Japan Central!

[LadyOfWicca]

Escape from an arm grab and other self-defense tips from Japanese trainer are popular on TikTok

2021-12-28T05:00:00Z

ufotable Founder Discusses the Issues With the Anime Industry That Led to His Tax Evasion

December 28, 2021 3:17am CST
Kondo confirmed ufotable hasn’t signed any new contracts since June 2020

Attempted murder at a Japanese train station

2021-12-28T14:15:00Z
Suspect says stranger “was in my way”.

Get huge discounts on Japanese hotels… provided you’re a space alien (or claim to be one)

2021-12-28T15:30:00Z
Say “I’m an alien” when you check in to get cheaper rates!

Tokyo police admit to losing 38 citizens’ personal data…that was stored on floppy disks

2021-12-28T16:15:00Z
Data for 2021 investigation was provided on format most people stopped using more than a decade ago.

LiSA &Yoko Takahashi Post Video Messages for Their Kohaku Uta Gassen Performance

December 28, 2021 6:45pm CST
LiSA will sing two “Demon Slayer” theme songs this year

[MaouSadao]

@LadyOfWicca

Get huge discounts on Japanese hotels… provided you’re a space alien (or claim to be one)

Yami: “Hmm…”

[Slowhand]

Voice Actress Runa Narumi Retires from Entertainment Industry

posted on 2021-12-29 00:32 EST by Crystalyn Hodgkins
The Idolm@ster Shiny Colors game to announce new voice for character Yuika Mitsumine in February

American businessman promises urgent flights of potatoes to Japan to ease French fry shortage

2021-12-29T13:00:00Z
A golden ray of salty hope shines from across the Pacific.

Japan chooses to go to the moon

2021-12-29T13:30:00Z
Prime minister declares goal of a Japanese astronaut becoming the first non-American to walk on the lunar surface.

Sustainable Otaku Goals: A framework to help you avoid fan burnout

2021-12-29T15:00:00Z
And also to avoid becoming the reason for someone else’s burnout.

Bleach’s Story Continues In 1st Art Exhibit

posted on 2021-12-29 14:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Exhibit will run on 9th floor of Tokyo’s Shibuya Hikarie building from December 18 to January 16

Eagle Talon Anime Teams Up With Japanese Government For Anti-Online Harassment Campaign

posted on 2021-12-29 16:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications launched #NoHeartNoSNS campaign in wake of Hana Kimura’s death

Japan’s year-end Kohaku song battle rumored to end soon

2021-12-30T01:00:00Z
Is 72 years long enough for this TV tradition?

[Slowhand]

Goodbye, Megaweb! Downtown Tokyo’s coolest car museum is closing for good【Photos】

2021-12-30T06:00:00Z
An amazing collection of cars in a free museum is about to figuratively drive off into the sunset.

Former SMAP member Shingo Katori announces marriage to woman he’s been dating for 25 years

2021-12-30T13:00:00Z
The relationship hasn’t exactly been a secret, but it came as a surprise anyway.

2021’s top stories in Japanese food and cooking news【SoraNews24 Year in Review】

2021-12-30T16:15:00Z
The secrets of Japanese supermarket music and life-saving green tea, plus how to make the King of Curries and furoshiki-style sandwiches.

Voice Actors Satomi Satou, Takuma Terashima Announce Birth of 1st Child

posted on 2021-12-30 17:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
K-ON! voice actress, The irregular at magic high school voice actor announced their marriage in 2017

Love Live! Sunshine!!, Hatsune Miku Collaborate on Song, Animated Music Video

posted on 2021-12-30 19:58 EST by Egan Loo
Love Live! Sunshine!! also gets BD box, new manga, magazine, lyric collection

More people travelling in Japan for the New Year’s holiday than last year, survey says

2021-12-31T02:00:00Z
Less people want to spend the New Year’s holiday at home, according to the survey.

What happens when a middle-aged man does pole dancing regularly for five years in a row?

2021-12-31T04:00:00Z
Mr. Sato shares an important lesson he learned about age and personal resolutions.

