Japanese kindness leaves a lot to be desired in World Giving Index, but there may be a reason for it.
stranger
Skype is known around the world as a convenient, free video calling service and enjoys widespread popularity in Japan. As with any online communication website, you’re bound to be contacted by someone you don’t know. If you simply ignore the contact request, nothing will come of it, but what if you didn’t? What sort of mischief would come about as a result of your imprudent actions?
This brings us to the first and hopefully last installment of what our Japanese correspondent likes to call “My English battle with a foreigner who suddenly decided to contact me on Skype”.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Fighting mild hunger with a Japanese soda that turns into jelly in the stomach【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki’s films now available in DVD and Blu-ray sets with extras
Studio Ghibli releases My Neighbour Totoro range showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship
To combat declining birth rate, Japan to begin offering “Breeding Visas” to foreigners
Sesame Street characters turn into awesome shaved ice desserts at Tokyo Sesame Street cafe【Pics】
Studio Ghibli releases anime heroine cosplay dresses that are super comfy to wear
Family Mart convenience stores add “See-Through Pudding?” to their summer lineup【Taste test】
An unexpectedly creepy path takes us to Utopia in east Japan【Photos】
Farewell, old friend – It’s time to say goodbye to the car we bought for 980-yen (US$9.60) car
Our lunch plans are foiled but we end up eating heavenly all-you-can-eat sushi instead
Weekly
- Studio Ghibli releases anime heroine cosplay dresses that are super comfy to wear
Woman charged for driving suitcase without a license in Osaka
Studio Ghibli re-releasing all past theatrical posters and program booklets- To combat declining birth rate, Japan to begin offering “Breeding Visas” to foreigners
Studio Ghibli hair accessories keep your style tidy with help from Kiki, Moro, Calcifer, and more
Studio Ghibli releases new My Neighbour Totoro bags and pouches in Japan
Onsen hot spring with Mt Fuji views has one of the best rotenburo in Japan
Life-size Gundam statue to appear in Osaka for first time ever
Secret unstaffed hot spring in Japan will make you feel like you’ve been spirited away
New anime for legendary series Ranma 1/2 announced【Video】
Monthly
- Studio Ghibli releases anime heroine cosplay dresses that are super comfy to wear
You can be on this beautiful Japanese island in less than two hours from downtown Tokyo- Woman charged for driving suitcase without a license in Osaka
Taiwan’s most beautiful politician kicks groper in balls during visit to Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro collection to keep us hydrated all summer long- To combat declining birth rate, Japan to begin offering “Breeding Visas” to foreigners
Foreign tourists to be charged four times more to enter Himeji Castle if local mayor gets his way
Amazon Japan makes payment policy change that could be a problem for foreigners in Japan
Mitsubishi develops robot that solves Rubik’s Cube-style puzzle in 0.305 seconds【Video】
Family Mart stationery takes Japanese “stationary” to new levels
Yearly
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Studio Ghibli releases anime heroine cosplay dresses that are super comfy to wear
Family Mart convenience stores add “See-Through Pudding?” to their summer lineup【Taste test】
An unexpectedly creepy path takes us to Utopia in east Japan【Photos】
Farewell, old friend – It’s time to say goodbye to the car we bought for 980-yen (US$9.60) car
Our lunch plans are foiled but we end up eating heavenly all-you-can-eat sushi instead
Studio Ghibli re-releasing all past theatrical posters and program booklets
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Cup Noodles Fried Rice: Super-easy recipe will make you a potluck or campsite hero【SoraKitchen】
Kyoto now has Pokémon manhole covers as Generation 2 comes to the real-life Johto region
We fall in love with a bucket of Japanese custard pudding【Taste test】
We try buying a giant Costco Japan purin that’s not purin and not at Costco【Taste test】
Crow surprises Japanese commuters by attempting to buy train ticket from a machine【Video】
-
