Japan Central!

[LadyOfWicca]

Akihabara cafe lets you “eat your favorite anime character’s hair”

2022-08-16T15:00:00Z

Japanese hotel provides VIP customer service to stuffed hamster

2022-08-16T15:00:00Z

We receive first-class treatment for economy-class prices at First Cabin Hakata hotel

2022-08-17T05:00:00Z
Ever wanted to fly first-class but could never afford it? Here’s the next best thing (on the ground).

Real-time shade information added to walking app from Navitime Japan

2022-08-17T15:00:00Z
Let Navitime throw you some shade.

Travel-in-Japan hacks: Fukuoka Airport’s Lounge Time North seriously impresses our reporter

2022-08-17T17:30:00Z
The cool part is that anyone can use it, even if they’re not planning on getting on an airplane.

Sanzigen Animates Music Video for Virtual YouTuber Agency hololive’s Omaru Polka

posted on 2022-08-17 15:25 EDT by Alex Mateo
“SAIKYOUTICPOLKA” music video began streaming on Wednesday

Artist’s embroidered pizza clock tempts you with gooey cheese pendulum action

2022-08-16T15:00:00Z

Future GPX Cyber Formula Series Releases Long-awaited Character Songs & Drama CD Theme Song Compilation

Aug 17th 2022

[LadyOfWicca]

Cat butt bread is Japan’s latest adorably bizarre sweet

2022-08-17T15:00:00Z

After leaving their sweet potatoes alone for a month, Twitter user finds they’ve turned into Lovecraftian monster

2022-08-17T15:00:00Z

Massive Berserk Art Exhibition Conquers Ginza in September of 2022

August 18, 2022 6:17am CDT
Installation at the Matsuya department store chronicles the late Kentaro Miura’s life as an artist

Bizarre “shikadamari” deer gathering at Nara Park baffles people in Japan

2022-08-18T13:00:00Z
The animals behave differently this summer.

Rozen Maiden 20th Anniversary Exhibition To Open In Tokyo and Osaka This Fall

August 18, 2022 1:07pm CDT
Exhibition announced alongside release of final collector’s edition manga volume in Japan

Voice Actress Mikako Komatsu Announces Her Pregnancy

posted on 2022-08-18 17:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Komatsu married fellow voice actor Tomoaki Maeno in 2020

FEMM Releases THE SIX EP, Featuring Hyperpop Japanese Zombie Drama Theme

Aug 18th 2022

Over 1 Billion Views. Today, ‘IA’ the Virtual Artist Goes Global as ‘IA GLOWB’ the AI Artist on Her 10th Anniversary

Aug 18th 2022

150 feet of Shotime! Shohei Ohtani springs into action on giant video wall in Shinjuku Station

2022-08-17T15:00:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

Steampunk hobbyist blows minds with handmade ancient fantasy tome that looks forbidden to open

2022-08-18T15:00:00Z

A treasure trove of free ad designs and patterns from prewar Japan is yours at NDL Image Bank

2022-08-18T15:00:00Z

Sweets artist turns Pokémon’s Piplup into gorgeous traditional Japanese amber sugar crystals

2022-08-18T15:00:00Z

Dorohedoro Original Art Exhibition Returns to Tokyo in September 2022

August 19, 2022 8:28am CDT
Installation includes black & white manuscripts, color illustrations, and more from artist Q Hayashida

One thing you should be careful of when visiting Japan’s Laputa Island

2022-08-19T15:15:00Z
A trip to this remote destination ends up mimicking the Studio Ghibli anime film it’s named after.

Megan Thee Stallion Tours JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Exhibit in Tokyo

posted on 2022-08-19 14:15 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge
Megan Thee Stallion became “Megan Thee Stand”

HOLOSTARS VTuber Minase Rio’s Corporate-Approved Anonymous;Code Livestream Gets Copyright Takedown

posted on 2022-08-19 14:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
MAGES. president Chiyomaru Shikura filed individual copyright strike, unaware that the company had already approved the stream beforehand

Voice Actress Suzuko Mimori Announces Birth of Healthy Baby Boy

posted on 2022-08-19 17:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Voice Actor Yusuke Shirai Keeps Popping Up Endlessly in New MV “Only My Story”

August 19, 2022 8:10pm CDT
He says on Twitter, “So this is how it was completed! Wait, What does it mean?!”

