Japan Central!

[LadyOfWicca]

We ask one of Japan’s best guitarists how to play a crappy 100-yen toy beautifully

November 4, 2019 / SoraNews24
One man did the impossible. T-cophany played one of those crappy toy guitars beautifully.

Manga cafe with 24-hour, all-you-can-eat food might be cheapest place to stay (or live) in Japan

November 4, 2019 / SoraNews24
Food, shelter, shower, and laundry. Everything you need, and for just 2,140 yen (US$19.80) a day.

VART, The First Genuine Racing Team by Anime Voice Actors is Formed

November 04, 2019 1:10am CST
Their first challenge is planned to be the seven-hour endurance race in June 2020

Watch Love Live! Sunshine!! Mari VA Aina Suzuki’s Solo Debut Song Music Video

November 04, 2019 2:10am CST
Her first full album “ring A ring” is set to be released on January 22, 2020

Aya Hirano: “I will Continue to Play Haruhi and Konata”

November 04, 2019 11:15pm CST
500 people with ties to Kyoto Animation attended the farewell ceremony last Saturday

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese woman’s tip for fathers aims to help improve their relationships with their daughters

November 5, 2019 / SoraNews24
Worried by the prospect of growing distant from your daughter? According to this woman, there’s one main thing you have to keep in mind.

Post-meal waste at Japanese sushi restaurant sparks controversy online

November 5, 2019 / SoraNews24
A lesson in what not to do at a revolving sushi joint in Japan.

Anime-Themed Cruise Oceanime Heads to Mexico in April

posted on 2019-11-05 12:00 EST by Jennifer Sherman
Cruise departing from Long Beach features anime brands, themed events

Mario & Sonic at the Olympics: Tokyo 2020 Offers a Few New Twists

November 05, 2019 1:00pm CST
Mario, Sonic and friends are back at it again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics!

Pikotaro Releases Piko 10 Project Album Worldwide, Featuring ‘Everyone must die’

Nov 5th 2019

[Slowhand]

Mixed Media Hip-Hop Project Paradox Live Prepares for Battle

November 06, 2019 5:05pm CST
Stars of Fire Force, Re:ZERO, and more are about to give Hypnosis Mic a run for its money

VIDEO: Love Live! Kotori VA Aya Uchida Sings News Song “DECORATE” in Neon Light Room

November 06, 2019 8:10pm CST
Her 4th full album “Ephemera” is set to be released on November 27

U.S. Marine Corps posts sympathetic message over burned Shuri Castle, Twitter debate ensues

November 6, 2019 / SoraNews24
Did this one particular response cross a line?

Will Smith makes sushi with Japanese YouTuber Bilingirl Chika

November 6, 2019 / SoraNews24
The Hollywood actor eats natto, puts soy sauce in the wrong spot, and tries a hack for avoiding wasabi “burn”.

[Slowhand]

One Piece Author Eiichiro Oda Celebrates His Friends’ Wedding in Art

November 07, 2019 2:03pm CST
Original illustration commemorates the June 3rd nuptials of comedian Ryoto Yamasato and actress Yū Aoi

Olympic Gold Medalist Tries the Naruto Run

posted on 2019-11-07 17:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

World is Filled with Bright Colors in Voice Actor Yuma Uchida’s 4th Single “Rainbow” MV

November 07, 2019 8:10pm CST
The voice of Hayate Immelmann (Macross Delta), Ash Lynx (BANANA FISH)

Love Live! Sunshine!! Hanamaru VA Kanako Takatsuki’s New Unit BlooDye Releases Their 1st MV

November 07, 2019 11:15pm CST

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays taiko drums with Terminator: Dark Fate cast at Tokyo premiere

November 7, 2019
Rev-9 and the T-800 beat drums in traditional happi coats under a giant Godzilla in Japan.

Jackie Chan spotted cuddling a puppy at a Japanese home centre【Video】

November 7, 2019
Action star goes incognito at an unlikely location to support his new support range.

