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Oona McGee

Half-Japanese Oona McGee hails from Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a journalist and copywriter before making the move to Japan over a decade ago. Now she spends her days exploring the streets of Tokyo with her laptop and camera, always in search of new cafes, restaurants, events and stories to share with our readers. As an experienced food and travel reporter, Oona has travelled extensively through all 47 prefectures of Japan, and is constantly researching new destinations and drawing up itineraries for her next adventure.

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Posted by Oona McGee (Page 258)

Winter walking event takes you around Totoro forest loved by Hayao Miyazaki

Oona McGee
Sep 15, 2015
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While the well-known Ghibli Museum in Tokyo might be at the top of the bucket list for any fan of legendary animated film director Hayao Miyazaki, there’s actually an even better place to get in touch with the semi-retired maestro himself.

It’s a beautiful stretch of nature just north-west of Tokyo. called Sayama Hills. Situated in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, and nicknamed “Totoro’s Forest”, this area was the actual inspiration for the animated feature My Neighbour Totoro. Miyazaki has been known to take daily walks through the area, and is so enamoured by the place that he actively participates in regular volunteer events and has made generous donations towards its conservation.

Now, the foundation that protects the forest is inviting the general public in for a special guided walking tour to take place on 5 December. The full-day event takes visitors around some very special areas and includes lots of background information for fans.

Japan
(anime • Hayao Miyazaki • manga • nature • Studio Ghibli • Totoro)

Conveyor belt restaurant chain Kappa Sushi set to offer vegetable sushi at swanky new restaurants

Oona McGee
Sep 15, 2015

Popular conveyor belt sushi chain Kappa Sushi (pronounced Kappa Zushi) is known around Japan for its tasty morsels, starting at 108 yen (US$0.90) per plate, and its family-friendly setting, with cosy booths and a cute logo featuring an animated kappa, or water sprite (think Sandy from the TV series Monkey Magic, only tinier, rounder and a thousand times cuter).

Now the well-known chain is moving things up a notch, with the September 18 opening of a new type of conveyor belt restaurant called Sushi Nova. Featuring fashionable, modern interiors and a salad sushi menu that uses seasonal vegetables in place of fish, the company plans to open 100 of these new restaurants in Japan by 2019.

Japan
(Conveyor belt sushi • food • Kappa Sushi • sushi • Sushi Train • vegetarian)

We check out the new Samurai Star Wars figurines from Bandai and Tamashii Nations【Pics】

Oona McGee
Sep 14, 2015

Ever since we heard about the upcoming release of the new Samurai Darth Vader figurine, we’ve been eager to check out the Movie Realisation Series in person. The series includes Boba Fett, Stormtroopers and the Imperial Royal Guard, all dressed as Japanese feudal warriors and brandishing a mix of Japanese, western, and Star Wars-styled weapons.

We’d seen the photos and read the rave reviews but nothing could prepare us for meeting the unique cast of collectibles in person. Come with us as we take you through all the details and close-up photos from our visit!

Japan
(Bandai • Boba Fett • Darth Vader • figurines • photos • samurai • Star Wars • stormtrooper • Tamashii Nations • video)

Attack on Titan reveals its newest collaboration: public toilets on the Osaka loop train line

Oona McGee
Sep 14, 2015

In the lead-up to the release of the first Attack on Titan live-action movie, we were inundated with all sorts of fantastic collaborations. There was the tie-up with an epilation salon in Shinjuku, a campaign against illicit substances with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and even “Advancing hot dogs” at Aeon cinemas.

Since the film’s release, the giants have been quiet for a while but it seems they’ve just been gathering steam for their next amazing project: destroying public restrooms at stations on the Osaka train line.

Japan
(anime • Attack on Titan • exhibitions • JR West • Levi • manga • Osaka • Osaka Wall)

Osaka river turns into giant floating sushi train complete with oversized sushi 【Pics & Video】

Oona McGee
Sep 12, 2015

Osaka is known throughout Japan for being a foodie’s paradise. The area has such a focus on food and dining and has given birth to so many well-known dishes that there’s even a famous saying: Kyo no kidaore, Osaka no kuidaore, meaning “Dress up till you drop in Kyoto, eat till you drop in Osaka”.

This October, the city will be showing us just how much their food culture means to them, with a giant floating sushi train carrying plates of gigantic sushi up and down the river, and we’re taking a sneak peek at video and photos of the trial run!

Japan
(art • food • Kaitenzushi • Osaka • Osaka Canvas Project • sushi)

Artist creates unique badass Stormtrooper covered in Japanese tattoos

Oona McGee
Sep 11, 2015

Recently, we brought you news of the amazing Star Wars Movie Realisation Series of figurines, which have perfectly transformed Darth Vader, Boba Fett and Stormtroopers into awesome-looking samurai warriors.

