The shop is a bit of a walk from the station, but the superb soba at this Akihabara eatery is worth the trip.
Mike
With nothing better to do in his native Ohio, Mike took a leave of absence from all responsibilities in life and came to Japan for the first time in 2006. After several years of what amounted to an extended vacation with occasional Japanese lessons, circumstances led Mike to finally settle down in Tokyo and get serious about life in 2009. He’s worked at magazines, a Japanese ad agency, and currently works in the entertainment industry. He also co-founded and writes for the humorous Japan news website Tokyodesu.com.
Posted by Mike (Page 2)
Korean netizens unearth a Korean mobile game that seems to be a blatant ripoff of the wildly popular Pokémon Go, except it predates Niantic’s megahit by five years.
Marking Japan’s unofficial “Banana Day” celebration of bananas, McDonald’s Japan offers us a sneak preview of its upcoming summer exclusive McFlurry flavor.
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, an unassuming street vendor in a Singapore open-air food court, has officially been crowned the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
A new graphic shows that Godzilla has been on some serious nuclear-infused ‘roids the last 60 years.
Former Ghibli producer Hirokatsu Kihara gave an interview with Dazed magazine, and some of his insights paint the famous studio in a negative light.
Some Chinese Pokémon Go players have apparently teamed up to conquer the in-game gym located in Tokyo’s infamous Yasukuni Shrine.
Nagasaki’s Peace Park, a memorial to victims of the atomic bomb attack, has requested that Pokémon Go developer Niantic stop items and monsters from appearing on park grounds.
Tattooed guests are often turned away at the door at many Japanese hot springs, but a Chiba-area hot spring location is explicitly allowing guests with tattoos, and it’s a multi-floor relaxation paradise to boot!
The production house behind Korea’s hit kid’s show Pororo the Little Penguin recently announced a partnership with a developer to release an augmented reality game called Pororo Go.
Whether resolving a dispute, deciding who pays the check for lunch, or simply passing the time, Japan’s “Jan-ken” culture is simple, surprisingly elegant, and a lot of fun.
80-year-old Masaaki Hiroi has dedicated his life to handcrafting gorgeous wooden toys the old-fashioned way.
It’s been a whirlwind day in the Japanese media amidst rumors that Emperor Akihito plans to abdicate in the near future, but an Imperial official is now denying these claims.
Thanks to Pokémon GO, Hollywood executives are reportedly super-interested (again) in the idea of a live-action Pokémon movie.
Boutique figure maker Gecco introduces an ultra-detailed statue of Venom Snake from Metal Gear Solid V that will lighten your wallet and make you weep tears of nerd joy.
McDonald’s Japan recently introduced two new burgers representing Japan and the U.S. in a sandwich showdown. We conduct a taste test with our Japanese sister site to see which takes burger supremacy.
A hobbyist has inadvertently given life to an Eldritch horror posing as a Thomas the Tank Engine toy by giving it glowing eyes and the ability to scale walls and ceilings.
German-born Tokyo designer Anji Salz wows with this home-made Space Invaders kimono, and she’ll show you how to make your very own, too!
SP International Pictures announced it will remake one of several classic Japanese films based on the beloved manga epic, Lone Wolf and Cub.
The American franchise known for its playfully kitschy decorations and classic American fare will get a unique new venue in Tokyo’s Gotanda area.
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Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
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Weekly
- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
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Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season- 7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
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Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
We hung out at one of Tokyo’s most popular pickup spots, drank our hearts out and met many men
We ventured into a hidden gem of a Chinese Internet cafe in downtown Tokyo【Pics】
Taste-testing every single sakura sweet and cherry blossom drink we could find at Mujirushi
All-you-can-eat tacos arrive in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood for under nine bucks
McDonald’s Japan’s new spicy McNuggets promise to punch you in the face with spiciness
New sakura cherry blossom viewing sheets bring old-school beauty to hanami picnics
Hotel’s amazing breakfast buffet shows why it’s your loss if you skip Nagoya on your Japan trip
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