Japan Central!

[Slowhand]

We spotted an umbrella thief in the act on the streets of Tokyo, and it left us feeling strange

2021-04-06T15:00:00Z
Rainy-day crime gives our witness a lot to think about.

World’s second-oldest hotel offers new self-service stays to cope during pandemic

2021-04-06T17:45:00Z
Japanese onsen ryokan adapts to the new normal after being in business for over 1,300 years.

AKB48 signs removed from exterior of AKB48 Theater building in Akihabara

2021-04-07T01:00:00Z
Idol group’s home-turf ads replaced with ones for hit Chinese video game.

Japanese government mulling over potential four-day working week

2021-04-07T03:15:00Z
Three-day weekend every week? Yes please!!

[Slowhand]

Singer Masayoshi Ōishi’s 1-Month Hiatus for Vocal Cord Polyp Surgery Delayed to This Month

posted on 2021-04-07 00:02 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Ōishi planned to have surgery a year ago, but delayed it due to COVID-19 state of emergency

Our reporter’s faith in the Google gods is shaken by a dubious online purchase of a luxury watch

2021-04-07T05:00:00Z
Is Google a god, or is it just as fallible as man?

Why do kids in Japan use those large leathery “randoseru” school bags?

2021-04-07T05:30:00Z
A trend a century and a half in the making.

Line up in the hall, open your shirts, show your bras – Real instructions from one Japanese school

2021-04-07T13:15:00Z
Dress code check has people in Japan upset.

Toy Story Hotel opening at Tokyo Disneyland resort this year

2021-04-07T15:30:00Z
Pixar’s hit franchise serves as the inspiration for a new class of Tokyo Disney Resort accommodations.

Hey! Say! Jump Member Keito Okamoto Leaves Group

posted on 2021-04-07 14:30 EDT by Alex Mateo
Okamoto to remain with Johnny’s as an actor

Anime-inspired Pro Wrestler Jushin “Thunder” Liger Inducted Into 2020 WWE Hall of Fame

posted on 2021-04-07 14:45 EDT by Choo Sum Lee

Teacher’s heartwarming message helps student pursue art dream

2021-04-08T02:30:00Z
It all started with an apple in a Japanese class journal.

Nana Mizuki Posts “No Rain, No Rainbow” Performance Clip from “NANA ACOUSTIC ONLINE”

April 07, 2021 10:03pm CDT
“I hope you’ll take the time to experience this stage whose theme is love and gratitude!”

[Slowhand]

Wakayama high school students make life-sized DeLorean time machine replica from scratch

2021-04-08T05:00:00Z
Roads? Where this car is going, they don’t need roads…

Man fights giant crab statue on streets of Osaka, becomes city’s most hated criminal【Video】

2021-04-08T14:00:00Z
Innocent, delicious Crab Tower damaged in senseless attack.

Street Fighter II characters appear in Japanese English textbook, drawn by famous designer

2021-04-08T15:15:00Z
Cosplayer conversation in junior high text features cameos by World Warriors

Japan Sumo Association prepares a sakura-styled sumo screenshot game for your pleasure

2021-04-08T16:15:00Z
Use your speedy fingers to unite a sumo wrestler with his sakura mochi!

Japanese girl can’t think of anything to write about for in-class essay, writes awesome one anyway

2021-04-08T18:00:00Z
Outside-the-box thinking gets a thumbs-up from teacher.

New traffic safety collaboration with Crocodile Who Dies in 100 Days sends mixed messages

2021-04-09T01:00:00Z
Fans of the viral hit comic will notice a subtle and worrying detail in this well-intentioned project.

[Slowhand]

Arsonist at idol concert says he was imitating the Kyoto Animation arson attack

2021-04-09T13:00:00Z
Japanese laws may need to be strengthened to stop more copycat attacks from occurring.

ALI Band Drummer’s Arrest Was For Alleged Bank Refund Scam

posted on 2021-04-09 12:06 EDT by Alex Mateo
Kahadio allegedly received cash from ATMs from victims as part of scam

Japanese Mannequin Rap Duo FEMM Flirt with UK Garage and 2-step on New Single ‘Keep It Cool,’ with Video Set in Virtual City New Tokyo

Apr 9th 2021

Yoshikitty – Inspired by Rock Star Yoshiki – Will Compete With Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody

Apr 9th 2021

MAPPA 10th Anniversary Exhibition Planned for June in Tokyo

April 09, 2021 2:51pm CDT
Cast and staff will appear at the event to celebrate all things MAPPA

Watch Cosplay Dance Unit ArsMagna’s New MV featuring Twin Vocal Harmonies

April 09, 2021 8:40pm CDT
Their brand new single “Bim Bim Bump!” hits stores April 21, 2021

Japanese man arrested for stealing women’s shoes and replacing them with new ones

2021-04-10T01:00:00Z
“I just wanted to smell women’s shoes,” he said.

