JAPAN TRENDS
 
We’ve seen some great “physical ads” in Tokyo recently, from a removable block mural to an interactive sound billboard and a scratchable poster.
 
How about a “huggable” ad?
From March 7th to March 13th, Sanrio is organizing a series of 130 cm (4.2 ft) cuddly replicas of its charac...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Say “meow” to this creatively cute, must-have item!
 
The plum blossoms are now in bloom, which means spring is just around the corner. That doesn’t mean there isn’t still a chill in the air, though.
Felissimo, the brand that brought us these catpacks (cat backpacks) and cat-themed ...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
Last year we reported on Gudetama, the peculiar “lazy egg” character by Sanrio that has become a range of hit products.
In a perfect synergy of trends, the curiously loveable character has joined the growing kendama craze in Japan.
Behold the Gudetama Kendama.
Endorsed by the Japan...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
These owners were in for a happy surprise when they discovered their dogs were their photographers in this professional studio photo shoot.
If you ask pet owners to show you the photos they’ve taken on their mobile phones, chances are you’ll find dozens of images of their adorable l...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
By Kanta Ishida / Yomiuri Shimbun Senior SpecialistThe manga this week
Tonkatsu DJ Age-taro
By Yipiao, Yujiro Koyama (Shueisha)
When I finished reading the manga featured this week, I was reminded of the famous phrase: “As beautiful as the chance meeting on a dissecting table of ...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
The award-winning “ultra-technologists” teamLab have carved out a successful niche in digital art installations, working with the likes of Gucci and even Narita Airport.
Their signature approach involves designing interactive floral experiences and family-friendly playful event spa...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Now you can enjoy hanami cherry blossom views at any time of day.
Japanese company Citizen has just released a special watch ahead of the country’s springtime hanami cherry blossom viewing period.
Aimed at the female market, the limited-edition timepiece features a pretty pink face,...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
I have never met a single person who didn’t cry during that first montage of UP, and I hope I never do. Pixar has consistently managed to combine the latest technology in computer animation with expert storytelling, creating fan favorites such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Ratatouill...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
By Yayoi Kawatoko / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
Unlike most bands, WEAVER does not have a guitarist. The group relies on piano, bass and drums to rock the hearts of their audience. The trio — Yuji Sugimoto on piano and vocals, drummer Toru Kawabe and bassist Shota Okuno, who wer...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Time to strap on your katana and kabuto, history buffs.
Historians generally feel that the age of the samurai came to an end in 1868, when the political event known as the Meiji Restoration put an end to Japan’s centuries of feudal rule and abolished the warrior caste. We, however, ...

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