Voice Actress Rie Tanaka’s Musical Unit Uz:ME Posts Mesmerizing 2nd MV “Namae mo Nai Kanjou”

August 19, 2022 8:56pm CDT
Shooting was held in Sweden

Voice Actor Soma Saito to Make His Novel Author Debut in September

August 19, 2022 11:21pm CDT
He says, “It is a little strange story.”

Sandy beach meets cerulean sea in gorgeous cheesecake made by Japanese culinary creator

2022-08-18T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

What happens when a 40-something dude goes to an anime boy band fan event? Something emotional

2022-08-20T05:00:00Z
Learning both what Sutopuri is and what makes them special all in the same day!

Can you tell the difference between real beer and Japan’s happoshu quasi-beer?【Taste test】

2022-08-20T07:00:00Z
Masks on and bottoms up for a blind taste test experiment.

[Slowhand]

Our 40-year-old reporter tries muscat grapes for the first time, conquers childhood trauma

2022-08-21T17:30:00Z
Seiji Nakazawa discovers that grapes have come a long way in the past 30 years.

Love Live! Honoka VA Emi Nitta to Release Her 1st Mini Album “tiny steps” on December 7

August 21, 2022 7:27pm CDT
“I am so happy and grateful that people have such high expectations for me.”

Nana Mizuki Returns to Saitama Super Arena on January 21 & 22, 2023

August 21, 2022 9:15pm CDT
New live concert disc “NANA MIZUKI LIVE HOME × RUNNER” will also be released

JUJUTSU KAISEN Heads to the Baseball Diamond in Rakuten Eagles Collab

August 21, 2022 9:46pm CDT
An event will be held at the Rakuten Stadium on September 11

Uta Takes to The Streets of Tokyo in One Piece: Film Red Taxi Collaboration

August 21, 2022 11:35pm CDT
The UTAXI start driving around from today until September 21

[LadyOfWicca]

The cutest fish sausage in Japan makes his adorable debut

2022-08-21T15:00:00Z

You can forgive this cute pizza correction tape dispenser for being cheesy

2022-08-21T15:00:00Z

Voice Actors Pay Tribute to Kenji Utsumi in Sono Koe no Anata e Documentary PV

August 22, 2022 10:07am CDT
Film exploring the life and legacy of the late voice actor hits theaters in Japan on September 30, 2022

Handsome butler shopping services being offered by Japanese boutique

2022-08-22T17:30:00Z
Does my lady desire assistance in coordinating an outfit?

THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS LIKE4LIVE Concert To Feature Paid International Livestream

August 22, 2022 4:57pm CDT
Tickets for livestream available now

Its flowers smell like rotting flesh and Japanese people eat this plant’s roots all year round

2022-08-21T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Voice Actors Yōko Hikasa, Hikaru Midorikawa Diagnosed with COVID-19

posted on 2022-08-23 03:26 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Midorikawa cancels appearance at “SSSS.GRIDMAN×SSSS.DYNAZENON Special Night” event

Singing Cosplayer Hikari, Whose Song ‘Muscle Please!’ (Cover) Has Over 3 Million Streaming Views, Has Started to Distribute the Song ‘As You Like It’ (Cover)

Aug 23rd 2022
And the music video has also been released!

Brad Pitt hops on the bullet train to Kyoto, gets teary at a temple, and receives a Pasmo card in Japan

2022-08-23T13:00:00Z
A whirlwind ride to promote the movie in the land where it all started.

JYOCHO Signs with U.S. Indie Label Topshelf Records and Release Vinyl and Cassette of their Latest Album Worldwide

Aug 23rd 2022

Japan’s newly identified species of flatworm is reminding people of octopus wieners

2022-08-24T01:00:00Z
Wiener resemblance was not included in the peer-reviewed report.

Yahoo! Japan finds most alphabetic and katakana words Japanese people want to find out about

2022-08-24T03:30:00Z
GJ on YJ for TCOB.

