After Idol's Death, Bullying And Intimidation Allegations Surface
Honoka Omoto was a member of a local idol group called Enoha Girls that promoted Ehime Prefecture’s agricultural…
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…
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…
Sex Doll Makes the Saddest Debut Possible
Ever wonder what kind of person would want to shake hands with a Japanese love doll?
Have You Ever Seen a College Entrance Ceremony Like This?
Glowsticks. Confetti. A pop music group. This looks more like a party than an entrance ceremony. But Kinki University…
A Look at Japan's Modern Day Samurai
You might think that the samurai no longer exist in Japan. That the samurai officially vanished when they were banned…
This Is Just a Middle-Aged Man Dressed as a Japanese Schoolgirl
He's called the "Sailor Suit Old Man." And he's called that for good reason, too. Whenever you see Hideaki Kobayashi on…
Marvel at this Japanese Nerd Dancing
If you've ever been to an idol (virtual or real!) concert, you are familiar with Japanese nerd dancing. It's called…
Anime Females Vs. Real Women: Which Do Japanese Geeks Like Better?
The eternal question of whether or not otaku (geeks) like anime ladies over real ladies has apparently been answered.…
Let's Overdose on All this Wonderful Mecha Plastic
Gundam models are called "Gunpla" (ガンプラ) in Japanese. And at this year's Gunpla Expo, there were plenty of them. The…
From Nerdy Bikini Model to Japanese Politician
Politicians with, let's say, interesting backgrounds are nothing new. People have entered politics from acting,…
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…
For Three Hours, These Ladies Will Do Your Bidding
Making it in the Japanese entertainment industry ain't easy. You need to stand out! And being cute is no longer enough.…
Is There Any Stopping China's Vampire Zombies? Doesn't Look Like It.
Rigor mortis has set in. They are unable to walk. But with their arms outstretched, they hop as they search the night…
Japanese TV Is Getting a Digital Lady Made from Crappy Graphics
Hatsune Miku proved that virtual idols could be big business. There are Miku video games, live concerts, and endless…
The Fictional (Yet Amazingly Popular) Singers of Japan
In the past we here at Kotaku East have talked a lot about Hatsune Miku and some of Japan's other virtual idols. But…
Bikini Lady with an Anime Head Is More Than *Just* Nightmare Fuel
Standing out in the world of Japanese pin-up models is not easy. Being attractive is often not enough! Anna Amamiya…
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…
This Isn't Kawaii. It's Disturbing.
There's this notion that "kawaii" (可愛い) or "cute" rules Japan. That's not entirely true. Everything isn't simply…