Japan's Most Intense Rock, Paper, Scissors Competition
Leave it to Japan to make a friendly game of rock-paper-scissors into an event, complete with cosplay, cheering, and crying.
Watch Out America, McDonald's Japan Is Releasing a 48-Piece McNugget Meal
In case you’re counting, and even if you’re not, this bucket of 48 nuggets clocks in at well over two thousand calories total. But who’s counting? Seriously, don’t count.
The Mystery of the Infamous Japanese Pop Star Photo
This is kind of strange!
Japanese Pop Star Swallowed by Microphones in Hong Kong
Singer Sakura Miyawaki of the pop groups HKT48 and AKB48 was recently in Hong Kong to promote Japanese ramen chain Ippudo. First there was a photo op. Then, this.
Japanese Pop Group Causes Super Smash Bros. Criticism
There's a new Super Smash Bros. for 3DS commercial for Japan. The ad introduces the game's Mii Fighter function—how you can create your own fighters for the game. To do so, customized Miis of Japanese pop group AKB48 appeared in the ad. Online in Japan, some were not happy about this.
After Vicious Attack, Japanese Pop Group Gets Airport-Style Security
Fans of Japanese pop group AKB48 will be subjected to airport-style security should they attend the group's upcoming handshaking event.
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.
Two members of idol group AKB48, Rina Kawaei and Anna Iriyama, were attacked at an event this weekend by a saw-brandishing man. Both sustained cuts on their hands and head, but are expected to recover from their injuries. The suspect, 24-year-old Satoru Umeta, was arrested for attempted murder. [Thanks Mox Factor!]
In this Arcade Game, You Battle Zombie... Schoolgirls
It's schoolgirls in sailor suits. Make that zombie schoolgirls in sailor suits. Oh, did I mention there's dancing, too? There is.
Japan's Biggest Pop Group Ripped Off by a Chinese TV Show?
If you follow Japanese pop, you know that groups don't get much bigger than AKB48. (Literally!) One of the troupe's latest singles was allegedly copied by a Chinese variety program.
Another Horrifying Thing to Do to Celebrities' Faces
You've probably seen Actresses without Teeth. Or Celebrities Without Eyebrows. Or Small Face Celebrities. Now, There's Pin the Face on the Celeb. Lovely.
This Wreck-It Ralph Character Looks Just Like...a Real Japanese Popstar
Wreck-It Ralph recently opened in Japan, where it's titled Sugar Rush. Besides enjoying the flick, Japanese moviegoers are doing something else: Comparing the character Vanellope to a real idol.
Bravely Default's Surprising Japanese Idol Influences
For several weeks after its release, every game store I went to was sold out of Square Enix's 3DS game, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy. The game has proved to be a hit in Japan, thanks in part, indirectly, according to producer Tomoya Asano, to Japan's biggest pop idol group, AKB48.
It's Like That Shocking Head Shaving Apology Never Happened
Last week, Japanese singer Minami Minegishi shaved her head after a tabloid photographed her leaving a boy band member's house. In the strict world of Japanese idols, dating boys is a no-no. Cover-ups, however, are totally fine.
Magazine with Scandalous Photo Goes on Sale in Japan
Young Magazine is a weekly manga that features serialized comics, like Initial D. Aimed at young males, the publication also features pin-up bikini photos.
Japanese Nationalism Swells in Tokyo's Geek District
On the eve of an election, a politician stood before a crowd. The speech was fiery. And flags fluttered. If this were anywhere else, nobody would think twice. But this wasn't anywhere. It was Tokyo.
These Japanese Commercials Will Delight and Amuse You
The Wii U is out in North America, but Japan will have to wait until December to get the new Nintendo console. To build hype, Nintendo is now running commercials for the hardware. But that's not the only game in town. There are entire channels filled to the brim with wonderful Japanese commercials. Some of them are…
Okay, This Candy Commercial Is Freaky. You Should Be Freaked Out.
Earlier this year, AKB48—Japan's biggest girl group—released a candy commercial that grossed out pretty much the entire country. This year, AKB48 is back with a new ad that won't gross everyone out. It'll freak them out instead. Progress!