Sayonara, suits! One of Japan’s biggest companies ditches suit-and-tie dress code

November 7, 2019
Telecom giant’s decision is part of plan to “increase the independence and productivity of each individual employee.”

List of jobs in Japan that “don’t allow women to wear glasses” upsets fans of vision, meganekko

November 8, 2019
Talk show explains debatable logic behind four professions that frown on eyewear.

Voice Actor Showtaro Morikubo at IFF Toronto 2020

Nov 8th 2019

Anime fan gets maybe the nicest letter of noise complaint ever from his neighbor

November 8, 2019
You don’t need a sharp tongue when you’ve got sharp ears, plus the power of magical girl Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

Oscar-winning animated film Spider-Verse sequel promises Japanese Spider-Man is “already designed”

November 8, 2019
And no, we aren’t talking about Peni Parker.

Hyogo man arrested for creating biohazard zone with “own” pee

November 8, 2019
Suspect was 42 years old. His pee was at least five.

Honda promotes street safety with tote bags resembling “a police officer hung on your shoulder”

November 8, 2019
The car manufacturer promotes safer streets with this snappy side-satchel for grade-school students.

Japanese knife professional transforms vegetables into works of art【Videos】

November 8, 2019
Next-level knife skills create gorgeous garnishes in all sorts of shapes and designs.

[Slowhand]

IFF Toronto Event in June 2020 to Host Voice Actor Showtaro Morikubo

posted on 2019-11-09 05:45 EST by Crystalyn Hodgkins
Event to be held on June 19-21, 2020 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Talkin’ Terminator and droppin’ F-bombs with Schwa-chan and Linda-san

November 9, 2019 / SoraNews24
P.K. Sanjun sits down with two icons of the Terminator series and incessantly calls the former governor “Schwa-chan.”

How to dress for the weather: A guide from Japan

November 9, 2019 / SoraNews24
A simple life hack you can use anywhere in the world.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police say they’ve captured the Ame-zing Spider-Man

November 9, 2019 / SoraNews24
Would J. Jonah Jameson be ame-zingly happy to see this menace off the streets?

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure memes are the signature seasoning at this ramen restaurant in Japan【Vid】

November 9, 2019 / SoraNews24
You expected a ramen chef, but is was him, Dio!

[LadyOfWicca]

More young Japanese men romantically involved with older female coworkers than younger ones【Survey】

November 10, 2019 / SoraNews24
Love is sweeter with senpai than kohai for these young working men in Japan.

Moe Iori & Enako Appointed as Re:ZERO Emilia & Rem’s Official Cosplayers

November 10, 2019 11:10pm CST
The second OVA “The Frozen Bond” is now screened in 79 theaters across Japan

[Slowhand]

Voice Actress Idol Unit i☆Ris Updates on Threats That Led to Cancelled Events

posted on 2019-11-11 02:20 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Avex Pictures will now collaborate with authorities in investigation to apprehend individual

Animate Girls Festival 2019 Draws Record 100,355 Across 2 Days

posted on 2019-11-11 03:50 EST by Crystalyn Hodgkins

Lupin, Monster Hunter, and More Come to Life at Universal Studios Japan in 2020

November 11, 2019 5:08pm CST
The theme park will continue its “Cool Japan” initiative with live street shows and VR experiences

Voice Actress Azumi Waki to Make Solo Singer Debut in January 2020

November 11, 2019 8:10pm CST
The voice of the protagonist Mile in “Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?”

Welsh rugby team wins over the heart of Japanese mom, receives sweet handwritten note from her

November 11, 2019 / SoraNews24
Nothing declares a fan’s love better than a heartfelt message.

Seiji interviews his teenage crush Yumi Adachi with the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen

November 11, 2019 / SoraNews24
Seiji learns that beautiful women can be a lot like centipedes: more scared of him than he is of them.

The nominees for Japan’s 2019 buzzwords are here, include “#KuToo”, “Cashless” and “Paprika”

November 11, 2019 / SoraNews24
The candidates for the top ten catchphrases that defined Reiwa’s first year are here! Who knew bubble tea could be a verb?

