Japan Central!

[Slowhand]

Pokémon Oasis break room coming to Japanese ski resort this winter【Photos】

2022-12-11T09:00:00Z
When you need to get in out of the cold, Pikachu and his pals are waiting for you with tabletop trick art opportunities.

Why don’t hosts in Kabukicho approach our female reporter any more?

2022-12-11T14:00:00Z
Back when she was younger she couldn’t get away from them, so we visit a host club to find out what’s going on.

Beast Tamer Rein VA Shoya Chiba Tests Positive for COVID-19

December 11, 2022 7:25pm CST
He canceled his appearance in the live-streaming event on Sunday

Dive Into the Mind of Nichijou Manga Creator Keiichi Arawi at Upcoming Exhibition

December 11, 2022 8:05pm CST
The exhibition is to celebrate the return of the Nichijou manga after six years

KONOSUBA Megumin VA Rie Takahashi Releases Cinderella-themed New Anime MV

December 11, 2022 8:15pm CST
Her 2nd EP “Ao wo Ikiru” will be available on January 25, 2023

[Slowhand]

Say Hello to Anko Asakura: Riot Music Welcomes New Virtual Singer to Their Blitz Wing Sub-Label

Dec 12th 2022
Anko Asakura’s Debut Stream Scheduled For December 17th!

Japanese men and woman both have the same top requirement for a spouse in konkatsu poll

2022-12-12T13:10:00Z
Communication skills and thoughtfulness make men’s and women’s lists, but don’t come out on top.

ANN Interview: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION

by MrAJCosplay, Dec 12th 2022

Gunpla Builders World Cup 10th Tournament Finals Stream Live on December 17

posted on 2022-12-12 13:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
42 works from 15 territories will be represented

Historic Japanese mountain area’s impactful winter driving PSA stuns netizens

2022-12-11T15:00:00Z

Japanese man questioned by police for holding a bag of “greens”

2022-12-11T15:00:00Z

We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins

2022-12-13T03:00:00Z
Sure, testing your Eva synchronization rate in the entry plug is pretty cool, but so is the food faithfully recreated from the anime.

Cover Song Project “CrosSing” Announces Its 4th Season Artist Lineup

December 12, 2022 8:54pm CST
Akri Kito, Suwa Nanaka, Aya Hirano and more join the new season

ZOMBIE LAND SAGA Saki VA Asami Tano Announces Safe Birth of First Child

December 12, 2022 10:23pm CST
Tano married actor Ryo Kitamura in December 2021

Voice Actor Wataru Hatano Gets His First Best Album in March 2023

December 12, 2022 10:27pm CST
Bonus Blu-ray will include all music videos for his single songs

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese sewing artist’s amazing toasted nori seaweed looks so real you could eat it

2022-12-12T15:00:00Z

Designer’s too clever bookmark dog-ears pages without actually doing it

2022-12-12T15:00:00Z

Ichiro Mizuki’s Last Recorded Performance to Air on January 3

posted on 2022-12-13 00:54 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
BS TV Tokyo to air Mizuki’s performance for Singers Association of Japan’s 49th Song Festival

Japan’s Kanji of the Year revealed, reflects both the good and the bad of 2022

2022-12-13T15:00:00Z
Single character with multiple meanings chosen as the kanji that best sums up 2022.

Why vending machines are so popular in Japan

2022-12-12T15:00:00Z

Chihayafuru Manga Image Song Contest Releases Its Winners’ Music Vidoes

December 13, 2022 8:50pm CST
The ten-song album is now available digitally

The cool way to peel a mandarin, according to a Japanese grandma

2022-12-14T03:30:00Z
Become a mikan master with this neat hack, endorsed by the Japanese government.

