Unlike the makeup of the heroes of kabuki, this curry keeps its appearance simple. Inside the resplendent Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza, Tokyo, is a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s streets in a cozy, wood-accented cafe called Cafe Hinoki, which is open to anyone, whether you have a ticket to see one of the acclaimed kabuki performances or not. Upon sitting down at one of the tables and perusing the menu, there is one limited-time dish that stands out from the others, reading: “a reproduction of the original Oriental Curry,” a nostalgic dish that was once served over a decade ago in the former curry corner of the theater. ▼ At a reasonably priced 1,100 yen (US$7.11) The picture boasts a hearty, comforting curry packed with chunky potatoes, carrots, tender meat, and high expectations for a little taste of history. Surprisingly, once the dish arrives, the actual version seems to have a more modest appearance than its picture: a simple serving of curry beside a mound of rice, garnished with only a small spoonful of fukujinzuke pickles. Yet beneath the minimalistic presentation lies a deliciously spicy curry with a pleasant fruity sweetness. The roux, made without the flour of a typical Japanese curry, is simmered with onions, tomatoes, apples, and a special chutney, which blends mangoes, raisins, and spices. The result is an Indian-style curry which foregoes the image of a mild, old-fashioned taste in favor of a more modern spicy kick. While the theater has a gorgeous exterior, Cafe Hinoki has a peaceful and approachable atmosphere, showcasing the beauty of the Kabuki-za Theater in a more casual setting. This charming cafe is situated on the first floor of the theater, with an internal entrance through a souvenir shop, and an external one down the side of the building. This external entrance adds to the ease of stopping in for a leisurely lunch, or some light refreshments, during a stroll through Ginza’s streets. In addition to curry, Cafe Hinoki offers a selection of sandwiches, desserts, and light meals, making it a place that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, although the cafe is reserved for theater guests only during the performance’s intermissions. If you order the Oriental Curry expecting a curry full of chunky ingredients, you’ll be in for a surprise. However, you will in no way regret the level of deliciousness that is contained within its humble appearance. Store information Kissashitsu Hinoki / 喫茶室 檜 Address: Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Ginza 4-12-15 東京都中央区銀座4-12-15 Open: 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (for non-theater guests / last order is 4:00 p.m.) Closed during intermissions to avoid overcrowding between 11:50 a.m.–1:25 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. Website Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

It’s more like a Golden Brown Fryday. I never really got all the craziness over Black Friday sales. I guess you have to be in the USA to get the really good ones, because I always see news stories from there about people camping out overnight or injuring each other to get in on these insanely good deals. But whenever I look online or in my local fliers, it’s always one percent off a PlayStation 5, half off dietary fiber pills, or other “bargains” I couldn’t be less interested in. That is, until 7-Eleven Japan announced one of the best Black Friday sales I’ve ever had the opportunity of taking advantage of. Playing off a “fried-day” pun, the convenience store chain will be offering 50 percent off select fried foods nationwide from 27 to 30 November. First up are 7-Eleven’s highly underrated fried chicken cutlets. While everyone always seems to rave about Family Mart’s famous Famichiki, I always felt they were way too oily. The ones at 7-Eleven usually have a much more balanced juiciness, and if you don’t believe me, you can see for yourself when they’re sold for the half-price of just 111 yen (US$0.72) on 29 November. The spring rolls at 7-Eleven are nothing to scoff at either, and make for a cheap and hot snack that can’t be beat. And for two days, they’ll be even cheaper at 56 yen a piece on 28 and 30 November. And if that’s still not cheap enough for you, here come the Hokkaido Potato Beef Croquettes for just 50 yen each on 27 November. Each one is stuffed with exquisite, piping hot Hokkaido potatoes and a savory hint of beef. Also, the “Friday” aspect of Black Friday isn’t the only thing 7-Eleven is having fun with. For the month of November, they’ve been selling special black-colored foods. Their Zakuchiki (Jet Black Double Pepper) chicken filets went on sale on 4 November, followed by the Black Sukiyaki Spring Rolls on 11 November. Still to come are the Store-Baked Black Cookies on 18 November, as well as the Black Melon Pan, Curry Stick Black, and Chewy Donut Black on 25 November. So don’t waste your time hunting out deals on already-overpriced and unnecessary things and pig out on greasy black food instead! I believe it’s what the founding fathers of the USA intended when they invented Black Friday while having a feast with the Native Americans who chopped down their cherry trees to make wooden teeth for George Washington after he lost his original ones flying a kite that got hit by lightning. I learned a lot about that country from TV. Source, images: PR Times 1, 2 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