Japanese model home provides model wife and model daughter so you can feel the joy of family life

November 11, 2019 / SoraNews24
Tokyo model lets you share a beer with your sudden wife of eight years and play with your seven year-old daughter.

Check Out Photos from “Lis Ani! LIVE BEIJING” Concert in China

November 11, 2019 11:15pm CST
Luna Haruna, 22/7, Liyuu, Machico, Emi Nitta, and sphere performed for the Chinese audience

[LadyOfWicca]

Crafty and creative Twitter user shares how-to videos for dazzling autumn leaf origami

November 12, 2019 / SoraNews24
These simple but clever designs are sure to enchant not only the children but the grown-ups as well.

Otaku dances like a Japanese idol in front of J-Pop idol at live event in Tokyo【Video】

November 12, 2019 / SoraNews24
When you love the idol life so much you become the idol.

Weightlifting is Japanese salarymen’s newest hobby, report says, since “Muscles won’t betray you”

November 12, 2019 / SoraNews24
Lead researcher says pumping iron gives salarymen a joy “that they can’t get from work.”

Kana-Boon’s Bassist Yūma Meshida Leaves Rock Band

posted on 2019-11-12 09:57 EST by Jennifer Sherman
Meshida had been on hiatus from band for treatment after June disappearance

Arashi Idol Group Member Kazunari Ninomiya Announces Marriage

posted on 2019-11-12 11:24 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Yoko Kanno Composes Song for Reiwa Emperor’s Enthronement Celebration

posted on 2019-11-12 13:00 EST by Kim Morrissy
13-minute song ‘Ray of Water’ features vocals by Arashi

Hakone Walking-themed Visual Revealed for Odakyu Group’s New Evangelion Collaboration Event

November 12, 2019 7:10pm CST
You can also enjoy “Second Impact Hot Spring” at Hakone Kowaiken Yunnesun spa resort

[Slowhand]

X Japan’s Yoshiki Shows You the Rock Star Life in YouTube Documentary

November 13, 2019 12:07pm CST
The YouTube Originals production will premiere next year

Purely Monster Member Miki Kariya Leaves Idol Group

posted on 2019-11-13 18:00 EST by Jennifer Sherman
Group has performed songs for A Centaur’s Life, My Sister, My Writer anime

Wands Rock Band Returns With New Vocalist

posted on 2019-11-13 19:00 EST by Alex Mateo
5th period of band to perform live on Sunday

‘About A Voyage’ World Edition EP by Sayuri Available November 29 from Milan Records

Nov 13th 2019

Cosplayer/Singer Kururu Kurasaka Releases Digital Singles for 5 Consecutive Weeks

November 13, 2019 9:10pm CST
Music video for her 1st solo song “Hallelujah Fourze” is now streamed on YouTube

Japan’s cheapest hotel charges just 130 yen (US$1.20) for a room, with a huge, no-privacy catch

November 13, 2019 / SoraNews24
Even if you’re traveling by yourself, you’ll never be alone since you’re on a 24-hour live stream.

Is 150,000 yen (US$1,389) a month enough to live on in Tokyo? Depends what kind of life you want

November 13, 2019 / SoraNews24
That’s plenty for life in Japan’s capital, claims twenty-something woman, but you might not want to live like her.

Attack on Titan roller coaster, Monster Hunter VR hunt to open at Universal Studios Japan!

November 13, 2019 / SoraNews24
You won’t find attractions like these at Tokyo Disneyland.

Do you know shabu shabu? Salt Bae thinks he does but he clearly doesn’t【Video】

November 13, 2019 / SoraNews24
You’ll have to do more than make it look sexy to convince people in Japan this is shabu shabu.

[LadyOfWicca]

How many hours a month do anime artists work in Japan? Survey finds crazy number, unhappy workers

November 14, 2019 / SoraNews24
“Just what was it that I ever liked about anime?” wonders unsatisfied female artist.

