
Wishing a warm start to 2026 to our community of readers from around the world.
Happy New Year, SoraNews24 readers around the globe!
After 12 months of wild adventures that took us from the top of a Japanese volcano right through to the Osaka Expo, all while catching Pokémon doughnuts and breathtaking illuminations along the way, we’re buzzing with excitement to flip the calendar over with you to 2026.
With 2026 being the Year of the Horse, we’ll be galloping into the next 12 months with even more discoveries you won’t find anywhere else, like tips on where to find the most unusual sushi meals, and of course, the best matcha finds, that may or may not include 7-Eleven burritos.
A massive thank you for diving into our stories – whether you’re chasing Mt Fuji views without the climb, pondering thug wear purchases, looking for under-the-radar hotels and little-known foods, or following up on all the latest Sanrio collaborations, your clicks, shares, and comments fuel our daily grind to bring Japan’s coolest news straight to you.
Wishing you all a fantastic year ahead filled with fun times, tasty treats, and unexpected joys – no matter where you are in the world. We’ll be back tomorrow, with the latest scoop on all things Japan. Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu!
Featured image: Pakutaso (edited by SoraNews24)
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Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
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Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Merry Christmas from the SoraNews24 team!
Colonel Sanders becomes harbinger of death in darkly comical Japanese New Year’s card
Happy New Year from RocketNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro stamps to its anime merchandise store in Japan