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese coffee house uses loud squawking chicken toys to summon waiters

2022-12-13T15:00:00Z

Winter illuminations: Enjoy the beautiful light shows around Tokyo

2022-12-13T15:00:00Z

Capture Japan’s gorgeous winter illuminations with these camera tips

2022-12-13T15:00:00Z

8 wild boars found dead nearby Japan’s broken “Killing Stone”

2022-12-13T15:00:00Z

Jump into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood This February

December 14, 2022 9:41am CST
Check out a trailer for the theme park experience

Man jumps in front of Tokyo Disneyland parade, gets tackled to sound of Christmas music【Video】

2022-12-14T17:30:00Z
Cast members spring into action in surreal moment for parkgoers.

“Rayearth” Hikaru VA Hekiru Shiina to Stream Christmas Online Concert for Free on December 24

December 14, 2022 8:18pm CST
There will also be a special Christmas present from her

[Slowhand]

Strawberry Prince Leader Nanamori Resumes Career

posted on 2022-12-15 00:40 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda
Singer went on hiatus in March after affair was exposed

The Forgers Go Undercover at Universal Studios Japan in 2023 for SPY x FAMILY Attraction

December 15, 2022 10:54am CST
Help with the Forgers’ secret mission from February 17 to July 2

PHOTOS: Journey Through Studio Ghibli’s Magical First Amusement Park

December 15, 2022 11:00am CST
Crunchyroll News got to chance to be transported into the world of Ghibli Park

Is it OK to play with Pokémon card on the Shinkansen? A bullet train manners debate

2022-12-15T17:30:00Z
Japanese comedian calls out “bad manners” of Pokémon-playing friends, but not everyone thinks his take is the very best.

NIJISANJI EN Announces Yugo Asuma’s Sudden Graduation

posted on 2022-12-15 12:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Agency revealed VTuber has departed as of Wednesday

Manga Artists Take on Champion Boxer Naoya Inoue

posted on 2022-12-15 15:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Tetsuya Saruwatari, Toshio Sako, Kenichi Tachibana, Toshimitsu Matsubara draw Inoue at each of his historic matches

the GazettE to Release 20th Anniversary Best Album Overseas: 47 Tracks Remastered, Extensive Booklet with Lyrics, Translations and Transliterations

Dec 15th 2022

Tokyo couple caught making stickers with police mascot flipping bird

2022-12-16T01:30:00Z
That salute is not in the police manual.

Franchouchou Head Courtside in ZOMBIE LAND SAGA Anime Volleyball Collab

December 15, 2022 8:42pm CST
The real-life zombie idols will be appearing at the Hisamitsu Springs game

People in Japan vote for their favourite ramen chain, with surprising results

2022-12-16T03:30:00Z
Survey into noodle joints reveals some chains people may have never heard of.

photo’s uniquely beautiful New Year’s tradition is being carried on by Starbucks Japan【Photos】

2022-12-16T04:30:00Z
Before all of Japan had gacha machines, Kyoto had fukudama, and the coffeehouse chain is helping make sure the city still does.

[LadyOfWicca]

Announcement of Don Quijote’s beloved mascot being changed has Japanese shoppers in shock

2022-12-15T15:00:00Z

NANO To Release Major Debut 10th Anniversary Album “NOIXE” On February 8, 2023 (Wed.)

Dec 16th 2022
Album Artwork And The Track List Is Unveiled!

Japan approves long-range weapons to counter growing threats from rivals

2022-12-16T10:12:00Z

Drunk Japanese politician in trouble for doing pullups inside moving train【Video】

2022-12-16T15:00:00Z
Says he has no memory of why he thought that’d be a good idea.

Life-Size Grendizer in Saudi Arabia Unveiled as World’s Largest Metal Statue

posted on 2022-12-16 13:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
The 33.7 meter tall statue is situated in Riyadh’s Boulevard World zone

New Japanese group NAQT VANE, Produced by Anime/movie/TV composer Hiroyuki Sawano, Release English Version of Broken-hearted Love Song ‘TOUCH’

Dec 16th 2022

Toei Kyoto Studio Park takes you back in time to Edo period Japan, but all is not what it seems

2022-12-17T01:00:00Z
Join us on a guided tour of the film set where hundreds of Japanese period movies and dramas are filmed every year.