Crazy-cheap Japanese apartment for less than 140 bucks a month comes with headaches every day

November 14, 2019 / SoraNews24
And sometimes those headaches will be literal.

LiSA to Perform on Kōhaku for the First Time

posted on 2019-11-14 03:25 EST by Kim Morrissy
Full lineup for 70th New Year’s Eve music contest also revealed

Gundam x JRA Racing Collab Raffles off Master Gundam Figure

November 14, 2019 12:05pm CST
Place your bets to take home a 1/144 scale of the G Gundam pair

Sarah Brightman and Yoshiki Bring Audience to Their Feet at Royal Albert Hall

Nov 14th 2019

Sacra Music Commences Global Animation Song Cover Project ‘WACAVA Project’

Nov 14th 2019
First series of cover songs distributed and cover singer auditions held

Blood-red Evangelion hot spring bath to open in Japan for fun, relaxing terror

2019-11-15T03:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Aikatsu Stars! VA Miyu Tomita Releases Her 1st Photo Essay Book Today

November 15, 2019 12:10am CST
She has also made her solo singer debut this week

NICO Touches the Walls Band Breaks Up After 15 Years

posted on 2019-11-15 09:47 EST by Jennifer Sherman
Group performed themes for Haikyu!!, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Naruto Shippūden

An Inside Look at the Granblue Fantasy Hotel Rooms

posted on 2019-11-15 14:00 EST by Kim Morrissy

Galaxy Express 999 and Captain Harlock Creator Leiji Matsumoto Hospitalized in Italy After Suspected Stroke

November 15, 2019 6:48pm CST
Legendary creator was holding special event in collaboration with Toei Animation and Wacom in Turin, Italy

Are Japanese B-Stylers racist? Jim Jeffries investigates cultural appropriation in Japan 【Video】

2019-11-15T15:30:00Z

Pre-pubescent boy in Japan uses his high voice to impersonate a schoolgirl in prostitution scam

2019-11-15T16:00:00Z

Japanese makeup tutorial shows how a middle-aged man can turn into a beautiful young woman

2019-11-15T16:30:00Z

Tokyo Olympics might allow you to take one, and only one, drink with you into sweltering stadiums

2019-11-15T17:30:00Z

We visit the new all-you-can-eat KFC buffet restaurant in Tokyo

2019-11-16T01:00:00Z

Is it OK to bite through your ramen noodles while slurping them in Japan? Internet debates

2019-11-16T03:30:00Z

Aqours Member Shuka Saito Delivers Lyrical Voice in Her 1st Solo Single “36℃” MV

November 15, 2019 10:10pm CST
Special program to promote the release will be live-streamed on YouTube Live on November 20

Better living through gambling at Japan’s “Day Service Las Vegas”

2019-11-16T05:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Real-world Pokémon arena battle park found in Japan【Photos】

2019-11-16T07:30:00Z

That time we got imprisoned in a Tokyo hostess bar

2019-11-16T13:00:00Z

Kyodo: Manga Creator Leiji Matsumoto Is Stable With No Serious Head Symptoms Detected

posted on 2019-11-16 08:20 EST by Egan Loo
Captain Harlock/Galaxy Express 999 creator was hospitalized in Italy

Man Charged With Threatening Final Fantasy VII Remake’s Tifa Voice Actress Ayumi Ito

posted on 2019-11-16 09:50 EST by Egan Loo
Woman also charged for separately threatening Ito in June

First-grader’s math test accidentally turns into treatise on confusing Japanese linguistics

2019-11-16T16:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Former Manga Creator Arrested for Allegedly Posting Child Pornography via TOR

posted on 2019-11-17 04:00 EST by Alex Mateo
Police suspect Tarō Ichikura posted images using anonymous communication software TOR

Could you marry an otaku? Japanese people rank the geek hobbies they’d let slide for love

2019-11-17T07:00:00Z

Should a man in his 40s pursue a 19-year-old Japanese convenience store clerk?

