Nintendo Collection Master, Isao Yamazaki
I'm a big Nintendo fan. No secret there. When I first started researching Nintendo history, I learned that the company made playing cards and toys from 1889 to the mid-1970s when they first…
The archive
banzaitokyo's articles — page 105
Browse banzaitokyo's articles in the Akihabara archive.
How attitudes to fitness are changing in Japan
Way back in 2008, Japanese people literally went bananas over a new diet centered around the yellow fruit. Dreamed up by a pharmacist in Osaka, within weeks of the Morning Banana Diet’s debut, sales …
It is frustratingly difficult to pass driving theory test in Japan
In this blog post the guy complains how difficult it was to pass the theory test: I looked rather out of place in the lectures, which were filled with devious-looking youths and wannabe bos…
A look into Japan's springtime
Halfway between winter and spring equinox, the plum flowers will start to blossom across Japan. The 88th day of spring marks the first day of tea leaf picking for a new season, and the leaves of this…
5 ways to meet Japanese locals without speaking Japanese
For many travelers, getting to live like a local and having the opportunity to connect with new people is a big priority. In Japan, this can be challenging due to the language barrier. Since half of …
Olympic Housing Boom Fades Before Tokyo Games Even Begin
Evidence is mounting that Tokyo’s housing boom is nearing an end. In the Kachidoki area facing Tokyo Bay, home to the city’s hottest market given its proximity to venues for the 2020 Olympic Gam…
Fullmetal Alchemist Live Action Slated for December 1
The much anticipated Fullmetal Alchemist live action movie will open on December 1, 2017. First visual from the movie featuring protagonist Edward's brother Alphonse Elric has also been unveiled.
Your Super guide to themed cafés in Japan
In a country where novelty is the norm and cuteness is king, these places stand out in more ways than one. Among the numerous themed cafés scattered all over Japan, we’ve rounded up our top picks.…
Cherry blossom beer is back in Japan ahead of the start of sakura season
According to this year’s forecast, Japan still has a month or two until the cherry blossoms turn the country into a beautiful pink-tinged wonderland. But while it’s too early to see the sakura, …
Teaching in Japan: An Ode to School Lunch
When the bell rings after 4th period, it’s time for lunch. I need to bring my brimming tray from the staffroom to the class I’m eating with today. A whirlwind of activity threatens my careful as…