Woman who ate over 8,500 curry breads to chair Japan Curry Bread Association

2022-08-22T15:00:00Z

Tadanobu Asano, who plays Hogun in MCU’s Thor films, marries model 18 years younger

2022-08-22T15:00:00Z

U.S. Naval Forces in Japan have a snarky reminder to Twitter about Top Gun: Maverick

2022-08-22T15:00:00Z

Untouched for 40 years, Hokkaido’s railway overrun by nature has people thinking of Spirited Away

2022-08-22T15:00:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese artist fashions gorgeous “Fairy Dresses” from flowers in her garden

2022-08-23T15:00:00Z

People are loving this video of Japanese school kids turning into Minions at the sight of the perfect omelet

2022-08-23T15:00:00Z

Nissin’s idea for Cup Noodle ingredient sponges has ramen lovers ready to do some cleaning

2022-08-23T15:00:00Z

Japan to Ease Foreign Travel Restrictions Further as Early as September

posted on 2022-08-24 02:59 EDT by Rafael Antonio Pineda
NHK: Government to allow tourists via travel agencies without in-person guides

Get the Royal Treatment in Requiem of the Rose King’s Hotel Concept Room

August 24, 2022 5:50am CDT
A majestic cutout of Richard and Buckingham awaits inside

Can five middle-aged guys who graduated high school years ago still sing their school songs?

2022-08-24T13:00:00Z
Mr. Sato forces his fellow ossan to step up to the plate in the name of baseball and school spirit.

Voice Actress, Singer Sachika Misawa Returns From Hiatus Due to Health

posted on 2022-08-24 12:00 EDT by Alex Mateo
Misawa to have live broadcast on August 31

We found a popular Japanese ramen chain in South Korea!…or so we thought

2022-08-24T16:00:00Z
There’s a subtle difference, but does it still bring the flavor?

Pokémon Satoshi VA Rica Matsumoto Tests Positive for COVID-19

August 24, 2022 7:05pm CDT
“I felt tremendous chills, pain in my joints, and something unusual in my body.”

Daughter’s omurice with ketchup message is better than anything maid cafes could make

2022-08-23T15:00:00Z

We caught up with Travis Japan to chat dancing, anime dreams, and back scratchers

2022-08-25T01:00:00Z
We interview the all-male J-Pop group Travis Japan in the midst of their trailblazing efforts in the U.S.

Train driver’s locked tablet with forgotten password leads to big delay on Fukushima line

2022-08-25T02:30:00Z
Growing pains of digitizing trains in Japan.

Japanese scientists succeed at causing depression in monkeys using magnetic stimulation

2022-08-25T03:00:00Z
Researchers hope results will benefit humanity, online commenters more concerned about the monkeys.

[LadyOfWicca]

The revealed existence of Bamboo Shoot Village shakes the foundation of Japan’s great war over chocolate

2022-08-24T15:00:00Z

Japanese designer’s saltshaker design is perfect for watermelon lovers

2022-08-24T15:00:00Z

The most delightful My Neighbor Totoro edible diorama is a Studio Ghibli fan’s dessert dream

2022-08-24T15:00:00Z

Our Japanese reporter’s experience with crawfish in the US left him stunned

2022-08-25T05:00:00Z
Our reporter gets stuck into a seafood treat not usually found in Japan.

Tokyo’s giant Ferris wheel is closing for good, so it’s time for one last ride【Video】

2022-08-25T15:00:00Z
An Odaiba view we’ll never be able to see again.

Man Defeats Horse: Voice Actor Tasuku Hatanaka Outspeeds Racehorse In 250m Dash

posted on 2022-08-25 13:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Hatanaka demonstrated the feat on AbemaTV’s “Say You to Yo Asobi” variety program on Sunday

Vspo! x Kanda Myojin Summer Festival Event Report

Aug 25th 2022
Over 50,000 Came To Enjoy The Vspo! x Kanda Myojin Summer Festival! This groundbreaking collaboration between a traditional Japanese festival and popular virtual IP exceeded all expectations!