2019-11-17T13:00:00Z

Latte artists go head to head on Japan Matcha Latte Art Competition 2019

2019-11-17T06:35:00Z

Can a Japanese person look good in one of those for-foreigner souvenir kimono? Mr. Sato finds out

2019-11-18T02:00:00Z

Tokyo Olympics announce brand new heat-prevention measure: 1,300 tons of ice

2019-11-18T04:00:00Z

Japanese contestants win top 2 spots at Paris piano contest

2019-11-17T21:00:00Z

Osaka museum’s display explores minuscule beauty of sword fittings

2019-11-17T22:30:00Z

[Slowhand]

We revolutionize tapioca tea by making a savory hot pot dinner with both ingredients【SoraKitchen】

2019-11-18T06:00:00Z

Anime-themed Entertainment Facilities to Open in Narita International Airport on November 28

November 18, 2019 12:10am CST
“Love Live! Sunshine!!” collaboration menu and merchandise will be offered

Voice Actor Tsubasa Yonaga Announces Restrictions on Activities due to Dysphonia

November 18, 2019 2:10am CST
The voice of Ren Mihashi (Big Windup!), Sangaku Manami (Yowamushi Pedal)

Space Channel 5’s 20th-anniversary Greatest Hits Album Will be Released Worldwide on December 18th, 2019

Nov 18th 2019

Disturbing video shows man hitting woman for crossing her legs on Japanese train【Video】

2019-11-18T13:00:00Z

Enjoy the Sights of Nagoya with the Latest Hypnosis Mic MV

November 18, 2019 3:07pm CST
The boys of Bad Ass Temple rock the mic with “Bad Ass Temple Funky Sounds”

Mixed-Gender Hot Spring in Yubara Pleads with Visitors to Cover Their Bodies

2019-11-17T15:00:00Z

YOSHIKI -Life of a Japanese Rock Star- Documentary Series to Premiere via YouTube Originals in March 2020

Nov 18th 2019

Japanese people outraged by group riding bikes through underground shopping mall in Osaka 【Video】

2019-11-19T04:00:00Z

Olympic marathon could start, finish at Sapporo’s Odori Park

2019-11-18T21:30:00Z

[Slowhand]

The IDOLM@STER Voice Actress Eriko Nakamura Gets Married

posted on 2019-11-19 02:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

Leiji Matsumoto Cancels Appearance at November 30 Event in Japan

posted on 2019-11-19 13:00 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda

Construction of stadium for 2020 Tokyo Olympics completed at cost of ¥157 bil

2019-11-19T07:05:00Z

Toyota employee’s suicide caused by workplace harassment

2019-11-19T07:01:00Z

Abe ties record for Japan’s longest-serving PM

2019-11-19T07:03:00Z

Crunchyroll-Hime Guest Stars on Kizuna Ai’s YouTube Channel

posted on 2019-11-19 14:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

Captain Tsubasa and the French Football Federation Team Up on an Ambitious Collaboration for UEFA Euro 2020

Nov 19th 2019

Famous Japanese actress Erika Sawajiri arrested after admitting using illegal drugs for more than 10 years

2019-11-18T15:00:00Z

Ibaraki Prefecture’s Oarai Angler Fish Festival Draws Record 140,000 Attendees

posted on 2019-11-19 18:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge
Girls und Panzer events, tasty food continues to draw major crowds

Dam management finds laughably clever way to deter nighttime thrill-seekers in Japan【Video】

2019-11-20T01:30:00Z

Nanotech professor from one of Japan’s top universities arrested for panty-theft

2019-11-20T02:00:00Z

Harajuku Station will be demolished after the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics

2019-11-20T04:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Japanese Twitter calls out crazy bottled water claims, gets us thinking about what we’re drinking

2019-11-20T13:00:00Z

Ultra-luxurious breakfast bus will give Tokyo commuters a break from the hell of rush-hour trains

