A traditional symbol that resembles a swastika which is used to indicate Buddhist temples on maps for foreign tourists in Japan will be replaced. The Japanese map symbol is called "manji" and originates from an ancient Sanskrit symbol that has been associated with Japanese Buddhism for centuries. The manji symbol looks very similar to the

A provocative poster promoting a local shopping incentive campaign by the Minokamo City Tourist Association has been recalled due to public outcry. The poster features a manga illustration of a woman with an exaggerated bust size. The character is from a popular anime TV program which is being used in a tie-in with the city’s

   Railway police in a Tokyo suburb are handing out free stickers that use red ink to identify molesters caught on trains. The "Molester Deterence Seal" (in Japanese "Chikan Seal") is a 2-ply peel-off sticker intended to be put on smartphones. The 1.5 centimeter diameter sticker is applied to the back of a smartphone. The

Ikasumi squid ink colors lots of foods long time in Japan   A McDonald’s double cheeseburger that has black buns, and is topped with fried onions, yellow chipotle sauce and yellow cheddar cheese will go on sale at all McDonald’s Japan stores October 8. The special "Ikasumi Burger", colored black with squid ink, is available

  Handy tablet thumb stylus, pointy stick-on teeth and other gadgets and products that look like body parts help Japanese have a convenient and happy daily life.   All thumbs not the same A thumb-shaped slip-on stylus extender that provides more thumb and makes it easier for small hands to navigate the new big-screen smartphones

A TV weather channel in Japan has added staff "Guerilla Thunderstorm Girls" to its volunteer force of citizens who report weather conditions around the country. A "guerilla storm" refers to a severe thunderstorm which occurs with little warning – and is hard for forecasters to predict – and which has the potential for heavy downpours,

Bicycle helmets with removable, stylish hats have been created to entice elderly Japanese to wear a helmet when riding a bike. The hats are designed so they can also be worn without the helmet. Bicycle helmets are rarely worn by the elderly in Japan. Seniors say they’d like to wear safety helmets, but the helmets

Buddhist temples in Japan that have run out of graveyard space for tombs are turning to high-tech storage solutions for ashes of the deceased. In Japan, cremation is the norm and remains of the dead are kept in urns stored in a stone tomb on a family plot in a graveyard. The outdoor tombs have

Whale meat to Japan – imported from Iceland Whale meat hunt by Japan – first hunt since ICJ ban Whale meat ban in Japan – online retailer ends whale sales DETAILS / MORE TRENDLETS

Whale meat to Japan – imported from Iceland Whale meat hunt by Japan – first hunt since ICJ ban Whale meat ban in Japan – online retailer ends whale sales DETAILS / MORE TRENDLETS

McDonald’s in Japan is giving extra condiments free to customers who request the extras at the time of ordering. The items on the so-called “Back Menu” include pickles, onions, ketchup, tartar sauce (for the Filet-O-Fish sandwich) and teriyaki sauce (for the Teriyaki burger.) The Back Menu is not advertised and there is no information about

A "chubby chubby boom" of popular fat female celebrities in Japan has led to the debut of Japan’s first fashion magazine for plus-sized women. The chubby lady models of La Farfa magazine are called "Marshmallow girls."   A new idol group of heavyset female models/spokespersons called "Chubbiness" has been assembled by CanCam woman’s magazine and

Beauty face packs that look like the facial contortions of Kabuki performers are being sold by a company that specializes in Kabuki-related products. The face pack patterns mimic the bright striped makeup worn by the actors in the bold aragoto style of Kabuki.   The mask sheets contain natural moisturizers and also have a whitening

A company that makes fashions for dogs has created the "Patent DIsaster Cape" earthquake and fire protection suit for dogs. The silver flame-retardant outfit is padded on the top to protect the dog’s head and back from falling objects. The wind-resistant cape is trimmed with reflective piping and comes in a compact flame-resistant storage bag.

Caroline Kennedy – visits Japan tsunami area Caroline Kennedy – visits Japan emperor Caroline Kennedy – becomes ambassador to Japan DETAILS / MORE TRENDLETS