[Psychopuppet]

@Slowhand

ALI Band Drummer’s Arrest Was For Alleged Bank Refund Scam

That sucks for the rest of the band . Really bad .

@Slowhand

Arsonist at idol concert says he was imitating the Kyoto Animation arson attack

The heck is wrong with people ?

[mgosdin]

@Psychopuppet

The heck is wrong with people ?

Unfortunately you answered your own question, People. You have enough people and you will get imitators of even the sickest behavior. It is not avoidable.

Mark Gosdin

[Slowhand]

Hyogo Prefecture to give 320,000 fans to restaurants for customers to cover mouths, dine “safely”

2021-04-10T13:15:00Z
It’s better than nothing, but….

City Councilman Super Crazy Kun’s election victory ruled invalid by commission

2021-04-11T00:00:00Z
Toda City representative vows to fight like super crazy to retain his position.

[Slowhand]

Cup Noodle adapts Internet hit song “Kao-don” into new commercial

2021-04-11T09:00:00Z
This commercial is about as addictive as Cup Noodle itself.

Beautiful photos of the isekai-looking mountain that’s one of the Tokyo area’s best day-trips

2021-04-12T01:00:00Z
You’ll be glad you saw this amazing place.

Daiso sells “emergency shelters,” and they have an amazing visual trick【Photos】

2021-04-12T02:00:00Z
There’s a big surprise waiting inside this affordably premium-priced item from the 100 yen store chain.

Man arrested in Kobe after stuffing fried chicken into woman’s mailbox

2021-04-12T03:30:00Z
Not the best way to tell your ex how you feel.

[Slowhand]

Macross Frontier Sheryl Nome Singer May’n to Release New Album “momentbook” on June 30

April 12, 2021 12:37am CDT
“I will be very happy if this album can accompany you in your precious moments of life.”

Titan-Sized Eren and Attack on Titan Takes Over Yokohama’s Landmark Tower Later This Month

April 12, 2021 4:21am CDT
Attack on Titan Final Season is streaming on Crunchyroll

Japanese anime commercial plays out like an epic neo-Tokyo adventure 【Video】

2021-04-12T13:00:00Z
People in Japan are falling in love with Spy Ando…and the humorous twist ending.

Chucky and Friends save Easter

2021-04-12T14:00:00Z
When these Good Guys are around, having a fun Easter in Japan is child’s play!

Otaku geek makeovers by Tokyo fashion expert go viral in Japan

2021-04-12T15:15:00Z
From geek to chic–improving men’s looks and their confidence in just a few short hours.

All aboard the train station soba restaurant that’s being called the best in Japan

2021-04-12T17:15:00Z
Over 70 years in service, with a very unusual type of noodle on the menu that was developed after World War II.

Japanese parents can turn their baby into Pikachu, rent Pokémon kimono at photo studio【Photos】

2021-04-13T03:30:00Z
New outfits combine the art of Pokémon with the traditions of the Shichi-Go-San festival.

[Slowhand]

World’s First Godzilla-themed Permanent Ride Attraction “Godzilla the Ride” to Open Next Month

April 13, 2021 12:28am CDT
Takashi Yamazaki (Space Battleship Yamato) works on visuals

Wife takes revenge on cheating husband by auctioning his Yu-Gi-Oh! collection for millions of yen

2021-04-13T09:00:00Z
The cheating heart of the cards.

Character Designer Akio Watanabe Recovers After COVID-19 Hospitalization

posted on 2021-04-13 06:32 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Illustrator was hospitalized earlier this month

J-pop star Utada Hikaru teases new music video in preview for her latest anime theme【Videos】

2021-04-13T12:00:00Z
Six seconds is all fans need to hear to know another hit is on the way, but there’s a longer preview too.

Meet Yamato, the Japanese DJ/producer Who has Redefined CDJ Mixing, Been Blessed by Avicii and Featured on Konami’s ‘Beatmania’ Games

Apr 13th 2021

Japanese toilets now measure fatigue levels at highway rest stops

2021-04-13T15:00:00Z
We test out the new system to see if it really can gauge tiredness while you have your pants down.

