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Crummy Japanese dish dryer still gets five-star reviews on Amazon for unexpected reason
- Master Blaster
Aug 16, 2017 - Tweet
Many are calling this a “high-performance” product even though it’s apparently terrible at drying dishes.
- Japan
- (Amazon • cool • dish dryer • drying booth • models • technology • weird • Yamazen)
RocketNews24: The Album release date set!
- Master Blaster
Jun 10, 2017
Witness history in the making as the first ever musical album composed by a news-oriented website (we assume) hits iTunes and Amazon this July!
- Japan
- (album • Amazon • CD • iTunes • Mr. Sato • music • RocketMan • Seiji Nakazawa • There There Threres)
We order a “Mystery Lucky Bag of Imperfect Goods” through Amazon, end up with a pile of crab
- Master Blaster
Apr 14, 2017
You can’t go wrong buying a random assortment of flawed seafood through the mail.
- Japan
- (Amazon • crab • crazy • food • imperfect goods • Lucky Bags • seafood • weird)
Japan’s extremely harsh video game reviews may be the reason it gets some new releases last
- Scott Wilson
Dec 22, 2016
Bad reviews from Japan may have lead to developers prioritizing other countries first.
- Japan
- (Amazon • comparisons • cultural differences • Pokémon GO • society • video games)
Amazon releases new Kindle model specifically designed for manga readers
- Casey Baseel
Oct 20, 2016
Beefed-up specs and functions address the needs of Japanese comic fans.
Kodansha: Amazon Japan’s Kindle Subscription Service Removes Over 1,000 Titles
- Anime News Network
Oct 10, 2016
Kindle Unlimited service offers titles for monthly fee; Kobunsha also claims removal of 550 titles
- Japan
- (Amazon • Amazon Japan • Anime News Network • Kobunsha • Kodansha • manga)
Keeping your kitty cool this summer might be a little easier with this cat dish!
- Michelle Hughes
Jul 21, 2016
This popular product on Amazon could help you protect your precious pet from the summer heat.
Papercraft kit allows you to recreate mysterious village from Spirited Away in incredible detail
- Meg Murphy
Jun 5, 2016
The village joins a line of beautifully detailed paper art kits that allow you to put together scenes and settings from your favorite Ghibli films!
Japanese gamer finds lost copy of Pokémon Green after 18 years, comes so close to a happy ending
- Casey Baseel
Apr 15, 2016
Easy come, easy go, again and again.
- Games & Tech, Internet, Japan, USA
- (Amazon • crazy • Pokemon • video games)
RocketNews24’s debut single “RocketMan” now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more!
- Master Blaster
Mar 21, 2016
Under the direction of fashion-turned-musical expert Seiji Nakazawa, the RocketNews24 Japan staff have just produced and released their own theme song available now at several major online retailers around the world!
- Japan, Music
- (Amazon • iTunes • RocketMan • Seiji Nakazawa • songwriting • Spotify • Tunecore)
Amazon Japan saves sexy adult magazine buyer from embarrassment with thoughtful packaging trick
- Casey Baseel
Mar 16, 2016
In Japan, the customer is always king, even if he’s a horny one.
- Japan
- (Amazon • customer service • funny • packaging)
Amazon Japan suddenly begins shipping video games overseas
- Casey Baseel
Mar 9, 2016
The world’s largest online retailer is now ready to give import gamers their fix.
- Games & Tech, Global, Japan
- (Amazon • Amazon Japan • video games)
Danbo goes to war with these cute/intimidating “Zero” fighter plane-inspired designs
- Mike
Feb 1, 2016
Toy maker Kaiyodo, famous for their ultra-detailed figures, recently released two new designs of their popular Danbo character which recall the WWII-era “Zero” Japanese fighter plane.
Exclusive Amazon beer coming to Lawson convenience stores in limited quantities
- Cara Clegg
Sep 22, 2015
You can get practically anything via online retail giant Amazon, and there are even some products that you can only get via the website. Ordinarily one such product is a special beer from popular Japanese craft brewery Yoho Brewing, but beer drinkers will soon be able to pick up a can at their local Lawson convenience store. You’ll have to hurry, though, because the number available is limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Want to buy a giant, rideable robot? Amazon Japan will sell you one
- Casey Baseel
Jan 8, 2015
This year, my sister-in-law and nieces gave me an Amazon card for Christmas. The bookstore near my apartment in Yokohama doesn’t stock English-language books, so it’s an extremely thoughtful gift, but I haven’t actually visited Amazon’s site to pick out my new reading material, since I’m still in the middle of a lengthy novel I started during my recent flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles.
With a couple of hundred pages left to go, it might be a while before I actually use the card, and while I’m leaning towards a National Geographic subscription, I still haven’t ruled out the alternative of putting the card towards purchasing a giant robot, since Amazon Japan now sells those, too.
The 20 most wanted Christmas presents in Japan
- Hayashi 'Fang' Hougi
Dec 8, 2014
Amazon Japan decided to hold its own Cyber Monday sale a few weeks after the North American counterpart. Through the campaign and sales data, they have announced the 20 most wanted Christmas presents in Japan. Clinching the top spot was none other than Sony’s PlayStation 4 which while not the dazzling success that it has been outside Japan has seen strong sales numbers since launch.
