JAPAN TIMES
 
Minami Takahashi formally ended her career as a member of the all-girl pop group AKB48 on Friday, after performing in her last live show in Tokyo’s Akihabara district.
“I am just thankful to you … I was super happy,” the tearful Takahashi said in her closing remarks, looking back at...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Theme confectioner’s newest creations are so cute you could (and should) eat them right up.
Japan has long been of the mindset that food shouldn’t just be pleasing to the palate, but to the eyes as well. Add in the fact that sweet desserts and cute animals are two of the country’s f...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
 
Coca-Cola has announced the “sumaho” (smartphone) vending machine. Though the name suggests a vending machine that sells phones, it is actually one that connects with a smart device and a dedicated app called Coke ON.
Vending machines are a fact of life in Japan. Especially in th...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Sweet, fruity bliss is coming to Starbucks Japan again, this time in cantaloupe flavor!
If you love fruit, then Starbucks Japan’s latest Frappuccino drink, set to come out next week, should make your mouth water in sweet anticipation. Starting on April 13, they’ll be offering the “C...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Coco Ichibanya rolls out a new curry roux in select locations to better serve its health-conscious and non-Japanese clientele.
Curry is one of Japan’s favorite comfort foods, and you can find restaurants specializing in the spicy dish all over the country. Few of them do it as well ...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Starting this summer, the government will test a system in which foreign tourists will be able to verify their identities and buy things at stores using only their fingerprints.
The government hopes to increase the number of foreign tourists by using the syste...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Because a true master swordsman recognizes the importance of skillful color coordination.
Late last year, Japanese kimono maker Kokichi decided to give a modern update to hakama, the billowy pats worn by samurai during the country’s centuries-long feudal period. By blending the styl...

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THE JAPAN NEWS
 
The Yomiuri Shimbun
An expert panel under the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has listed eight railway improvement plans in the metropolitan area in its draft of proposals to the government to make Tokyo more competitive as an international city.
The eight pr...

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JAPAN TRENDS
 
After taking over an underground concourse in Shinjuku Station to great success in March, Sanrio’s Pompompurin character is back with another “huggable” advertising campaign to celebrate his 20th anniversary for any Tokyoite in need of an injection of kawaii.
This time the adorable...

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ROCKET NEWS
 
Looking for an inexpensive, relaxing place to stay in Shibuya? Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuy may be just what you want!
Traveling in a foreign country can be intimidating for anyone, but Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya is looking to make the experience a bit more comfortable for women visiting fro...

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