7-Eleven is trying to innovate beyond cup noodles, but does this new technology deliver the flavor ramen fans need?
SoraNews24
SoraNews24 is a Tokyo-based news site. In 2008, our sister site, RocketNews24 published its first Japanese-language article, and two years later came the start of our English site, which originally existed exclusively to translate articles from our Japanese colleagues. Over time we’ve expanded the amount of English-language content we produce while maintaining a focus on fun, weird, and intriguing news from Asia, particularly Japan.
Posted by SoraNews24
Presented by Kyoritsu Maintenance
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
“I want to stay at a capsule hotel at least once during my trip to Japan!”
This wish often appears on the must-do list of Western travelers because of capsule hotels’ futuristic, minimalist spaces that feel uniquely Japanese and frequently go viral on social media.
At the same time, however, many people also have concerns such as:
・“Aren’t they too cramped to sleep comfortably in?”
・“Are they actually clean?”
・“Are they really safe?”
Traditional capsule hotels have long carried the image of being “just a place to sleep,” and were not always chosen as a base for travel.
Changing this perception is global cabin Yokohama Chinatown, developed by Dormy Inn. Unlike conventional capsule hotels, global cabin Yokohama Chinatown is a next-generation cabin accommodation designed with a strong focus on cleanliness, safety, and comfort. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes it so appealing.
Derelict brothel gets a new lease on life, opening the doors to its unchanged interiors and attracting a new type of visitor.
Presented by MaruzenJunkudo Bookstores
Manga is More than Just Reading, It’s a Cultural Experience – Expo 2025 with The Seven Deadly Sins
Japanese manga is one of the most popular types of reading material around the globe, but manga isn’t just something you read. For fans, manga is something you experience, and a way to connect with Japan’s rich culture.
There are several things in that concept that might not seem like they should go together, but we can’t so no to a dessert this unique.
Japan’s biggest doujinshi convention’s cosplay models were looking especially summery this year.
Slytherin star slithers into Harajuku, makes amends with Buckbeak as a Japanese superfan talks about how Draco changed his life.
Kura Sushi shows up at the world’s fair with food from around the globe that it sends around the restaurant.
From fresh-baked melon bread to sausage sandwiches, there are now more reasons than ever to love 7-Eleven in Japan.
Fish, noodles, and heresy are all on the table as our panel of hngry reporters puts together 10 different meals for 1,000 yen or less.
Japan’s favorite donut chain rolls out Mocchurin donuts to celebrate its 55th anniversary.
MOST POPULAR
Now
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
To celebrate 7-Eleven Day, here are seven 7-Eleven Japan items that need more love
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Weekly
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo- Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- 7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace- Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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 home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
To celebrate 7-Eleven Day, here are seven 7-Eleven Japan items that need more love
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Final Evangelion movie is finally finished, because Hideaki Anno says it is
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
UchiPika: New Pikachu robot talks, sings, controls lights and TVs, even when Pokémon isn’t on
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
Nara unveils new vending machines that sell deer crackers
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Our reporter tries to order a 100-slice beef sandwich at Subway Japan【Photos】
-
