A brand new bakery opened in Tokyo on May 5th. The shop is called Shirohige no shou cream kobo (which means White-bearded’ cream puff workshop).

A perfect opening for Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day), the shop sells cream puff Totoros and sold out of them in the first ten minutes of opening!

The store has the unique recognition as being the only store officially recognized by Studio Ghibli and is filled with illustrations from Miyazaki Hayao’s nephew.

For those in Tokyo, it is advised to call in advance, since the shop sells a very limited quantity everyday and sell out fast.

I hope this is still open when I finally get out to Japan again- I have a soft spot for Totoro (and sweets!)

Via Ghibli World

Shirohige no shou cream kobo Homeage for more pics!

This little piggy rolls out your toilet paper!
Although odd for your bathroom, I think the craftsmanship on the pig is beautiful. Does anyone know what the 931 on his shirt is for?

Spice up your bathroom with a piggy workout via Product Page

I read this little heartwarmer on CNN today, which is a great break from the normal news.

Yosuke the parrot was found on a roof of a building in Nagareyama, a city near Tokyo. The police took the African Grey in while they investigated and for two weeks the parrot kept quiet. When transfered to a vet, the parrot finally spoke:

“I’m Mr. Yosuke Nakamura,” the bird told the veterinarian, according to Uemura. The parrot also provided his full home address, down to the street number, and even entertained the hospital staff by singing songs.

The vet took the parrot home to the pleased Nakamura family.

Via Cnn

This post is not directly about Japan, but it is about sushi, so I think it just makes the cut.

Koi restaurant in New York City has added a very pricey sushi roll to their menu- the High Roller.

A chef brings the sushi roll to you table side, shaves white alba truffles and drizzles 100 year old balsamic vinegar on top of the roll.
The other high end ingredients include: Hudson Valley Foie Gras, Langoustine (a smaller version of a lobster) brushed with saffron/vanilla bean butter and finally, no expensive meal is complete until it is encrusted with cavier.

What will this “High Roller” cost you? $1000!! I say fly to Japan and get real sushi instead for that amount!

Via Luxist

If there is a way to make something cute and fuzzy, when it is an everyday, mundane item, Japan finds the way.

These elephant trunk doorstops would make anyone’s day brighter.

3,570 yen each, purchase via Rinkya Stores

Last July, Natsuki Matsumoto rummaged around at an Osaka antique store and made a wonderful discovery- short, silent anime films over 90 years old- the oldest ever found.

The National Film Center in Tokyo has restored both anime films: “Nakamura Katana”- A 2 minute silent film about a samuari and “Urashima Taro” based on an old Japanese folk tale of a fisherman.

Junichi Kouchi and Seitaro Kitayama, the creators of the films, are considered the pioneers of anime.

The two films will be a part of a film festival beginning in April at the National Film Center.

More info

Serena Kozakura, a Japanese model, proves size DOES matter when a court threw out the model’s case based on her breast size.

Serena was found guilty of breaking and entering into a man’s apartment, kicking a hole in a door and crawling through. On her appeal, the defense held up a cutout size of the hole, showing the impossibility of Serena’s 44 inch boobs going through.

Serena rejoiced in the verdict: “I used to hate my body so much, but it was my breasts that won in court”

Weird Asia News

“I Love you” is not used in often Japan, the main words to express deep feelings is “daisuki” (I really like you), with many Japanese never uttering I love you their whole lives.

A group called Japan Aisaika (“Devoted Husband”) Organization is challenging this cultural standard and asking husbands to come forward and shout their love! Kiyotaka Yamana, who founded the organization, believes that when men become devoted husbands, they also become better men, caring more for others.

Dozens of men stood in a Cabbage field and shouted the words their wives rarely or if ever have heard- Thank you and/or I love you in an event organized by JAO. January 31st is Beloved Wive’s Day and husbands are encouraged to look their wives in the eyes when they are talking, be home by 8 from work (coming home at 8 pm is early in Japan!), and telling their wives how much they appreciate them.

Signs of affection by men are rare in Japan, the upcoming holiday, Valentine’s Day- is a day where men receive gifts of chocolate from their girlfriends and wives. March 14th, White Day, is the day the men repay the women back with gifts, however this is not commonly celebrated.

Via