But what else do the people of Japan really want this Christmas? Check out the rest of the list below!
Japanese Amazon reviewer tells us why Alien vs Avatar is awesome and Dark Knight sucks
- Master Blaster
Nov 4, 2014
Aside from the fact that they still exist in large numbers, one of the interesting things about video stores in Japan is the range of titles they offer in the new release section. Perusing them, you might find future Oscar candidate or big budget Marvel production sharing the exact same shelf space as the latest made-for-cable offering that would make Sharknado look like Fellini.
However, sometimes films get a little too close to their apparent sources of inspiration which can lead to confusion among Japanese people. One such movie the misleadingly titled Alien vs Avatar. It’s a film title that has led netizens to question “Hey, aren’t they both aliens?” While universally panned by all who have seen it, one online reviewer in Japan thought it was particularly great… copyright issues aside.
Amazon goes nuts with the packaging as they ship us nine cardboard boxes…packed in six more?!
- Casey Baseel
Oct 30, 2014
A while back, we took a look at an odd online retailing episode when a Japanese customer ordered a single persimmon from Amazon Japan. Sure, it was weird enough to find out that Amazon sells produce, not to mention that you can purchase it in individual pieces. What really got our attention, though, was the comically oversized box it shipped in.
But just when we thought the company’s packaging couldn’t get any crazier, we received our most recent order from Amazon. What’d we order? Cardboard boxes. How’d they ship it? Inside six more cardboard boxes!
Try some piranha à la meunière at the Suma Aqualife Park in Kobe!
- Kay
May 1, 2014
When you hear the word “piranha,” the image that comes to your mind may be of hordes of vicious fish with razor-sharp teeth stripping you down to your bones in a matter of minutes. But it seems the tables will be turned for a limited time at the Suma Aqualife Park in Kobe, where guests will have the chance to chow down on these predators from the Amazon. And as you can see from the picture, yes, the infamous carnivorous fish look ferocious even when they’ve been turned into a tasty French-style dish!
Heroes in Japan post harsh reviews for a Hero’s Sword on Amazon Japan
- Oona McGee
Feb 24, 2014
Tales have oft been told of the mythical items to be found when journeying through the maze of shopping aisles in Japan’s online realm. From unusual manga characters to riot shields, it seems anything might be possible once you’ve entered through the magical portal known as Amazon Japan. Now it seems that visitors who stop by to make purchases are just as interesting as some of the items on offer, as self-proclaimed heroes and brave warriors from across the nation are buying swords from the marketplace and providing feedback on the efficacy of their items. Latest reviews are aimed at an innocent-looking plastic sword, which is said to be under-performing when it comes to vitality levels and magic ability.
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Recent Posts
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- Kenshi Yonezu’s Lemon hits 1 billion views on YouTube and he’s still not quite sure why
- New Era celebrates three decades of Pokémon with new 30th anniversary cap line [Photos]
- Two Tokyo neighborhoods to gather on bridge and shift their recognized border through tug-of-war
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MOST POPULAR
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Today
Two Tokyo neighborhoods to gather on bridge and shift their recognized border through tug-of-war
New Era celebrates three decades of Pokémon with new 30th anniversary cap line [Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils new winter drinkware collection with limited-edition Stanley cups
Japanese hoodie for cat-loving gamers will keep you and your feline friend warm and fuzzy [Pics]
Kenshi Yonezu’s Lemon hits 1 billion views on YouTube and he’s still not quite sure why
Hello Kitty ready to keep you company in the bathroom with new dessert-aroma Sanrio toilet paper
Japan’s new matcha vending machines serve freshly prepared matcha in five different strengths
Pachinko parlor operator arrested for not obscuring the act of gambling well enough
Restaurant opens in Japan with all-dementia waitresses, serves up ramen, awareness, and kindness
Cinnabon gets into the Japanese spirit with new Wagokorobon treats
Weekly
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils new winter drinkware collection with limited-edition Stanley cups
Pachinko parlor operator arrested for not obscuring the act of gambling well enough
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
Liquid croissant coffee is coming to Japanese stores this month
Two Tokyo neighborhoods to gather on bridge and shift their recognized border through tug-of-war
Pokémon doughnuts pop up at Mister Donut, with a new gathering that’s bigger than ever
Japan’s new matcha vending machines serve freshly prepared matcha in five different strengths
First-ever cafe on Tokyo Imperial Palace Garden grounds is now open
Monthly
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
Japan ends tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, new refund request system now in effect
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s TeamLab digital art group is opening a permanent museum in America
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Beautiful Ghibli diorama kits lets you build anime characters’ homes inside yours [Photos]
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Hello Kitty ready to keep you company in the bathroom with new dessert-aroma Sanrio toilet paper
Japan’s new matcha vending machines serve freshly prepared matcha in five different strengths
Pachinko parlor operator arrested for not obscuring the act of gambling well enough
Restaurant opens in Japan with all-dementia waitresses, serves up ramen, awareness, and kindness
Cinnabon gets into the Japanese spirit with new Wagokorobon treats
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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Continuing cyberattacks hit Japanese arcade hard [Photos]
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
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