Brian Ashcraft

For a Pop Star, This Lady Kicks Ass at Wrestling

Yui Yokoyama is a member of cutesy Japanese idol group AKB48. And she can probably dropkick you silly. Typically, you probably don’t think of popstars, male or female, being particularly good at wrestling. Then again, you probably don’t typically think about who would be good at wrestling or who wouldn’t. Maybe you do! I really…

Here Are the Oldest Pants in the World

Apparently! That’s according to Science News. These trousers were recently discovered in Chinese tombs and radiocarbon dating says they are over 3,000 years old. Researchers are calling these the oldest pants in the world. A graveyard excavation in Yanghai, China turned up two ancient herders wearing wool trousers designed for horseback riding. Their trousers were…

Japan’s Love Affair With The PSP Will Finally End

Today, Sony announced that the PlayStation Portable will cease being released in Japan. That’s nearly ten years after it was first released. The PlayStation Portable launched in Japan in December 2004 and aimed to take on Nintendo in the handheld space it had dominated for so long. During the PSP’s run, the portable won over…

Young Woman Stuck in a Swing Turns to Twitter for Help

If you are young, chances are, you going to do something stupid. But just know that, perhaps you can turn to Twitter for help. Last month, Twitter user Mayuchin climbed into a baby swing at an Osaka park, first tweeting up the above photo of herself in the swing and cracking a joke. Then, she…

Transformers Pens Are More Than Meets The Eye

This is an Optimus Prime Transformer. It transforms into a pen. That’s pretty much it, but goodness, what else do you need? According to GetNews, these are priced at 4,298 yen (US$42). The standard Optimus Prime will be out in September in Japan, while the Black Optimus Prime and the Ultra Magnus will be out…

Celebrity Names Are Driving Up Coke Bottle Prices in Japan

Coca-Cola launched its “Share a Coke” promotion in Japan. And people looking to make a quick buck, er, yen, are auctioning off bottles with celebrity names. On Yahoo! Auctions, celebrity names are being offered as pairs. So, for example, bidding starts at 5,000 yen (about $50) for this “Koshi Inaba” set. Inaba is the lead…

The Attack on Titan Theme Played on…Air Guns

Late last week, Kotaku introduced air gun musician Hihebi. As IT Media points out, that isn’t the only air gun instrumental Hihebi has done. Okay, fine. It’s not a hundred percent match to the original Titan theme, but for an air gun rendition, it’s pretty darn good. 紅蓮の弓矢をエアガンで演奏してみた [NicoNico via IT Media] To contact the…

As noted on Nintendo.co.jp, the 32GB Wii U Premium Set is no longer being manufactured for the Japanese market. The site says “end of production” (生産終了) for those consoles. No word on how this impacts gamers outside Japan.

That Chinese Passport Story Sure Looks Like a Hoax [Update: It’s Fake]

If it’s happening in Asia, it must be true, right? Like the Chinese kid who scribbled on his dad’s passport. Cute, sure, but it sure seems it could be a hoax. The story floating around says a four-year-old apparently drew all over his dad’s passport, making it impossible for the father to board a plane…

Pikachu Is Finally Reunited with His Great Love: Ketchup

Among Pokemon fans, it’s well-known that Pikachu loves ketchup. Heck, back in 2000, Heinz even released a special edition ketchup with Pikachu on the bottle. But the character hasn’t been seen eating it in the anime for years. That is, until last night. As a refresher, here are scenes of yore featuring Pikachu eating ketchup.…

​Man Called ‘Gundam’ Allegedly Stole To Fund Arcade Habit

Forty-seven year-old Youji Nishikawa of Moriguchi City, Japan is accused of allegedly committing 31 counts of burglary, totaling the equivalent of US$25,500. What was all that money for? Gundam, apparently. “I’m from the Gundam generation,” Nishikawa is quoted as telling authorities, referring to those who grew up on the mecha in the late 1970s and…

Drunk Shaming Campaign Might Get People Sued in Japan

A Japanese bar launched a “drunk shaming” public service announcement. It seems fake, but what the video is promoting could get people in trouble. According to Design Taxi, ad agency Ogilvy & Mather teamed up with Tokyo bar Yaocho to “shame” drunks. It’s supposed to be part of a viral campaign, which you can see…

Pizza Hut Is Releasing a Caramel Marshmallow Pizza in Japan

I have three words to say to this pizza: Get in my belly. Wait, that’s four. Pizza Hut is releasing a special Morinaga Milk Caramel and Marshmallow pizza as part of the candy’s one hundredth anniversary. Below, you can see photos, courtesy of website Gigazine. Just look at it. No dammit. Out of the box.…

​3D Cocktail Art Is Cute and Will Get You Drunk

In Japan, 3D latte art is a thing. We’ve seen numerous examples. But 3D cocktail art? Do tell. In the past few months, Tokyo bar Duke Capo has been getting more and more notice online in Japan for its adorable cocktail art, made from cream, chocolate sauce, and booze. Courtesy of IT Media, you can…

You Can Download a Mercedes Benz in Mario Kart 8

This summer, Mercedes Benz is coming to Mario Kart 8 in Japan. No word yet whether or not the car will be available in the West. The Mercedes Benz GLA, which a sorta hunky Mario drives in a new Japanese ad, will be available as free DLC. Info is scant, but Nintendo promises more details.…

Japanese Celebrity’s English Fail Is Truly Most Unfortunate

Ai Takahashi is a former member of Japanese pop group Morning Musume. And recently, she was photographed wearing a most unfortunate shirt. Note: This article contains content some readers might find objectionable. Fellow former Morning Musume member Yuko Nakazawa uploaded a photo of the two, writing on her blog that Takahashi had come to Fukuoka…

Unforgettable Anime Figure Spawns a Memorable Meme

The recently revealed Gon from Hunter x Hunter figure is totally bonkers. You’ll never forget it! The meme it’s spawning in Japan will help make sure of that. Twitter user Orias59 noticed that the figure looks like the Spiral Rapier from Demon’s Souls. Here is that rare sword. And here is it is with added…

Real Super Mario Selling Cars In Japan (And He’s Kinda Hot)

This is actually happening. 8-bit Mario hops in a Mercedes Benz and starts hitting question boxes. Then, things get real. And somewhat hunky. GO! GLA TVCM 30秒 [MercedesBenzJapan] To contact the author of this post, write to bashcraftATkotaku.com or find him on Twitter @Brian_Ashcraft Kotaku East is your slice of Asian internet culture, bringing you…

Caramel Banana Sushi Exists in Japan

Goodness! Just when you thought unusual sushi couldn’t get any more, well, unusual, there’s this: Caramel banana sushi. Starting tomorrow, conveyor belt sushi chain Kura is offering it in Japan. Remember, sushi rice is made with vinegar. Caramel is sweet. Then, there are bananas to contend with. All at once. In your mouth. This is…

Will consoles ever catch on in South Korea? Iconic Korean game developer Jake Song doesn’t think so, recently saying, “Consoles are largely limited and have limited specs so there is a consensus that they are looked down upon from an online game developer’s point of view… The markets for consoles are limited to USA, Europe,…