[LadyOfWicca]

Yakitori, shiitake and steak in the wild: You’ll want camp in Japan after watching this video

2022-08-25T15:00:00Z

Fish loving groom denied professional tuna carving show at wedding, so he did the next best thing

2022-08-25T15:00:00Z

Japan’s easternmost train line looks like it passes through the worlds of Studio Ghibli

2022-08-25T15:00:00Z

Ghibli Park: Mei and Satsuki’s house almost ready to welcome visitors

2022-08-26T05:00:00Z
The world of My Neighbour Totoro crosses over into real life.

Black Clover Voice Actor Sōma Saitō Publishes His First Novel

posted on 2022-08-26 12:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Literary magazine spin will publish the short novel on September 27

The almost immediate problems on our almost no-plan trip to Yakushima

2022-08-26T17:50:00Z
Winging it may not have been the best choice for Seiji’s trip to the Princess Mononoke island.

Masami Nagasawa Gets Advice from Char and Amuro in Gundam Cognavi Commercial

posted on 2022-08-26 16:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge
In the new ad, Nagasawa is a recruitment officer tasked with finding engineers for the Earth Federation Forces.

Ahead of ULTRA JAPAN 2022 Performance, Japan’s AmPm Release New Single ‘Amsterdam Maybe feat. SHIMA’ Today

Aug 26th 2022

Wotakoi Hirotaka VA Kento Ito Makes His Solo Singer Debut in September

August 26, 2022 7:25pm CDT
“I want to keep trying to do trial and error to find out what I can do.”

Tracklist and Trailer Released for Nao Toyama’s Third Full Album ‘Welcome to MY WONDERLAND’

Aug 26th 2022

[Slowhand]

Going to a wedding in Japan? Make sure you like Bruno Mars or Maroon 5, survey says

2022-08-27T13:00:00Z
Japanese couples rank their favourite songs to play at weddings.

[Slowhand]

Saitama lieutenant calls subordinate’s lunch “garbage”, then loses job for eating garbage lunches

2022-08-27T16:00:00Z
Glass houses…

[Slowhand]

Black Clover Asta VA Gakuto Kajiwara Visits A Nostalgic World in New MV “otona”

August 28, 2022 7:28pm CDT
He wrote/composed two new songs in his 2nd mini-album himself

Non-Whisper of the Heart Seiji’s 60x-zoom sneak peek of the real-world Earth Shop at Ghibli Park

2022-08-29T01:00:00Z
Almost sharing a name with the Studio Ghibli character doesn’t get him inside, but Seiji still gets an early look.

Kodansha Manga Award winner “Blue Lock” event at Fuji-Q Highland amusement park!

2022-08-27T15:00:00Z

[LadyOfWicca]

Ken Watanabe shares screen with daughter for first time, stops by to cook on her YouTube channel

2022-08-28T15:00:00Z

Healer Girls VA Unit to Hold Final Live Performance This October

August 29, 2022 6:01am CDT
Performance will be held at the Aoyama RizM venue in Tokyo

Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The End

2022-08-29T13:30:00Z
All bad things must come to an end.

Travelling to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine? Best to be a glass-half-full type of tourist

2022-08-29T14:00:00Z
Heartfelt advice for those hoping to visit the World Heritage site before the end of the year.

Healer Girls Group to Hold Final Concert on October 8

posted on 2022-08-29 12:30 EDT by Alex Mateo
Group includes Akane Kumada, Karin Isobe, Marina Horiuchi, Chihaya Yoshitake

Japanese plastic food samples abound at this impressive exhibition in Tokyo

2022-08-29T16:30:00Z
From tiger-shaped prawns to instant ramen on tap, these delicious delights will make your mouth water!

Sushi chef drops knives on the train, causes panic and delays

2022-08-29T17:45:00Z
You should never take your work home with you.

We visit an awesome sauna in Tokyo that’s ladies-only on days that end in zero

2022-08-30T02:30:00Z
Not a bad place to get your sweat on at all.

Is this London branch of Marugame Udon as good as the ones in Japan?

2022-08-30T03:00:00Z
Putting Japanese noodles and tempura to the test.