Voice Actors Yasuaki Takumi, Aki Nakajima Announce Their Marriage

posted on 2021-04-13 15:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy

Famed Composer Joe Hisaishi’s Tokyo Concert Tour Performance To Be Livestreamed Worldwide April 27th

April 13, 2021 12:33pm CDT
Joe Hisaishi & World Dream Orchestra currently on tour in Japan

Japanese businesses to reopen automatic hand dryers in public restrooms

2021-04-13T17:00:00Z
New study fears shutting them down might do more harm than good.

NIJISANJI’s India Branch Announces “Temporary Suspension” from April 30

posted on 2021-04-13 18:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Virtual YouTubers Aadya, Noor, Vihaan to retire on same day

Death of a Japanese man attacked by bear sparks conversation about what to do when facing off with one

2021-04-14T01:00:00Z
Is there any way to avoid a grisly end?

Even among Japanese convenience stores, the Daily Hot makes this chain especially awesome

2021-04-14T03:00:00Z
People tend to forget about Daily Yamazaki, but this cool feature makes the chain totally worth remembering.

[MaouSadao]

@Slowhand

Wife takes revenge on cheating husband by auctioning his Yu-Gi-Oh! collection for millions of yen

If he had a mint 1st edition MFC-000…

That’s ¥200,000 right there alone…

An ungraded copy of her right now, with 4 days left on the auction…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dark-Magician-Girl-MFC-000-Magicians-Force-1st-Edition-Secret-Rare/353451749834?hash=item524b5db1ca:g:dFkAAOSw0C1gW8AB

And if it was the Ghost Rare version of her…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/YuGiOh-Dark-Magician-Girl-Ghost-rare-World-Championship-2017-envelope-Unopened/294093622285?hash=item4479588c0d:g:f2YAAOSwx1dgSOtd

[Series5Ranger]

Yeah but to be fair the first listing has bids on it, the 2nd doesn’t at this time

[MaouSadao]

That’s the only Ghost Rare listed as of right now.

And to make things even better, she was limited to 100 copies…

[Slowhand]

Impressions: VARK & Hololive Present Cinderella Switch Vol. 1-4

by Christopher Farris, Apr 14th 2021

Japan government makes cute illustrated version of radioactive isotope it plans to dump into sea

2021-04-14T12:00:00Z
Video released on same day approval is granted for waste water project at Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Unmarked cop cars in Japan pull crazy Transformer-style trick when they pull someone over【Videos】

2021-04-14T17:30:00Z
More than meets the eye.

Peruvian Politicians Cosplay Anime Characters to Score the “Otaku” Vote

posted on 2021-04-14 15:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy

Man who refused to wear a mask on a plane got arrested again, this time for punching a policeman

2021-04-15T01:00:00Z
After a disturbance he caused by–you guessed it–not wearing a mask.

Love Live! Sunshine!! Kanan VA Nanaka Suwa to Live-stream Special Program on April 21

April 14, 2021 10:10pm CDT
She plans to enjoy her first single’s release day with fans

[Slowhand]

The Quintessential Quintuplets Take Over Kyoto in TOEI Kyoto Studio Park Event

April 15, 2021 3:45am CDT
The “Sisters War” comes to life from April 24 to June 11

Tokyo Disney Resort announces Frozen, Tangled expansion【Videos】

2021-04-15T13:00:00Z
Fans will be able to visit Arendelle, Rapunzel’s tower, and one more classic Disney setting.

The Internet reacts to Osaka governor’s comical COVID-19 countermeasure with stunned disbelief

2021-04-15T14:00:00Z
Japanese netizens need a little more reassurance than a cardboard mask.

New Virtual Japan travel service has Japanese Internet in stitches over its terrible CG

2021-04-15T15:00:00Z
The concept is great, but the execution? Not so much.

Japanese government removes controversial radioactive material illustration video and pamphlet

2021-04-15T18:00:00Z
Awareness campaign for plan to dump radioactive water into ocean lands creators in hot water.

Hyogo man arrested for stealing 13 tiny fish valued at 52,000 yen

2021-04-16T01:00:00Z
More medaka mischief.

[Slowhand]

Reminder: Never ask the cops in Japan to shoot you

2021-04-16T13:00:00Z
Man in Nagoya learns obvious lesson the hard way.

Japan’s number-one cosplayer opens her official YouTube channel, fans rush to subscribe

2021-04-16T15:00:00Z
Are you even surprised she has over 100,000 subscribers already?

FEATURE: How Did Anairis Quiñones Start A Successful Voice Acting Career?