This is some hot sand that you’ll love to put in your mouth. Some people, like my mother, like to accumulate a variety of cooking appliances in order to cover any and every possible cooking situation that might arise, from pressure cookers to blenders and air fryers to automatic egg cookers. While this is all well and good, as you’ll never look at a recipe and think, “these takoyaki look so delicious, but I can’t make them because I don’t have a takoyaki grill,” it does come at the expense of countertop or cabinet space. So, wouldn’t it be nice if you could buy something that could adapt the usage of something you already have to create a food you wouldn’t normally be able to make? This month, the affordable lifestyle brand 3COINS has released four new microwave cooking gadgets, including a deep-type cooker with six methods of cooking, a multi-function mug with five methods of cooking that’s perfect for one-person meals, and a meal mug for pouch foods. However, what we were most excited about is the hot sandwich maker—with the awkward English name of Microwave Half Hot Sand Maker, as “sando” or “sand” is often what “sandwich” gets abbreviated to in Japanese—that lets you make hot sandwiches in the microwave, which sounds incredibly convenient. This little device, priced at 2,750 yen (US$17.78), is super compact, being around the size of a chunky pencil case. While it can’t be used over direct flame or stored in the fridge or freezer, it is completely washable and dishwasher-safe, making it hold an edge over a traditional electric sandwich maker. It’s also amazingly simple to use: ▼ Just sandwich the ingredients, … ▼ … shut the silicone latch, … ▼ … stand it upright, … ▼ … and put it in the microwave. The sandwich maker comes with an included recipe book, containing a selection of six different recipes that we just had to try out. Our first hot sandwich test was filled with chocolate and banana. Just a few minutes later and we had our hands on a warm and gooey treat. Riding on the success of our first creation, we set out experimenting with a pre-prepared sandwich from the supermarket, electing for the already delicious Big Ham and Egg sandwich made by Yamazaki. Through our handy little microwave sandwich maker, it was transformed into a misshapen, but wonderfully fragrant sandwich. While initially a little oily due to the process of reheating fried bread, as it cooled the texture crisped up nicely, almost as if it was freshly fried, and the egg filling was hot and steamy. The sandwich maker allows you to unleash your creativity as you experiment with many different types of fillings, or if you just want a no-brains-required hot snack, it also serves to reheat various types of bread, like the many varieties of crustless, sealed sandwiches sold in supermarkets and convenience stores, known as Lunch Packs. If you manage to discover your own signature microwave sandwich masterpiece, please let us know, as we’re eager to use our new gadget more. Related: Lineup Announcement, Online Store Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Weird, delicious, and beautiful, this is everything we could ask for in the SoraKitchen. Japan’s Shine Muscat grapes have been skyrocketing in popularity in foodie circles around the globe. First cultivated in Japan in 2006, Shine Muscat grapes are prized for their size, firmness, and sweetness, so prized that they cost several times more than ordinary green grapes. So when our Japanese-language reporter Go Hatori got his hands on some Shine Muscats, what did he pair them with? Potato chips. Not some gourmet, artisanal potato chips, either. Nope, Go took the most exalted grapes in all of Japan and put them on some Pringles you can pick up at any convenience store. As for why Go would do such a thing, well, someone told him to. Actually, someone told Go’s friend to eat their Shine Muscats this way, and Go’s friend then told him. Of course, you might still blame Go for this potential travesty, asking “If someone told Go to go jump off a bridge, would he?” That answer depends largely on whether or not he could survive the jump and also write an article about the experience, and with no worries for either of those criteria here, Go decided to take a chance on a very unusual recipe created by his friend’s friend. If you’re adventurous enough to try it yourself