[Slowhand]

Eight boars drop dead around Japan’s Killing Stone【Video】

2022-12-18T13:00:00Z
Stone said to imprison evil fox spirit spilt in half earlier this year.

Do Japanese superfans really want to marry their favorite idol?【Survey】

2022-12-19T01:00:00Z
Responses show fans have some complicated feelings about their oshi.

Why is there a fish on this Shake Shack Japan T-shirt?

2022-12-19T03:00:00Z
The linguistic and cultural reasons behind the design of one of our burger-loving reporter’s favorite pieces of clothing.

[Slowhand]

This Akihabara restaurant is the new best place in Tokyo to eat chicken nanban

2022-12-19T15:30:00Z
Kyushu specialty gets the senmonten treatment in Tokyo’s otaku district.

Japan’s Pigeon Calculator now available in English!

2022-12-19T17:45:00Z
As much English as you need for a calculator at least.

Why do seats at some Japanese station platforms face away from the trains?

2022-12-20T03:00:00Z
Unusual design in Kansai is a clever example of thoughtful customer service, designed specifically with the user in mind.

[Slowhand]

International Super Group The Last Rockstars to Release First Single “The Last Rockstars Paris Mix” December 23rd

Dec 20th 2022
NEW MUSIC TO ROLL OUT THROUGH 2023

Mario and Pikachu to Parade Down Universal Studios Japan for First Time Ever

December 20, 2022 4:32am CST
The Nintendo franchises join the popular parade in March 2023

Japan’s Christmas plans are pretty chill this year, survey shows

2022-12-20T13:30:00Z
Christmas Eve is considered the biggest date night of the year, but most respondents are planning to spend it a different way.

The top 10 shotengai shopping streets in Tokyo【Survey】

2022-12-20T15:00:00Z
From hot tourist spots to residential areas, good finds are everywhere.

Voice Actress Aya Hirano Claims She Still Receives Death Threats From Fans

posted on 2022-12-20 12:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
At the peak of her prime as an anime voice actress in 2010, the voice of Haruhi Suzumiya had a turbulent relationship with her fanbase

Love Live! Sunshine!! Dia Kurosawa VA Arisa Komiya Tests Positive for COVID-19

December 20, 2022 7:07pm EST
She cancels her appearance in the live-streaming program on December 25

Check Out Nana Mizuki’s Dynamic Performance in Her New Live Concert DVD/Blu-ray Digest

December 20, 2022 8:25pm EST
The set includes her two concerts held in 2022

7-Eleven Japan begins to implement new colorless food containers to reduce CO2 emissions

2022-12-21T01:00:00Z
The new containers have already been rolled out at store locations in Japan’s northernmost prefecture Hokkaido.

Hey, Croatian taxi driver! Take us to the restaurant with the best štrukli in Zagreb

2022-12-21T03:00:00Z
The result was…unexpected.

[LadyOfWicca]

Gorgeous natural art appears in Shinto shrine’s water ablution pavilion during a cold spell

2022-12-20T15:00:00Z

Japanese teacher’s real phrases to use in Japan: Dining out [audio included]

2022-12-20T15:00:00Z

Here are Japan’s most-sung karaoke songs in 2022 from karaoke system Joysound

2022-12-21T13:15:00Z
Want to know what people in Japan are singing? Joysound knows.

Tokyo’s all-female sushi chef restaurant has closed down, is being dismantled

2022-12-21T17:30:00Z
End of the line for Akihabara’s barrier-challenging Nadeshiko Sushi.

Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and PRISM Project Announce Virtual Talent Rita Kamishiro Named Ambassador for National Alliance on Mental Illness

Dec 21st 2022

5 million yen in cash found in Otsu City dump

2022-12-22T02:00:00Z
One person’s trash is another’s five million yen.

“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood restaurant in Noboribetsu!”

