The anime crush savings plan: Woman explains how to save thousands of dollars, have fun doing it

Having an anime crush usually drains your wallet, but here’s how your 2-D passion can make you richer instead.

Hard-core anime fans will be the first to tell you that while the hobby has a positive effect on their happiness, it’s not nearly as beneficial to their bank accounts. Video streaming services, Blu-ray box sets, and miscellaneous merch all add up, and together they can leave otaku without much cash for anything else.

In particular, the monetary outflow floodgates tend to get flung wide open for fans with a 2-D anime crush, since nothing says “I love you” like dropping as much cash as possible on merchandise bearing your favorite character’s likeness. However, about a year ago Japanese Twitter user @st0708_, who’s a massive fan of Heshikiri Hasebe from anthropomorphized katana boy franchise Touken Ranbu, had an idea.

@st0708_ decided to channel her love for Hasebe into financial responsibility, and in January of last year, she started her project. Basically, her plan, which she called “oshi savings” (oshi being one’s anime crush), hinged on making regular payments directly to Hasebe. For example, in the photos above, those are payroll envelopes, into which @st0708_ put the anime character’s salary for each month, making the transaction official with a stamp of a hanko personal seal.

▼ She also made a wallet for Hasebe, fashioning it out of a Meiji The Chocolate box, a surprisingly versatile artistic medium.

Since Touken Rambu is a series that takes place during the samurai era, ideally @st0708_ would have paid Hasebe’s stipend in gold coins. Since precious metals are harder to come by in modern Japan, though, she dd the next best thing and paid her beloved in 500-yen (US$4.54) coins, the largest metal denomination of yen.

It’s a fun, and funny idea, but how long would @st0708_ be able to keep it up before becoming bored and/or tempted to cut Hasebe off? A week? A month?

Try a whole year (and counting). @st0708_ recently tweeted an update saying she’s continued her oshi saving plan for the past 12 months, and when she recently converted all those coins into paper money, she was shocked to find that she’s saved 435,000 yen (US$3,955) so far!

Online reactions have pretty much fallen into the categories of “This is amazing, “I’m going to try this too,” and “What was your payment schedule to Hasebe?” In regards to the last, @st0708_ says she didn’t have strict deadlines so much as monthly targets. “When I was out doing errands and paid for something, if I got a 500-yen coin as change it would go into Hasebe’s payments” she explains.

The saving strategy can even be applied to anime characters who wouldn’t realistically be earning a salary. For example, if your favorite character is a student, @st0708_ says you can think of the payments as being for their tuition, or their general living expenses You can even set up a mini shrine to your oshi in your home with a collection box, if they happen to be of divine status in their story (or your eyes).

Of course, with all the money hard-core fans spend on anime merch, you could make the argument that this doesn’t really count as “saving” money if in the end you just go out and bow the amassed was of cash on merch that you put off buying while making payments to your oshi. But that’s not an issue for @st0708_, because she says she’ll be using the money she’s saved to pay for moving expenses and setting up the new apartment she’s moving to soon…though she does also say that naturally the new apartment isn’t just for her, but for Hasebe as well.

Source: Twitter/@st0708_ via Hachima Kiko
Featured image: Twitter/@st0708_
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Survey finds only six percent of Japanese workers motivated, seventh lowest in the world

Read all about this troubling social trend…or don’t. What do I care?

A lot has been said about the quality of service in Japan, from companies’ polite and helpful staff to their remorse over even the slightest misstep…so I’m not going to bother saying any of it again.

You see, beneath all this is a troubling development in the spirit and mentality of the workforce in Japan. It’s a problem that has recently been brought to light by the Japan Business Federation in which the average worker in Japan simply isn’t engaged in their work.

▼ An “engaged” worker

Fittingly, the Japan Business Federation couldn’t be bothered to conduct a survey themselves, so instead they referred to a 2017 Gallup poll which measured work engagement in 139 countries. The motivation of company employees were rated as “engaged,” “not engaged,” and “actively disengaged.”

