Elliot Hale
From being introduced to the works of Rumiko Takahashi as a teenager in the UK, Elliot found himself falling ever deeper into the clutches of Japanese popular culture. It was not until he first arrived in Japan that he struggled free from its grasp and branched out into the wider aspects of its culture. From classical literature to baring it all in hot springs, he has become enamored with Japan as a whole. After working as a teacher in various schools, he has now decided to do his part for society and has thus stepped forth onto the path of sharing Japanese culture with the masses. He spends his time traveling through mountains and valleys, attempting photography, or cosying up at home with his books and board games.
Posted by Elliot Hale
Conquer Japan’s tallest mountain in style with a lineup born from the restoration of an ancient pilgrimage path.
![Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/cornpotagepopcorn.jpg?w=640 "Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]")
From the country that gave the world a pigeon dating sim comes a short romance game starring cockroaches.
You can haul back thousands of yen worth of ramen, rice, and snacks for a fraction of the price.
One of Japan’s most popular dessert mascots is set to go with you as you tap through ticket gates.
Sample ramen pizza, alongside other limited-edition items to pick up, or just make your own treats.
Transforming iconic characters into delicious works of art.
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A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Weekly
- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views- A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
How to cook shiitake mushrooms like a Japanese manga character
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Japan announces plans for twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, alongside higher visa costs
Tokyo’s giant Pokémon Stamp Rally is back for 2026 with exclusive prizes up for grabs
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One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Kirby Cafe gets even cuter with new summer menu and dishware you can take home[Photos]
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Potato-Chip-Flavored Dressing coming to stores in Japan
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
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