Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Partnering with RocketNews24, Is Japan Cool? is proud to present the best in Japan travel, culture and food, asking you the reader to decide once and for all: Is Japan Cool? From the ultimate in ramen to incredible cosplay and kawaii,we aim to bring you the most tantalizing slices of the Land of the Rising Sun, challenging old perceptions and introducing parts of Japan that you never knew existed. Cool Japan? You tell us! ana-cooljapan.com
Posted by IS JAPAN COOL?
Kohei Matsuno is no ordinary barista. What started as his way of sprucing up an ordinary cup of complimentary coffee for patrons at his part-time job has blossomed into a form of creative expression that has people around the world smiling. Known as “Mattsun” by his Internet followers, Mr. Matsuno brings life and whimsy to an otherwise ordinary cup of joe. Come with us now for a sneak peek at the work that goes into some of Japan’s most beautiful latte art.
Romi Mizukami, a fashion designer for popular Japanese clothing brand BEAMS, is without a doubt one of Japan’s biggest Hello Kitty fans, or rather “Kittylers.” Her home is a veritable shrine to the little kitty that could, with blacks, whites, and reds as far as the eye can see, and for the past few years she has slowly incorporated the uniquely kawaii Hello Kitty style into not just her design work but her very own wardrobe.
Come on in and meet the real-life Kitty-chan!
Drift ice in Japan is a disappearing winter miracle you need to see now
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Development of Puyo Puyo puzzle game for use in nursing homes underway
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
We brave fastballs from the world’s fastest (and most terrifying) pitching machine
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
The world’s biggest Muji store opened in Hiroshima, and we went to check it out!
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo skyStarbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom 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 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourismThe 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]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
Development of Puyo Puyo puzzle game for use in nursing homes underway
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
We brave fastballs from the world’s fastest (and most terrifying) pitching machine
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
The world’s biggest Muji store opened in Hiroshima, and we went to check it out!
It’s like the samurai era never ended at this beautiful Japanese mountain town
Tokyo street sweets: The must-snack treats of Nakano’s Refutei
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
Pokémon Ditto Cup uses Transform to turn into jiggly gelatin, rice, sand, and infinite possibilities
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]