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Hello Katie the Triumphant Fruit Stem Cat! Hello Kitty’s Life on the World Stage Sometimes Gets Confused in Translation
- Master Blaster
Mar 22, 2012 - Tweet
Most of the world is familiar with Hello Kitty as she puts her stamp of cuteness on backpacks, shirts, posters, and the occasional jumbo jet or hotel room. But how much do people outside of Japan know about her personal life.
As the Japanese lovingly refer to her as Kitty-chan she is also occasionally known by the name she uses on her British passport, Kitty White. This info is provided by her owners at the Japanese company Sanrio.
However, when we look at Hello Kitty’s bio on Sanrio’s Taiwan website, we discover that Japan may have been wrong all this time. Their translation of the infamous cat’s real British name is not Kitty but in fact Katie.
Get a Complete Psych Profile in a Few Minutes Using Only a Pen and Paper
- Master Blaster
Mar 21, 2012
The internet is home to thousands of thousands of tests and quizzes each promising everything from your IQ to the Glee character that most resembles you. Now we bring you a new test that really kinda probably doesn’t work, but it’s fun to try.
Using just a pen and paper you can get a snapshot of your current mental state. But to get a super-duper accurate reading you CANNOT scroll down to until you complete each step, OK?
- Internet
- (education • entertainment • Test)
Six Tokyo Starbucks Try All-You-Can-Read Offer
- Jessica
Mar 19, 2012
Starbucks is quite nice, isn’t it? Their shops provide a comfortable, non-smoking place to enjoy a delicious coffee, they have a hip food menu, and you can even get a hundrend yen refill on the day’s coffee. The service isn’t half bad either. Of course, there’s the fact that it’s not exactly cheap, but we’ll forgive them that little foible.
There are six Starbucks locations in Tokyo that have just gotten even cooler, though. What’s so special about those six shops, you ask? Well, let me tell you! In short, the six stores listed below will allow you to take books from their attached bookstores to read while you enjoy your coffee.
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Celebration of Pakistani Music, Food, Fashion, and More to be Held in Tokyo
- Master Blaster
Mar 16, 2012
This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan began. Since then the two countries have maintained a very strong diplomatic and economic relationship. However, culturally the two countries haven’t gotten as close as they could have.
Thankfully the Pakistan Embassy in Japan along with members of the Pakistani community in Japan have organized the Pakistan Bazaar in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Anyone in the Tokyo area on 24-25 March is welcome to experience the historical and cultural beauty that fills Pakistan with free admission.
A Solid Gold C-3PO, Other 35th Anniversary Memorabilia for the Ultimate Star Wars Fan Boy
- Jessica
Mar 15, 2012
To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the release of Lucas Films’ Star Wars, just 35 limited-edition, solid gold C-3PO figurines went on sale yesterday for a mere 500,000 yen (about $6000).
- Japan
- (C-3PO • collectables • entertainment • movie • Star Wars)
Angry Birds Fans Take Game Into Their Own Hands With Real USB Slingshot
- Master Blaster
Mar 6, 2012
Millions of people have experienced the satisfying feeling of pulling back their digital angry birds, releasing and sending them flying into those rickety pig-built structures on their smart phones or computers. It almost makes you want to light up a cigarette afterwards.
But after playing through the hundreds of levels that Roxio has released you may find that original satisfaction waning somewhat. We have seen the videos of “real-life” versions in the past, but most of us lack the space and resources to do it ourselves. Well now, some ingenious fans have found a great way to add a fresh kick to their Angry Birds addiction using a real slingshot.
- Global
- (Angry Birds • entertainment • technology • USB • video game)
74 Year-Old Resident Evil Addict’s Reflexes “Too Quick for Safe Driving”
- Master Blaster
Feb 24, 2012
Shiro Suzuki has been eagerly practicing to beat his high score of 178,270 in the Mercenary Mode of Resident Evil 4 (called Biohazard 4 in Japan). Most who have played the game would agree that this is an impressive score, whereas hardcore gamers may scoff at the number.
What makes Mr. Suzuki unique, however, is that on 10 February, 2012, he celebrated his 74th birthday.
- Uncategorized
- (entertainment • Resident Evil • septuagenarian • sports • television • The Mercenaries • video game)
The Kissing App for People Who Love Their iPhones a Little Too Much
- Jessica
Jan 24, 2012
Sometimes we all need a little lovin’. Now you can get a kiss anywhere, at any time, with the saucy new iPhone app Choi Kiss, loosely translated as Kisses on the Go. This little piece of heaven won’t even cost you a penny.
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- Japan
- (anime & manga • app • Choi Kiss • entertainment • iPhone • otaku • technology • weird)
Need a Last Minute Christmas Present? How About a “Whale Sword”?