But if you’re itching for a Japanese-styled Star Wars character of your own, you might want to do what this clever artist did and simply make one yourself. All you’ll need is a plain figure, some coloured pens and a little—make that a lot—of talent and patience.

Japan
(art • figurines • Japanese • samurai • Star Wars • stormtrooper • tattoos)

Breathtaking video captures the beauty of traditional Japanese washi paper making【Video】

Oona McGee
Sep 11, 2015

The traditional art of Japanese paper making has a history that dates back well over 1,000 years. Kurotani in Kyoto is one of the oldest paper-making villages where the tradition continues in earnest, with artisans continuing the ancient practice of paper skimming, classed as an intangible cultural asset by Kyoto Prefecture.

Like all Japanese arts, the process of creating washi has a precise and meditative quality about it. From collecting and preparing the raw materials to filtering and pressing the paper, the movements of these craftspeople and the life they lead is truly a sight to behold.

Japanese filmmaker Takashi Kuroyanagi has captured these moments in a beautiful five-minute film that takes us through the process from beginning to end and the result is breathtaking in its meditative beauty. If you’re looking for a way to take five minutes to relax in a busy day, this video is the calming tonic you need.

Japan
(artisan • Kurotani • Kyoto • paper • tradition • traditional crafts • video • washi)

Etsy shop sells anime Starbucks mugs featuring all our favourite characters!

Oona McGee
Sep 11, 2015

Etsy, the online marketplace filled to the brim with unique handmade goods, can be an absolute treasure trove for people who want to stand out from the crowd with special items that can’t be found in regular stores.

Case in point: these amazing mugs from Californian seller Howard Le. From Naruto to Sailor Moon and Cowboy Bebop to The Legend of Zelda, there are dozens of Starbucks-esque mugs to choose from. And if none of them take your fancy, he’ll even custom make your order for you!

Internet, Japan, USA
(anime • Attack on Titan • Dragon Ball Z • Legend of Zelda • mugs • Naruto • Sailor Moon • Starbucks • Yugioh)

Sailor Moon x Peach John lingerie re-released, available now with 17 outfits to choose from!

Oona McGee
Sep 10, 2015

We’ve written a lot about the Peach John and Bandai collaboration, and the amazing Sailor Moon lingerie and sleepwear sets they’ve been producing.

While we’ve mostly been filling you in on pre-order sale notices and upcoming releases, the popular line of outfits has been so sought after that they’ve been almost impossible to purchase. But today, dear readers, we have for you the best news of all. Due to the huge response from fans, the entire Sailor Moon collection is available online right now!

Japan
(anime • cosplay • fashion • lingerie • manga • Peach John • Sailor Moon • underwear)

We try unagi cola with genuine eel extract 【Taste Test】

Oona McGee
Sep 10, 2015

Just last month we brought you news of its arrival and now it’s finally here! It’s the delicious/disgusting-sounding Eel Cola, made with real eel extract.

If the thought of drinking it makes you shudder, never fear: your intrepid RocketNews24 reporters have done the tasting for you. All the details after the break!

Japan
(Coca-Cola • Coke • Cola • eel • taste test • unagi)

Ramen Noodle Pizza and Natto Okonomiyaki Pizza now finally a reality!

Oona McGee
Sep 10, 2015

We’ve seen some strange pizza toppings in the past. From Kit Kats to squid ink, Japan certainly knows how to deliver when it comes to thinking outside of the box.

Now, there are two new awesome pizzas on the menu: Ramen Noodle and Natto Okonomiyaki. And that’s not all – both items are being offered as part of a collaboration using local ingredients that hark back to the 1960s. Available from Aoki’s Pizza from September 10, this is an opportunity that’s not to be missed!

Japan
(cheap eats • natto • okonomiyaki • pizza • ramen • weird)

Sea Squirt Ale: Beer made from marine invertebrates hits the market in Japan

Oona McGee
Sep 9, 2015

The latest craft beer to hit the market in Japan is so unusual that its release has been limited to 3,000 bottles. Called Hoya Ale, the beer itself sounds innocent enough, but when you find out that Hoya is an edible marine animal commonly known as the sea squirt, you might actually need some liquid courage before guzzling it down.

Japan
(ale • beer • Minami Sanriku • sea pineapple • seafood)

Kyoto store makes embroidered badges, tests our knowledge of traditional Japanese sweets

Oona McGee
Sep 9, 2015

How well do you know your wagashi (Japanese sweets)? If you’re struggling to put a name to any of the traditional delectables pictured above, there’s a store in Kyoto that can help.