too, you’ll need the following ingredients. ● Shine Muscat grapes ● Cream cheese ● Honey ● Black pepper ● Sour Cream and Onion-flavor Pringles Step 1: Cut the Shine Muscat grapes into halves. Step 2: Gently spread cream cheese onto the Pringles Step 3: Place a half Shine Muscat on top of the cream cheese. This is why we sliced the grapes and used Pringles instead of another brand, so that we’d have a flat, stable piece of fruit and a curved chip to help keep everything in place. Step 4: Drizzle honey directly onto the Shine Muscat, but use enough so that it drips down onto the cheese and chip too. Even before taking a taste, Go was incredibly impressed by how these looked. Aside from the Shine Muscats, none of the ingredients are anything fancy, but when combined like this they felt incredibly stylish, the sort of thing you’d place a plate of poolside when having friends and associates over to your villa for an afternoon of hors d’oeuvres and clever conversation. And for the finishing touch, although Go’s friend’s friend says this is optional, a dash of black pepper. So did these “Shine Pringles” taste as good as they looked? Oh yes. As you bite into the grape from the top and chip from below, you get a bursting sensation of textures and flavors, not just sweet and savory but also with a touch of tartness from the grapes and spice from the pepper, with the cream cheese and honey helping to tie everything together. It was fantastic, and so immensely satisfying that as he ate the second chip, Go felt like he was getting a glimpse of the kind of person his friend’s friend is, someone stylish and creative, a flexibly thinking, open-minded individual who leads a free and happy life. Setting aside all that lofty speculation, what Go can say for sure is that this turned out way better than he’d expected. Even if you can’t find Shine Muscats, or if you can but they’re not in your budget right now, theoretically you should be able to get tasty results with less expensive kinds of grapes too, seeing as how even though Shine Muscats are considered especially flavorful, their basic flavor profile isn’t wildly different from the baseline green grape one. In the end, not only did Go learn a great new recipe, we also got a delicious reminder about the importance of not mocking something until you’ve tried it, and Go’s ears are open for more unusual ideas to taste test whenever anyone has one to suggest. Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

”The dream of taking a nap wrapped in Totoro’s tummy has come true.” The idea of a Totoro blanket might sound equal parts cute and impractical. Sure, the cuddly Studio Ghibli star makes a fine muse for something soft to snuggle up under, but he’s also a pretty irregular shape to try to cover yourself with, isn’t he? Ah, but Ghibli specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku has taken this into consideration, which is why their latest offering isn’t a Totoro-shaped blanket, it’s a Totoro Tummy Blanket. That means that the blanket itself is an orthodox rectangle, 115 centimeters long by 85 wide (45.3 x 33.5 inches), but the pattern matches the marking on Totoro’s stomach, and the fabric colors are the same as those of his fur. Even the texture is meant to evoke thoughts of the forest spirit, as this is what’s called a “towelket” in Japan, a blanket with a terrycloth towel-like fuzziness to it. The blanket, which has My Neighbor Totoro written in Japanese (となりのトトロ) near the top, is made of organic cotton, a choice the nature-loving Totoro would no doubt applaud (figuratively, anyway, since without fleshy palms it’s not clear whether or not Totoro is physically capable of clapping). There’s also a trio of Soot Sprites, embroidered in a rayon/polyester blend, who’ll be joining you for your snooze. With the Totoro Tummy Blanket, Donguri Kyowakoku declares that it has “made the dream of sleeping wrapped in Totoro’s tummy come true.” We’re not sure we would have phrased our Totoro naptime ambitions in that exact way, but there’s no doubting that the blanket is adorable, and while it might not be big enough to completely cover an adult Ghibli fan, it’d still make a very cozy lap blanket for curling up on the couch with, and it can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here for 5,280 yen (US$35.20). And if you’re looking for more Totoro-themed ways to stay toasty warm this winter, don’t forget about the Catbus sleeping bag. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Studio Ghibli Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

