Japan Central!

The Story Behind the Deflating Pikachu

May 07, 2017 12:29am CDT
Is he safe? Why was he tackled? What does this mean for the Korean Pokémon population?

ufotable’s 2017 Awa Odori Posters Feature Tōken Ranbu

posted on 2017-05-07 17:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Occulus Creator Quietly Makes A “Metal Gear Solid” Cosplay Appearance At Japanese Event

May 07, 2017 4:49pm CDT
Palmer Luckey seen at Machi ★ Asobi vol.18

Tamio Okuda to Perform Japanese Theme for “Cars 3”

May 07, 2017 7:35pm CDT
“Unicorn” and “Lazy” collaborator will be working on Japanese release of Disney/Pixar film.

Fans Theorize on Potential Break-Up of TOKIO

May 07, 2017 10:20pm CDT
Turbulence on the set of “The TETSUWAN Dash!!” have people wondering.

Fujoshi Artists Present: Kemono Boyfriends

May 08, 2017 12:25am CDT
Gender-swapped “Kemono Friends” art – it was only a matter of time.

Single Otaku Sign up for “ToraCon” Matchmaking Event

May 08, 2017 2:20am CDT
Doujinshi dealer opens service to help lonely fans find love.

Japanese-American YouTube couple discuss marital arguments, culture clash【Video】

May 8, 2017 / Sora News 24

Japanese beach turned into beautiful fantasy world as nighttime ocean glows blue【Video, photos】

May 8, 2017 / Sora News 24

Visual Kei headbanging is either very soothing or very creepy to watch【Video】

May 8, 2017 / Sora News 24

Japanese idol singers put on hazmat suits before hugging fans at Tokyo event【Video, photos】

May 8, 2017 / Sora News 24

6,000 people join LGBT parade in Tokyo, call for acceptance

May 8, 2017 at 15:25 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Osaka cityscape barely seen amid yellow sand haze from China

May 8, 2017 at 17:35 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Warm welcome for tourists at Narita Airport visitor center

May 8, 2017 at 15:35 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Kyoto women’s group publishes book on how to fit into the 'hood

May 8, 2017 at 09:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Fields of light fan out as sun sets on Toyama Bay

May 8, 2017 at 13:45 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Tokyo creates new logo, slogan to promote city overseas as prime tourist destination

May 8, 2017 06:02 pm JST / Japan Today

Wild boar runs rampant inside Kyoto hotel

May 8, 2017 04:00 pm JST / Japan Today

Popular Aussie Italian restaurant Fratelli Paradiso comes to Tokyo

May 8, 2017 10:00 am JST / Japan Today

Picture of the Day: Village view

May 8, 2017 10:04 am JST / Japan Today

Kansai clubs seek to promote Kyoto as spiritual home of Japan rugby

May 08, 2017 / The Japan News

Apparel makers join forces with social media’s fashion leaders

May 08, 2017 / The Japan News

Baseball Team Hanshin Tigers Go Super Saiyan for Promotional Collaboration

posted on 2017-05-08 16:45 EDT

Peak purple

May 08, 2017 / The Japan News

Trash-Talking A.I. Abuses 260,000 Users, Wins Award

May 08, 2017 8:50pm CDT
Pixiv’s “Bato Shojo” chat bot is top of its field at Ani Motozukuri Awards.

Kimono Project is creating a different kimono to represent every country on Earth【Photos】

May 9, 2017 / Sora News 24

French poet to honor wartime haikuists who defied authority

May 9, 2017 at 08:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Lisa’s In and Around Tokyo: ATAGOYAMA–Tokyo’s tallest little mountain with TV history

May 9, 2017 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Large tourist hotel planned near Osaka’s Airin district

May 9, 2017 at 10:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Picture of the Day: Garden sketch

