MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
@mrgrimmace.bsky.social
Just a nerd screaming for sanity…and food…and a desire to move back to Japan…and compassion…whatever’s good.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Shibuya clamps down on littering.
Tokyo adding new anti-littering fines in Shibuya and Harajuku, will require more trash cans too
With fewer excuses for littering, there’s going to be less tolerance too.
soranews24.com
December 19, 2025 at 4:03 AM
Shibuya clamps down on littering.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Now there's another reason to love 7-Eleven Japan.
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japanese convenience stores really do have everything, even your luggage.
soranews24.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:03 AM
Now there's another reason to love 7-Eleven Japan.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Despite their popularity in Japan, especially among children, dagashi were one of the last Japanese snacks to make their way to the West. For years, Pocky, Pretz, Hello Panda, and more recognizable names have overshadowed them.
Dagashi: Japan's Colorful, Nostalgic, Tasty Treats - Unseen Japan
Learn about dagashi, a staple of the Japanese candy scene since the Edo era, and how to try it out even if you can't make it to Japan.
buff.ly
December 20, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Despite their popularity in Japan, especially among children, dagashi were one of the last Japanese snacks to make their way to the West. For years, Pocky, Pretz, Hello Panda, and more recognizable names have overshadowed them.
I didn’t watch the fight last night, but I assume it went something like this 😆
December 20, 2025 at 5:15 PM
I didn’t watch the fight last night, but I assume it went something like this 😆
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Important reminder for letter carriers ⬇️
December 20, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Important reminder for letter carriers ⬇️
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
[Insider] Japan's right is fuming over the anti-Asian racism coming out of Finland. Which is ironic, considering how much they've done to help legitimize open prejudice. A look at the consequences of canceling "cancel culture" in our latest for subscribers:
buff.ly/fuKFQkI
buff.ly/fuKFQkI
[Insider] Japan's Right Experiences Racism and Realizes - It Sucks! - Unseen Japan
A racist episode involving Miss Finland leaves Japan's right on the receiving end of the same racist medicine it loves dishing out.
unseen-japan.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:31 PM
[Insider] Japan's right is fuming over the anti-Asian racism coming out of Finland. Which is ironic, considering how much they've done to help legitimize open prejudice. A look at the consequences of canceling "cancel culture" in our latest for subscribers:
buff.ly/fuKFQkI
buff.ly/fuKFQkI
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Need someplace to deposit your luggage in Japan? You have another option now: your local 7-Eleven. The combini chain has teamed with ecbo to offer luggage storage at 378 stores in 26 prefectures. Bags cost 500 yen ($3.20) a day; suitcases run 800 yen ($5).
December 17, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Need someplace to deposit your luggage in Japan? You have another option now: your local 7-Eleven. The combini chain has teamed with ecbo to offer luggage storage at 378 stores in 26 prefectures. Bags cost 500 yen ($3.20) a day; suitcases run 800 yen ($5).
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
The fire might have started via a towel touching a heating element. Police are investigating the deaths as a case of corporate manslaughter brought about by negligence.
Source: buff.ly/xjEVEXm
Source: buff.ly/xjEVEXm
サウナ夫婦死亡 非常ボタンの通報装置の電源入っておらず オーナー「今まで電源入れたことない」（2025年12月17日掲載）｜日テレNEWS NNN
東京・赤坂のサウナ室で夫婦が死亡した火事で、発生当時、非常ボタンの通報を知らせる装置の電源が入っておらず、サウナのオーナーも「今まで電源を入れたことがない」と話していることがわかりました。
buff.ly
December 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The fire might have started via a towel touching a heating element. Police are investigating the deaths as a case of corporate manslaughter brought about by negligence.
Source: buff.ly/xjEVEXm
Source: buff.ly/xjEVEXm
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
More data on how much Chinese tourism to Japan has dropped since China called on its citizens to cancel travel plans. In November, visits from the country rose 3% compared to last year. That's down from a 22.8% YoY increase in October - a precipitous drop.
