We’ve known for a while that Japan is busy at work creating life-like human robots that will one day take over the world. But for the most part they’ve seemed pretty silly, like malfunctioning children that don’t quite know what they’re doing.
However the most recent Japanese android creation, Erica, might put a stop to that. She was created specifically with the goal of imitating human speech and body language patterns, in order to have “completely natural” conversations.
Will she be able to trick her inevitable suitors into thinking she’s real? Read on to find out!
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Tokyo’s most famous arcade announces price increase, fans don’t seem to mind at all
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Hey, Thai tuk-tuk driver! Take us to the best Thai restaurant in this part of Bangkok!
Randomly running into a great sushi lunch like this is one of the best things about eating in Tokyo
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
There’s a park inside Japan where you can also see Japan inside the park
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
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
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Kyoto bans tourists from geisha alleys in Gion, with fines for those who don’t follow rules
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
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
Studio Ghibli’s new desktop Howl’s Moving Castle will take your stationery on an adventure
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Tokyo’s most famous arcade announces price increase, fans don’t seem to mind at all
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to your favorite restaurant in Tsuruga City!
Hey, Thai tuk-tuk driver! Take us to the best Thai restaurant in this part of Bangkok!
Randomly running into a great sushi lunch like this is one of the best things about eating in Tokyo
How can you maximize the calories you burn singing karaoke?【Experiment】
Ghibli’s Boy and the Heron wins Academy Award, studio COO apologizes for Hayao Miyazaki’s absence
Osaka’s creepy cute mascot speaks for first time, adds more fuel the creepy OR cute debate【Video】
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Just how clean are Japan’s high-tech public restroom bidet-equipped toilets?
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Japan’s biggest dating app says young people not interested in romance, creates AI girlfriend app
Sengoku samurai warlords transform into easy-to-brew, fruity flavored tea tablets