Japan Central!

Universal Studios Beijing opens for business, but can we call it “USB?”

2021-09-22T05:00:00Z
Knowing my luck, I’ll go in upside down every time.

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Cat owner who sold car to pay for pet’s treatment gets huge surprise from world’s best buyer

2021-09-22T06:00:00Z
Turns out the happy ending to this story was actually just the happy middle, with more kindness to come.

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Sword Art Online Batters Up in Adorable Yomiuri Giants Baseball Collaboration

September 22, 2021 3:16am CDT
Sadly, Kirito isn’t allowed to dual-wield the bats

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Mandarake’s ‘Banned Publications’ Store Closes Temporarily Due to Police

posted on 2021-09-22 07:15 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Adult store opened on August 28, faced criticism from nearby fashion shop for teenagers

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We ride a motorbike to Japan’s “Moon”

2021-09-22T14:00:00Z
Not “The Moon,” but still cool.

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Idols from the sea! Massive haul of idol singer photos wash up on Japanese coast【Photos】

2021-09-22T15:10:00Z
Not the kind of trash beach-cleaning volunteer expected to find.

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Japan’s leading maker of joke knives with retractable blades ends production

2021-09-22T16:10:00Z
A blow to fans of consequence-free stabbing.

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hololive, Evangelion Special Project Cancelled Due to Unforeseen Circumstances

posted on 2021-09-22 15:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
hololive talent were originally planned to feature in promotional program in July

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Maika Loubté Releases ‘Show Me How (Kan Sano Remix)’ Announces Forthcoming Lucid Dreaming Album

Sep 22nd 2021

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U.S. lifts all agricultural import bans for Fukushima, Tohoku region of Japan

2021-09-23T01:15:00Z
A decade after the 3-11 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear incident, all Japanese produce from the affected areas has an open path to the U.S.

2 Likes

Flower park in northern Japan looks too beautiful to be real, but this happens every year【Photos】

2021-09-23T05:00:00Z
Hokkaido park calls this time of year the “green season,” but “rainbow season” would be a lot more accurate.

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Watch 12-minute Digest of Voice Actress Reina Ueda’s 1st Solo Concert

September 23, 2021 11:55pm CDT
The voice of Akane Shinjo (SSSS.Gridman), Miyako Hoshino (Wataten!)

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Before and After: Renovating a rundown rental property in Japan

2021-09-24T03:30:00Z
Apartment renovation in the middle of Tokyo is a DIY inspiration.

3 Likes

Japanese police reminding drivers not to perform the illegal “Ibaraki Dash” maneuver

2021-09-24T14:00:00Z
Friends don’t let friends Ibaraki Dash.

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Kyoto hiking – Recreating a Touken Ranbu sword boy expedition in real life【Photos】

2021-09-25T01:15:00Z
Can we make it to this mountain temple and back before our sword boy does the same in the game?

2 Likes

Japanese train operator scraps plan to identify past offenders with facial recognition camera

2021-09-25T14:00:00Z
JR East representatives say change of plans is due to “lack of societal consent”.

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Flight out of Nartia Airport delayed because of a turtle on the runway

2021-09-25T16:00:00Z
I’m really liking this Die Hard II remake.

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Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club Voice Actresses Natsumi Murakami and Chiemi Tanaka Debut as Artists! First Single to Release on October 6

Sep 25th 2021

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Disgraced YouTuber Hezumaryu to run in next Japanese national election

2021-09-25T23:45:00Z
First, take a moment to consider what it must take to become a “disgraced YouTuber.”

2 Likes

Japanese Rock Band BACK-ON Release a New Digital Single, Out September 2

Sep 26th 2021

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Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression

2021-09-26T10:00:00Z
Brands are out, coordinating how you look with what you’re doing is in.

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Sento bathhouse gets a new lease on life as a Tokyo cafe and office space

2021-09-27T01:00:00Z
A very unique place to telework and surprise your colleagues during online meetings.

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JR group offers all-you-can-ride passes for older couples in “Full Moon Couple Green Pass” deal

2021-09-27T02:00:00Z
In Japan, travelling with someone you love only gets better with age.

