What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
Japanese convenience store chain tempts us with a good time. The Japanese tradition of retailers releasing lucky grab bags known as “fukubukuro” has changed over the years, with many companies…
What makes something “kawaii” to women from Japan, China, and South Korea? Survey investigates
Let’s find out if a cute thing for one woman is still cute for another from a different country. From Sanrio characters to starry-eyed idol singers, it’s no secret that…
Olympic ice surface being built to specs smaller than NHL rinks, per source, sparking new concerns
The Olympic rink will have a shorter length but not substantially greater width, per a source, leaving players with less room to maneuver.
Woodland Puppets Sing an Ode to Friendship in Apple’s Refreshingly Analog Holiday Ad
While Coca-Cola decided to run with generative AI for its animated Christmas ad—a holiday tradition the brand is known for—Apple leaned into the world of practical effects with a troupe…
Luminous Western Australia Waves Crash Ashore in Kevin Krautgartner’s Aerial Photos
Taken from a vertical perspective, Kevin Krautgartner’s photographs of crashing waves conjure the power and beauty of our oceans. Captured along the coast of Western Australia, the images revel in…
NHL to remind teams about mandatory helmets during warmups
Three NHL teams have taken to the ice helmetless over the last week.
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
How big of a jerk do you need to be before your own town sues you? The town of Mihama in Aichi Prefecture has a problem in the form of…
Which NHL division is the best? The case for and against each
Let's lay out each division's strengths and flaws — and then you can cast your vote.
Classic anime Inuyasha teams up with discount shop Thank You Mart for first time with new merch
This nostalgic merch lineup will transport you right back in time to your youth without needing to fall down any wells. Thank You Mart is a Japanese discount store geared…
Our Favorite Books of 2025
It’s the time of year when best-of lists make their rounds. As usual, we’ve deliberated and selected some of our favorite monographs, surveys, and whimsical tomes published in 2025. Several…