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Japan (Page 1697)
From trash to usable work of art – used wine bottles transformed into beautiful glassware!
Okay, we have good news for wine lovers who feel guilty about creating lots of trash by opening all of those wine bottles. See the picture above? Yes, you guessed it – used wine bottles are now being made into beautiful glassware! Isn’t this a great, eco-friendly way to recycle wine bottles? I, for one, definitely wouldn’t mind having such nice looking plates at home. Read More
Remember When Your Mom Said “You Could Lose An Eye”? She Forgot the Part Where You Could Also Get US$150,000
- Master Blaster
May 11, 2012
Back in 2008, at an Osaka elementary school there was an incident involving a 3rd grade student who smashed two bottles of milk together during lunch time. As a result, the bottles shattered sending a shard of glass into the child’s eye and leaving him disabled. It’s certainly a terrible accident but what followed had turned the public’s sympathy into outrage.
- Japan
- (education • milk bottle • Osaka • school)
Does Drinking Pee Make You Healthier?
- Jessica
May 11, 2012
Across all times and cultures, there have been a variety of hygienic practices, some of which we would regard with horror today. One of those, which has been much discussed recently, is the practice of drinking one’s own urine to promote good health. Yes, you read that correctly, drinking a steaming glass of your own pee as a health supplement. Read More
- Japan
- (drinking pee • education • folk medicine • food • health • weird)
Clear and shiny fun – Grow your own crystals!
- Kay
May 10, 2012
I’m sure many people out there have been fascinated by the beauty of crystals. Crystals come in various shapes and colors and can be used in many ways, including ornaments and jewelry. Well, if you love crystals, there is reason for you to rejoice, because now you can grow your own crystals with “Magic Crystal“, the new product from Otogino Co., Ltd. Read More
- Japan
- (crystals • cute • do it yourself • entertainment)
Check out these luxury restrooms – you’ll want to visit Shibuya Hikarie just to use the ladies’ room!
- Kay
May 9, 2012
So, everyone has been talking about the Shibuya Hikarie, the new shopping and entertainment complex that opened in Shibuya on April 26. The large building includes not only shopping facilities but offices, 2 floors of restaurants, event halls and even a theater as well. But did you know that the shopping facility in the building, called “ShinQs“, may be worth visiting for something other than the shops – their restrooms, to be exact? Read More
How about some fish flavored gum – to boost your intelligence?
- Kay
May 8, 2012
It’s widely known that Japanese people love to eat fish (although in recent years, hamburgers and pizza have become increasingly a part of our diet). But even in a country where fish is treasured – so much so that a single tuna can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at the fish market – you normally wouldn’t expect to see a product this “fishy” – fish flavored chewing gum! Read More
Japanese Foam Jockey Gives Drinkers Beer Heads That Cause Westerners to Froth at the Mouth
- Master Blaster
May 8, 2012
Recently we ran a report on how Japanese netizens expressed their outrage over the way a Korean pop star chooses to eat her instant noodles. Now it seems that the international outrage shoe is on the other foot as Japan has drawn the western stink eye over how they like to enjoy their beer.
At the center of this controversy is an innocent advert for Jokki Hour (a punny mistranslation of “Foam Jockey”). Jokki Hour is actually a cleverly designed beer mug that has a lever attatched. When you push the lever the cup creates a head on the beer. Not a bad idea in itself, but I think it’s the advertisement that turns westerners off. Let’s take a look.
- Japan
- (beer • foam • food • Jokki Hour)
Oh La La! McDonald’s Looks to Add a Touch of Class with Professional Baristas Brewing Custom Cups of Joe
- Master Blaster
May 7, 2012
Having recently opened a location in the ultra-trendy Harajuku-Omotesando shopping area of Tokyo, McDonald’s Japan is brewing a new strategy with an extra shot of sophistication.
Don’t worry; it’s not the rebirth of that lame Mac Tonight moon man who played cheesy lounge music on the piano in the 80’s. This time McDonald’s will be serving up freshly made custom cups of coffee by real baristas.
- Japan
- (barista • coffee • McCafe • McDonald's)
Self-Described “Sushidols” are Serving Fans Songs with their Wasabi
- Master Blaster
May 6, 2012
It’s hard making it as an idol group in Japan. In this business thousands of girls and boys are struggling to find their niche be it with snaggleteeth, clean towels, or chainsaws.
This time RocketNews would like to present a girl group who have taken a more fishy road to success, by pitching in at their local sushi shop. Every Sunday you can catch up-and-coming Idol Class do a free concert then sell you some octopus after the show, in what they call Sushidols.
- Japan
- (entertainment • food • girl group • idol • music • sushi)
【Brain Teaser Time】 Can You Guess What These Cute Little Guys Are Used For?
- Master Blaster
May 6, 2012
**SPOILER ALERT**
If you are not ready to see the answer then scroll gently, the answer is at the bottom.
Our modern world is so full of useful products that we are often very cynical of new inventions. In simpler times, when whoopee cushions, pogo sticks, and pet rocks could be considered “cool” much maligned developments like spray-on hair and Mr. T’s Flavor Wave Turbo Oven may have found their place.
However now they are simply lost amidst a sea of gadgets that never took off. As Ron Popiel might say; they were set, and they were forgotten. Such is the case of these little items in the photo above. Though they’ve been around for over a decade we at RocketNews dare you to guess what they do.
- Japan
- (akanbe • brain teaser • inventions • weird)
Harley Davidson Restore Project Stirs Respect, Admiration in Japanese Internet Community
- Mac Denny
May 6, 2012
The heartwarming, true story about a disaster-stricken man being reunited with his long lost Harley Davidson has made the rounds on the Internet and tugged at the heartstrings of Japanese Internet users in particular.
“They’ve started writing the movie already,” posted one enthusiastic reader on the Topsy.com comments section.
Man loses three family members and nearly all of his possessions in a horrific earthquake and tsunami and spends over a year in temporary housing before hearing one day that someone found his treasured motorcycle 4,000 miles across the ocean, reasonably intact considering the beating it took at the hands of the Pacific Ocean? We may have something here, Mr. DeMille. Read More
- Canada, Internet, Japan
- (earthquake • Great Pacific Garbage Patch • Harley Davidson • lost and found)
‘Call of Duty’ Secret Bargain. “Long Live the Emperor! Banzai!”
- Danielnishina
May 4, 2012
‘Call of Duty’ is a popular video game series, with new releases selling out, even in Japan. But did you know there’s a ‘Call of Duty’ that they won’t ever sell a localized Japanese version of, despite high acclaim everywhere else? We’re talking about ‘Call of Duty: World at War’. Read More
- Japan
- (banzai • business • call of duty • entertainment • shopping • technology • video game)
It’s Hello Kitty galore! Ms. Kitty takes over food department at Tokyu Toyoko Department Store
- Kay
May 3, 2012
You may have read our previous report about Ms. Kitty taking on the tough job of being baked into small golden brown cakes. Well, it appears she was just getting warmed up for a huge number of engagements in the Shibuya area this week. When yours truly, a humble Hello Kitty fan, found out that Ms. Kitty would be appearing in various edible forms at the food department of the Tokyu Toyoko Department Store in Shibuya, I knew I just had to go and see Ms. Kitty hard at work. And wow, has she been keeping herself busy! Read More
- Japan
- (cute • cute foods • entertainment • food • Hello Kitty)
You can now have “best breakfast in the world” in central Tokyo! Australian restaurant Bills opens shop in Omotesando/Harajuku area
- Kay
May 3, 2012
Okay, we admit it, we are seriously thrilled about the restaurant “bills” opening in central Tokyo. The Australian restaurant based in Sydney is known to serve the “best breakfast in the world”, and apparently their food is so good that celebrities from around the world travel to Sydney to have a meal there. So, naturally we had to have one of our reporters check the new restaurant – and our verdict? Their amazing soft scrambled eggs are to die for! Read More
The Super Rice Ball – get four flavors in one ball!