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Man Attacked for Buying Pokémon Cards at Hiroshima 7/11

September 26, 2021 11:24pm CDT
The alleged attacker is in police custody

2 Likes

Beautiful vending machine in rural Japan quenches visitors’ thirst, respects the historical scenery

2021-09-27T06:00:00Z
Silver town’s vending machine deserves a gold medal for design.

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We make a gorgeous wooden art display piece out of Hokusai’s Great Wave

2021-09-27T13:00:00Z
Hokusai’s Great Wave has gone from woodblock to art sensation to a wooden art display piece.

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Takoyaki makers surprisingly good at grilling meat for yakiniku too

2021-09-27T14:30:00Z
Once again, Japanese whiskey comes through with a great cooking tip.

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Mr. Sato broadens his home drinking horizons at Kaldi【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】

2021-09-27T16:00:00Z
Cultural confusion is still cultural.

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UFC Fighter Roxanne Modafferi Raises Attack On Titan Salute During Weigh-ins

posted on 2021-09-27 12:45 EDT by Choo Sum Lee

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The number of elderly people in Japan this year has yet again smashed multiple records

2021-09-27T17:30:00Z
Japan’s labor shortage is so bad that the government is even recruiting old folks who are willing to work.

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Maaya Uchida Shows Off Her Dazzling Smile in New Music Video “LIFE LIVE ALIVE”

September 27, 2021 8:05pm CDT
The voice of Katarina Claes (My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!)

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Collabo Café featuring Ayaka Ohashi, Machico, Azusa Tadokoro, Ibuki Kido to Open in Akihabara

September 27, 2021 8:50pm CDT
There is also a panel where you can take a picture along with the four

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Sumire Uesaka Declares “This World is Mine” in New Lyric Video “Uesaka Dynamic”

September 27, 2021 11:36pm CDT
“The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated!” 2nd cour OP theme is also previewed

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Retro Japanese train is our new favourite office space

2021-09-28T03:30:00Z
Like teleworking with Sen and No Face from Spirited Away.

2 Likes

Universal Studios Japan Announces Donkey Kong Expansion for Super Mario World Area Opening in 2024

posted on 2021-09-28 02:25 EDT by Crystalyn Hodgkins
Expansion to include roller coaster, interactive experiences, merch, food

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Japan to Lift COVID-19 State of Emergency in 19 Prefectures on September 30

posted on 2021-09-28 05:10 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Government to keep some restrictions in place

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Pop Singer Dua Lipa Reps One Piece in Style During Fashion Week

September 28, 2021 9:21am CDT
Hey, that skull looks awfully familiar!

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Man in Japan arrested for breaking into ex-girlfriend’s apartment to steal her Nintendo Switch

2021-09-28T16:15:00Z
Claims he had a better reason for the crime than just wanting to play games.

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Baki Manga Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary with “The Earth’s Strongest” Exhibition in Tokyo Dome City

September 28, 2021 11:38pm CDT
Crowdfunding for a full-scale underground arena will begin on October 8

2 Likes

Banished From The Heroes’ Party Novel Author Hospitalized After Car Accident

posted on 2021-09-29 01:37 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Author tweeted that surgery for bone fracture was successful

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Former Arashi members Sho Sakurai and Masaki Aiba get married… Wait, that didn’t come out right

2021-09-29T13:00:00Z
Boy, they really do like doing everything together.

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Aomori police on the lookout for man shouting unsolicited advice at kids about dating and ramen

2021-09-29T14:00:00Z
Sounds like someone’s never heard of social media.

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Japanese toilet paper collection opens our minds as we open our butts

2021-09-29T15:15:00Z
There are surprising discoveries to be made in this Japanese bathroom.

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Jellyfish and Halloween in perfect harmony at Sumida Aquarium event

2021-09-29T17:30:00Z
Jellyfish and Halloween go together like peanut butter and jellyfish.