December 17, 2025 at 10:48 PM
More data on how much Chinese tourism to Japan has dropped since China called on its citizens to cancel travel plans. In November, visits from the country rose 3% compared to last year. That's down from a 22.8% YoY increase in October - a precipitous drop.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
After a bitter court loss, the LGBTQ plaintiffs from six different marriage equality cases in Japan and their advocates pressed several dozen lawmakers for swift action to legalize marriage equality for all. Read reporter Emily Boon's coverage below:
buff.ly/z8Ov5T0
buff.ly/z8Ov5T0
LGBTQ People, Advocates Ask Japan's Politicians to Legalize Marriage Equality Swiftly - Unseen Japan
After a bitter court loss, LGBTQ people in Japan continue pressing politicians for fast action.
unseen-japan.com
December 18, 2025 at 12:38 AM
After a bitter court loss, the LGBTQ plaintiffs from six different marriage equality cases in Japan and their advocates pressed several dozen lawmakers for swift action to legalize marriage equality for all. Read reporter Emily Boon's coverage below:
buff.ly/z8Ov5T0
buff.ly/z8Ov5T0
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
One dude marries Hatsune Miku and suddenly it's a "growing movement," please I am begging you to be serious, Reuters.
No wonder no one trusts mainstream journalism any longer
No wonder no one trusts mainstream journalism any longer
December 18, 2025 at 6:45 AM
One dude marries Hatsune Miku and suddenly it's a "growing movement," please I am begging you to be serious, Reuters.
No wonder no one trusts mainstream journalism any longer
No wonder no one trusts mainstream journalism any longer
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
From the Stopped Clock Department: Japanese singer/probable vampire GACKT has come out against over-reliance on generative AI after Google's AI falsely reported a tsunami warning had ended. "Are there really idiots who rely on AI during a disaster?"
December 14, 2025 at 3:36 AM
From the Stopped Clock Department: Japanese singer/probable vampire GACKT has come out against over-reliance on generative AI after Google's AI falsely reported a tsunami warning had ended. "Are there really idiots who rely on AI during a disaster?"
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
You may soon be able to become a true idiot sandwich - while also staying warm this winter. Two-person Japanese design company Niji has gone viral for its sandwich ear mufflers. Sadly, it's not yet for sale: one of the company's designers just posted a prototype for fun.
December 15, 2025 at 9:30 PM
You may soon be able to become a true idiot sandwich - while also staying warm this winter. Two-person Japanese design company Niji has gone viral for its sandwich ear mufflers. Sadly, it's not yet for sale: one of the company's designers just posted a prototype for fun.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
It’s beginning to look a lot less like Christmas. In Japan, at least. Here's why the decidedly un-Christian nation is tuning out more than ever from even the commercialized side of the winter holidays.
buff.ly/4nSgpUw
buff.ly/4nSgpUw
What's Japan Doing for Christmas? Here's Why Many Say...Nothing - Unseen Japan
It's beginning to look a lot less like Christmas in Japan. Here's why many say this year they'll be tuning out of the holiday.
unseen-japan.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:49 PM
It’s beginning to look a lot less like Christmas. In Japan, at least. Here's why the decidedly un-Christian nation is tuning out more than ever from even the commercialized side of the winter holidays.
buff.ly/4nSgpUw
buff.ly/4nSgpUw
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Winter is approaching! North Japan's winters are especially cold. Historically, Hokkaido Ainu lived in above ground houses year round.
Enciw (Sakhalin Ainu) & those on the Kurils would live in pit dwellings during winter which were more suited to the especially long & harsh winters in these regions.
Enciw (Sakhalin Ainu) & those on the Kurils would live in pit dwellings during winter which were more suited to the especially long & harsh winters in these regions.
November 18, 2024 at 1:06 PM
Winter is approaching! North Japan's winters are especially cold. Historically, Hokkaido Ainu lived in above ground houses year round.
Enciw (Sakhalin Ainu) & those on the Kurils would live in pit dwellings during winter which were more suited to the especially long & harsh winters in these regions.
Enciw (Sakhalin Ainu) & those on the Kurils would live in pit dwellings during winter which were more suited to the especially long & harsh winters in these regions.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
aaaand email from Retrospect Studios saying she is also losing her Star Trek license thanks to the 2000% increase in cost. If you've been to Trek conventions you have probably seen Kavita's artwork and it rules. Skydance sucks
December 15, 2025 at 5:23 AM
aaaand email from Retrospect Studios saying she is also losing her Star Trek license thanks to the 2000% increase in cost. If you've been to Trek conventions you have probably seen Kavita's artwork and it rules. Skydance sucks
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
ICYMI: Some people seemingly can’t tell the difference between reality and fiction. This became clear after a photography contest in Japan's Saitama Prefecture had to retract an award it gave to a highly improbable shot.
Photo Contest in Japan Rescinds Award for Stolen AI-Generated Pic - Unseen Japan
The submitter confessed that they didn't even "create" the work themselves but instead took a pre-generated image from a website.