2022-12-22T03:00:00Z
We’ve gotta say, there’s no way we would’ve thought this remote-looking location would turn out to be such a hidden gem.

i☆Ris Member Yu Serizawa Releases New Illustrated Lyric MV “Ambiva Viva Love You”

December 21, 2022 11:16pm CST
Her 1st full album “YOUr No.1” peaked at #18

[Slowhand]

Japan is building a Pokémon Slowpoke Park to delight fans of all ages

2022-12-22T06:00:00Z
The prefecture that named the Water/Psychic Pokémon as its governor is now building him a park.

hololive’s 5th Anniversary Trivia Exam Launches in English

posted on 2022-12-22 09:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Think you’re a buff on hololive lore?

INTERVIEW: Shinjuku Author mink Talks Film Inspiration and Working with Yoshitaka Amano

December 22, 2022 11:00am CST
Find out how mink got into writing, joined Quentin Tarantino and Lawrence Bender’s A Band Apart and more

“Get them drunk then chop off their heads.” Samurai’s assassination plot against U.S. envoys found

2022-12-22T18:00:00Z
Alternate plan was to just burn them alive.

Ghibli Park now has English international ticket reservation site

2022-12-23T01:00:00Z
Getting into Ghibli Park just got easier for overseas fans.

Voice Actor Takuma Terashima Writes The Lyrics for The School Songs of Newly Established Elementary Schools

December 22, 2022 10:30pm CST
The music for the songs will be composed by Terashima’s musical friends

Can our writers pick out the pricier strawberry shortcake against one over four times cheaper?

2022-12-23T03:00:00Z
It’s the reason for the season.

Hospitalized Japanese mom needs Pokémon fans’ help to make Christmas special for Eevee-loving kid

2022-12-23T04:30:00Z
Let’s help Eevee save Christmas.

[LadyOfWicca]

Japanese hotel plan gives a whole new way to enjoy your stay through the charm of local communities

2022-12-22T15:00:00Z

The Last Rockstars - When Four Rock Legends Come Together

by A-List Media Entertainment (Paid Advertisement), Dec 23rd 2022

Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man OPs Top Official Entertainment Channel YouTube Views in 2022

posted on 2022-12-23 11:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
SPY x FAMILY, Ya Boy Kongming!, One Piece Film Red also in top 20

Chainsaw Man Makima VA Tomori Kusunoki to Release Her 1st Full Album in May 2023

December 23, 2022 6:30pm CST
She’s also planning a national concert tour next summer

We eat a luxurious Japanese-style buffet breakfast in a restaurant full of wood-carved bears

2022-12-24T01:00:00Z
If you’re looking for breakfast in Tokyo, look no further than this place!

Our reporter gets stuck into some ‘Meat Curtain’ beef sukiyaki in Tokyo

2022-12-24T03:30:00Z
Don’t worry though, this is totally safe to read at work.

[Slowhand]

“Fantasista NFT Project” Releases First Installment of NFTs: “Cthulhu NFT”

Dec 24th 2022
Aiming to Create a Cthulhu Community That Transcends National and International Boundaries

Life-Size Asuna Statue in Wedding Dress on Display in Tokyo Department Store

posted on 2022-12-24 11:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
The popular Sword Art Online heroine will be on display in Shibuya Parco until February 7

Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!

2022-12-24T21:00:00Z
Happy holidays to all of our readers!

[Series5Ranger]

If it’s really a Cthulu NFT, that seems like an easy doorway to possession, madness etc lol Do you own the Cthulu NFT or does it own you?

[Slowhand]

Can you become a martial artist after six months of online karate classes? Let’s find out

2022-12-25T17:30:00Z
Because sometimes you just can’t get to a dojo to train.

INTERVIEW: TeddyLoid Talks About His Favorite Anime and How They Influence His Music

December 25, 2022 2:00pm CST
The renowned musician speaks with us about anime, music, and the ways they’re both connected

Stardust Promotion’s VA Unit SoundOrion Finally Makes Their Major Debut in 2023

December 25, 2022 7:57pm CST
Four members were selected through an audition of 5,000 participants

Newly-formed VA Unit IBERIs& to Release Their Major Debut Single “We Don’t Stop!” in March 2023

December 25, 2022 8:45pm CST
The CD singles will be released in nine editions

[Slowhand]

Violet Evergarden Director Helms Eve’s ‘White Snow’ Anime Music Video

December 26, 2022 12:35am CST
Animation produced at studio behind BOCCHI THE ROCK!, My Dress-Up Darling

How to get a date in Japan, according to hosts in Kabukicho

2022-12-26T13:30:00Z
There’s one piece of dating advice that a mama and hosts all agree on.

How hard is it to get a hug if you’re feeling cold at the SoraNews24 office?【Experiment】

2022-12-26T15:30:00Z
P.K. is feeling cold, but is anyone willing to warm him up?

Turning a crazy cheap country Japanese house into a home — Step 15: Trash to Treasure【SoraHouse】

2022-12-26T17:30:00Z
How much money can we make from three truckfulls of trash?

Inside Japan’s ‘love hotels,’ featuring mirrored ceilings and slides

2022-12-26T20:52:00Z

[Slowhand]

Crowdfunding for Moe Toyota’s 10th Anniversary Album Collects 221% of Its Goal

December 27, 2022 12:09am CST
The album will include five original songs and five cover songs

YOSHIKI Announces His Holiday Wish and Donation to Help All Refugees Affected by War in Ukraine

Dec 27th 2022

Fist of the North Star Illustrator Creates Powerful New Character for McDonald’s Japan’s New Anime Commercial

December 27, 2022 7:00am CST
A McDonald’s advert has never been so powerful

Will you really catch a cold if you sleep under a Japanese kotatsu table?

2022-12-27T13:00:00Z
A Japanese medical expert answers the age-old question for us.

Tokyo train operator begins issuing body cameras, but it’s not employee conduct that worries them

2022-12-27T15:00:00Z
JR East implements new policy in time for New Year’s.

Mamoru Hosoda to Speak at Grammy Museum Event on February 9

posted on 2022-12-27 10:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
JX’23 event will have strong focus on the metaverse and Web3

Japanese Art Commission Platform Skeb Bans AI Art

posted on 2022-12-27 14:45 EST by Kim Morrissy
Includes works which are only partially created with AI software

Crowdfunding for “Patlabor” 1/1 Scale AV-98 Ingram’s Restoration Project Reaches Its Goal in Just One Day

December 27, 2022 7:35pm CST
The campaign has already doubled the initial goal of 3 million yen

At this Japanese hotel where everyday life gets an upgrade, you’ll want to extend your stay

2022-12-26T15:00:00Z

A must for those looking for a hairstylist: The guidebook to Japan’s best beauticians

2022-12-26T15:00:00Z

How to really enjoy Golden Gai, a famous bar hopping haven in Kabukicho, Tokyo

2022-12-26T15:00:00Z

[Slowhand]

Re:ZERO Subaru VA Yusuke Kobayashi Drops Out of SAO Event Due to COVID-19

December 28, 2022 6:00am CST
Kobayashi was scheduled to appear at a Sword Art Online event tomorrow

Creepy shrine video has Japanese Internet wondering where it is, if it leads to alternate world

2022-12-28T17:30:00Z
It even feels like it has its own “Don’t come in here” warning alarm.

Survey reveals how Japanese people plan to spend the 2023 New Year’s holiday

2022-12-29T01:00:00Z
Questions explore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on family traditions and what people plan to spend the most money on for celebrations.

[Slowhand]

Japanese teacher who asked permission to jerk off at convenience store has been fired

2022-12-29T15:15:00Z
There are some things you just can’t bounce back from at work.

Sora Amamiya to Release Her First EP with All Songs Written/Composed by Herself in March 2023

December 29, 2022 6:35pm CST
She has released 13 singles and three original albums as a solo singer

[Slowhand]

2022’s top stories in food and cooking news 【SoraNews24 Year in Review】

2022-12-30T15:10:00Z
Let’s take a moment to digest the year’s top stories about what went in our bellies.

Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides

2022-12-30T17:30:00Z
Rub shoulders with government officials at this cheap eatery that feeds the ministry.