Nyarko Voice Actor Kana Asumi Announces Marriage and Baby on the Way

December 30, 2021 10:11pm CST
Asumi will be taking a break from work to focus on the childbirth

Cup Noodle wipes the floor with the competition…at a competition in Japan

2021-12-31T04:45:00Z
Nissin brand turns 50 but their marketing remains forever young.

[Slowhand]

2021’s top stories in cosplay and makeover news【SoraNews24 Year in Review】

2021-12-31T13:00:00Z
Tokyo’s other Halloween hot spot, divisively skimpy maid cosplay, ladies who loo stunning in their 60s, and Seiji’s transformation into Leonardo DiCaprio.

How much money should you give children for New Year’s otoshidama? Adults weigh in

2021-12-31T14:00:00Z
Grown-ups dish on the appropriate amounts of New Year’s money to gift depending on the age of a child.

Happy New Year from SoraNews24!

2021-12-31T14:00:00Z
Here’s to a tiger-rific 2022!

Stunning photo from summit of ski resorts shows the natural beauty of Yamagata

2021-12-30T15:00:00Z

Stunning photo from summit of ski resorts shows the natural beauty of Yamagata

2021-12-30T15:00:00Z

Animal Crossing player recreates rooms from Arrietty, Spirited Away, other Studio Ghibli films with impressive results

2021-12-30T15:00:00Z

5 Japanese New Year traditions you should follow

2021-12-31T21:16:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

Singer, Voice Actress Shoko Nakagawa Hospitalized for Anaphylaxis

posted on 2022-01-01 00:58 EST by Crystalyn Hodgkins
Nakagawa stated she went to hospital after throat swelling, body itching

Kengan Ashura Artist Sums up 2021 in One Big Art Piece

January 01, 2022 3:05pm CST
From Tokyo Revengers to Tall Vampire Lady

[Series5Ranger]

@LadyOfWicca

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, aka “Extreme Allergic Reaction”

[Slowhand]

Real Buddhist monk shows off hot (and sweet) EDM dance moves in Mount Koya video

2022-01-02T18:00:00Z
To make matters stranger, the video is part of a promotional tie-in with a popular candy company designed to cheer on a certain group of students.

Singer, Voice Actress Shoko Nakagawa Leaves Hospital After Anaphylaxis Treatment

posted on 2022-01-02 18:11 EST by Egan Loo
Anime song artist, Pokémon show host cites apparent reaction to medicine she had taken

Voice Actress Yui Horie’s New Album “Bungaku Shoujo no Kashuu II” to be Released in March 2022

January 02, 2022 7:59pm CST
The album includes “Shaman King” & “My Senpai is Annoying” ED themes

Online pilgrimages along Japan’s famous Shikoku Henro route begin later this year

2022-01-03T01:00:00Z
A journey of 1,000 kilometers begins with a single log-in.

Ratings for NHK’s year-end ‘Kohaku’ music show hit record low

2022-01-02T21:00:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

This mountain hot spring town may be Japan’s most photogenic winter wonderland

2022-01-02T15:00:00Z

Food artist turns Pokémon into awesome traditional Japanese sweets

2022-01-02T15:00:00Z

Japanese Internet mesmerized by photo showing road that appears to go straight into the sky

2022-01-03T06:00:00Z
What kind of tires are we supposed to use for that?

We literally stretch the limits of fashion with our self-made Uniqlo HeatTech dresses【Pics】

2022-01-03T13:00:00Z
Armed with long-sleeved shirts, a few clips, and Mr. Sato’s couture-minded cojones, we continue the SoraNews24 tradition of bold sartorial humor.

Akihabara card shop asks visitors to stop getting liquored up inside the store

2022-01-03T17:30:00Z
Sir, this is a place for Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh, not beer and shochu.

