In many ways, Japan is a drinker’s paradise. Japanese society is extremely accepting of alcohol consumption, to the point where you can enjoy adult beverages not just at bars and cafes, but even many fast food restaurants. Then there are the all-you-can-drink deals, some of which are amazingly cheap. (Japan Today)

Japanese actor Shu Nakajima, 69, has died after falling off the stage during a live performance in Tokyo, media reported Friday. (Japan Today)

YouTube star Piko Taro has partnered with the Japanese Foreign Ministry to promote little-known U.N. development goals in Japan, singing and dancing to the catchy melody of his hit song "Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen" in a video. (Japan Today)

For most of us, catching Pokemon is a leisure and entertainment activity. For law enforcement authorities in Korea, though, it was recently part of their professional duties. (rocketnews24.com)

Since he first shocked fans with news of his retirement in 2013, Studio Ghibli director and beloved animator Hayao Miyazaki has been back in the studio numerous times, whether it's just out of habit, to work on his next short animated film, or to prepare for one more full-length animated feature. (Japan Today)

Japanese motorists are seeing a rollout of new bilingual road signs. The program by traffic authorities comes amid a rise in foreign tourist numbers. (NHK)

Sony Corp. said Thursday it will resume production of vinyl records for the first time in three decades this fiscal year as the format sees a resurgence in popularity. (Japan Times)

Chiba Prefectural Police have arrested a 67-year-old man for allegedly drugging and raping a woman earlier this year after falsely claiming to be an entertainment talent scout, reports NHK. (tokyoreporter.com)

The frenzied drummer who is the force behind rockers X Japan declared headbanging to be "no good" on Tuesday as he sported a neck brace at his first press conference since emergency surgery. (9news)

As part of a crackdown on organized crime, investigative sources with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Tuesday revealed that eight members of the Yamaguchi-gumi have been arrested over the alleged extortion of entertainment establishments in Chuo Ward, reports the Yomiuri Shimbun. (tokyoreporter.com)

The manager of an adult entertainment business was stabbed by a man who then apparently jumped to his death in Tokyo's Ikebukuro area, police said Sunday. (Japan Today)

Each of Japan's major cities has its own claims to fame. Tokyo is where mainstream entertainment and business trends emanate from. Yokohama is the breezy, multicultural city by the bay, while Kyoto, of course, is the heartland of traditional arts and culture. (Japan Today)