There’s more to this festive cake than just pretty packaging. It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Starbucks releases, and the run of limited-edition surprises is now culminating in the long-awaited Holiday collection. In amongst the colourful festive goods and tasty drinks, however, is a food offering that tends to be overlooked — the stollen. While the traditional German Christmas bread might not be everyone’s first choice at Starbucks, it has a lot going for it, starting with the pouch it’s sold in. Made with a cute pink corduroy material, the pouch has a sophisticated look, a smooth, supple feel, and the familiar Starbucks logo in the centre. On the back, you’ll find a sweet “enjoy your day” message in handwritten-style embroidery, with a smiley face beneath it. ▼ Starbucks is all about spreading joy in the details. The zip pouch isn’t just pretty, it’s practical too, with enough room in its 21 x 8 x 12 centimetre (8 x 3 x 5) dimensions to store things like makeup, small gadgets…and a chunk of stollen. Uncut and dusted with a thick coating of powdered sugar, the stollen looks like the traditional ones you’ll find in Germany, but how does it taste? Taking it out of the bag, we could instantly smell the soft scent of cinnamon and cardamom as we cut into it, making us feel like the holidays had well and truly arrived. Biting into it, we were greeted by the warming flavour of Christmassy spices, carried through the palate on a delectable crust with a moist, chewy centre. Packed with  raisins, cranberries, orange peel, almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, we were able to enjoy sweetness and tartness in equal measures, with an overarching richness that grew in depth with every mouthful. It was a fantastic cake, and looking at the back of the packaging, we found there was a secret to its deliciousness. ▼ Every stollen is made by Takaki Bakery (“タカキベーカリー”), a local company that operates popular bakery brands such as Little Mermaid. Knowing that the stollen is made by such a trusted company made it seem even more delicious, and the 2,350 yen (US$15.19) price tag was reasonable too. Considering you get a stollen and a pouch for that price, we might just make a return trip to snag another one while we can, as they’re only available in limited numbers until Christmas Day. Source, images: Press release   ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Kumacon provides everything you need to deal with up to a three-day bear siege, manufacturer says. An unprecedented number of bear attacks have been taking place this year in Japan, with the situation having gotten so bad that mail deliveries are potentially going to be disrupted and even the Ground Self-Defense Force has been enlisted to help deal with ursine incidents. “I think the bears really have the upper hand here” one of my colleagues said the other day as we discussed the situation (having recently concluded our scholarly debate on who the best Final Fight character is), and if the government thinks military-grade training and equipment is required for an adequate response, it really does make you wonder what we ordinary civilians can hope to do. One Japanese company, though, thinks it has the answer. Get yourself a bear shelter. Pictured above is the latest offering from Jacaon: the Life Shield Container. The company also has a nickname for the product, though: the Kumacon, or “bear container.” That might make it sound like it’s a container for bears, but it’s actually the opposite, a shelter where you and your fellow humans can take refuge while keeping any bears on the outside of the structure. The Kumakon is a redesigned shipping container, of the sort used on international cargo freighter vessels, but with additional features to keep you safe during a bear attack, even an extended one. Starting on the outside, the Kumacon, which Jacacon developed in collaboration with Tokyo University of Science (not to be confused with the University of Tokyo), is strong enough to withstand any physical ursine aggression. The bite of a brown bear, the largest breed in Japan, is said to have strength equal to roughly 7 MPa (megapascals), but shipping container steel can withstand up to 350 MPas. Likewise, while an angry bear can pack a wallop with a force of a few hundred kilograms when it barrels into something in full run, the Kumakon can withstand over 192 tons. While the outside is shipping container-sturdy, plenty of interior improvements have been made to help make your stay, if not necessarily cozy, at least bearable while you wait for it to be safe to step outside again. The Kumacon has a solar energy storage system that can power its USB power outlets. A toilet and ventilation system are standard, but you can upgrade your shelter with motion and infrared sensors to help you keep an eye on the animals, as well as flashing strobe lights and a public address microphone with which to try to scare the bears off. The Kumacon also comes with three days’ worth of emergency food rations, a supply of bottled drinking water, first aid kits, and bear repellant spray. Jacacon, which specializes in repurposing shipping container designs for use as storefronts and lodging, says it hopes the Kumacon will