Masami Ōbari Designs Totally Awesome Robot Inspired by Pro Wrestler Great-O-Khan

January 03, 2022 11:40am CST
Great-O-Khan likes it

Utena, Pop Team Epic, and More Are on Display at King Records’ 90th Anniversary Exhibit

January 03, 2022 12:25pm CST
Online sales and virtual tours are also planned

Hunter x Hunter Theater Show Attraction to Open in Universal Studios Japan in March 2022

January 03, 2022 6:35pm CST
The show tells an original story about a mission to sneak into a mafia auction

Nana Mizuki’s 1st Album “supersonic girl” Gets Vinyl Release in March 2022

January 03, 2022 7:25pm CST
The album includes her debut song “Omoi” released in 2000

[Slowhand]

Five million yen reward offered to anyone who can find missing dog in Tokyo

2022-01-04T15:00:00Z
Twitter user asks for help searching for beloved Yorkshire terrier that went missing during walk in one of downtown Tokyo’s most popular parks.

Hayao Miyazaki Draws New Year’s Tiger For 2022

posted on 2022-01-04 15:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Studio Ghibli Twitter account says work is progressing on Miyazaki’s new film, Ghibli theme park

Hikaru Utada Streams Radio Special in English on Spotify

posted on 2022-01-04 19:10 EST by Adriana Hazra
“Hikaru Utada’s Liner Voice+” special debuts on January 24, after Utada’s 8th album launches

Japanese actress Ryoko Yonekura to make her third return to Chicago on Broadway [Interview]

2022-01-03T15:00:00Z

Hypnotic video shows how to easily make the perfect bouncy and silky Japanese pudding

2022-01-03T15:00:00Z

Forgetful Japanese puts positive spin on failed attempt to grill mochi rice cakes for New Year’s

2022-01-03T15:00:00Z

Picture of iridescent clouds above the skies of Japan goes viral

2022-01-03T15:00:00Z

“Bloom Dance”: Captivating 4K flower timelapse video is Japanese artist’s 30-month labor of love

2022-01-03T15:00:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

In a fantasy come to life, a realistic sailboat kite soars above the skies of Japan

2022-01-04T15:00:00Z

Nickelodeon Mashes Up Ghibli and Nicktoons in Miyazaki Birthday Tribute

2022-01-05T21:00:00Z
Nickelodeon pays tribute to legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki with a new illustration that mashes up Ghibli’s work with classic Nicktoons.

Voice Actor Yuji Mitsuya Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer

posted on 2022-01-05 21:31 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Touch anime’s lead voice actor is optimistic about planned surgery

Masked stranger in Tokyo secretly takes down someone else’s Christmas lights, puts them away【Vid】

2022-01-06T02:30:00Z
We’re not sure if this is a crime, but it is creepy.

Japan one of only two countries where Twitter beats Facebook in social media market share

2022-01-06T03:00:00Z
Pinterest more of a player than Facebook in Japan too.

Number of pachinko parlors in Japan decreasing rapidly, down 12 percent in two years

2022-01-06T04:00:00Z
Where have all the parlors gone?

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese Twitter user greeted by Resident Evil type villain at first shrine trip of the New Year

2022-01-05T15:00:00Z

Dramatic images of life-sized Gundam in Japan rising up on a backdrop of dark clouds go viral

2022-01-05T15:00:00Z

Photo of snowy Japanese temple wows people around the world

2022-01-06T13:00:00Z
Silent serenity speaks volumes with its overwhelming beauty.

Tokyo’s yuki chazuke: An ultra-rare delicacy you can only get right now (and that we made up)

2022-01-06T14:30:00Z
When the snow starts falling, our boss’ stomach starts grumbling for this weird spin on a classic Japanese comfort food.

Gunma man arrested for attempted marriage of woman without her knowledge

2022-01-06T15:00:00Z
Groom took his victim to be his unlawfully wedded wife.

215 people taken to hospitals in Tokyo after falling due to snow

2022-01-07T00:33:00Z

Five unique Japanese events in a child’s first year

2022-01-06T21:00:00Z

Voting is Now Open for Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2022’s Anime Fan Award

January 06, 2022 9:58pm CST
This year’s event is set to held in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, from March 11 to 14

Tokyo changes age limit for kids going into opposite sex’s bath at hot springs and sento

2022-01-07T04:00:00Z
Not all parents are happy with the stricter regulation.

