution and copyright of their films, even once sending a samurai sword to Harvey Weinstein with the message “no cuts” in relation to the […]

Is the end nigh for tapioca? Tokyo tapioca shops suffer closures in the midst of COVID-19

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Ingrid TsaiWill this be the nail in the coffin, the last boba straw through the lid? Tapioca, also known as boba, bubble tea, or pearl milk tea depending on where you’re from, peaked during the summer of 2019 in Japan with a multitude of stores popping up and some establishments even selling one-liter (33.8-ounce) servings. While […]

Twitter quacks with laughter at this hilariously angry duck berating a golden retriever【Video】

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Katy KellyAny dog that thinks it can swipe a duck’s paddling pool is in for a honking great lecture. We’re big fans of the animal kingdom at SoraNews24, as noted by our well-stocked “cute animals” tag. One animal that tends to stay out of the spotlight is the humble duck; though occasionally we’ll get a laugh […]

Speaking positively about marijuana online leads to arrest of Japanese man and woman

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Master BlasterMany surprised by the arrests over 800 pro-weed comments in a veritable “crime of passion.” Around the world there seems to be an increasingly lenient attitude towards pot smoking, with many governments having legalized the substance altogether. Japan, however, hasn’t moved an inch when it comes to marijuana and is showing no signs of doing […]

Jazz up your anime figure collection shelf with these cool, rotating, light-up display cases

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Dale RollShow off your favorite character in style. If you’re an anime figure collector, you’ll probably want to display your favorites with pride–that is, if you’re not bent on taking them with you wherever you go. But if you haven’t quite found the right way to show them off, then novelty production company Happy Joint has […]

Studio Ghibli unveils new “chopstick letters” to send to loved ones

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Oona McGeeShare the joy of eating with the help of some beloved anime characters.  2020 has changed the way we work, travel and socialise, and in Japan, where a lot of people live away from their families and childhood towns, that means missing out on trips back home for special holidays and occasions in order to […]

Pokémon PON handwashing stamps available to help keep your hands squeaky clean

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J ShannonHaving trouble washing your hands for 30 seconds? Pokémon can help! In 2020, it’s arguably more important now than ever to make sure everyone – kids and adults alike – are washing their hands correctly. Luckily for Japanese people, the ingenious idea of handwashing stamps that Japanese company Shachihata put into action is now available […]

New sweet potato/college potato Frappuccino joins the roster at Starbucks Japan

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelClassy new drink has its roots in Tokyo university student life. This summer saw a dearth of new items from Starbucks Japan, as the chain put the brakes on its ordinary cycle of food and beverage rollouts following a temporary nationwide closure in spring as a response to the coronavirus outbreak. But in an encouraging […]

Japanese survey takers go back to school to vote on their favorite school lunch menu items

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Krista RogersWe’ve outlined the top five elementary school lunch menu items that reigned supreme in the people’s collective memory.  Undoubtedly the best part of many days for Japanese schoolchildren is that moment when they put away their textbooks and bring out the chopsticks–in other words, kyushoku time. Kyushoku refers to the standard lunch provided to all […]

Tokyo Disneyland’s Beauty and Beast Castle, largest expansion in park’s history, announce opening

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelBelle, Beast, and Baymax will start welcoming fans this month. After spending the entire spring shut down as part of coronavirus countermeasures, Tokyo Disneyland began welcoming guests again in July. Now comes more good news for fans of the happiest place on earth in Japan, as the park has announced the opening date for the […]

Newest tool to help Japanese people learn English: An all-English isekai light novel

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelFantasy tale provides best of both worlds with a story that students both can and will want to read. Runa Wakatsuki was just an ordinary Japanese junior high school girl, until the day she decided on a whim to stop by an antique store in her neighborhood. Finding a pendant that struck her fancy, she […]

Japanese office workers getting boost by giving themselves anime ending theme at end of workday

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J Casey BaseelGet Wild taikin puts a swaggering period on the end of the day, and Guren shukkin helps on the other end. The moment you clock out of work should be a dramatic finish to that day of your professional life. If you love your job, it’s time to pat yourself on the back for spending […]

Y/Project Cutout Pants Japanese Male Model Style w/ Tie Dye Bodysuit, Telfar Bag, Vintage Tall Boots, Chain Choker

https://ift.tt/3mBIKRf

Minori, a Japanese model, was a standout sight on the streets of Harajuku with his short pink hairstyle and cutout pants fashion.

Sporting a cropped light pink bob, Minori stepped out in a tie-dye bodysuit, which he paired with brown Y/Project cutout pants and vintage tall leather boots. To style the outfit, Minori carried a black Telfar small tote bag and also accessorized with silver hoop earrings, a chain link choker necklace and a gold layered ring and a thick silver ring.

Minori shared that his favorite musical artist is Lady Gaga. To see more of Minori’s personal style, follow him on Instagram.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

The post Y/Project Cutout Pants Japanese Male Model Style w/ Tie Dye Bodysuit, Telfar Bag, Vintage Tall Boots, Chain Choker first appeared on Tokyo Fashion News.

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