April 16, 2021 12:00pm CDT
Echidna, Nessa, and Mirko’s voice actress talks about her roles, career, and process of getting into character

Phillipe Labaune Comic Art Gallery Opens In New York With “Good For Health, Bad For Education: A Tribute to Otomo”

April 16, 2021 12:30pm CDT
New art exhibition features Akira piece illustrated by Otomo in 2015 as showcase

Himegoto Manga Creator, Virtual YouTuber Norio Tsukudani Announces Her Marriage

posted on 2021-04-16 14:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Marriage announcement coincides with Tsukudani’s 27th birthday

SPYAIR Streams New ‘UNITE’ Album’s Sold-Out Nationwide Tour Tokyo Finale

Apr 16th 2021

Band from Kyoto ‘JYOCHO’ Launch Kyoto Session Series ‘Machiya Session’

Apr 16th 2021

angela & JAM Project Member Masaaki Endoh Spark Each Other in “Battle & Message” MV

April 16, 2021 8:18pm CDT
The two-member unit’s 10th original album hits stores May 19

[Slowhand]

Fukuoka man arrested for breaking into store, putting on female staff’s apron and shirt

2021-04-17T05:00:00Z
Suspect admits it was a crime of passion.

Saiyuki’s Kazuya Minekura Reveals Spinal Canal Stenosis Diagnosis, Upcoming Surgery

posted on 2021-04-17 01:41 EDT by Alex Mateo
Author reveals other health troubles she has dealt with in last 2 years

Wacom and Pixiv Present Drawfest – An Online, Interactive Drawing Festival for the Global Art Community

Apr 17th 2021
~ All who love to draw, learn new skills, and exchange ideas are invited to join the event’s private YouTube Live stream from May 21 to 23. ~

Spyair to Stream Sold-Out Tokyo Finale of Nationwide Tour for New Album “Unite”

Apr 17th 2021

Segways soon to be permitted on public roads and new rules in the works for electric scooters

2021-04-17T13:00:00Z
Of course, the new rules will come with a few catches.

[Slowhand]

What’s going on in this brain-breakingly beautiful cherry blossom temple photo?

2021-04-18T05:00:00Z
Moon-viewing pavilion offers out-of-this-world sight.

Moto Hagio Nominated for 2nd Consecutive Year for Eisner Hall of Fame

posted on 2021-04-18 09:02 EDT by Adriana Hazra
4 out of 16 nominees to be inducted during Comic-Con@Home virtual event in July

Complaints of foul play surrounding fried chicken grand prix results

2021-04-19T01:00:00Z
Now that that pun is out of the way, let’s get to the heart of the batter.

Teacher disciplined for drinking alcohol during class in Japan

2021-04-19T03:00:00Z
Students driving you to drink is no excuse to open a cold one in the classroom.

[Slowhand]

WagakkiBand Released the Animated Version of Full Size Music Video for Their Latest Song ‘Aria of Life’

Apr 19th 2021

Body of Japanese girl found in snow reveals history of bullying, though principal denies it

2021-04-19T06:00:00Z
School principal appears to be laying the blame on the 12-year-old girl and her family environment.

Prince Harry’s new “chimpo” job title makes people in Japan giggle

2021-04-19T17:30:00Z
In Japan, a chimpo has a whole other meaning.

[Slowhand]

LiSA Releases MV for Collaboration Song with B’z Guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto, “Another Great Day!!”

April 20, 2021 8:05pm CDT
Her debut 10th anniversary mini album “LADYBUG” hits stores May 19

Osamake Anime Supports Gifu Prefecture’s Blood Donation Campaign

April 20, 2021 8:57pm CDT
Blood donors will receive a newly-drawn clear poster file and a bookmark

The top 10 universities in Japan determined by 2021 World University Rankings

2021-04-21T01:00:00Z
Top ten universities in the overall ranking are situated in nine different Japanese prefectures.

Anime voice actress Megumi Hayashibara’s Line Inverse will hold virtual VTuber concert

2021-04-21T02:00:00Z
Slayers star takes virtual stage, with one more anime sorceress along for the fun.

LiSA Releases MV for Collaboration Song with B’z Guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto, “Another Great Day!!”

April 20, 2021 8:05pm CDT
Her debut 10th anniversary mini album “LADYBUG” hits stores May 19

Mystery Tourist Spot: Merlions in Japan?

2021-04-21T03:00:00Z
Unique bridge fountains you won’t find anywhere else in Japan.