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
ICYMI: Some people seemingly can’t tell the difference between reality and fiction. This became clear after a photography contest in Japan's Saitama Prefecture had to retract an award it gave to a highly improbable shot.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
The revised “Clean Town Shibuya” ordinance requires takeout-focused shops to install trash cans in visible, accessible areas. Targeted businesses include convenience stores, fast-food chains, drink shops, cafes, and crepe stands.
buff.ly/jFrg4fu
buff.ly/jFrg4fu
Shibuya Will Fine Businesses Without Garbage Cans as Tourist Trash Crisis Piles Up - Unseen Japan
Shibuya City in Tokyo plans to fine businesses and individuals to curb rising litter as tourism rebounds. The move is prompting renewed discussion around a perennial topic: should tourist-heavy…
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The revised “Clean Town Shibuya” ordinance requires takeout-focused shops to install trash cans in visible, accessible areas. Targeted businesses include convenience stores, fast-food chains, drink shops, cafes, and crepe stands.
buff.ly/jFrg4fu
buff.ly/jFrg4fu
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
The four-day workweek system itself comes in several forms. Some models keep total working hours the same by lengthening each workday. Others reduce working hours but maintain pay.
Kanagawa Prefecture Considers Four-Day Workweek for All Government Staff - Unseen Japan
The prefecture is the latest in a string of local governments and private companies in Japan experimenting with flexible schedules.
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The four-day workweek system itself comes in several forms. Some models keep total working hours the same by lengthening each workday. Others reduce working hours but maintain pay.
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Many young people in Japan often avoid posting their faces online. Instead, they photograph plush toys. In the survey, more than 63% agreed that they sometimes photograph only their plushes when taking pictures with friends.
The Hidden Culture Behind Japan’s Bag-Charms Craze - Unseen Japan
Experts say "oshi-katsu" and this age-old religious trend have helped fuel the rise of character dolls dangling from bags and backpacks.
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Many young people in Japan often avoid posting their faces online. Instead, they photograph plush toys. In the survey, more than 63% agreed that they sometimes photograph only their plushes when taking pictures with friends.
When I called my relatives who live near Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture 30 min. after the quake, my uncle was fine but the phone line was garbled and one of my cousin heard something fall and shatter, but because it was dark and cold, she said she’ll wait til sunrise to assess the damage. 1/
A large earthquake, currently measured at magnitude 7.2, has just hit off Aomori Prefecture. A tsunami advisory is in effect for southern Hokkaido and northeastern Tohoku. The earthquake was strong enough to be faintly perceived all the way in Tokyo.
December 9, 2025 at 6:24 AM
When I called my relatives who live near Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture 30 min. after the quake, my uncle was fine but the phone line was garbled and one of my cousin heard something fall and shatter, but because it was dark and cold, she said she’ll wait til sunrise to assess the damage. 1/
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
December 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
An apt comparison; Minobe was part of wave of Leftist mayors and governors elected during the 60s in Japan. Still hated by many on the far right today, Minobe's three terms as governor of Tokyo were successful enough that the LDP adopted many of his policies on a national level. youtu.be/v35H_7qcZos
The only thing that would make this more Japanese is if they took it one step further and called it HOTEL THE HOTEL HOW MAY I HELP YOU; that way when people call, the receptionist answers “Thank you for calling the HOTEL THE HOTEL HOW MAY I HELP YOU, how may I help you?”
December 9, 2025 at 6:20 AM
The only thing that would make this more Japanese is if they took it one step further and called it HOTEL THE HOTEL HOW MAY I HELP YOU; that way when people call, the receptionist answers “Thank you for calling the HOTEL THE HOTEL HOW MAY I HELP YOU, how may I help you?”
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Tokyo’s rat population isn’t going anywhere, and a growing number of scientists say the real solution isn’t eradication but coexistence. 👉 ebx.sh/wtpClf
December 8, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Tokyo’s rat population isn’t going anywhere, and a growing number of scientists say the real solution isn’t eradication but coexistence. 👉 ebx.sh/wtpClf
Reposted by MrGrimmace (Jason Hintz)
Are travellers from China no longer visiting Osaka's top tourist areas?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
We head to Osaka’s world-famous canal district and see who’s thriving and who’s struggling with the drop in travelers from China.
soranews24.com
December 6, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Are travellers from China no longer visiting Osaka's top tourist areas?