serve as “a new form of disaster-preparedness infrastructure to protect the lives of people in locations such as on their home property or at educational facilities and camp grounds. In addition to bear attacks, the company says the Kumacon is “a multi-functional life shield” that can also keep you safe during natural disasters, though common sense dictates that it shouldn’t be used as an alternative to following evacuation recommendations when issued by local authorities. The Kumacon will be offered in three different sizes, 12, 20, and 40-foot (3.7, 6.1, and 12.2-meter) configurations. The largest, if Jacacon’s concept images are anything to go by, looks large enough to hold a dozen people, and while there’s not much room to stretch out with that kind of occupancy, the lack of bears does make it a tempting place to hang out if there’s a potentially dangerous one outside. ▼ Jacacon doesn’t say why everyone is looking in the same direction here. Maybe there’s also a thirteenth person in the Kumacon who’s using its toilet right now. Prices have yet to be announced for the Kumacon, but Jacacon says it’s going to start taking orders for the shelters in December. Ordinarily, you’d expect most bears to be hibernating by then, but ostensibly customers will have their Kumacons installed and ready by the time the bears wake up in the spring. Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

If you haven’t visited a Michi no Eki roadside station in Japan yet, you’re missing out.  A lot has been written about the wonders of Japanese convenience stores, but for many residents there’s another way to shop that’s arguably even more unique and charming, and it’s called Michi no Eki. Literally translating as “Road Station“, these government-designated roadside rest stops are often found along highways and local roads in rural areas, and they serve multiple purposes: providing rest areas for travellers, offering local information, and supporting regional revitalisation by showcasing local culture and products. Sometimes you can even stumble upon some surprising extra features, which is what happened to our reporter Maro recently, when she stopped in at Michi no Eki Minami Kiyosato in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Not only did it have a farm-fresh produce section, it also had a restaurant, a dog run, and…some sort of mysterious rail stretching all the way up the mountain behind it. The rail line was steep and surrounded by trees, so from below, you can’t see where it leads to at all. The sight of it stretching towards an unknown destination sparked Maro’s sense of curiosity, so she headed to the “Lift Car” boarding point. After paying 500 yen (US$3.23) for the round-trip fare, Maro took her ticket from the machine and pressed the button to request boarding. The lift car seemed to be somewhere at the summit, but it didn’t take long for her to spot the light blue hues of the lift car reflecting the sunlight as it made its way down the slope towards her. As it approached, Maro was immediately in awe of its presence, while also feeling slightly nervous that the single carriage might spin out of control and slide down towards her. Thankfully, that didn’t happen so she was able to admire the design details, with the words “Koinobori Village” printed above a carp streamer, in honour of the fact that the roadside station is famous for carp streamers. ▼ Over 450 carp streamers “swim” in the sky each spring during the annual Koinobori Festival. Hopping aboard, Maro took a seat and admired the view as the little car took her up to the mystery destination. After a journey of a few minutes, with the guide explaining things as they went, Maro stepped out at “Higoi Station” at the summit, where she found herself surrounded by glorious flowers. This was Minami Yatsugatake Flower Forest Park, and at the plaza right outside the station, red salvias and purple flowers were in full bloom. Next to it was a shop where you could eat specialties like stone-oven baked pizza and honey soft serve ice cream. ▼ Maro treated herself to the park’s famous Honey Soft Serve and loved the pronounced deliciousness of the honey. There’s lots to do within the park, including seasonal activities such as digging for sweet potatoes and pressed flower crafting experiences. ▼ This mountain-top park is more than a lookout area – it feels more like a tourist destination. ▼ Both the roadside station below and Flower Forest Park above have ponds with carp and ducks. ▼ The store at the roadside station has loads of dried flowers for sale. The mountaintop views from the flower park make this a beautiful spot to relax and unwind, and young families will appreciate the many wide spaces for children to run around in. As she walked through the park, Maro could hear the sound of a bell ringing intermittently. Looking around, she discovered this was the so-called “Bell of