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.
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Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
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Weekly
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Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
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Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed- Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood- The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Monthly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
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
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
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Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Yearly
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
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Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
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