[LadyOfWicca]

Japan’s cold wave provides chilling natural bike theft solution

2022-01-06T15:00:00Z

The most graceful photobomb turns stunning Mt. Fuji picture into miracle shot

2022-01-06T15:00:00Z

Japan Declares COVID-19 Quasi-State of Emergency in 3 Prefectures

posted on 2022-01-07 05:37 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Tokyo not planning to request declaration, but is consulting experts going forward

How many favorite voice actors do Japanese high school kids have and who are they?

2022-01-07T14:00:00Z
Survey sheds light on who the most popular voices in anime are among boys and girls these days.

The Promised Neverland Manga Illustrator Provides Newly Drawn Art for “Creator’s Show Up Gallery Online”

January 07, 2022 7:09pm CST
Theme song MV featuring 50 illustrations by various artists is also streamed

Voice Actress Rie Tanaka Launches New Music Project “Uz:ME” with Two Swedish Musicians

January 07, 2022 7:59pm CST
Their debut single “SEARCHLIGHT” will be available on February 25

Japanese Production Duo AmPm’s High-velocity Dance Track ‘Tokyo’ Gets New Remix by Tokyo-based DJ VIVID, Out Today

Jan 7th 2022

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese photographer captures a dramatic transformation that happens between two seasons

2022-01-07T15:00:00Z

Perfectly made snow Totoro spotted by anime director in Japan’s frozen north

2022-01-08T06:00:00Z
Hard-edged action anime all-star spots something cute, cuddly, and cold.

Snow falls at Ghibli Museum, creates a magical anime wonderland【Pics & Video】

2022-01-08T13:00:00Z
Like stepping into a Ghibli anime in real life.

Married Japanese men and women rank the things they miss most about single life

2022-01-08T16:00:00Z
Interesting overlaps and differences between genders.

McDonald’s Japan’s French fry rationing extended for about another month

2022-01-09T11:45:00Z
Good news for those with resolutions to lose weight.

Universal Studios Japan to Bring Back Attack on Titan, Sailor Moon Attractions

2022-01-08T21:30:00Z
Popular attractions based on the anime series Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon will return for the annual Universal Cool Japan event this year.

[Slowhand]

Japan’s great at imitations, Japanese man hears U.S. coworkers say, then decides to hear them out

2022-01-10T02:00:00Z
It sounded like stereotyping he’d heard before, but it turns out there was a twist ending.

[Slowhand]

Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s seijinishiki ceremony

2022-01-10T14:00:00Z
Kimonos and gangsta flair to celebrate freedom and individuality before conforming to Japanese society.

Study suggests Japanese curry effective at staving off dementia

2022-01-10T17:45:00Z
A curry a week helps keep the brain at its peak.

Test Your Skills at Lupin the Third and Cells at Work! Escape Rooms

January 10, 2022 1:22pm CST
Join Lupin’s gang to hunt for treasure, then become a cell and keep a human body going

The First Edition of Hiroshima Animation Season Competition and Artist-in-Residence are Now Open for Submissions

Jan 10th 2022

Gorgeous Pokémon sculpture made from beer bottles and crystal candy

2022-01-11T01:00:00Z
Creative YouTuber also makes Pokémon that actually charge phones, act as speakers, and more.

Watch Voice Actress Shiina Natsukawa’s Fun and Cute Performance in New MV “Harenoba Take Over”

January 10, 2022 7:23pm CST
The voice of Akeno Misaki (High School Fleet), Tsuruno Yui (Magia Record)

Tottori Prefecture Celebrates GeGeGe no Kitaro Manga Author’s 100th Birthday with Special Event in March

January 10, 2022 8:09pm CST
Participants who cosplay as Mizuki’s manga characters will receive a limited edition glass tumbler

Japanese government now officially allowed to use question marks and exclamation points

2022-01-11T02:00:00Z
Change is part of first update to Guidelines for Official Writing Composition in 70 years.

One of Japan’s coolest castles looks even cooler this winter with laser mapping art event【Video】

2022-01-11T03:30:00Z
There’s never a bad time to take a look at the Crow Castle, but this winter is an especially good one.

Japanese resort travel company is offering exiting “revenge” graduation trips

2022-01-11T04:00:00Z
Never got a chance to celebrate your big win? Now you can, in style.

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese paper craft artist turns food packaging into amazing sculptures

2022-01-10T15:00:00Z

Japanese icing artist turns Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away into magical sweets

2022-01-10T15:00:00Z

The Iriomote Wildcat’s Precarious Life in Paradise

2022-01-10T15:00:00Z

Tokyo Re-Starts COVID-19 Measures as Japan Confirms No New Entries Into the Country Until February

January 11, 2022 8:18am CST
Okinawa, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi are currently under a quasi-state of emergency

Japan’s number-one cosplayer Enako shows us her cosplay costume room【Video】

2022-01-11T17:30:00Z
A room so huge it’s more like a warehouse.

Hikaru Utada’s 8th Album BAD MODE Tracklisting And Music Video Preview Unveiled

January 11, 2022 1:39pm CST
Album release to coincide with Live Sessions From Air Studios premiering same day online

Voice Actress Haruka Kudō Recuperates From COVID-19

posted on 2022-01-11 20:03 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
BanG Dream! voice actress, musician reports mild symptoms, no close contacts

Ryuichi Sakamoto, UA and Hikari Mitsushima Join Mondo Grosso for ‘In This World’ Single, Ahead of New Album ‘Big World’

Jan 11th 2022

Voice Actress & Singer, Machico’s New Single “Enish” is Out Now

Jan 11th 2022

VA Unit Earphones Member Marika Kohno Releases New MV “Hitotsu” From Her 1st Solo Album

January 11, 2022 8:10pm CST
The ten-song album will be released on February 23, 2022

Most of Japan’s new adults hope to fall in love and get married, according to recent survey

2022-01-12T01:00:00Z
Marriage is on the table for many young people–but not as many as 26 years ago.

Giant Pokémon Go video display at Shinjuku Station brings our reporter to tears

2022-01-12T04:00:00Z
A moving moment…for more reasons than one.

The Idolm@ster Franchise Concerts For January Move to Online Streams

posted on 2022-01-11 23:55 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Million Live Budokan concert canceled, Cinderella Girls 10th anniversary concert will livestream with no audience

[Slowhand]

Do men in Japan stand or sit to urinate?

2022-01-12T06:00:00Z
Survey reveals some surprising discoveries about men’s toilet habits.

Liev Schreiber’s son deemed “too beautiful” in Japan

2022-01-12T13:00:00Z
Many are likening his look to Studio Ghibli’s Howl from Howl’s Moving Castle.

The world’s oldest living person, Kane Tanaka, turned 119 this month

2022-01-12T15:00:00Z
Happy birthday, Kane!

Japanese firefighter docked pay for making over a million yen from game streaming

2022-01-12T16:00:00Z
If you’re a firefighter in Japan, the only thing you can stream is water.

Deadly New Year mochi strikes again, hospitalizing 19 and resulting in 4 deaths

2022-01-12T17:30:00Z
Pounded rice may be delicious, but it can be incredibly risky—especially in our current circumstances.

“The Idolm@ster” Yayoi Takatsuki Appointed as Takatsuki-city’s Tourism Ambassador

January 12, 2022 6:29pm CST
Collaboration campaign with the restaurant chain “Yayoi Ken” is also planned

Japan’s Top Cosplayer Shows Off Her Massive Costume Warehouse

2022-01-12T22:00:00Z
Japan’s highest paid professional cosplayer, Enako, shows off her massive collection of over 400 costumes in a new video.

Hokkaido’s cold turns hot water into beautiful sight in natural “magic trick”

2022-01-11T15:00:00Z

Traditional craft phone booth gives Twitter user scare on snowy night in Japan

2022-01-11T15:00:00Z

Make Java finch candles, other cute crafts out of familiar items with Japanese DIY artist’s videos

2022-01-11T15:00:00Z

More than just a sake tour – Try your hand in sake brewing at this experience in Kyushu

2022-01-11T15:00:00Z

Studio Ghibli asks fans to help Hayao Miyazaki replace his beloved eraser

2022-01-13T04:00:00Z
Japanese animation studio is searching for a hard-to-find product used by the director to create anime for many years.