Hope” located at the top of a lookout deck. According to locals, ringing the bell five times while making a wish will grant you your wishes, so Maro did just that, sending out her dreams to the universe. From the adjacent observatory, you can take in a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the roadside station below. The return trip was a bit of a thrill ride, as the steep view as you make your way down is pretty terrifying. The speed may have been slow, but the angle was like a roller coaster, making the descent much scarier than the ascent. According to the guide on board, this rail’s incline is as steep as a ski jump. It’s a great way to experience the thrilling point-of-view of a skier without having to strap on a pair of skis, and visiting during the autumn leaf-viewing season makes for a colourful journey. Those wanting a more leisurely journey can access the flower park by walking, which takes roughly 20 minutes. For us, though, the thrill of the car ride makes for a memorable experience, and it’s a unique find that remains little-known outside of local circles. Site information Michi no Eki Minami Kiyosato / 道の駅 南きよさと Address: Yamanashi-ken, Hokuto-shi,  Takane-cho, Nagasawa 760 山梨県北杜市高根町長沢760 Open: 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Park Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Closed December to March) Website Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Public reactions to redevelopment plan for Japan’s largest collection of historically significant artwork has been less than positive. Located at the edge of Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum houses one of the most important collections of historically significant artistic and cultural artifacts in Japan, containing an estimated 10 percent of all the works officially designated as National Treasures in the country. Adult tickets are priced at 1,500 yen (US$10) by pre-sale or 1,700 yen at the door, which is a bit on the high side for museum admission in Japan, but doesn’t feel exorbitant, considering the care required in preserving the items inside. And like many museums, the Tokyo National Museum, which is operated by a government-owned corporation, periodically has donation drives and crowdfunding campaigns. The purpose of its latest one is rubbing a lot of people the wrong way, though, since the museum is looking for handouts to cover the cost of removing its pond and replacing it with a space to be used for beer gardens and music events. The pond, shown above, is located in front of the museum’s Main Building, or Honkan, which was constructed between 1932 and 1938. Under the Tohaku Open Park Project, announced by museum director Makoto Fujiwara last Monday, the pond will be demolished and covered with concrete, and its surrounding shrubbery removed to create more grassy lawn space. The additional solid ground, the planners say, will allow the area in front of the main building to be used as a venue for outdoor events, with beer gardens and concerts specifically mentioned in the press release. 9 times out of 10 beer garden plans will get an enthusiastic thumbs up from most people in Japan, but reactions so far to the Tohaku Open Park Project have been much less positive. The Tokyo National Museum was Japan’s first national museum, and as a government-affiliated facility, many are saying that hosting loud, booze-fueled events is an inappropriate use of its grounds. Many are also lamenting the loss of the plaza’s classical aesthetics, particularly after sundown when the surface of the water takes on the warm glow of nearby lights and serves as a mirror reflecting the uniquely beautiful museum architecture. 東京国立博物館の池がなくなるなんて静謐で荘厳なものを国が守って欲しいここから意見が送れますhttps://t.co/I5DbWutEoO写真は2023年の今頃#トーハク #東京国立博物館 https://t.co/HYiIdjJMBb pic.twitter.com/o0GoL1Vsha— 原 知恵子 Chieko Hara ( chienoix ) Praha (@chienoix_praha) November 13, 2025 東京国立博物館の池のある風景 pic.twitter.com/5Xa27yVWGH— 在華坊 (@zaikabou) November 12, 2025 トーハク正面玄関の池は、晴れていれば水面に「逆さ本館」が映って 東京国立博物館をより美しく唯一無二のものにしていたと思うから、残念だなあ https://t.co/5gjd8cjaf8 pic.twitter.com/k38chGCStQ— くるっくる＊避難用 (@sannenseabura2) November 12, 2025 So while the planners are saying the purpose of the redevelopment is to “create a relaxing place that all people can comfortably and safely use in their own way,” many online commenters are saying the way they want to use the plaza is just as they originally did, tranquilly admiring the view, including the pond (and the planners mention of safety is laughable, as the pond isn’t at all deep and no drowning incidents have taken place in it). Adding insult to injury, in detractors’ eyes, is that not only is the Tokyo National Museum planning to pave over the pond, it’s asking the public for donations to fund the Tohaku Open Park Project, and is currently accepting donations through its website. All of this has led to such angry online comments as: “So they’re