Japan Central!

“Jump” Shares Valentine’s Ladies Of “My Hero Academia” Icons- Author Shares Sketch Of Fanart Winner

February 14, 2017 12:25am CST
There was lots of love for the fans of My Hero Academia today.

“Hinako Note” TV Anime Offers Romantic Feelings for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2017 1:18am CST
Adaptation based on 4 panel comic by Mitsuki about a shy girl and her strange friends debuts in April of 2017

See Which Eagle Jump Employee Is Handing Out Chocolates For “New Game!” Valentine’s

February 14, 2017 11:30am CST
Aoba voice actress Yūki Takada also chimed in

“Is The Order A Rabbit?” Double-Celebrates Valentine’s Day And Rize’s Birthday

February 14, 2017 1:01pm CST
It’s two-for-one day at the Rabbit House

Augmented Reality Idol Unit Holds Debut Concerts This Week

posted on 2017-02-14 16:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Sanrio Enlists Gudetama For An Important Valentine’s Message

February 14, 2017 11:38pm CST
Unfertilized egg, devoid of gender, described as lazy and/or depressed

AnimeJapan to Offer 8-Part Anime Business Course This Year

posted on 2017-02-15 00:45 EST by Eric Stimson
Also: gallery of 2016’s best anime collaborations

Pixiv Lists Interim Valentine’s Fanart Ranking

February 15, 2017 12:28pm CST
Through Friday, Japanese online art collective pixiv is running a Valentine’s Day Event that is having fans post tributes to their favorite characters giving out holiday chocolates

Yamato 2202 Plane Takes Flight This Month

posted on 2017-02-15 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Shueisha ‘Buried’ in Prince of Tennis Valentine Chocolate From Fans

posted on 2017-02-15 21:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge, Jennifer Sherman

Japanese Twitter seems to have no problems with Karlie Kloss’ “geisha” photo shoot

February 17, 2017 / SoraNews24
With the controversy over the model’s Vogue photos ongoing, has anyone bothered to check on how Japan feels?

Nana Mizuki’s New Live DVD/Blu-ray “LIVE PARK × MTV Unplugged” Jackets, CM Posted

February 17, 2017 3:15am CST
The DVD set has five, Blu-ray-set has three discs

Meet a Human-Scale Temjin at Wonder Festival

February 17, 2017 7:14am CST
Sega booth to display 2-meter tall “Virtual On” figure.

Car Rips Through “Street Fighter II” to Beat Up M. Bison in Toyota Ad

February 17, 2017 6:24pm CST
CH-R “Crossover the World” ad takes us through all the stages

Cardcaptor Sakura Fan in Peru Gets Guinness World Record For Largest Collection

posted on 2017-02-17 22:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Love Live! Sunshine!!'s Aqours Concert Gets Screenings in U.S. Theaters in March

posted on 2017-02-17 23:00 EST
1st concert for 9-member Aqours group takes place in Japan on February 25-26

Japan’s interpreters struggle to make sense of ‘Trumpese’

Feb 17, 2017 / The Japan Times

Tokyo Department Store to Host Hiro Mashima Art Exhibition

posted on 2017-02-18 14:45 EST
Mashima himself to sign autographs

Wasteland: Tokyo grows on its own trash

Feb 18, 2017 / The Japan Times
Waste management authorities are working constantly to ensure the metropolis’ garbage is put to better use

Twitter user shares her cakey creation that looks just like a plate of curry rice

February 19, 2017 / SoraNews24
Curry or cake…. Why not both?

Sumire Uesaka to Go Strawberry-Picking with Her Fan Club

posted on 2017-02-19 17:45 EST by Eric Stimson
Barbecue, discussion, photography also on schedule

Real Escape Game Holds Space Brothers ‘Astronaut Selection Exam’

posted on 2017-02-19 23:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Ikebukuro Sunshine City Prince Hotel to Open “Gintama” Collaboration Room in April

February 20, 2017 6:15am CST
The room will be decorated with character illustrations and items from the series

Man Arrested for Threatening Voice Actress Nana Mizuki on Twitter

posted on 2017-02-20 08:16 EST
32-year-old allegedly admitted to charges, saying Mizuki did not respond to his email

Moyoco Anno Joins Evangelion Theme Singer, Composer on New Single

posted on 2017-02-20 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Voice Actor Kensho Ono Confirms Relationship With Kana Hanazawa

posted on 2017-02-20 21:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Japanese student breaks Guinness record for fastest finger snapping

February 19, 2017 / SoraNews24
Beating this record certain wasn’t a snap for Satoyuki Fujimura – it was 296 snaps.