Japanese rail fans heartbroken as Tokyo-area Keikyu chooses to retire its last pata pata sign

2022-01-13T04:30:00Z
It’s a sign of the times as sign loved for its sound and style gets swept aside for more modern alternative.

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese diner likes his yakisoba noodles and they like him back

2022-01-12T15:00:00Z

Natural hot spring bathhouse in Tokyo’s Kabukicho is a super-cheap place to stay

2022-01-13T15:30:00Z
Luxury spa facility is in the top 10 most booked wellness experiences in the world but not a lot of people know there’s a way you can spend the night there.

Twitch Streamer Disguised Toast Banned While Streaming Death Note Anime

posted on 2022-01-13 12:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Streamer tweeted: “welp, looks like i’ll be seeing you guys in a month”

Japan’s Pop Icon, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is Announced to Perform the 2022 Coachella Music and Arts Festival

Jan 13th 2022

Japanese Pop Culture: Connecting the World through Manga and Anime Webinar at Japan Society 2/15

Jan 13th 2022
Fifth and Final Live Webinar of the Living Traditions Series, A Five-Part Program Designed to Examine Iconic Facets of Japanese Culture From Ancient Roots to Modern Day

As McDonald’s Japan restricts French fry sales, rival boosts its fry sizes by 25 percent, for free

2022-01-14T03:00:00Z
”We’ve got potatoes!” Yokohama-based burger chain wants everyone to know.

‘LisAni!LIVE 2022’ at the Nippon Budokan to be Streamed on 22nd and 23rd January 2022 (Sat & Sun)

Jan 13th 2022
Tickets On Sale Now!

Japanese PM’s call to drink more milk successful, mass disposal averted

2022-01-14T04:00:00Z
We did it!

Japanese convenience store’s unreasonably long signboard has people scratching their heads

2022-01-12T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Live action Attack on Titan actress Satomi Ishihara confirms pregnancy, due date in spring

2022-01-14T15:00:00Z
The star announced the happy news through her agency this month.

English Voice Actress Cristina Valenzuela Announces Her Engagement

posted on 2022-01-14 13:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

NIJISANJI VTubers Kuzuha, Kanae Crash Into Animated Gaming Community Ad

posted on 2022-01-14 15:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
YOASOBI composer Ayase provides music for Vaultroom ad

Japanese-Chinese boys’ Collective WARPs UP Release New Single ‘POWER_xin’ Today

Jan 14th 2022

Shonen Jump + & Avex Entertainment Launch New Collaboration Project “PROJECT COMUC”

January 14, 2022 7:39pm CST
The winner will receive a cash prize of one million yen (8,754 USD)

Tanjiro VA Natsuki Hanae Self-Quarantining After Being COVID-19 Close Contact

January 14, 2022 8:51pm CST
Hanae had to cancel his appearance at two anime events thing weekend

Kana Hanazawa Wears A Chic White Dress in New Photos for Her 6th Album “blossom”

January 14, 2022 8:52pm CST
The theme of her first album from Pony Canyon is “Restart.”

Long wallet or bifold? What your wallet says about you in Japan

2022-01-15T03:00:00Z
For some people, the way a man carries his money can be a dealbreaker.

Japanese kid too embarrassed to say “mom” comes up with hilarious nickname

2022-01-13T15:00:00Z

Vtuber Mirai Akari’s alter ego KOKOROYAMI to make her major music debut; multimedia project planned

2022-01-13T15:00:00Z

Keigo Inoue, utomaru, other rising digital artists converge at “Shōwa Centennial Exhibition”

2022-01-13T15:00:00Z

Tsukusa Celebrates the New Year in a Kimono in This Month’s TONIKAWA Seasonal Visual

January 14, 2022 10:27pm EST
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon for You will return in season 2

Watch Voice Actor Yuma Uchida’s Brilliant Performance in His 2nd Live DVD/Blu-ray Digest

January 14, 2022 11:30pm EST
“YUMA UCHIDA LIVE 2021 Equal Sign” will be available on February 3