The USA and Canada came out on top with about 29 percent of workers “engaged” in their jobs. That might not sound like a lot, but it’s over twice the global average of 13 percent. Japan, meanwhile, is roughly half of the average with only six percent claiming to be engaged.

▼ A “not engaged” worker

On the other hand, a whopping 71 percent are said to be “not engaged” and a further 23 percent “actively disengaged.” In terms of engagement, Japan was ranked 132nd, ahead of only Iraq (6%), Tunisia (5%), Israel (5%), Azerbaijan (5%), Hong Kong (4%), Croatia (3%), and Syria (0%).

So, what does this mean? The Japan Business Federation cited the Parento principle which states that 80 percent of effects come from 20 percent of causes. Applying that to these results, a country should hope to have about 20 percent of its workforce “engaged” in order to get a realistically optimal output.

In this way, countries like the US could be seen as over-performing, whereas Japan is woefully shorthanded. Conversely, Japan’s “actively disengaged” population fits the Parento principle better, making it a driving force of inefficiency across the country.

▼ An “actively disengaged” worker

All that explaining was way more work than I was planning to do today, so let’s hear what some random people in Japan have to say about it all.

“Most people just work to avoid starving, so they’ll do just enough not to get fired.”
“If companies would offer stability and the ability to retire, it would be very different.”
“It’s stupid. Even if you work hard and raise your salary, you’ll just get laid off when you’re too old to get another meaningful job.”
“If I don’t work, I don’t eat…”
“Being motivated isn’t all that great. I think some people are too motivated and dangerous.”
“The companies just keep stockpiling the money without increasing wages.”
“It goes beyond work, people aren’t even motivated enough to start a family any more. It’s too expensive.”

This demotivational trend certainly isn’t surprising anyone here. The cracks have been showing for a while now, from cops leaving their guns lying around in record numbers to convenience store franchisees rebelling against corporate owners for not sharing enough in profits.

I would suggest some solutions to all this, but screw it. I don’t get paid enough for that kind of crap and I got my own problems. It’s also time for my two o’clock toilet nap, so smell y’all later.

Source: Asagei Biz, Gallup, Hachima Kiko
Photos ©SoraNews24
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Japanese fans swept away by Nintendo’s gorgeous new “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” Switch model

The latest themed edition for the Nintendo Switch console has fans hoarding bells frantically for the chance to grab one!

There’s all kinds of juicy, exciting goodies that carry the cursed message: “Only sold in Japan”. Nintendo has been especially guilty of inciting overseas saltiness by putting everything from the consoles themselves to snappy color variants and merchandise behind a region lock.

European and American Animal Crossing fans can rest easy this time, though: Nintendo’s newest themed Switch console, the 32GB Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing Special Edition, is available both inside and outside of Japan.

▼ The Japanese and European editions feature a download code for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The console’s style is beautifully in keeping with Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘ island getaway aesthetic, pairing a cream-colored charging station emblazoned with pastel Nook characters with JoyCon controllers in a brand new palette: ocean blue and pale sea-glass green.

The Switch itself also has a decorative pattern on its back, paying tribute to the chunky silhouettes and cutesy accessories that make the game so charming.

▼ The back of each JoyCon and their wrist grips match the sandy cream color of the charging dock.

▼ The Switch’s back is a treat to behold!

American fans can purchase the set early on March 13 for US$299.99. This is because the American set comes only with the console and its accessories, not a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons itself. The game will go on sale on March 20 after a delay from its original announced target release of 2019, which is when Japanese and European versions of the Switch set will hit stores.

The Japanese Switch set is priced at 35,960 yen (US$332) plus tax, and the European version at GB£319.99 (US$423).

Meanwhile, if you already have a perfectly well-functioning Switch, Nintendo will also be selling themed carry-cases and screen protectors for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite to the tune of US$24.99. These will be released alongside the Switch console in their respective countries.