Take a Look at the Evangelion Bullet Train’s Cockpit

posted on 2017-02-21 01:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge
Also sign up for the ultimate train otaku tour

Anison Singer Hironobu Kageyama’s Debut 40th Anniversary Event to be Held on May 7

February 21, 2017 5:45am CST
The event is now accepting requests for the songs that the fans want to hear

Android Idol U Debuts at Tokyo Department Store

posted on 2017-02-21 15:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Yuri!!! on Ice’s Main Characters Don Kigurumi for Store Event

posted on 2017-02-21 21:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Anisong Top 100 Program Crowns ‘Snow Halation,’ Tiger & Bunny Themes

posted on 2017-02-21 23:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Anison Singer Ray’s Retirement Concerts Confirmed to be Held on July 22 & 23

February 21, 2017 11:45pm CST
Her last best album will be released in June

“Panty and Stocking With Garterbelt” Collaboration Café Being Launched Next Month

February 22, 2017 7:45am CST
GAINAX West starts collaboration café in March and will stretch through the first week of May

Fashion Models And Survey Corp Swap Outfits For “Attack On Titan” x Tokyo Girls Collection Collaboration

February 22, 2017 9:22am CST
Tokyo Girls Collection is a twice-yearly fashion festival in which Japanese domestic labels hit the Tokyo area with a look at their latest streetwear

W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 Japanese words with cool ancient origin stories【Weird Top Five】

February 23, 2017 / SoraNews24
Words about corrupt grocers and reading people’s minds? Sign me up!

Wagakki Band releases new teaser video, third album on sale soon!【Video】

February 23, 2017 / SoraNews24
The popular group has played sold-out shows overseas and now they’re ready to release their third album!

Kyoto Board of Education administers English test for teachers with disheartening results

February 23, 2017 / SoraNews24
Were the expectations for Japanese English teachers to high…two high…too high?

Watch Digest Videos from Nana Mizuki’s “LIVE PARK × MTV Unplugged” DVD/Blu-ray

February 24, 2017 2:30am CST
She is now in the middle of her “Live Zipangu 2017” tour, holding 14 concerts

Earth Colors Exhibit- Higashiji Kazuki Art Exhibit to be Held in Akihabara

Feb 24th 2017

Polygon Pictures Counts Down to AnimeJapan 2017 with “Godzilla” Concept Art

February 24, 2017 10:12am CST

20th Century Boys, Beck Live-Action Director Producing Panda Bikini Group

posted on 2017-02-24 14:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Magikarp’s Official Love Song Gets Dance Video

posted on 2017-02-24 21:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Breakthrough in white T-shirt technology made, promises no visible nipples

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
Finally, men can dress conservatively and not gross everyone out with their high-beams on.

New matchmaking service promises to weed out fake otaku with pre-registration diagnostic test

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
Company plans singles parties for fans of specific areas of otaku interest.

Japanese couple creates awesome Pokémon-style wedding invitations

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
Instead of Pikachu, these creative Pokémon fans have chosen each other.

Yoshinoya, Japan’s biggest beef bowl chain, is now serving fried chicken in Tokyo

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
Not satisfied with dominating only Japan’s cow cravings, Yoshinoya adds karaage to its menu in Akihabara.

Early-blooming sakura cherry blossoms create pink-tinged wonderlands in Japan

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
People around the country are sharing stunning photos of the early-blossoming sakura in full bloom.

Toilet teaching – Japanese programmer explains key concept with clever bathroom snapshot

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
This may look like a bathroom crisis, but it’s actually an educational opportunity.

Miss Manners: A pro gives us pointers on Japanese dining decorum

February 24, 2017 / by SoraNews24
Uh oh, have you been behaving like an oafish gaijin?

More snowboarding Gundam Mobile Suits spotted in Japan!

February 24, 2017 / SoraNews24
When you’re heavily-armed and armoured, there’s no need to fear heights, falls or even cardboard bears!

Check Live Performance of Roselia, New Girls Band from “BanG Dream!”