- Jessica
Dec 21, 2011
On Yahoo Shopping, a site famous for its oodles of unique merchandise, an ornamental sword is attracting a lot of attention. It’s called the “Whale Sword” and it’s a model of a style of ornamental sword used in the pre-war days, with a blade close to a meter long. Who wouldn’t want that in their stocking?
- Internet, Japan
- (anime & manga • entertainment • funny • Japanese swords • otaku • RPG games • shopping • video game • weird)
BREAKING NEWS: Captain Jack Sparrow Now Manages Cake Shop
- Jessica
Dec 16, 2011
As I was taking a walk through the city the other day, I encountered a cake shop with a fantastic exterior like something out of a fairy tale. It had a very cheerful ambiance, and on closer inspection, I noticed a remarkable figure. Could it be? Star of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Jack Sparrow, selling pastries? Captain Jack managing a cake shop?
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- Japan
- (cake • cute • entertainment • food • Jack Sparrow • Tokyo • travel • weird • weird Tokyo)
6 Reasons Disneyland’s Secret Restaurant Club 33 Is Awesome
- Jessica
Dec 12, 2011
Did you know that there is a secret, members-only restaurant in Tokyo Disneyland called Club 33? The majority of memberships are corporate accounts, allowing them to do business entertaining there, but there are also individual members. Don’t get your hopes up, though, because they aren’t accepting applications. If you want to get in the door, no matter who you are or how much money you have, you have to be invited by a member.
But what is this mysterious Club 33 actually like? We’ve tracked down someone who was invited to enjoy a luxurious evening there, and according to him, these are the six most amazing things about Club 33.
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- Japan
- (Club 33 • entertainment • food • secret • Tokyo • Tokyo Disneyland • travel)
Toyota Introduces Increasingly Impressive Cast for Live-Action Doraemon Commercials
- Mac Denny
Nov 20, 2011
Toyota made waves by casting Japanese heartthrob Satoshi Tsumabuki as Nobita-kun in its live-action Doraemon commercials two weeks ago, but fans of the adapation of the popular cartoon were in for an even bigger shock the following week.
Toyota rolled its second wave of live-action Doraemon commercials off the line on November 18 with film star Jean Reno playing the role of Doraemon.
Free Admission – Twelve of Tokyo’s Best Kept Secrets
- Mac Denny
Sep 25, 2011
Expensive Tokyo living got you down? Are you staring another three-day weekend in the face and wondering what havoc it will wreak on your wallet?
There are places to enjoy yourself for free all over Tokyo, if you know where to look. RocketNews24 has sifted through the many options and has come up with 12 suggestions that will not disappoint. Try them next time you have a last-minute date or cobwebs in your billfold! Read More
- Japan
- (B gourmet • entertainment • music • travel)
A Day in the Life of a Cosplay Photo Buff
- Mac Denny
Sep 3, 2011
I slung my camera over my shoulder, ready to invade the world of cosplay for the first time at this year’s summer Comic Market 80 at Tokyo Big Sight.
- Japan
- (anime & manga • entertainment • fashion • television • video game)
Fireworks, Clear and Sharp: Pro Photographer Provides Points for Perfect Pics
- Mac Denny
Aug 23, 2011
It’s already late August, and there are but a few more fireworks shows left in the summer season. I don’t know about you, but when I try to take pictures to help remind me of summer memories, they never turn out as beautiful as the memories themselves.
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Recent Posts
- 7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
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- Japanese pudding gets a massive big-eats upgrade at this Tokyo cafe
- Visiting Fukui can teach travelers how to make, and smash, Japanese kawara tiles [Photos]
- Japan’s middle-aged fairy man character stole our reporter’s heart in a hot spring town
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Today
Burger King goes viral in Japan for opening new store in a Japanese-style building
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Japanese pudding gets a massive big-eats upgrade at this Tokyo cafe
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
TeamLab is building a new Tokyo museum, and it’s the digital art group’s biggest ever
Visiting Fukui can teach travelers how to make, and smash, Japanese kawara tiles [Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils first-ever vending machine, with an exclusive coffee drink
Japanese mayors challenge each other to nighttime ninja battle, now recruiting participants
Japan’s middle-aged fairy man character stole our reporter’s heart in a hot spring town
Weekly
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
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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TeamLab is building a new Tokyo museum, and it’s the digital art group’s biggest ever
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Japanese mayors challenge each other to nighttime ninja battle, now recruiting participants
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Ghibli store Donguri Kyowakoku now has special frames to protect your anime art Paper Theater kits
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Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Don Quijote ear cleaner sucks, and was criticised by customers, but is the new version any better?
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