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Voice Actor Hiro Shimono Reveals He Has Been Married For Over 10 Years

posted on 2021-09-29 13:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Shimono shared in new interview that his 2nd child was born this summer

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Gundam Factory Yokohama Online Tour Goes Live in English This Weekend

September 29, 2021 12:48pm CDT
You’ll be able to check out the moving Gundam along with subtitled commentary

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Watch Concert Digest Clip of Love Live! Sunshine!! Hanamaru VA’s Unit BlooDye

September 29, 2021 7:50pm CDT
They will end their activities with the current members

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Voice Actress Asami Imai to Release Her 7th Album “Balancing Journey” on December 22

September 29, 2021 8:44pm CDT
The voice of Chihaya Kisaragi (The Idolm@ster), Kurisu Makise (Steins;Gate)

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We’ve been doing it wrong – Japanese genius shows us how we should all be making sandwiches【Pics】

2021-09-30T03:00:00Z
No more messy sandwich tragedies with this clever, easy furoshiki-style technique.

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How do European Cup Noodles taste to a Japanese palate?

2021-09-30T03:30:00Z
A serious culinary deep dive for those who need their instant ramen to taste like Japanese instant ramen.

2 Likes

We spot the legendary dekotora Aki Kannon, dedicated to actress and singer Aki Yashiro

2021-09-30T13:00:00Z
To celebrate Yashiro’s 50th anniversary as an entertainer, it was parked outside of Shibuya Parco for a limited time.

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Nana Mizuki Changes Her Agency from Sigma Seven to StarCrew

September 30, 2021 7:59pm CDT
“I will continue to challenge myself as a voice actor and a singer with all my might.”

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Japan Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency in All Regions For 1st Time in 6 Months

September 30, 2021 10:46pm CDT
Cases dropped dramatically after the Summer school holidays and vaccines

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Love Live! Hanayo VA Yurika Kubo Launches Her Official YouTube Channel for Musical Activities

September 30, 2021 11:43pm CDT
“I want to deepen my musical side that I’ve never done before thickly.”

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Three remarkable ramen shops in Spain, according our traveling Japanese reporter

2021-10-01T03:30:00Z
Ikuna has tried tons of Japanese restaurants in Spain…but these all stood out for very different reasons.

2 Likes

Voice Actress Ayumi Takeo Retires From Voice Acting

posted on 2021-10-01 00:20 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Takeo voiced Yun Ijima in New Game!, Mayū Kanenashi in Scorching Ping Pong Girls

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TM Network Band Returns After 6 Years

posted on 2021-10-01 07:26 EDT by Egan Loo
Band behind City Hunter, Gundam: Char’s Counterattack songs to hold streamed concerts

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KiRiSaMe UNDERTAKER Has Just Started a Project Covering the Theme Songs of Sunrise’s Anime Works

Oct 1st 2021

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We get some outside help making a pro drinking meal from 7-Eleven【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】

2021-10-01T15:30:00Z
The stakes have been raised, and the quest for the best senbero may never be the same…

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Maon Kurosaki Reports Her Current Condition: “My Consciousness is Finally Clearing Up”

October 01, 2021 8:26pm CDT
Sayaka Sasaki replaces her role in the musical “Aku no Musume”

3 Likes

Japanese Twitter reveals the one Japanese word that gets English-speakers super excited

2021-10-02T14:00:00Z
A tiny word that makes all the difference to some!

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Japanese teen saves elderly woman’s home from fire, credits love of anime for his heroism

2021-10-02T16:00:00Z
Late-night convenience store run takes a dramatic turn.

2 Likes

Japanese politician apologizes to prime minister for calling wife’s cooking “Hiroshima-yaki”

2021-10-03T13:00:00Z
Hiroshima foodies find it an unsavory name for their savory pancakes.

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We made Japanese sweet chestnut paste and learned the hard way that it’s a labor of love

2021-10-03T15:30:00Z
Some things are just worth buying instead of making.

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Japanese woman helps grandma look for insurance card, finds even more precious treasures instead

2021-10-03T15:30:00Z
Unfortunately forgetful granny’s hidden treasure box did not contain tissues, so you’ll want to grab some of your own.

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“Should I date this person?” Go hiking and you’ll have the answer, Japanese Twitter user says

2021-10-04T03:00:00Z
A walk in the mountains will reveal more of who a person is than a meal in a restaurant.

2 Likes

Is it possible to make a cheap senbero drinking party with your dog? 【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】

2021-10-04T15:10:00Z
I don’t even know what we’re doing any more.

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Pop Team Epic Author Bkub Okawa Opens Cat-Themed Youtube Channel

October 04, 2021 12:05pm CDT
Manga author adopts three stray cats and names them after Arnold Schwarzenegger movies

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Japanese video game arcade entrance takes visitors on an adventure from the front door【Video】

2021-10-04T18:00:00Z
Like clearing levels in a game before you get to the main boss.

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Shinjuku Station’s new mascot character gets lost at the station, in more ways than one

2021-10-05T01:00:00Z
Cute character flies under the radar, but there’s a special prize for those who can hunt it down!

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Cosplayers make Japan Weekend feel like Spanish Comiket【Photos】

2021-10-05T03:00:00Z
This might be the year for Tokyo Revengers, but there are plenty of other well-known characters in this cosplay photo collection.

3 Likes

See Photos of Sword Art Online Kirito’s VA Pitch for the Yomiuri Giants Baseball Team

October 05, 2021 1:31am CDT
Leafa’s and Agil’s voice actors were also on the field

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Tokyo Station Waterscape Toilet looks more like an aquarium than a bathroom

2021-10-05T17:30:00Z
Latest technology to “provide healing and surprise”.

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From NIJISANJI EN: VTuber Group “Ethyria” Debut Announcement

Oct 5th 2021

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Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Adds Industry Pros to Board of Directors

Oct 5th 2021
Amy Chu, Joseph Illidge, and Pam Noles Join the Fight for the Rights of the Comics Community

2 Likes

Universal Studios Japan Park to Debut 1st Pokémon Project Next Year

posted on 2021-10-06 07:38 EDT by Egan Loo
Costumed mascots teased as start of new long-term partnership

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Aira Yuuki 15th Single “A Promise” Cover Art, Tracklist, and Teaser Released: Lead Song Available From Midnight on October 7

Oct 6th 2021

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Maaya Sakamoto Steps Down From Stage Musical Next Year Due to Health

posted on 2021-10-06 10:40 EDT by Alex Mateo
Voice actress leaves Little Prince musical opening in January

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Neighbors Kamikitazawa introduces us to the cool side of shared Tokyo apartment rentals

2021-10-06T15:15:00Z
Where neighbours become good friends…

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Love Live! Sunshine!! Boats Seized By Japanese Authorities as Numazu Marine Park Faults on Debts

October 06, 2021 11:44am CDT
The park and adjacent hotel has been collaborating with the second Love Live! series

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Harvey Awards Induct Manga Creator Rumiko Takahashi Into Hall of Fame

posted on 2021-10-06 20:47 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
NYCC to hold virtual awards screening on Friday

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Mr. Sato pushes the envelope with his meatiest drinking meal ever【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】

2021-10-07T01:00:00Z
Come for the burgers, stay for the poetry session.

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Mamoru Miyano Posts “Question” Lyric Video from &LYRICTED Project

October 06, 2021 8:35pm CDT
The tagline: “Let’s start solving the mystery of love”

2 Likes

Dragon Ball’s Frieza appears in giant 3-D outside Shinjuku Station【Video】

2021-10-07T06:00:00Z
The cat also returns, and now it’s floating towards us in zero gravity.

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Man Charged With Threatening Shoko Nakagawa on Net Forum

posted on 2021-10-07 03:05 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Tokyo resident allegedly threatened Nakagawa with murder on 5channel board

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New Sailor Moon illumination event will bring Crystal Tokyo…or rather Crystal Kanagawa to life

2021-10-08T02:00:00Z
Sagami Lake Resort will light up in all the colors of the Sailor Soldiers and provide plenty of pretty photo opportunities.

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Does Tokyo’s “breakup shrine” really have the power to end relationships?

2021-10-08T03:00:00Z
We set out to dispel rumours about the shrine’s mysterious power…but it ends up biting us in the butt.