▼ The front and back of the case, patterned with the franchise’s distinctive leaf emblem.

Japanese and international fans alike were impressed by the high level of quality and faithfulness to the series’ aesthetic. The Nintendo of Japan announcement was quickly greeted with delight, disbelief, and demands to have that adorable console in their hands right that second.

“Thanks for making it in the Miku Hatsune colors!”
“Soooooo cute! But oh no, I already own a Switch!”
“I heard a new Animal Crossing was coming so I bought a Switch… last week. The colors on this one are so cute. Aaaaaargh!!!”
“It doesn’t say ‘limited stock’. Take your time and buy it whenever you want!”
“The makers must be Tom Nook fans. When will Isabelle get her model?”

▼ Sadly, the Isabelle Switch is just a dream at this juncture.

One thing’s for sure: after the long, long wait, we’re ready to sail away to our vacation island filled with cute critters on March 20, whatever console we use to take the trip!

Source: Nintendo of Japan via Netlab
Images: Nintendo of Japan
Related: Nintendo UK, Target, Best Buy
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Taste-testing the new Chocolate Milk Tea Frappuccino from Starbucks Japan

The closest thing to a Starbucks chocolate bubble tea Frappuccino yet.

Given the bubble tea boom that’s come — and, some would say, gone — from Japan recently, one thing that’s constantly puzzled us is why Starbucks hasn’t yet jumped on the trend.

While we continue to patiently wait for a Starbucks boba tea to be released, we’ve been like thirsty meerkats, bobbing our heads up, eyes-wide, at any mention of a milk tea release. So when we heard that Starbucks would be bringing out a Chocolate with Milk Tea Frappuccino, we dropped everything and scurried over to our nearest branch to see if it would satisfy our bubble tea cravings.

Called the Chocolate with Milk Tea Frappuccino, this new dessert beverage is a limited-time offering to coincide with Valentine’s Day, and as soon as we entered the store, we saw it staring at us seductively through the advertising screens. When we got our hands on it, we truly fell in love, as it looked just like a chocolate chip bubble tea, only without our beloved boba balls.

Sexy music began to play in our minds as we inspected the delicate dusting of cocoa powder sitting on top of the frothy white cream topping.

As we cast our gaze down its thick body, we could see its creamy tea tones glistening with tiny chocolate pieces.

It had a sweet aroma that beckoned to our lips, which quivered as we closed our eyes and brought it towards us. One mouthful is all it took to send us into ecstasy, as its milky, chocolatey syrup melted on the tongue, leaving a sweet scent on the lips as the fragrance of milk tea lingered with a long and lasting finish.

As the main component of the drink is milk blended with several different kinds of tea, the Frappuccino had a really fantastic milk tea flavour. It was deliciously tasty and refreshing on its own, but we couldn’t help wishing we’d brought along some boba balls to give it some bubble tea flair.

Still, it was the closest we’ve come to enjoying a Starbucks chocolate chip bubble tea Frappuccino, and we highly recommend giving it a try before it disappears from the menu on 31 March. Now it’s time for us to go back to writing about things like meerkats on the streets of Ginza, instead of actually acting like human-sized ones in the office.

Photos ©SoraNews24
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Outrage sparks as investigation on burned Shuri Castle is closed with no conclusive results

Many can only speculate as to what happened to Okinawa’s beloved castle.

Designated as a UNESCO heritage site in 2000, Shuri Castle is a symbol of the many facets making up Okinawa’s complex history and culture. Serving as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom in the 1300s and appropriated by the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII, the castle grounds are a testament to both the rich, diverse history of the island, and are a de-facto memorial to the trauma incurred by the Okinawan population in the mid-20th century.

Due to the castle’s unique status, the burning of Shuri Castle in the autumn of 2019 invoked deep sorrow within locals. However, to the disappointment of those seeking an answer as to what may have caused the flames that razed down the main hall and two adjacent buildings, the Okinawan prefectural police have not only closed the investigation of the tragedy, but also concluded the investigation with no leads.