By creating decorative embroidered versions of some of Japan’s most popular confections, Kyoto-based Kyototo is giving us an education in the names and background of the hand-crafted treats that are often seasonal but always delicious. Come with us as we take a look at twelve of the most beautiful wagashi you can find in Japan.

Japan
(fashion • Japanese sweets • Kyoto • sweets • traditional • wagashi)

Darth Vader in Death Star armour brandishes lightsaber katana, joins the Samurai force in Japan

Oona McGee
Sep 8, 2015

A short time ago, in a country far, far away, a group of creatives at legendary toy-making company Bandai decided to fill a void in the figurine universe with a fearsome new character: Samurai Darth Vader.

The new model on the market is set to feature some awesome details, including a Death Star warrior helmet, a lightsaber blade and a pose-able hand for playing out those extreme death-grip scenarios.

Available at the end of December, this new incarnation of the Dark Lord is the latest in a lineup that also includes Samurai Storm Troopers and Samurai Boba Fett.

Japan
(Bandai • Boba Fett • Darth Vader • figurine • Star Wars • stormtrooper)

New Attack on Titan collaboration takes the fight to unwanted body hair

Oona McGee
Jul 30, 2015

Fans of the hit anime Attack on Titan may also know it by its original Japanese title, Shingeki no Kyojin, which literally translates to “Advancing Giants.”

Giants aren’t the only thing advancing upon us, though, because now there’s an unusual advertising campaign announcing the arrival of Shingeki no Bijin, or Advancing Beauties, and the war we’re fighting is the war on body hair.

Japan
(anime • armpit hair • Attack on Titan • beards • beauty • hair removal • manga)

Japanese burger chain Mos Burger replaces its buns with two halves of a giant tomato

Oona McGee
Jul 29, 2015

Japanese fast food chain Mos Burger has built a reputation over the years for its healthy burger options. For those with an aversion to traditional wheat-based buns, Mos Burger offers versions made with grilled rice patties. And if you’re counting calories, they’ll simply wrap your filling in lettuce.

Now there’s an even more impressive option for health-conscious customers: a burger stuffed between two halves of a giant tomato. Available after 2:00pm from only one outlet in Japan, we stopped by to check out the rare red burger, taking lots of delicious photos for you along the way!

Japan
(burgers • fast food • Mos Burger • photos • tomato)

In the name of the monthly moon! New series of Sailor Moon sanitary pads hits shelves in Japan

Oona McGee
Jul 28, 2015

The earth has always enjoyed a special relationship with the moon. The month-long cycle of push-and-pull between the planet and its natural satellite means we calculate days in terms of lunar months and in Japan they even use the same kanji character (月) to mean both month and moon itself. Oh, and instead of seeing a man on the moon’s surface, they see a rabbit pounding rice.

So when it comes to ‘that time of the month’, the connection with lunar forces in Japan has given birth to an unusual collaboration between Sailor Moon warriors, with a girl called Usagi-chan, or rabbit, at the helm, and Elis sanitary pads. Fans are gushing over the adorable packaging and the chance to win free related merchandise!

Japan
(anime • Elis • manga • napkins • Sailor Moon • sanitary pads)

Cute miniature collection reveals the everyday items used by Sailor Moon cast

Oona McGee
Jul 27, 2015

Would you like to know what Sailor Moon and her pals eat for lunch? Or perhaps you’re curious to find out how they study or what they’d take along to the local shrine. Well now you can find out all that and more, with this gorgeous miniature collection!

Japan
(anime • figures • manga • Sailor Moon • toys)

McDonald’s attempts to lure back customers with open kitchen concept in Japan

Oona McGee
Jul 27, 2015

It’s no secret that McDonald’s Japan has been on a slippery slope following several food safety scandals in recent years. In 2014, the fast food giant reported its first annual loss in 11 years, which amounted to 21.84 billion yen (around US$176 million).

In an effort to restore trust and reaffirm their commitment to quality assurance, the fast food chain recently fitted out two stores in Japan with an “open kitchen” design, allowing customers to get an inside view of operations to see just how orders are made, from start to finish.

But will this be enough to bring customers back to the golden arches?

Japan
(fast food • food • hamburgers • McDonald's • open kitchen)

Lotteria wins us over with two amazing new potato chip burgers

Oona McGee
Jul 26, 2015

Lotteria Japan has done it again. Just when we thought nothing could beat their ramen noodle burgers, they bring out these little beauties. No more dreaming of salty, crunchy potato chips smothered in sauce and stuffed inside your favourite burger because Lotteria has finally made our dreams a reality!