Japan Central!

Pop Team Epic’s Popuko, Pipimi Take on Dessert for Café Collaboration

posted on 2018-02-06 12:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Final Fantasy XIV’s Nidhogg Comes to Life at Sapporo Snow Festival

posted on 2018-02-06 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Fairy Tail Creator Lands in France, Accepts Award, & Still Beats Monster Hunter World

posted on 2018-02-06 16:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Could the Winter Olympics Feature Yuri!!! on Ice?

posted on 2018-02-06 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

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Watch Voice Actress Rie Murakawa’s Cute Dance Performance in Her New MV “Koisuru Parade”

February 07, 2018 12:15am CST
The voice of Hotaru Ichijo (Non Non Biyori), Ram (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World).

“Re:Zero”-themed Collaboration Hotel Room Opens in Akihabara Today

February 07, 2018 3:15am CST
Message cards, door hungers, a tote bag, and pillow cases are included in the two plans

Technical Glitch Reveals Virtual YouTuber’s Real Identity

posted on 2018-02-07 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Singer Eir Aoi Returns From Hiatus

posted on 2018-02-07 13:52 EST
Aoi was on hiatus in 2017 due to poor health

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App Offers Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links Hair Through AR Photos

posted on 2018-02-08 13:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

New York’s Genericon to Host Trigger’s Kazuya Masumoto, Masahiko Otsuka, Takafumi Hori

posted on 2018-02-08 22:00 EST
Rensselaer’s convention to take place March 2-4

AnimeJapan 2018 5th Anniversary Announcing All 46 Programs For 5 AJ Open Stages

Feb 8th 2018

Cherry blossom forecast 2018: Sakura expected to come to Tokyo earlier than usual this year!

February 8, 2018 / Sora News 24
Sakura speculation map and dates for each prefecture in Japan released by Japan Weather Association.

Subpar AKB48 performance in Thailand earns scalding remarks from netizens 【Video】

February 8, 2018 / Sora News 24
Apparently it was so bad that Thai music fans wondered, “Are these really idols?”

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Recovery of an MMO Junkie Director Causes Controversy With Anti-Semitic Tweets

posted on 2018-02-09 12:15 EST by ANN Interest Team

Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma Cast Slide up to Themed Café

posted on 2018-02-09 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Japanese G-cup gravure idol saves the world with her breasts in bizarre new video

February 9, 2018 / Sora News 24
Erina Kamiya is back, and this time she’s using her magic bosom to save the world from an incoming meteor.

Japanese public school to allow male students to wear skirts, chest ribbons as part of uniform

February 9, 2018 / Sora News 24
Brand-new middle school to let students of any gender wear whatever uniform components they feel comfortable in out of consideration to LGBT youths.

Amazing Sailor Moon smartphone case recreates anime heroine’s transformation sequence【Video】

February 9, 2018 / Sora News 24
Clever superfan shows how you too can easily replicate the most famous scene from the most famous magical girl anime.

Lame tourists’ lame excuse for spray-painting graffiti in Tokyo still gets them arrested

February 9, 2018 / Sora News 24
Claim they thought graffiti was allowed in one Tokyo neighborhood.

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Japanese travel provider has a clever psychological solution to reclining seat aggravation

February 10, 2018 / Sora News 24
Whether the person in front of you adjusting the seat angle is a good or bad thing is all a matter of perspective, Tokyo-bound overnight bus shows us.

Here’s the most inspirational steak you’ll ever see, from Yoshinobu Saito

February 10, 2018 / Sora News 24
You might have to stare at it a while to see why, but the signature ought to be a big give-away.

Otaku crowd control could be changing with new “anime character voice” megaphones

February 10, 2018 / Sora News 24
Device seeks to fire your voice straight at the bull’s eye in anime fans’ selective attention.

Watch How “Sakura no Ame” Played by Orchestra in “Hatsune Miku Symphony 2017” Concert

February 10, 2018 1:55am CST
Two more concerts are scheduled in November 2018 and January 2019

Japanese high school teachers forcibly cut off hair that was “too long” from 44 students

February 10, 2018 / Sora News 24

Valentine’s Day Themed “Persona 5: The Animation” Event Features Morgana And Free Chocolate!

February 10, 2018 4:00pm CST
Event to be held next week at Animate stores in Shibuya and Osaka

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Japanese mascot malfunction gives hilarious look at what it’s really like inside a costume【Video】

February 11, 2018 / Sora News 24
Spoiler alert: it’s filled with one human, 10 pounds of sweat, and at least a year’s worth of back pain.

Mismatched drain cover or real-life RPG puzzle to solve? One Japanese netizen investigates

February 11, 2018 / Sora News 24
Solve the puzzle to unlock a door, surely! …what do you mean “maybe we should take a break from gaming?”

Informative video condenses everything about Japan into sixteen minutes of pure gold【Video】

February 11, 2018 / Sora News 24
Whether you’re new to Japan or a resident, this easily digestible video will fill you in on the country’s facts faster than any other.

Date Voice Actors at Cheese! Magazine’s Manga Exhibit

posted on 2018-02-11 14:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

“Mobile Suit Z Gundam” OP Original Singer Performs New Pachinko Machine Theme Song

February 11, 2018 8:05pm CST
Veteran Gundam singer’s 34th single “Torikago no Shonen” hits stores this Wednesday

News Program: Laid-Back Camp Inspires Newbies to Try Winter Camping

posted on 2018-02-11 19:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Animegaphone Turns Heads With Voice-Changing Tech

posted on 2018-02-11 20:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Eir Aoi Returning 2018 New Song & Music Video “Yakusoku” Surprise Release

Feb 11th 2018
On a hiatus since her Nippon Budokan concert in November 2016, Eir Aoi has announced that she will be returning in Spring 2018.

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Voice Actor Mamoru Miyano Releases Trailers for New Live DVD/Blu-ray

February 12, 2018 12:10am CST
Two-disc set “LIVE TOUR 2017 ~LOVING!~” will be available on March 21

Hayate the Combat Butler Artist Kenjirou Hata, Seiyu’s Life Author/Voice Actress Masumi Asano Marry

posted on 2018-02-12 09:35 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Beautiful Japanese cosplayer reveals how she earns well over a thousand dollars in a single hour

February 12, 2018 / Sora News 24
Enako continues to make jaws drop not just with her gorgeous appearance, but also with her amazing economic powers.

Twitter user shares stupidly simple lifehack for eating Japanese snacks

February 12, 2018 / Sora News 24
We hate to break it to you, but you’ve been eating bags of chips wrong your whole life.

Japanese Twitter artist creates emotional anime advertisement posters, leaves netizens in tears

February 12, 2018 / Sora News 24
A tribute to the most touching moments in manga and anime.

Irritating imp battered by samurai god at demon festival

February 12, 2018 at 19:05 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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It’s Anime! On Ice at the 2018 Sapporo Snow Festival

posted on 2018-02-13 12:45 EST by Heidi Kemps

Tokyo’s craziest pasta: Our custom-made spaghetti with all the toppings we can get for 10,000 yen

February 13, 2018 / Sora News 24
We looked at this Shibuya restaurant’s 2.3-kilogram (5.1-pound) spaghetti serving and said, “Naw, that’s not enough.”

Survey asks Japan’s ex-NEETs if they miss their lazy, carefree days after finally getting a job

February 13, 2018 / Sora News 24
Japanese people not in employment or education have said “If you get a job, you lose!” but how do they feel once they actually join the workforce?

Survey reveals Japanese men really want home-made chocolate, but are women willing to make it?

February 13, 2018 / Sora News 24
In Japan, women give chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day, but are guys going to get what they really want?

Isamu Noguchi fountains to be restored at Expo ’70 park

February 13, 2018 at 17:45 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

International Ninja Research Association set to launch in Iga

February 13, 2018 at 09:30 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Pixiv Website Surpasses 30 Million Users

posted on 2018-02-13 16:20 EST

Anisong Performer Sayaka Sasaki Announces Marriage to Garo Suit Actor

posted on 2018-02-13 19:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Ms. Koizumi Brings you Ramentine’s Day Gifts

February 13, 2018 10:45pm CST
Valentine cards and “ramen candy” on offer for series fans

Watch “KARAKAI JOZU NO TAKAGI-SAN” Akihabara Valentine Event Video Report

February 13, 2018 11:45pm CST
Takagi-san VA Rie Takahashi also joined another event to deliver her chocolates to the fans

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Sapporo’s Snowy Songstress Hatsune Miku Takes Over

posted on 2018-02-14 12:45 EST by Heidi Kemps

Ms. Koizumi Doesn’t Have Time for Chocolate on Valentine’s Day

posted on 2018-02-14 15:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Otaku Descend on Akihabara to Receive Anime Valentine Chocolate

posted on 2018-02-14 16:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

STAR☆ANIS & AIKATSU☆STARS! Bid Farewell in Their Last MV “AIKATSU GENERATION”

February 14, 2018 7:30pm CST
Each member shows their hand-written messages to fans

Watch Voice Actress Yui Ogura’s Graduation-themed New MV “Shiroku Saku Hana”

February 14, 2018 11:30pm CST
One of the current PreCure VAs’ 8th solo single hits stores March 14

Video of still-moving seafood at extra-cheap sushi chain startles, entices Japanese Twitter【Vid】

February 14, 2018 / Sora News 24
It’s almost like this piece of sushi is saying “Hi!” before it gets eaten.

This Valentine’s Day, tell him you don’t love him with Japanese women’s “chocolate maggot” recipe

February 14, 2018 / Sora News 24
A tasty, clever way to say “We’re just friends” in a country where women give chocolate to both lovers and platonic male acquaintances on February 14.

Japanese architecture firm unveils plans for world’s tallest wooden skyscraper in Japan

February 14, 2018 / Sora News 24
The new building is a feat of environmentally conscious engineering that will stand taller than Tokyo Tower.

Ancient tomb containing splendid armor found in Kyushu

February 14, 2018 at 09:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Fossils found in Japan support idea of Pangea supercontinent

February 14, 2018 at 18:25 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Male idol dance group finds hidden stalker gadget inside stuffed animal present from fan

February 15, 2018 / Sora News 24
Discovery prompts immediate change to unit’s policy regarding fan gifts.

Cute elementary school Valentine’s Day story makes Japanese Twitter give collective “d’aww”

February 15, 2018 / Sora News 24
Crafty kid + smart teacher = happy memory.

WARNING! Contains a NSFW picture!

Japanese adult video actress plans return to competitive snowboarding after dashed Olympic dreams

February 15, 2018 / Sora News 24
Shows she still has what it takes after dominating national tournament with almost no practice time.

The Pretty Guardians Are Back with a Brand-New Tribute Album

posted on 2018-02-15 15:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Voice Actress Yumi Hara Releases Her Last Music Video “YOU&ME”

February 15, 2018 10:45pm CST
Her final solo concert “Message” will be held in Tokyo on June 10

Now boarding: A flight from Tokyo to Paris that never takes off

February 15, 2018 at 16:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Bacteria deep in Okinawa seas could offer clues on origins of life

February 15, 2018 at 08:30 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Bite Kyubey’s Head Off at Sega’s Madoka Magica Café This Month

posted on 2018-02-16 14:15 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Celebrity Kanō Sisters Get Custom Cutie Honey Costumes at AnimeJapan

posted on 2018-02-16 19:15 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Mie man arrested for collecting photos he took of female coworker while at work

February 16, 2018 / Sora News 24
Charges cause many to wonder where the line between stalking and a secret crush lies.

Designer’s tweets during first trip to Japan perfectly show why it’s such a great place to visit

February 16, 2018 / Sora News 24
In just the first day of his stay, designer tweeted more than 50 things that pleasantly surprised him about Japan.

Breasts into animals – Japanese sports bra video puts critters in bras strapped on men【Video】

February 16, 2018 / Sora News 24
Video about inertia and gravity garners baffled and mixed reactions.

Tokyo cafe offers all-you-can-eat pie, makes us wonder why we should ever eat anywhere else

February 16, 2018 / Sora News 24
Yeah, all those boutiques in Tokyo’s trendy Harajuku district are nice, but this is our new favorite place in the neighborhood.

Tokyo Olympic committee comes up with clever way to let blind children help select Games’ mascots

February 16, 2018 / Sora News 24
Organizers find a way to let vision-impaired kids express their opinion of which of the adorable characters best represents Japan.

Last wartime ‘flying swallow’ fighter goes on show in Gifu

February 16, 2018 at 18:25 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

OLYMPICS/ Clash of titans looms for Hanyu and Chen

February 16, 2018 at 10:30 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Hanyu fans flock to shrines to offer prayers for Olympic gold

February 16, 2018 at 12:25 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

FIGURE SKATING/ Hanyu takes the lead after short program; Uno in third place

February 16, 2018 at 15:55 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Survey suggests Tokyo women expect men to spend big on Valentine’s Day return gifts

February 17, 2018 / Sora News 24
Participants say that even if a guy were to spend three times as much on a thank-you present, it still wouldn’t be enough.

Japanese guy’s ex makes him Valentine’s Day chocolate with anime girls flipping him off

February 17, 2018 / Sora News 24
Apparently the breakup wasn’t as mutual as he thought, man discovers when getting home-made Pop Team Epic chocolate.

We try the new sakura Frappuccino from Starbucks Japan【SoraNews24 Taste Test】

February 17, 2018 / Sora News 24
The new limited-edition beverage takes its inspiration from a traditional Japanese springtime confection.

Tokyo teen an international sensation in slime mold study

February 17, 2018 at 08:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Teen bests ‘shogi’ master to move within sight of higher ranking

February 17, 2018 at 15:10 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

FIGURE SKATING/ Bears rain down from heaven on Hanyu comeback

February 17, 2018 at 08:20 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

FIGURE SKATING/ Hanyu, Uno give Japan one-two finish in men’s singles

February 17, 2018 at 14:50 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

McDonald’s Japan profits soar out of 2017 and well beyond their best year ever

February 17, 2018 / Sora News 24
Japan’s version of the fast food giant has surpassed an already optimistic forecast and landed in a Big Mac truck load of cash.

X Japan Named SSE Wembley Arena’s Top Concert of 2017

Feb 17th 2018

Singers Show Their Moon Pride in “Sailor Moon” Tribute Album

February 17, 2018 7:06pm CST
LiSA, SILENT SIREN, and more to appear on new album

Japanese horror films keep evolving

February 17, 2018 / The Japan News

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Unsatisfied customer returns “moldy” Japanese cracker to company, receives an essay in return

February 18, 2018 / Sora News 24

Winnie the Pooh vs. Soohorang

February 18, 2018 at 11:36 JST / © 2018 The New York Times / The Asahi Shimbun

Himeji Castle’s ‘bent around turret’ gets first airing in 8 years

February 18, 2018 at 07:20 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

Wonder of Ainu world projected for Hokkaido’s 150th birthday

February 18, 2018 at 07:10 JST

Kyoto revamping crowded bus services amid rise in foreign tourists

Feb. 18, 2018 at 06:26 am JST / Japan Today

Parents attend matchmaking parties to find partners for their children

Feb. 18, 2018 at 06:25 am JST / Japan Today

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Signal.MD Responds to Recovery of an MMO Junkie Director’s Anti-Semitic Tweet Controversy

posted on 2018-02-19 11:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Tokyo Ghoul Creator, Anime’s Star Celebrate Yuzuru Hanyu’s Olympic Win

posted on 2018-02-19 17:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Fate/Grand Order Meets Classic Japanese Art in Water-Mapping Light Show

posted on 2018-02-19 18:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Check Out Voice Actor Kensho Ono’s 1st Album All-Song Preview and Full-Size MVs

February 19, 2018 6:30pm CST
10-song album “Take the TOP” will be released next Monday

Math questions at Nara temple revive challenge to the public

February 19, 2018 at 08:30 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Figure Skating, Shogi Prove Real Life Can Beat Anime Feats

posted on 2018-02-20 18:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Pikotaro Collabs with MomoClo and We’re Confused

February 20, 2018 10:15pm CST
No pineapples to be seen in new “Vegetable” MV

Sony joins vinyl revival with first LP releases in almost 30 years

February 20, 2018 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Arizona’s Saboten Con to Host Singer Akira

posted on 2018-02-21 00:32 EST
Live performance, fashion show appearance scheduled

Anime Music Composer Yuki Kajiura Leaves Agency After 25 Years

posted on 2018-02-21 01:45 EST
On Kalafina: "Won’t be the same as before

Singing Unit Kalafina to Continue After Producer Yuki Kajiura’s Departure

posted on 2018-02-21 03:40 EST
Space Craft Produce agency: Concerts, 10th anniversary film’s plans moving forward

Cardcaptor Sakura Heads to Chiyoda for Sakura-Filled Festival

posted on 2018-02-21 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Learn to Play Volleyball at the Haikyu!! Exhibition

posted on 2018-02-21 18:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Penguin Idol Unit of “Kemono Friends” to Release First Album

February 21, 2018 6:21pm CST
PPP’s major debut is happening on World Penguin Day

AKIRA to Perform at Saboten Con in Phoenix, AZ

Feb 21st 2018

Get the 1st Look at 4D Sailor Moon in USJ Attraction Ad

osted on 2018-02-21 23:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Voice Actor x Street Dance Unit “A+DF” to Hold Their Debut Showcase on March 23

February 21, 2018 10:30pm CST
The company is also managing Kazuomi Yamamoto, Iori Nomizu, Bridcutt Sarah Emi

Visitors to Osaka Castle Park enjoy a plum time

February 21, 2018 at 13:45 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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Shōjo Goes Glam at Gucci Fashion Show

posted on 2018-02-22 12:45 EST by Jennifer Sherman

Avex and Japan Ninja Council Launch “Ninja Project” with PR Ambassador Pikotaro

February 22, 2018 7:40pm CST
General facilities to offer various Ninja education programs is planned to be established

“Princess Tutu” Anniversary Adds Exhibit, Café to Festivities

February 22, 2018 11:55pm CST
Show creators will also be on hand for autographs

One in four young Japanese adults say love is a pain in the butt【Survey】

February 22, 2018 / Sora News 24
Is love dead?

The most awesome anime fan art is fan art that’s also traditional Japanese sweets【Photos】

February 22, 2018 / Sora News 24
From Pop Team Epic to Cowboy Bebop, this professional confectioner’s anime and video game dojin works are edible!

Chiitan the otter mascot poised for mainstream success with fun videos of everyday tasks

February 22, 2018 / Sora News 24
Enlightening clips show just how hard it is to do the simplest things when you’re a mascot.

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See The Inside of “Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu” Collaboration Hotel Room

February 23, 2018 2:55am CST
The plan comes with message cards, an acryl stand, cushion covers, a mirror and a coaster

Before Making Pop Team Epic’s ‘Hellshake Yano,’ AC-bu Started Meme With Music Video

posted on 2018-02-23 12:15 EST by Jennifer Sherman

“Sengoku BASARA” Crashes the 47th Annual Shigen-ko Festival

February 23, 2018 11:05am CST
Yearly festivities celebrating the life of feudal lord Takeda Shingen includes the world’s largest samurai parade

A Sister’s All You Need Event Hints at Drinking with the Cast

posted on 2018-02-23 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Takuya Eguchi’s Pokémon Doodle Confuses Official Eevee Account

posted on 2018-02-23 17:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Older female fans’ steamy comments about gold medal skater Yuzuru Hanyu spark debate online

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Some call the sentiments creepy, while others say they mirror their own.

Competitive aquatic plant designs look more like gorgeous jungles than fish tanks

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Some of the aquariums look like they could be a screenshot of a scene from Princess Mononoke.

Things get awkward as cosplayer’s dad learns to double-check his suitcase before business trips

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Speech preparation goes down the drain, but at least he was ready for some crossplay.

UNICEF: Japan safest country to have a baby

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Although it includes high praise for Japan, the entire UNICEF survey is a sobering report.

Kabuki stagehand taxi service starts, offers silent cab drivers that’ll give you a story to tell

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
With their drivers’ faces hidden, these taxis are a peek into Japanese theater culture.

Tokyo train adding family-only cars to evening commuter express in March

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Test program reserves space for parents traveling with kids, would possibly mean fewer crying babies on adult-accessible carriages.

Samurai road rage as man attacks motorist with replica samurai sword on Japanese expressway

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24
Tailgating incident isn’t exactly the sort of duel of honor told about in tales of yore.

Japanese train station stirs up nostalgia with beautiful rural setting and one-carriage train

February 23, 2018 / Sora News 24

Members must pay up to 36.36 million yen to stay at new hotel

February 23, 2018 at 16:25 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

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22 February turned out to be a bad day for Tokyo train commuters, as freak delays showed

February 24, 2018 / Sora News 24
Netizens collectively facepalm and shake their heads after finding out the root of the problem.

Japanese race queens give their opinion on Formula 1 abolishing grid girls

February 24, 2018 / Sora News 24
We talked with the motorsports models, one of whom says Japan’s situation is unique compared to the rest of the world.

‘Grocerant’ store-restaurant hybrids gaining ground in Japan

February 24, 2018 at 07:00 JST / The Asahi Shimbun

LiSA will Release Two Best Albums " BEST -Day-" and “BEST -Way-” on May 9

February 24, 2018 1:45am CST
All of her 16 anime/game theme songs will be included

Discover Your Kemono Friend-sona at Non Hoi Zoo in Toyohashi

posted on 2018-02-24 13:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Mongolia protests Japanese kids’ cartoon mocking Genghis Khan

Feb. 24, 2018 at 03:40 pm JST / Japan Today

Sanrio’s Yuri!!! on Ice Characters Get 2nd Cutesy Café

posted on 2018-02-24 14:45 EST by Lynzee Loveridge

Maaya Uchida Gears up for Next Album

February 24, 2018 6:37pm CST
“Is the Order a Rabbit?” performer to release “Magic Hour”

“BEATLESS” Event Prepares Us for the AI Uprising

February 24, 2018 7:42pm CST
Upcoming live event held in conjunction with NISC’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month

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Design Festa Gallery: Happy Meow Year

posted on 2018-02-25 12:45 EST by Kim Morrissy

Kalafina Unveils Trailer for 10th Anniversary Documentary

February 25, 2018 8:55pm CST
“Madoka Magica” singers prepare for new film’s release

Oscar nominee Tsuji gives actors new faces

February 25, 2018 / The Japan News

1 Like