2 Likes

Nothing is more relaxing than watching this Japanese artist drawing with Daiso crayons【Video】

2021-10-08T13:00:00Z
“Let’s overcome these barriers” says Shibasaki, who just might be everyone’s kind and cool Japanese art uncle.

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GARNiDELiA’s album ‘Duality Code’, Which is Their First Album Since Their Solo Projects, Will Be Released on November 17th

Oct 8th 2021

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Can a famous Japanese hypnotist make us eat super spicy instant noodles?【Experiment】

2021-10-08T16:15:00Z
Can hypnosis keep us from tasting spiciness? We try to find out!!

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Newly appointed Minister of the Environment found following adult-oriented Twitter accounts

2021-10-08T17:30:00Z
To his credit, this is one of the more advanced tech problems a Japanese politician has experienced.

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VA Idol Unit i☆Ris to Release Winter Love-themed 21st Single on December 8

October 08, 2021 7:32pm CDT
“I hope you can feel the fragility that makes you want to protect.”

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“Yu-Gi-Oh!” Seto Kaiba VA Kenjiro Tsuda Directs Kenichi Suzumura’s New MV “Kumo no Ito”

October 08, 2021 9:26pm CDT
Suzumura’s 4th album “Blight” will be available on November 24, 2021

3 Likes

One Piece’s Resident Archaeologist Nico Robin Gets Statue at Kumamoto Earthquake Museum

October 09, 2021 2:35am CDT
The Straw Hat archaeologist will watch over the new museum in Minamiaso

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Asia’s Hottest Rising Star Caelan From Intersection Launches Full-Scale Solo Activity With Debut Single Release

Oct 9th 2021

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Piko Taro helping kids in Zambia stay safe by Uh! Wash! Wash! Wash!【Video】

2021-10-09T13:00:00Z
He has a pen. He has a heart.

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Japanese sugar artist astounds fans with edible robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky【Video】

2021-10-09T16:00:00Z
A very sweet take on a classic Studio Ghibli anime film.

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Haruki Murakami denied Nobel Prize in Literature AGAIN, so summer is officially over

2021-10-09T23:30:00Z
The Japanese author’s snub signals the arrival of cooler weather, according to Japanese netizens.

2 Likes

Yuki Kaji and Mayu Mineda Are Otters for Shinagawa Aquarium Attraction

October 10, 2021 7:55am CDT
Augmented reality smart phone app lets visitors enjoy the adventures of Shura and Nico

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Japanese ramen shop bans YouTubers

2021-10-10T13:30:00Z
“To put it bluntly, it’s kind of gross and uncomfortable…”

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Kansai area people more genetically predisposed to liking coffee than elsewhere in Japan

2021-10-10T17:30:00Z
Wake up and smell the genomes.

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Sailor Moon Lights Up the Night at Sagamiko Resort

posted on 2021-10-10 13:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

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hololive Performer Makes Weekly Playboy’s List of Next Gen Beautiful Women

posted on 2021-10-10 15:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Momosuzu Nene makes Weekly Playboy’s list while Hoshimachi Suisei’s 1st album claims top of Oricon’s weekly digital album ranking

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How to stop your umbrella from getting stolen in Japan during the pandemic

2021-10-11T01:00:00Z
Simple anti-theft hack to protect your brolly from thieves.

1 Like

You want fries with that? Too bad – KFC Japan running out of potatoes, suspending French fry sales

2021-10-11T17:30:00Z
Bad news for anyone who’s craving some Kentucky-fried potatoes.

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Voice Actress Reina Kondo to Release Concept Album “Lena in The 11th Dimension” on December 1

October 11, 2021 8:15pm CDT
The voice of Suzuka Nagami (My Sister, My Writer), Yui Yamazato (Those Snow White Notes)

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Kawaguchi’s mascot Cupolan doesn’t mind that you think it looks like a turd

2021-10-12T01:00:00Z
It really is thick-skinned.

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On Halloween, turn any character into a wounded zombie version with these few simple steps【Pics】

2021-10-12T03:30:00Z
Our reporter shares her pro tips for applying wound makeup for her masked, zombie version of fan-favorite Harley Quinn this year.

2 Likes