▼ Visitors the morning after were met with closed doors and the glimpse of a charred roof as police investigation began.

After three months of rigorous investigation, the Okinawan prefectural police reported that no evidence could be found in regard to the cause of the fire that devastated Shuri Castle and its vicinity.  Local police initially ruled out arson, and the prefectural police confirmed that there were no possible perpetrators after carrying out a thorough examination on footage acquired from security cameras.

Local firefighters who responded to the scene have also conjectured that a short-circuited wire near the main hall’s northeastern side may have been the cause of the fire, but despite gathering what remained of the wiring at the site of the tragedy, prefectural police decided to close the case as it was “difficult to find a specific cause given the extensive damage done by the fire.”

Understandably, the investigation’s closure and its non-decisive results provoked reactions ranging from disbelief to outrage:

“They’re going to rebuild it despite not knowing what caused the fire? Isn’t that really risky?”

“Someone needs to resign.”

“The people investigating this should be investigated themselves.”

“Isn’t it just going to burn down again if there are no proper countermeasures in place?”

“Didn’t they originally say that there was a short-circuit that might have caused the fire?”

This is the fifth time Shuri Castle will be rebuilt, as the castle grounds have been damaged before in the years 1453, 1660, 1709, and in 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa.

While the governor of Okinawa has ambitious plans to rebuild Shuri Castle by 2022—the 50th anniversary of Okinawa’s transfer from U.S. occupation to the Japanese government—we can only hope that in the process of the castle’s re-construction more fire prevention measures are put in place to protect this cultural site treasured by many domestically and abroad.

Source: Okinawa Times via Hachima Kiko
Top Image: Wikimedia Commons/663highland 
Insert Image: Wikimedia Commons/Kugel~commonswiki
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Grimer ASMR video on official Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel is… oddly satisfying【Video】

Are you ready for this jelly?

ASMR videos of people speaking softly, slowly, and/or recording highly detailed sounds are extremely popular online. While some find them revolting, others find them soothing, and many are just left slightly confused by it all.

And now, to add another layer of ear wax to the confusing category, the official Japanese Pokémon Kids TV YouTube channel recently pout out an ASMR video of… Grimer “walking.”

▼ It has to be seen to be believed.

Grimer is an interesting choice for a video, considering it’s the oft-forgotten Pokémon between Seel and Shellder. However, its poisonous, gelatinous body does make for some unique sounds.

We definitely recommend watching the video for the full aural experience, but here’s some highlights from it:

▼ Grimer starts off by flopping down a staircase, resulting in something like a peanut-butter slinky.

▼ Then it traverses over a field of eggs, turning into what could be describing as golf balls swirling in a stream of sewage.

▼ Next it gets shaken up by a vibrating floor, like churning thick, poisonous butter.

▼ And finally, Grimer goes on a smooth, echoing adventure through its favorite location: pipes.

The video then repeats, showing all of the sounds one more time, until it slowly fades to black and a silent image of Pikachu and Pichu encourage you to subscribe.

While it’s definitely an odd decision for video content on a Pokémon channel for kids, the Grimer ASMR is fun. I know when I was a kid, I loved making weird sounds with Silly Putty and Gak, and this would’ve been right up my alley too.

Here’s how Japanese netizens reacted:

“Um, excuse me what?”
“The video’s title says ‘Walking Grimer’ but I don’t think ‘walking’ is what it’s doing.”
“We’re living in 2020, but whoever came up with this video is living in 3020.”
“Well this is bound to awaken something in some of its viewers.”

If you’re one of those such viewers, then good news! The YouTube channel has also released ASMR videos of Charmander and Chespin too, so you can enjoy a campfire with your little lizard friend, or a snack with your leafy-otter pal.

Source: YouTube/Pokémon Kids TV via My Game News Flash
Images: YouTube/Pokémon Kids TV
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