Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Japan Today
Jan 16, 2015
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering changing the design of the pages of Japanese passports in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Currently, there are patterns of cherry blossoms on the pages. TBS reported Wednesday that new motifs of some of Japan’s World Heritage sites, such as Mt Fuji, may be added.
Possible design changes will be discussed further before a final decision is made later this year, the ministry said.
Feature image: RocketNews24
Japan’s new ukiyo-e passports are going to look awesome
Japan’s new ukiyo-e woodblock print passports are beautiful, now in travelers’ hands【Photos】
What it’s like to apply for and receive a vaccine passport in Japan for travel abroad
Ten common characteristics of Japanese graphic design
Japanese Lucky Beckoning Cat banknote design is the faux money we wish was real
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
Video of kids reacting to strangers dropping their wallets might restore your faith in humanity
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Our Japanese reporter visits an American sushi restaurant in Japan
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourismStarbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in TokyoJapanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in JapanSilicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your homeJapan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Tour the Japanese imperial family residence through this special post-renovation feature【Video】