just spending money to destroy something of value? I have no idea why they think the National Museum needs to hold concerts and beer garden events.” “I’ve never seen one of these redevelopment ‘projects’ that actually feels like an improvement. It’s always just some cliched eyesore that messes up the local scenery and environment.” “You don’t go to a museum to drink beer and listen to music. The museum is supposed to be our nation’s greatest treasure trove of knowledge, so let it be that, there’s no need to try to attract everyone and everybody. If it’s a place where people who want to connect with the knowledge of people from prior parts of history, that’s all it needs to be.” “Please keep the plaza as the quiet, beautiful place that it’s always been.” “Oh, so they’re just doing this to hold events and get more money? Pitiful.” “If they’re going to abandon their pride as a museum, they should just go all the way with it. Put in a sake corner where you can drink in front of the Buddhist statues on display. Use the National Treasure katanas to cut tuna sashimi…Just leave the existing façade, hollow the interior out, and build a modern entertainment complex on top of it.” Comments in favor of the plan have been much fewer and farther between, but those that have been made contend that the museum’s pond is less than majestic in appearance, and others speculate that the cost of maintaining it isn’t worth the marginal aesthetic boost it provides. Lending credibility to the speculation that cost is a factor in the decision to get rid of the pond, it’s been drained of water for some time now. 東京国立博物館の庭の池を埋め立ててイベントスペースにする案は愚策すぎる。池の水は、もうだいぶ前から抜かれたままだ。国立劇場も閉鎖されたまま。行く末を憂う胸が痛む問題だ。 pic.twitter.com/rIrDjYsvgO— 長宗我部元ちな (@chinasyogi) November 12, 2025 However, numerous commenters have countered that if maintenance costs are an issue, they’d rather the Tokyo National Museum be soliciting funds to be used to cover those costs, not to cover the pond with concrete. Others have said that getting rid of the pond because it’s not financially feasible to maintain is a decision they can see the logic in, but if that’s the case, the museum should just say so, rather than trying to feed people lines about the redevelopment being necessary to “create a safe and relaxing place for everybody.” Still, at the moment the Tohaku Open Park Project is scheduled to go on as planned, with an estimated completion date of March 2027. Those who think it’s the right call can contribute donations for the redevelopment through the Tokyo National Museum website here, while those of the opposite opinion can make their feelings known through the museum’s general feedback form here. Source: Tokyo National Museum (1, 2) via Hachima Kiko, Tiwtter/@JapanArchitects Top image: Wikipedia/Wiiii Insert images: Tokyo National Museum ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sometimes it’s good to be a petite Ghibli fan. Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro contains what’s arguably the coziest looking nap in the history of animation. In the scene in which we get our very first look at the cuddly forest spirit, he’s snoozing away inside his burrow until he gets an unexpected visitor as Mei comes rolling in, then proceeds to take a nap on top of his ample tummy. With winter on the way, though, it’s going to be too chilly to sleep on top of Totoro. Luckily, there’s a warmer alternative: the Totoro sleeping bag. Just restocked by Ghibli specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku, this microfiber-lined sleeping bag is soft and warm, and, most importantly, looks like a smiling Totoro. The zipper pull is shaped like an acorn, and the sleeping bag comes bundled with a fuzzy-fabric pillow too. That’s not the only Totoro-themed sleeping bag currently on offer from Donguri Kyowakoku, as they’ve also got a Catbus version. And yes, they made sure to include all 10 of its legs. The zipper pull here is a mouse, like the ones that hang off the front corners of the Catbus. The Catbus sleeping bag comes with a pillow as well, with its own unique fabric pattern. The sleeping bags are both priced at 19,800 yen (US$132) and can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here. However, before you toss out the bed you’re currently sleeping in for these seemingly obvious upgrades, be aware that the total length of the Totoro sleeping bag, including its ears, is 140 centimeters (5 feet, 5.1 inches), so it’s meant for petite and/or young Ghibli fans. The Catbus version, meanwhile is listed with a length of 192 centimeters (6 feet, 3.6 inches), though again that includes the ears and also the tail, so depending on your own height, these might have to serve as blankets instead. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Studio Ghibli Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2), Studio Ghibli ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!