- Kay
May 2, 2012
If you’ve lived in Japan, you know that we Japanese love our rice balls, or omusubi as they’re called in Japanese. At every convenience store in Japan, you can find rice balls in every flavor imaginable, from the standard grilled salmon flake omusubi to more quirky flavors like tempura shrimp or bacon and cheese. But the variety can sometimes make it difficult to choose a flavor from all the options. Well now, you won’t have to settle for just one flavor. Read More
Custom-Made Canine “Cake Meals” Abandon Milk and Eggs for Chicken and Peas and Feature Your Dog’s Likeness
- Master Blaster
May 2, 2012
What do you get for that dog in your life that has everything? Dog Diner has the answer with custom made cakes featuring your prized pooch’s puss. And beyond just a special treat these cakes will help keep your pet healthy.
The Ultimate Camping Chair Capable of Holding Over 700 Times Its Own Weight
- Master Blaster
May 1, 2012
As the warm weather has finally started to kick in, most of us are looking to get reacquainted with the great outdoors. But for many camping is a new experience and getting the right equipment can make or break their overall enjoyment. Sure you can buy a bulky trailer full of equipment but who want to use the time, money, and muscle power for all that.
Camping equipment brand Doppelganger Outdoor has released a series of lightweight chairs and tables ideally portable and durable for outdoor use. The pièce de résistance of this collection is the Ultra Light Micro Chair, more affectionately known as C1-54.
Talk on the Phone but Still Feeling Lonely? Check Out These Vibrating Snuggle Dolls
- Danielnishina
Apr 30, 2012
Remember the boyfriend arm pillow? And the lap pillow in the shape of a woman’s lower body? (Or perhaps you actually have them?) Read More
- Japan
- (boyfriend pillow • cute • entertainment • pillow • shopping • technology • weird)
McDonald’s Lures Country’s Best and Brightest By Offering a Free Small Fries for Job Applicants
- Master Blaster
Apr 30, 2012
Good news for anyone who’s out of money and food! From now until May 13th anyone in Japan who applies for a job and gets an interview at McDonalds will receive a complimentary small order of fries…
Okay, by now you’ve probably recovered from the shock of this amazing news. According to their recent banner ad which reads “Let’s get started. McCrew: Until 5/13 all interviewees will receive a present of a free small fries.” this is no joke.
Are You Adult Enough for this Pepsi?
- Danielnishina
Apr 30, 2012
Summer is a competitive time for beverage companies, who duke it out to get those thirsty, hot customers. Actually, manufacturers (as well as regular people) are still contending this year with a lean, electricity-short summer, a season when the demand for power understandably goes up. Amid all these circumstances, those of you who yearn for an unsweet soft drink should have a crack at ‘Pepsi Black’, coming mid-June.
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Recent Posts
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- Tired of city life? Try out Japanese rural life for a few days on an active volcano in Kagoshima
- Bandai looking to introduce Japanese government ID checks for admission to card game events
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MOST POPULAR
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Today
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store drinks with new Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie
This Japanese chopping board sanitising bag might be the handy kitchen gadget we never knew we needed
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Studio Ghibli unveils new finger puppets featuring anime characters from My Neighbour Totoro
Weekly
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
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Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
Monthly
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
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Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
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This Japanese chopping board sanitising bag might be the handy kitchen gadget we never knew we needed
Tired of city life? Try out Japanese rural life for a few days on an active volcano in Kagoshima
Studio Ghibli unveils new finger puppets featuring anime characters from My Neighbour Totoro
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Over 400 titles of free translated manga from publisher Shueisha available for a limited time
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Resident Evil’s terrifying Licker becomes a bag in Japan that wants to feed you
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