Japan Central!

[Slowhand]

Watch Nana Mizuki’s Two New Music Videos, “Destiny’s Prelude” and “TESTAMENT”

July 07, 2017 4:30am CDT
35th and 36th singles will be released simultaneously on July 19

Yuri!!! on Ice Heads to Hot Springs for Summer Collaboration

posted on 2017-07-07 13:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

X-Japan Documentary Film We Are X Streams on Hulu

posted on 2017-07-07 20:00 EDT
Rock band’s documentary premiered last year

There’s Deneb, Altair, and Vega… Shaft Posts Special “Monogatari” Art For Tanabata

July 07, 2017 11:30pm CDT
Bakemonogatari anime watchers won’t soon forget the supercell ending… it’s a reference to Tanabata

Picture Of The Day: Tanabata wishes

July 7, 2017 04:24 pm JST / Japan Today

[Slowhand]

Aho-Girl Meets with Alligators in New Zoo Collab

posted on 2017-07-08 15:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Japanese Artists Get Fierce with “Wonder Woman” Tribute Art

July 08, 2017 3:50pm CDT
Creators from “SAO,” “Kill la Kill,” and more team up for exhibition.

Cinnamoroll Takes the Crown in 32nd Sanrio Character Popularity Contest

posted on 2017-07-08 18:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Sui Ishida Draws Tokyo Ghoul Theme Band People in the Box

posted on 2017-07-08 21:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Overworked Japanese monk cured by the power of online gaming

July 8, 2017 / Sora News 24
Online warrior monk gets his real-life HP restored.

Hey Canada and America, Munenori Kawasaki wants to remind you he loves you

July 8, 2017 / Sora News 24
You don’t have to be a baseball fan to be a fan of arguably Japan’s greatest export to the sport.

Japanese paper puppets that transform when you touch them have to be seen to be believed 【Videos】

July 8, 2017 / Sora News 24

Vocaloid music broadcasts during school lunch in Japanese schools spark heated debate

July 8, 2017 / Sora News 24
Turns out some people dislike being forced to listen to artificial voices.

Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2018 accepting submissions

July 8, 2017 at 10:00 JST / Translated by The Asahi Shimbun from the website of Anime Anime Japan Ltd.

[Slowhand]

Check Out Video Report from Linked Horizon’s Latest Live Tour First Day in Chiba!

July 09, 2017 10:30pm CDT
His 2017 tour will run through 30 cities across Japan till November

Japanese photographer brings eerie life to children’s playgrounds with surreal pictures 【Photos】

July 9, 2017 / Sora News 24
Places of joy and delight by day, unearthly creatures by night.

‘Descendants’ of Japan’s first tea trees have leaves ready to brew

July 9, 2017 at 11:40 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Picture Of The Day: Cooling off

July 9, 2017 05:58 am JST / Japan Today

[Slowhand]

Voice Actress Yui Ogura Releases “Enjoy!” Music Video for Smartphone View

July 10, 2017 3:30am CDT
12-song 2nd album “Cherry Passport” hits stores July 26

This old Pokémon shirt is pretty terrifying

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
This is supposed to be a light-hearted series for kids, right?

Tokyo company plays Rocky theme for workers every day to cut overtime, boost productivity

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24

Anime isn’t like reality: Terrifying dentistry edition

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
Big eyes + tiny mouths = terrifyingly large teeth?

Four factors frustrating foreigners fighting for jobs in Japan

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
Hand cramps and style cramps are both part of job-hunting in Japan.

Brothers’ bento blooper shows the potential downside of having your mom pack your lunch in Japan

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
Home-made bento sure look tasty, but one of these brothers wasn’t so lucky.

“Watermelon dress” trend sweeps Japan 【Photos】

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
Babies, animals and popular Japanese idols get in on the hottest trend this summer.

Japanese artists fall in love with new chocolate…for its anime-friendly packaging 【Photos】

July 10, 2017 / Sora News 24
From Sailor Moon to Pokémon and even the cast of Final Fantasy XV, this chocolate box is proving to be the perfect canvas for all sorts of different characters.

Attack on Titan Invades the Tokyo Skytree with Lifelike Recreations

posted on 2017-07-10 15:35 EDT by Kim Morrissy

Comme des Garcons founder says she felt mostly rejected

July 10, 2017 at 08:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Wealthy tax cheats face squeeze with extra inspectors

July 10, 2017 at 17:50 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Rallies against anti-conspiracy legislation held across Japan

July 10, 2017 at 14:50 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Thousands of goldfish bring Tokyo art exhibit to life

July 10, 2017 at 18:25 JST / Reuters / The Asahi Shimbun

Kyushu isle makes World Heritage list as a full package deal

July 10, 2017 at 18:15 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Full STEAM ahead: Emi Takemura takes on gender bias in education

July 10, 2017 06:18 am JST / Japan Today

Picture Of The Day: Salad dressing

July 10, 2017 01:00 pm JST / Japan Today

Picture Of The Day: Dog days

July 10, 2017 06:00 am JST / Japan Today

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Exhibit Gets Manhole Covers in Real S City

posted on 2017-07-10 19:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Watch Linked Horizon’s Attack on Titan Concert Performances

posted on 2017-07-10 20:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

[Slowhand]

Turtlshell.com Helps Cosplay Artist Make Money

Jul 11th 2017

Utada Hikaru New Digital Single Out Today

Jul 11th 2017

Singer Ami Wajima Puts Career on Hold Due to Health

posted on 2017-07-11 14:04 EDT
18-year-old Digimon Universe singer debuted last year

Voice Actors Ayumi Tsuji, Michiru Sato Marry

posted on 2017-07-11 14:15 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Anison Duo ClariS Releases Their First Photobook “illusion” on September 1

July 11, 2017 10:15pm CDT
Their Budokan concert Blu-ray goes on sale today in Japan

[Slowhand]

Nana Mizuki Confirmed as Top Anison Live Act of First-Half 2017

July 12, 2017 2:10am CDT
Sandaime J Soul Brothers is the most popular act with 523,500 audience

Lum Teams Up with NGT48 for Idol Group’s 1st Anniversary DVD

July 12, 2017 2:53pm CDT
3 Disc set includes recordings of January & February live concert performances celebrating NGT48’s 1st year

Arby’s Is on the Hunt for Bacon… and a Map

July 12, 2017 9:50pm CDT
The nerds at the sandwich chain are at it again, this time with some “Ranma 1/2” love.

Honda Fit and Weekly Shonen Jump magazine create stunning Japanese itasha manga car【Pics】

July 12, 2017 / Sora News 24
"Itasha” (literally, “painful cars”) don’t have to look painful at all when done by the right pros!

Hokkaido’s breathtaking Blue Pond is exactly as advertised【Photos】

July 12, 2017 / Sora News 24
After turning brown for a brief period, the body of water is back to beautiful blue.

[Slowhand]

Kobe Zoo Holds Kemono Friends Dōjin Event

posted on 2017-07-13 13:15 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge
Meanwhile, Nasu Animal Kingdom plans stamp rally

Slipshod anime-style sexiness isn’t just for male fans anymore, bizarre artwork error shows

July 13, 2017 / Sora News 24
Handsome anime-style archer is sure to defeat all his foes…as long as “nice abs” are a weapon.

Crazy Tokyo university stairway looks like a real-world graphics glitch

July 13, 2017 / Sora News 24
The University of Tokyo is a difficult school to get into, and also around, it seems.

X Japan Launches Acoustic Miracle Tour in Osaka

Jul 13th 2017

Kyoto police pull out stops to help tourists during Gion Festival

July 13, 2017 at 07:10 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

[Slowhand]

Musical Duo ClariS Releases 1st Photo Compilation Book

posted on 2017-07-14 13:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Cosplay Yokocho: Tokyo alley where customers eat and drink in cosplay costumes

July 14, 2017 / Sora News 24
With photo booths, cosplaying staff, and costume rental for diners, this is one of the most unusual food courts you’ll find in Japan

Japanese pro wrestler bares flesh in staff uniform, thrills customers【Pics & Video】

July 14, 2017 / Sora News 24
No shirt, no shoes, no service? More like no shirt, shoes, and fan service

Dolls for the little boys, toy trains for the girls

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

Lucky Dragon, now 70, remains intact as an anti-nuclear icon

July 14, 2017 at 17:15 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Chichibu hots up as tourist draw with ‘onsen’ hot spring park

July 14, 2017 at 08:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Seven diet-sabotaging Japanese foods to avoid…or seek out

July 14, 2017 03:55 am JST / Japan Today

[LadyOfWicca]

Acclaimed Manga Artist Moyoco Anno Draws “Suicide Squad” Duo

July 15, 2017 12:30am EDT / Crunchyroll
“Sugar Sugar Rune” award winning author also wife of Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno

Watch Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano’s New Music Video “POWER OF LOVE”

July 15, 2017 1:30am EDT / Crunchyroll
12-song 6th album “THE LOVE” will be available on August 2

Tokyo “couple-busting” company finds who your spouse is cheating with, becomes friends with them

July 15, 2017 / Sora News 24
What better way to convince your spouse to stop cheating than by hiring a “friend” to tell them to quit?

Flaming torches purify path to ancient sacred Wakayama site

July 15, 2017 at 17:30 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Here’s a firm where staff have to stand up while going online

July 15, 2017 at 09:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

K-1 fighter uses ring skill to save man’s life after fiery road crash

July 15, 2017 at 15:15 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Malicious signs guide climbers to dangerous, wrong routes on Mt. Fuji

July 15, 2017 03:00 pm JST / Japan Today

Met exhibit looks at Japan’s fine craft of bamboo basketry

July 15, 2017 04:00 am JST / Japan Today

Sega’s Project 575’s Characters Azuki & Matcha Get Vocaloid Library

posted on 2017-07-15 19:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, One Piece Jump Off the Pages onto Honda Fit

posted on 2017-07-15 21:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Japanese Twitter reveals the secret to making the perfect “ahoge” for your cosplay wig 【Video】

July 15, 2017 / Sora News 24
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to disobey the laws of physics

[Slowhand]

Creamy Mami’s Singer Is Back - And She Needs Your Support!

July 16, 2017 10:29am CDT
Takako Ota launches crowdfunding initiative for CD production.

“Don’t let it haunt you,” former correctional officer tells about how Japan performs executions

July 16, 2017 / Sora News 24
A former correctional officer recounts one experience of an execution in detail, because he can never forget

Japanese cosplayer creates impressive replica of Monster Hunter’s heavy bowgun

July 16, 2017 / Sora News 24
Why hunt monsters with a sword when you can do it with a massive cosplay rifle?

[Slowhand]

Voice Actress Aoi Yuki Resumes Her Solo Singer Activity

July 17, 2017 12:30am CDT
Her 1st CD from Nippon Columbia will be released this fall

Sirens Sing in “iMarine Project: DEEP BLUE TOWN e Oide yo” AMV

July 17, 2017 8:27am CDT
Latest anime music video promotes characters from Sanyo’s “Umi Monogatari” pachinko machines

Dragon Quest Writer’s Hometown Unveils Metal Slime Statue

posted on 2017-07-17 16:15 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

J-pop Summit 2017 Announces Additional Music and Dance Artists and Other Kinetic Live Performers

Jul 17th 2017

ONE OK ROCK Nears California on Their “AMBITIONS” Tour

July 17, 2017 10:10pm CDT
Set It Off and Palisades support the award-nominated band in their Fueled by Ramen debut.

[Slowhand]

Mimi Meme Mimi Music Group Disbands, Voice Actress Yuki Takao Retires in September

posted on 2017-07-18 01:37 EDT
Group performed songs for Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, Sweetness & Lightning, Akiba’s Trip

GACKT Continues Moonlighting As Pro Poker Player, Hits Top 150 Player Milestone

July 18, 2017 7:30am CDT
Gackt lands on Top 150 Player List for most recent tournament in Las Vegas

ANN Interview: Walküre’s Minori Suzuki and JUNNA

by Nicholas Dupree and Zac Bertschy, Jul 18th 2017

Eiken Shows off Their Legendary Creations in Summer Exhibition

July 18, 2017 3:45pm CDT
The creators of “Tetsujin 28,” “Sazae-san,” and many more offer fans a look at their history.

“Nier: Automata” Mastermind Responds To Reports Of American Robot Suicide

July 18, 2017 8:52pm CDT
On Monday, a Twitter user posted photos of their office’s automated security system after the robot apparently committed suicide via a dunk in a local wishing fountain

[Slowhand]

20-Year-Old Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill Voice Actress Sumire Uesaka

July 19, 2017 6:20am CDT
The man posted more than 20 slanderous comments against her

ANN Interview: Konomi Suzuki

by Zac Bertschy, Jul 19th 2017

Voice Actor Daisuke Namikawa Apologizes After Adultery Report

posted on 2017-07-19 17:55 EDT
Publication alleges Namikawa had relationship with agency employee

[Slowhand]

Sumire Uesaka’s Agency Releases Official Statement on Death Threat Sender’s Arrest

July 20, 2017 4:55am CDT
20-year-old suspect has admitted committing the crime

ANN Interview: Ali Project

by Zac Bertschy and Lynzee Loveridge, Jul 20th 2017

Turkish Transforming Robot Car Appears for Transformers Film’s Japanese Release

posted on 2017-07-20 14:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Hell Girl (Jigoku Shoujo) Season 4 Voice Actress Misaki Watada Releases Official YouTube Channel

Jul 20th 2017

Best Saber Cosplay Yet Uses Projection Mapping Tech

posted on 2017-07-20 19:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Twitter Mom Shows Off “Attack on Titan” Watermelon Art

July 20, 2017 7:55pm CDT
“On that day, humanity received a grim reminder not to play with their food.”

X Japan Completes 6 Nights at Yokohama Arena

Jul 20th 2017

[Slowhand]

“Fist of The North Star” Creator Donates 400 Million Yen to Establish Scholarship Fund in His Hometown

July 21, 2017 1:30am CDT
70-year-old author also supervises a manga school for free

Monster Hunter Bridal Fair Brings Fandom Fantasy to Nuptials

posted on 2017-07-21 14:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Hatsune Miku Goes Post-Apocalyptic for Magical Mirai Event

posted on 2017-07-21 18:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

“Project DIVA Future Tone DX” Added Even More Content

July 21, 2017 9:50pm CDT
The final count is 237 songs and 396 modules… and images are rolling out!

[Slowhand]

Watch VA Unit NOW ON AIR’s 2nd Single “Kibou no Kakera” Music Video

July 22, 2017 6:30am CDT
Six-member voice actress unit’s new single will be available on August 2

Boruto’s Showtaro Morikubo Gears Up for Next DVD Challenge

posted on 2017-07-22 15:45 EDT / ANN

Ultraman Cosmos Attacked by Poisonous Caterpillar

July 22, 2017 9:15pm CDT
Actor Taiyo Sugiura taken to doctor for 200 insect bites – he’s fine, just “itchy.”

[Slowhand]

You Can Stop Wishing: “Keijo!!!” Is Now a Real Sport

July 23, 2017 1:50am CDT
Portuguese fans create their own real keijo league… with some slightly more realistic expectations.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Invites Rinko Kikuchi, Takashi Miike, Eric Beckman

posted on 2017-07-23 10:00 EDT
Actor Hiroyuki Sanada, more also invited

Actress Rika Adachi Cosplays as Kemono Friends’ Serval

posted on 2017-07-23 13:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

Prince of Tennis Valentine Program Will Count Down from 50

posted on 2017-07-23 17:45 EDT by Lynzee Loveridge

Anime Jam 2017 Announces Date, First Acts

July 23, 2017 10:55pm CDT
Modern anison concert welcomes “PriPara,” “Kemono Friends,” and more.

[Slowhand]

“Shin Godzilla” and “Ultraman F” Recognized in 48th Annual Seiun Awards

July 24, 2017 10:40am CDT
Japanese speculative fiction awards presented by Japan Science Fiction Convention.

[Snowy_Stampede]

Shoegaze Idol Group"…" Makes Its Major Label Debut Next Month

July 25, 2017 8:35pm EDT
Idol group takes its sound after late 80s British shoegaze scene

[Slowhand]

Rock Band OLDCODEX Holds 1st Arena Concert in 2018

posted on 2017-07-27 15:45 EDT by Jennifer Sherman

200 Animal Girls to be Displayed at “Kemono Friends” Concept Design Exhibition

July 27, 2017 9:56pm CDT
The mega-hit franchise’s first art exhibition will open on August 24

From the Creators of If My Heart Had Wings Comes: LoveKami -Useless Goddess- Original Soundtrack, Releasing 7/31

Jul 27th 2017