Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Olyumpis
It’s been a rocky debut for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics official logo. First, it elicited mixed reactions as to whether its somewhat obtuse aesthetics really conveyed the noble sentiments it was aiming for. Then came the allegations that the logo was plagiarized from the emblem of a Belgian theater.
But let’s set aside the issue of whether or not the design is a copy or not and ask another artistic question: Is the Tokyo Olympics logo actually an adorably stylized bird?
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
Super Nintendo World expansion gets delayed for several months at Universal Studios Japan
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Studio Ghibli releases new action figures featuring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind characters
McDonald’s Japan releases a pancake pie for new retro kissaten coffeeshop series
Kyoto’s 100 Demons yokai monster parade returns!
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Japanese travelers more stressed than other countries sitting next to strangers on planes【Survey】McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in TokyoMore foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
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】All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen communityMcDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
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
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
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 indefinitelyMcDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
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
Studio Ghibli releases new action figures featuring Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind characters
McDonald’s Japan releases a pancake pie for new retro kissaten coffeeshop series
Kyoto’s 100 Demons yokai monster parade returns!
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Japanese travelers more stressed than other countries sitting next to strangers on planes【Survey】
When is the right time for a love confession in Japan?
What happens to Cup Noodle Mystery Meat when you cook it in a rice cooker?
Five magic Japanese phrases to know before starting a job in Japan
Japanese museum celebrates Golden Week by publicly dissecting rare sea creature 【Photos】
Japanese convenience store customers reimagined as gacha game characters
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
We try Japanese desserts made with bits of tuna. What could go wrong? 【Taste test】
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
The end of Sailor Moon is coming with new Sailor Moon Cosmos theatrical anime【Video】