February 25, 2017 1:15am CST

Time-Limited “Ojamajo Doremi” Shop to Open in Ikebukuro Next Month

February 25, 2017 2:15am CST
Toei Animation’s magical girl anime series aired for four seasons from 1999 to 2002

Hideaki Anno Hosts Tokusatsu History Panel in Shinjuku in March

February 25, 2017 9:25am CST
Live talk and screening event will cover 50 years of SF history including material from Anno’s personal collection

Pixiv Reveals Final Valentine’s Fanart Ranking

February 25, 2017 1:00pm CST
There were definitely some remarkable shake-ups from the interim listings

A crime of jealousy? Horrific scene emerges after cat attacks princess doll

February 25, 2017 / SoranNews24
The house apparently wasn’t big enough for the both of ’em.

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment Combats Climate Change With Moe Characters

February 25, 2017 5:15pm CST
Kimino Ima and Kimino Mirai are the “Goofus and Gallant” of environmental awareness

Osaka to Open eSports Vocation School in 2018

February 25, 2017 10:55pm CST
New school will offer training in reflexes, interviews, and more for the aspiring pro-gamer.

Ramen romance — 5 things to remember if you don’t want to blow your noodle date

Feb. 25, 2017 / 06:39AM JST / Japan Today

JoJo’s Festival to Be Held at the Real ‘S City’

posted on 2017-02-26 21:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

First Foreign Female Pro Shōgi Player Inspired by Naruto

posted on 2017-02-26 23:45 EST by Eric Stimson
Attains second kyū (rank)

British artist gives us awesome 3-D art of life-like Pokémon! 【Pics & Video】

February 26, 2017 / SoraNews24
So this is what Pokémon might look like in real life!

Tokyo’s biggest ramen secret? This restaurant just might be the next Michelin star winner

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
It doesn’t have a star yet, but our research points to this Shinjuku restaurant getting the honor soon.

Megumi Hayashibara Holds 1st Solo Live Concert in June

posted on 2017-02-27 01:15 EST
Concert will be voice actress, singer’s 1st solo concert since debuting as singer 26 years ago

Meet Fintan, the Mascot Character Representing Finland to Japan

February 27, 2017 9:10am CST
Saori Hayami voices character in short animation celebrating centennial anniversary of Finland’s independence


Feb. 27, 2017 / 02:00PM JST / Japan Today

Tomokazu Seki Pens Book for Aspiring Voice Actors

posted on 2017-02-27 19:45 EST by Eric Stimson
Also: Mitsuo Iwata publishes memoir

Anime-Focused 2.5D Musical School Opens in Tokyo in 2018

posted on 2017-02-27 23:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Illustration shows difference in how Japanese men and women think of different women’s body types

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
Artist thinks men have a much narrower view of what’s attractive.

20 percent of Japanese junior high students score a zero on nationwide English writing test

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
Government test reveals huge gap in proficiency of third-year middle schoolers.

New York City’s Yuji Ramen is coming to Japan’s Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum next month

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
In an instance of “reverse importation,” the American eatery’s noodle soup will soon be featured at Japan’s preeminent ramen museum.

Iron Man masterfully rendered in suiboku-ga style evokes ancient feelings

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
Even in ink-wash, this Marvel hero looks ready to rumble.

Two men stab themselves to get out of going to work in separate incidents

February 27, 2017 / SoraNews24
When calling in sick just won’t do, a couple men took ditching work to a whole new level.

Haikyu!! Characters Hunt Eggs at Easter-Themed J-World Event

posted on 2017-02-28 14:15 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Stabbing Singer

posted on 2017-02-28 15:45 EST
21-year-old singer Mayu Tomita testified in court

Virgin-Killing Sweater Finds New Appeal on Male Cosplayers

posted on 2017-02-28 18:15 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Japanese cosplayer shows ingenious way to fake muscles using silicone push-up bras

February 28, 2017 / SoraNews24
Perfect for cosplay, or for when you want them muscles without the work.

Haikyu!! Boys Make Cameo in High School Study Booklet Commercials

posted on 2017-03-01 00:15 EST by Eric Stimson

Hatsune Miku Stars in Ministry of Agriculture’s Japanese Cuisine Culture PR Video

March 01, 2017 5:45am CST
YKBX (Vocaloid Opera “The End”) serves as the creative/movie director

Watch 25-Minute Video Report of “Love Live! Sunshine!! Aqours in Seoul” Event

March 01, 2017 6:45am CST
Three members of VA unit Aqours were warmly welcomed by the Korean fans

Wake-Up Girls! Yutaka Yamamoto Criticizes Attacked Idol

posted on 2017-03-01 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge
“You can’t help how it looks when you return a present.”