May 9, 2017 06:39 am JST / Japan Today

Nature in Short / Rice paddy food chain springs to life in early summer

May 09, 2017 / The Japan News

Kemono Friends Boosts Zoo’s Attendance by 20,000 for Golden Week

posted on 2017-05-09 12:45 EDT by Anita Tai

X Japan Leader Yoshiki to Undergo Surgery

posted on 2017-05-09 14:40 EDT
Band leader rediagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis

Kemono Friends Director Tatsuki Attracts Huge Crowd at Dōjinshi Event

posted on 2017-05-09 14:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Couple Ties the Knot With Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest Wedding

posted on 2017-05-09 16:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Man Arrested for Selling Fake Miyazaki, Shinkai Sketches

posted on 2017-05-10 13:40 EDT
More allegedly fake illustrations found in suspect’s home

Yuri!!! on Ice Campaign Brings 20,000 People From 27 Countries to Setting City

posted on 2017-05-10 14:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

100 Mascots Strut Their Stuff for “Sanrio Character Ranking 2017”

May 10, 2017 7:55pm CDT
Results will be announced in July for annual contest that lets fans vote for their favorite Sanrio mascot characters

Sugoi! You Must Be “Kemono Friends” Collaborating With The Tokyo Police!

May 10, 2017 9:45pm CDT
Look, even Raccoon knows to be aware of unsolicited phone calls!

“Frame Arms Girl” Wrapping Bus Starts Running in Tachikawa-City

May 10, 2017 10:50pm CDT
12-episode TV anime has been aired in Japan since April

Cosplayers, artists and anime characters celebrate Maid’s Day in Japan【Photos】

May 10, 2017 / Sora News 24

Gudetama: How did Sanrio’s lethargic egg become so popular in Japan?

May 10, 2017 / Sora News 24

Yosei Teikoku’s New CD Will Make You Believe in Fairies

May 11, 2017 1:45am CDT
Gothic J-rock band reveals track listing and cover for new CD, “flamma idola.”

Cinnamon Rocks Out with Golden Bomber to Garner Popularity Votes

posted on 2017-05-11 12:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 Japanese spring foods【Well-Fed Top Five】

May 11, 2017 / Sora News 24

Piko Taro appears in new music video for “I Luv It” by South Korean superstar Psy【Video】

May 11, 2017 / Sora News 24

Manager poisons part-time worker in Japan because of “poor work ethic”

May 11, 2017 / Sora News 24

Silent disco to be held at traditional Japanese bathhouse this summer

May 11, 2017 06:00 am JST / Japan Today

Picture of the Day: Whale of a time

May 12, 2017 06:50 am JST / Japan Today

Mie University to set up ninja studies center

May 12, 2017 06:25 am JST / Japan Today

Government names and shames ‘black’ companies violating labor laws

May 12, 2017 at 14:00 JST / Reuters / The Asahi Shimbun

Tokyo troupe dancing far and wide to promote Awa Odori

May 12, 2017 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Sales skyrocket unexpectedly for unlimited rail pass in Shikoku

May 12, 2017 at 10:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Sailor School Uniform Girls Introduce 82 Sumo Techniques in Video

May 12, 2017 2:15am CDT
101st All Japan University Sumo Kanazawa Tournament will be held on May 21

Japanese fishermen start morning wake-up call service to help you get your lazy butt out of bed

May 12, 2017 / Sora News 24

The blue/black or white/gold dress debate gets an anime edition, with a startling answer【Video】

May 12, 2017 / Sora News 24

‘Asuka beauties’ back to elegant best after decade of restoration

May 12, 2017 at 18:10 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Azure Dragon completes mural restoration at Kitora Tomb

May 12, 2017 at 18:20 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Man suspected of 21 pickpocketing cases on Tokyo train

May 12, 2017 05:58 am JST / Japan Today

Proof that everything looks awesome anime-opening style, even a video of bananas【Video】

May 12, 2017 / Sora News 24

“Gintama” Cast Puts On Classic Cosplay For Kyoto Collaboration

May 12, 2017 1:45pm CDT
Summer tourist attractions planned ahead of next year’s live-action movie

Ghost in the Shell Realize Project Holds Symposium

posted on 2017-05-12 21:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Japanese artist’s take on zodiac signs is both creepy and cute

May 12, 2017 / Sora News 24

Check Out Songs from Linked Horizon’s 2nd Album in Digest Video

May 12, 2017 11:05pm CDT
11-song new album will be available on May 17

Controversial Oculus Founder Cosplays as Metal Gear Solid 5’s Quiet

posted on 2017-05-12 23:45 EDT by Rai

Amazon delivers department store food, medicine in the Tokyo area

May 13, 2017 at 09:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Best Mother Awards recipients named

5/13/2017 05:50 am JST / Japan Today

Picture of the Day: Cormorant fishing

5/13/2017 06:00 am JST / Japan Today

Onomichi: Combining history with new ideas for city vitalization using cats, vacant houses

May 13, 2017 / The Japan News

Tiding them over

May 13, 2017 / The Japan News

Kobe’s ‘Anime Street’ to Shut Down in June

posted on 2017-05-14 00:30 EDT
Area housing Gainax West studio, anime shops opened in March 2015

Kyoto Subway’s Moe Girls Get Café, New Character

posted on 2017-05-14 13:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Survivors Flee in “Biohazard: Zombie Rush” Foot Race Event

May 14, 2017 3:25pm CDT
“Resident Evil” themed “fun run” in Tokyo also features actor Hiroshi Shinagawa and band Kamen Joshi as guests

Pizza Potato crisis causes turmoil in Japan for chip-lovers and opportunists alike

May 14, 2017 / Sora News 24

Buddhist statue masterpieces by Unkei on display in Tokyo in fall

May 14, 2017 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Picture of the Day: Kyushu festivals

May 14 06:50 am JST / Japan Today

Bamboo Shoot Looks Like an Angry Ohmu

May 15, 2017 3:40am CDT
Supermarket find is a dead ringer for “Nausicaa” bug.

Lovesick Otaku Penguin Grape-kun Inspires Talk Event at the Tobu Zoo

May 15, 2017 8:05am CDT
Hululu voice actress Ikuko Chikuta will appear as a guest on “Yamada-oniichan’s Penguin Talk” on May 20, 2017

Artist’s animated GIFs perfectly capture Japanese life in 30 endless loops【GIFs】

May 15, 2017 / Sora News 24

Figure skater Evgenia Medvedeva swaps her Sailor Moon outfit for a traditional kimono in Kyoto

May 15, 2017 / Sora News 24

Answerman: Is My Sushi Authentic?

by Justin Sevakis, May 15th 2017

Eccentric Family Theme Band fhána Gets Animated Music Video

posted on 2017-05-15 13:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Wonder Woman gets the girly heroine treatment in Japan — and fans are not happy!

May 15, 2017 / Sora News 24

Rising demand for air purifiers, nuclear shelters as threat looms

May 15, 2017 at 17:10 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Ancient burial mound gives up secrets in sonic study of moat

May 15, 2017 at 18:55 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Mitsui planning venture to cultivate salmon trout in Japan

May 15, 2017 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Bawling babies face off in Japan’s ‘crying sumo’

May 15 05:55 am JST / Japan Today

Picture of the Day: Fun time

May 15 06:27 am JST / Japan Today

A splendid display

May 15, 2017 / The Japan News

Elegance through the eyes of Daiho Yoshida

May 15, 2017 / The Japan News

Petit Milady’s Big Announcement: Two News Live Shows and a CD

May 15, 2017 8:55pm CDT
Don’t worry, they’re not breaking up.

“Gintama” Live-Action Film Cast Member Galigali Galixon Arrested for Drunken Driving

May 16, 2017 12:45am CDT
Yuichi Fukuda (Hentai Kamen)-directed film is scheduled to be released on July 14

“High School Fleet” Hoists Anchor with “Yokosuka Curry Festival 2017”

May 16, 2017 9:00am CDT
Collaboration includes limited edition character goods at 2 days food festival in Mikasa Park

Fan Get In The Robot As Singer/Voice Actress Megumi Ogata More Than Doubles Crowd-Funding Goal!

May 16, 2017 2:19pm CDT
While Ogata was staggering the Japanese and international efforts, the Japanese Campfire campaign, launched at the end of last week, hit its 100,000yen goal in 90 minutes and is already at 200% of that

Masako Nozawa, Makoto Shinkai Win Japan Movie Critics Awards

posted on 2017-05-16 19:00 EDT
Leiji Matsumoto also honored at May 16 ceremony

“Metal Gear Solid” Composer Brings You Serenity Now with New App

May 16, 2017 10:50pm CDT
“Prescription for Serenity” offers 11 albums of therapeutic listening.

Vintage photo show is trip to Shibuya at turn of last century

May 16, 2017 at 16:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Dazzling moss phlox lends flower power to Hokkaido park

May 16, 2017 at 14:15 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Women flock to afternoon tea at luxury hotels

May 16, 2017 / The Japan News

Friends share thoughts on Princess Mako’s ‘engagement’

May 17, 2017 at 16:15 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Oita zoo names baby monkey Piko after PPAP singer

May 17 06:44 am JST / Japan Today

Picture of the Day: Tranquil setting

May 17 06:00 am JST / Japan Today

Engagement news spurs debate on ‘female Imperial branches’

May 17, 2017 / The Japan News

Letters illustrate Ryoma’s short, eventful life

May 17, 2017 / The Japan News

Daichi Miura goes his own way: ‘Japanese Michael Jackson’ pursues good music

May 17, 2017 / The Japan News

Writer Makes Love Rice TV Anime’s Rice Pizza

posted on 2017-05-17 15:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Kingdom Heads to the Races for JRA’s Annual Derby

posted on 2017-05-17 17:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Watch Trailers for Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano’s Latest Live DVD/Blu-ray

May 18, 2017 12:50am CDT
7,000-yen two disc set “LIVE TOUR 2016 ~MIXING!~” will be available on June 14

Light Novel Illustrator 029 Illustrates Cover of “The Devil is a Part-TImer!” Drama CD

May 18, 2017 6:05am CDT
Audio CD featuring original story by author Satoshi Wagahara hits stores in Japan on June 07, 2017

Death Note Actor, Voice Actor Shidou Nakamura Takes Hiatus to Treat Lung Cancer

posted on 2017-05-18 05:30 EDT
Actor voiced Ryuk in Death Note anime, live-action films

Seiyuu Rica Matsumoto Will Perform Live Concert in Mexico City

May 18th 2017

Yoshiki’s Surgery a Success

May 19, 2017 12:10am CDT
Concert and performance dates to be rescheduled soon.

Asian Kung-Fu Generation Performs Concert in L.A. on July 2

posted on 2017-05-19 02:30 EDT
Band performed theme songs for Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist, ERASED

“Miss Kobayshi,” “Violet Evergarden” And “Silent Voice” Leads Joins Ladies And Gent Of KyoAni For Latest Fan Event

May 19, 2017 1:00pm CDT
Kyoto Animation and Studio Do are back with their third annual fan event

Air Setting Takes Wing as Anime Pilgrimage Site

posted on 2017-05-19 14:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Visual Kei Artist SANA to Perform at Saboten Con 2017

May 19th 2017

Virtual Date with Voice Actress Maaya Uchida in Her 5th Single MV

May 20, 2017 2:55am CDT
“+INTERSECT+” includes two new songs provided by ZAQ

“Kemono Friends” Voice Actress Poses for Photo Op With Disgruntled Otaku Penguin

May 20, 2017 8:54am CDT
Grape-kun wants the world to know that Hululu is his waifu, and he will accept no substitutions

Massive “Akira” Mural Planned for Outer Wall of Shibuya Parco

May 20, 2017 3:20pm CDT
63 meter long mural will be completed by 2019, the year when Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic cyberpunk manga takes place

Attack on Titan Planetarium Show’s Trailer Streamed

posted on 2017-05-21 17:45 EDT
20-minute planetarium show screens at 2 Tokyo locations until October

120 ‘Painful’ Cars Will Converge on Motor Park in Maibara

posted on 2017-05-22 16:55 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Recording Artist Ayumi Hamasaki Reveals She’s Becoming Completely Deaf

May 22, 2017 3:50pm CDT
Japanese recording artist/model/actress has posted a message, explaining that her long battle with hearing loss has taken a serious turn

Universal Studios Japan Details This Summer’s Shonen Jump Attractions

posted on 2017-05-22 22:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Voice Actress Saeko Zōgō Marries, Reveals Wedding Photos

posted on 2017-05-22 22:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Voice Actress Ayana Taketatsu on The Cover of Japan Self-Defense Force’s Official Magazine

May 23, 2017 2:10am CDT
The catchphrase of the magazine is “Think about national defense with people.”

Goku Takes on Broly God in Universal Studios Japan Attraction Ad

posted on 2017-05-23 13:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Linked Horizon’s New Attack on Titan CD Sells 25,273 in 1st Week

posted on 2017-05-23 16:30 EDT
Also: Attack on Titan reports lower game sales

Visual Kei Band exist†trace Continues “The 19th Challenge” Concert Series

May 23, 2017 7:55pm CDT
“A story of existence” traces the history of the all-female band.

Nisio Isin Exhibition Heads to Tokyo and Osaka in July and August

May 24, 2017 8:58am CDT
Dictionary-themed installation focuses on the works of popular author of the “Monogatari” and “Zaregoto” series

Fukushima Gainax’s Art Exhibition Honors Whisper of the Heart Director

posted on 2017-05-24 16:15 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Yuri on Ice Boys Hang Up Their Skates for Bellhop Uniforms

posted on 2017-05-24 18:15 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Show Miku 2018 Finalists Showcased - Pick Your Favorite!

May 24, 2017 11:00pm CDT
Don’t let the warm weather fool you. It’s time to pick a Snow Miku for 2018, along with her Rabbit Yukine buddy

Former KAT-TUN Member Koki Tanaka Arrested for Marijuana Possession

posted on 2017-05-25 05:30 EDT
Police officer allegedly found marijuana while searching car Tanaka was driving

“Revolutionary Girl Utena” Gets A Haunting New Look For Latest Album From Composer J. A. Seazer

May 25, 2017 11:50am CDT
Barbara Dward Star Apocalypse - Arsenothelus The Absolute Resurrection and Orpheus The Absolute Gloom set to be released June 21st.

:arrow_double_up:more info

Madoka Magica’s Gekidan Inu Curry Illustrates New Utena Album

posted on 2017-05-25 15:15 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Attack on Titan Returns to Joypolis Theme Park This Summer

posted on 2017-05-25 14:15 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Minori Chihara Announces Annual Festival Concert Summer Dream 5

May 25th 2017

ONE OK ROCK Announce “Ambitions U.S. Tour 2017”

May 25th 2017

JAM Project Announces New Album and World Cosplay Summit Performance

May 25th 2017

Pikachu Continue to Multiply in This Year’s Yokohama Parade

posted on 2017-05-25 17:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

JoJo’s Araki Maintains Vampire Status in Poll of Unaging Celebrities

posted on 2017-05-25 18:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

“Rascal the Raccoon” Collab Café is the Icing on the Café

May 26, 2017 12:25am CDT
The popular anime’s 40th anniversary celebration now includes pastel desserts.

Live Entertainment Show “XFLAG PARK2017” Set for July 8&9 at Makuhari Messe

May 26, 2017 10:00pm CDT
Two winners of the “Monster Strike Anime Japan Trip Contest” will get free tickets!