[Slowhand]

Nogizaka46 Idol Sayaka Kakehashi Cancels Appearances After Injury During Concert

posted on 2022-08-30 05:21 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Kakehashi fell from stairs; she was conscious and able to speak at hospital

The best soba restaurant on Yakushima island, according to locals

2022-08-30T05:00:00Z
It’s a trek to get to this rural location, but it’s worth it.

Japanese prime minster wants to increase the number of foreigners studying in Japan

2022-08-30T13:00:00Z
Calls on Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to go beyond even already successful plan.

Japanese monkey-hunting team shoots woman with tranquilizer dart

2022-08-30T14:00:00Z
City’s attempt to protect residents from wild animals ends up sending one of them to the hospital.

Japanese government wants to encourage wealthy foreigners to travel deeper into Japan, NHK says

2022-08-30T15:00:00Z
Agency will select areas outside major cities to promote to big-spending travelers, according to report.

Can we pick out the expensive Japanese watermelon in a blind taste test?

2022-08-30T17:45:00Z
Taste isn’t the only determining factor for expensive fruit in Japan.

Mamoru Oshii To Feature On Hideo Kojima’s Podcast

posted on 2022-08-30 17:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Kojima teased an episode with Oshii for his new Spotify podcast launching on September 8

Artist turns popular Japanese ice cream into anime characters

2022-08-29T15:00:00Z

Japanese supermarket’s “fresh watermelon popsicle bar” is fresher than imagined

2022-08-29T15:00:00Z

Cosplayers from All Over the World Gather for Nagoya Parade

2022-08-29T15:00:00Z

Japanese town that spent 25 million yen in COVID money on giant squid statue says it paid off big

2022-08-31T03:00:00Z
Gigantic squid statue has given a huge boost to the economy, city claims.

[LadyOfWicca]

Celebrate your “Meta Birthday” with Vtuber Virtual Girl Nem’s new music video

2022-08-30T15:00:00Z

Hunter x Hunter Kurapika VA Miyuki Sawashiro Tests Positive for COVID-19

August 31, 2022 6:44am CDT
Sawashiro is currently at home in a stable condition

Japan Allows Non-Guided Tour Entries, Raises Max Daily Entries to 50,000

posted on 2022-08-31 09:51 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Tourists still require “sponsors” or travel agency contact

Eat 60 brands of eggs and a ton of rice for around 3 bucks at Tokyo’s egg festival

2022-08-31T14:15:00Z
Taking “I love egg” to new levels.

Footage of very loud Hokkaido Shinkansen tunnel blast delights the public【Video】

2022-08-31T16:15:00Z
It turns out that the Internet really likes watching stuff get blown up.

That time our boss almost killed Mr. Sato with a ginormous, unBEARable assignment【Photos】

2022-08-31T17:30:00Z
Never trust your boss when he’s smiling like this. Never.

Haruhi Suzumiya VA Aya Hirano Announces Independence from Her Agency

August 31, 2022 8:07pm CDT
“I would like to pursue the expression that only I can do.”

Listen to Daisuke Ono & Reina Ueda’s Special Duet Song in Lyric Video

August 31, 2022 9:00pm CDT
The heartwarming song is written/composed/arranged by kotringo

Heading off the beaten path in Hokkaido for a beautiful view and local sweets

2022-09-01T01:00:00Z
We’re not at this Furano vineyard for the grapes.

Oreimo, Eromanga Sensei Illustrator Posts New Hatsune Miku Song “Mirai no Sekai”

August 31, 2022 9:50pm CDT
He also posts Miku’s 15th anniversary illustration

All-you-can-ride Shinkansen deal coming to Japan for a limited time

2022-09-01T03:00:00Z
Unlimited travel pass comes with a slew of extra perks.

Zoo director begs people to stop screwing with air conditioner, setting it to lowest temperature

2022-09-01T03:30:00Z
The reptile house is no place for monkey business.

Japanese care home recruits babies to cheer up elderly residents

2022-09-02T02:36:00Z

Japanese art collective NAKED explores the world of tea ceremony and Sen no Rikyu in exhibition

2022-08-30T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out by the Pool in Spa Resort Collaboration

September 01, 2022 3:02am CDT
An anime original episode will feature the resort in the second season

Agency for Cultural Affairs Opens Free Consultations About Issuing Copyright Takedowns

posted on 2022-09-01 09:45 EDT by Kim Morrissy
Japan’s government aims to strengthen support for individual creators who may otherwise lack the resources or expertise to issue copyright takedowns

From a random alley in Tokyo, it’s the Running While Carrying a Giant Stuffed Panda Championships

2022-09-01T17:30:00Z
It’s the moment none of you have been waiting for, all thanks to the mind of Mr. Sato!

Reina Ueda Delivers Her Sweet Singing Voice in New MV “Totteoki no Binsen”

September 01, 2022 9:11pm CDT
Her 2nd mini-album will be available on October 5

Osaka Gets Transported to Another World When the Isekai Museum Opens in October

September 01, 2022 9:35pm CDT
Overlord, KONOSUBA, Saga of Tanya the Evil and Re:ZERO all feature

Berserk Guts VA Hiroaki Iwanaga Joins Japanese Vocal Group Junretsu

September 01, 2022 10:01pm CDT
He played Kamen Rider Birth in Kamen Rider OOO

Meet Japan’s new Twitter phenomenon: a trucker girl who shares post-work beers in witty T-shirts

2022-08-31T15:00:00Z

Lolita fashion icon Misako Aoki shows off her kawaii wardrobe in her “lolita fashion room”

2022-08-31T15:00:00Z

Artist creates gorgeous miniature paintings on bottle caps

2022-08-31T15:00:00Z

Hand-held fireworks performer has photog son capture the moment with stunning results

2022-08-31T15:00:00Z

Beware of these noodles! Frequent visitor and influencer has warning for people going to Japan

2022-08-31T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

When a Japanese convenience store opens in the countryside…

2022-09-02T05:00:00Z
7-Eleven comes to a rural town, and we’re one of the first to walk through its doors.

Otaku gather in the Akihabara night as Toranoana dojinshi shop permanently closes【Photos】

2022-09-02T13:00:00Z
Goodbyes both heartfelt and snarky mark the end of an era in Tokyo’s otaku district.

Unlicensed drunk driver involved in hit-and-run, makes pathetic attempt to avoid police

2022-09-02T14:00:00Z
I blame Grand Theft Auto for making it look too easy.

Japanese government, please stop using floppy discs, politician asks

2022-09-02T15:00:00Z
And mini discs too.

EVENT: Akihabara’s City-Wide Celebration Is a Stark Reminder of Town’s Thriving Past

September 02, 2022 11:00am CDT
The Akibayabai event was held from August 12-21

Japanese high school’s chime rings in middle of the night, freaks out countryside town【Video】

2022-09-02T17:30:00Z
It’s like something out of a J-horror movie.

Pretty Series & Aikatsu! Plan Collaboration Exhibition & Virtual Live Concert

September 02, 2022 7:10pm CDT
The exhibition will be held at Tokyo Anime Center from November 11

Gorgeous dawn in Kyoto signals the end of summer for Japanese photographer

2022-09-01T15:00:00Z

What could happen if you order a smile along with your fast food in Japan [Manga]

2022-09-01T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

No car? No problem! We find photogenic hidden gems in Yakushima that are easy to get to

2022-09-03T07:00:00Z
Our reporter finds beautiful sightseeing spots not found in any guidebooks.

[Slowhand]

What it’s like to spend the night in a Pokémon hotel room

2022-09-04T05:00:00Z
Dreams come true for a Pokémon-loving father his equally obsessed six-year-old daughter.

Turning a crazy cheap country Japanese house into a home — Step 4: Ghost Hunting【SoraHouse】

2022-09-04T15:00:00Z
Installing an overnight trail cam at our old house reveals an unexpected visitor.

Uesaka Sumire Releases Music Video “Kyoutaiaika” about A Girl’s Struggle and Liberation

September 04, 2022 7:55pm CDT
Her 5th album “ANTHOLOGY & DESTINY” will be available on October 26

Watch Kana Hanazawa’s New Concert Blu-ray “Live 2022 blossom” Digest

September 04, 2022 8:40pm CDT
The 20-song disc will be available on November 2