2019-11-20T17:30:00Z

Takehito Koyasu’s Son Is Now a Voice Actor Too

posted on 2019-11-20 13:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

Anime Central 2020 to Host ‘Didn’t I Say to Make My Abilities Average in the Next Life?!’ Light Novels’ FUNA, Itsuki Akata

posted on 2019-11-20 17:00 EST by Alex Mateo
Novelist, illustrator to attend Rosemont, Illinois event in May

[Slowhand]

This huge, detailed Gundam sculpture was built out of cardboard by Japanese high school students

2019-11-21T15:30:00Z

Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants baseball players crossdress in beauty contest for fans

2019-11-21T16:00:00Z

Super Nintendo World Is on Track for 2020 Opening, and Here’s a Closer Look

November 21, 2019 1:06pm CST
Mario Kart and Yoshi rides will be among the attractions waiting for visitors

Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga Teams up with Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll for Canine Collab

November 21, 2019 5:06pm CST
Beautiful pups are too good for this world, too pure

Vandalism on rise at Japanese shrines as pro-Hong Kong protest prayer boards are defaced

2019-11-22T01:00:00Z

Tokyo Prince Hotel Offers Special Accommodation Package Collaborating with My Hero Academia Movie

November 21, 2019 10:10pm CST
The concept rooms are decorated with the anime character visuals

Shibuya Parco Reborn: Nintendo’s First Store in Japan, A Unique Pokemon Center and More

2019-11-20T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

We attend one of Japan’s most important press conferences this year, dressed as Vegeta【Photos】

2019-11-22T06:00:00Z

It’s Twice the Sweetness When Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga Meets Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll

posted on 2019-11-22 08:00 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Can even heavy drinkers enjoy the “Stop Drinking Center” in Okayama?

2019-11-22T13:30:00Z

Best Secret of Mana fan art ever? Jaw-dropping project took over a year, 150,000 beads【Photos】

2019-11-22T16:00:00Z

Clown-masked stalker spotted multiple times in Japan’s Osaka Prefecture, still at large

2019-11-22T16:30:00Z

Manga Creator Tooru Seino Marries Actress Mitsu Dan

posted on 2019-11-22 16:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Rock Band Macaroni Enpitsu Teams Up With Manga Creator Makoto Ojiro

posted on 2019-11-22 18:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Japanese woman arrested for snipping hair off a woman’s head on bus

2019-11-23T01:00:00Z

Tokyo’s AKB48 idol-themed cafe announces sudden, permanent closure

2019-11-22T21:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Charming video saga shows baseball player Ichiro playing his own life…board game-style!【Videos】

2019-11-23T07:30:00Z

Osaka store catering to menstrual goods has staff wear badges saying if they’re on their period

2019-11-23T10:30:00Z

Your Favorite Characters Dress to Impress for Anime JAM 2019

November 23, 2019 5:05pm CST
Stars of Fruits Basket, The Royal Tutor, and more will appear in tuxes for the event

[LadyOfWicca]

15 tons of sweet potatoes stolen in rural Japan, criminal crew may be targeting spuds

2019-11-24T13:00:00Z

Trouble with stalkers? Japanese moving company offers discount to musicians trying to escape fans

2019-11-24T16:00:00Z

Japanese students and samurai in the spotlight for Guinness World Records Day 【Videos】

2019-11-24T18:00:00Z

Japan Travel: Explore a mysterious hidden octagonal tunnel in the mountains of Kyushu

2019-11-24T05:00:00Z
Come with us as we take you off the beaten path to a spot tourists are yet to discover.

Young Japanese men say paying for dates is the hardest part of life as a guy【Survey】

2019-11-25T01:00:00Z

KFC Japan is heart-warming and finger-licking good with new food donation program for poor kids

2019-11-25T02:00:00Z

Manami Numakura Ends Solo Singing Career

posted on 2019-11-24 23:45 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Best-of album debuts on February 12, last concert on February 16

X Japan’s Yoshiki’s birthday party gets extra-special with a surprise visit from Barack Obama

2019-11-25T04:00:00Z