How to make your neighborhood more magical – add fish to your open street gutters

March 1, 2017 / SoraNews24
It’s not only clean, but it’s beautiful as well.

Japanese company promises women the man of their (financial) dreams!

March 1, 2017 / SoraNews24
Japanese company aims to provide women with a “high-spec” man of their dreams thanks to their rigorous testing and exacting standards (no mention of looks or personality).

“Love Live!” Honoka VA Emi Nitta Releases New MV “ROCKET HEART”

March 02, 2017 5:10am CST
First single in 14 months will be available on April 19

California’s GLAS Animation Festival Hosts Anime Director Masaaki Yuasa This Week

posted on 2017-03-02 08:00 EST
Film festival takes place on March 2-5 in Berkeley

Canned food that will never reach its use-by date discovered in Japan!

March 2, 2017 / SoraNews24
Have those ingenious Japanese invented food that never goes bad? Not quite.

Rock Band NOVELS Goes on Hiatus in May

posted on 2017-03-02 10:00 EST
Band performed 3 opening themes for Tiger & Bunny anime

By popular demand, pro cosplayer models survey’s five most popular outfits

March 2, 2017 / SoraNews24
Unfortunately, some clothing items seem to have mysteriously gone missing.

We visit the restaurant where Prime Minister Abe ate with reporters, since he didn’t invite us

March 2, 2017 / SoraNews24
If it’s good enough for the country’s elite, we deign to try its surprisingly reasonable offerings.

Decisions, decisions. Artist presents choice between anime girls with different braids, ponytails

March 2, 2017 / SoraNews24
With some artistic decisions, the longer you think about them, the harder they become.

Watch ALI PROJECT’s 25th Anniversary Single “Himiko Gaiden” MV

March 03, 2017 4:20am CST
JAM Project members join as back chorus singers

J-WORLD TOKYO Offers “Kuroko’s Basketball” 3D Attraction to Play with Characters

March 03, 2017 6:20am CST
Visitors can play basketball with the life-sized characters without an actual ball

ToraCon Otaku Marriage Consulting Proves Popular With Women

posted on 2017-03-03 18:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Japanese chef’s awesome giant pancake makes us want to cook them the old fashioned way again

March 3, 2017 / SoraNews24
Drawing inspiration from an internationally beloved children’s book, chef creates a hybrid pancake/cookie.

Online backlash suggests smokers are becoming less tolerated in Japan

March 3, 2017 / SoraNews24
Japan’s nonsmokers hit back against “smoking etiquette”, suggesting the best etiquette would be to quit once and for all.

Celebrate pancakes with a maple syrup bath at this famous Japanese hot spring resort

March 3, 2017 / SoraNews24
Sweet dreams are made of baths with a maple syrup.

Awesome Japanese teacher creates Studio Ghibli chalkboard art to celebrate students’ graduation

March 3, 2017 / SoraNews24
Annual tradition is more beautiful than ever this year.

Bkub Okawa Lends a Hand to Sumire Uesaka’s New Variety TV Program

March 04, 2017 7:35am CST
“Uesaka Sumire no Yabai Maru Maru” launches on Tokyo MX and BS11 on April 08, 2017

Voice Actress Group Sphere to Go on Hiatus From Music Until 2019

posted on 2017-03-04 08:40 EST
Members will still work as voice actresses, solo artists in the meantime

Actress Maki Horikita Retires From Entertainment Industry

posted on 2017-03-04 12:45 EST
Starred in Densha Otoko, Hana-Kimi shows, Professor Layton franchise

New Life-Size Statue of RX-0 Unicorn Gundam Debuts in Tokyo This Fall

posted on 2017-03-05 04:45 EST
Bandai takes down current life-size statue of RX-78-2 from 1st Gundam anime

Manga Artist Inio Asano Draws Cover for Asian Kung-Fu Generation Tribute Album

posted on 2017-03-05 16:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Picture Of The Day: Not just a man’s world

Mar. 06, 2017 / 01:25PM JST / Japan Today

Yuki Kaji on The Cover of “TV Guide Voice Stars” Magazine

March 06, 2017 2:55am CST
Kensho Ono provides his portrait photos by Leslie Kee

Ride Universal Studio Japan’s Rollercoaster With Attack on Titan’s Levi

posted on 2017-03-06 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Yamakan Discusses Criticism of His Comments About Idol Stabbing

posted on 2017-03-06 21:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman