More often than not, stories and franchises start as manga in Japan and, if they become popular enough, you will see them evolve into an anime, musical, or sometimes even a live-action versions. While it is great to see our favorite stories presented in different formats, viewers will usually know exactly where the plot will go and how the characters develop.
A show that can never fall victim to that trap is a completely original anime series that makes its debut on the TV screen. You won’t know if it’s going to be any good, but with the kind of pedigree behind Active Raid: Special Public Security Fifth Division Third Mobile Assault Eighth Unit, you can bet we are looking forward to its 2016 release. Though it’s going to take us a while to use its full name in conversation…
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Studio Ghibli releases new action figures featuring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind characters
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
McDonald’s Japan releases a pancake pie for new retro kissaten coffeeshop series
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
The 10 best Japanese hot spring resorts locals want to go back to again and again
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Osaka’s creepy cute mascot speaks for first time, adds more fuel the creepy OR cute debate【Video】
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Studio Ghibli glasses cases let anime characters keep an eye on your spectacles
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
One of Tokyo’s most famous meeting-spot landmarks is closing for good
Kyoto creates new for-tourist buses to address overtourism with higher prices, faster rides
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
The 10 best Japanese hot spring resorts locals want to go back to again and again
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Osaka’s creepy cute mascot speaks for first time, adds more fuel the creepy OR cute debate【Video】
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Celebrate National Cucumber Day by learning about the cucumber-loving yokai, the kappa
Gackt lashes out at Cool Japan: “Almost no results of Japanese culture exported overseas”
Luxurious lounge only open to couples opens in Tokyo
Can you tell the difference between real beer and Japan’s happoshu quasi-beer?【Taste test】
What frozen snack won Seventeen Ice’s “1st Flavor General Election”?
Korean Feces Wine is a Real Thing and We’ve Got Two Bottles of it, Contains Cat Bones as Well
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese