The first question to a visitor from the future who could tell us about medical and technological breakthroughs? That’s right, it was about boobs.
Richard Simmonds
Originally from Sussex in the UK, Richard came to Japan for the first time in 2011 to teach English. Deciding that only one stint as a student wasn’t enough he returned to go to university in Osaka where he still lives, working slowly towards his inevitable destiny of being killed in an avalanche of manga and textbooks, surrounded by the discarded wrappers of assorted matcha-flavour sweets and biscuits. Whilst continuing his love-hate- hate relationship with the Japanese language he works as a translator, writer and sometime bar pet gaijin.
Posted by Richard Simmonds (Page 4)
Shanghai, already home to more than 600 Starbucks, is now only the second place to get an extra-special Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Fans of cosplay star Enako will now be able to get their hands on her, or at least her new dakimakura cuddle pillow.
New collaboration between part-time job hunting app an and Soccer King means you can fulfill your childhood dream of being a wall when you grow up.
Publisher of One Piece, Naruto and other hit manga launches new phone app which lets you choose any page to have made into an awesome T-shirt.
When you want to mourn the loss of someone and wish them eternal happiness in the afterlife without getting out of the car.
Japanese Twitter user reopens debate on Japanese-style squat toilet etiquette, but is it just a flush in the pan?
The world of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, or maybe Pixar’s Wall-e, comes a step closer with the demonstration of suitcases with a mind of their own.
Just another day in the office as our Japanese-language staff prance about the place, jumping other things no-one else can see.
YouTube video shows man in China faking a fit just to get somewhere to sit, but at what cost?
Video shows off international competition’s amazingly intricate entries, all made from the tiny Lego-like nanoblocks.
Rare “living fossil” shark that looks like it’s trying to escape from its own face is a great reminder for us to stay out of the water.
Japanese iPhone users happy to be shown around by “Uncle AR“, the grooviest wayfinder app guide ever.
Do you want money? Fame? For these developers, it’s all about the erotic fan art (although fame and money probably wouldn’t hurt).
Japanese boy’s perfect version of the Bubbly Dance manages to be even funnier and more impressive than the original.
When store manager refuses to call the cops, man who can’t pay for his meal does it for him.
Surreal scene as dancers in Taipei club go wild for remix of Japanese Hamtaro anime theme song.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
A letter from our reporter’s deceased mother arrives at just the right time
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]
Nintendo’s Super Mario throws out first pitch at professional baseball game in Japan[Video]
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Weekly
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Monthly
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 enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
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- Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Yearly
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Nintendo’s Super Mario throws out first pitch at professional baseball game in Japan[Video]
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
This historical Kyoto zen garden is hosting a guitar and beatbox concert
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
We turn to a shady Amazon Japan gadget to try to stop Tokyo crows from stealing our hangers
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
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