![Video released of Pikachu’s real-world trip to space! [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/3_e8712d.jpg?w=640 "Video released of Pikachu’s real-world trip to space! [Video]")
Face of the Pokémon franchise hitches a ride to the International Space Station as part of European Space Agency mission.
Europe
![Hayao Miyazaki gifts autographed Ghibli anime cel to president of France[Photo]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/gc-1-1.jpg?w=640 "Hayao Miyazaki gifts autographed Ghibli anime cel to president of France[Photo]")
There’s likely a meaning between the choice of Ghibli anime’s artwork to give the visiting politician.
21-year-old college student arrived in Japan in September, had been missing since early October.
Luce is an attempt to form connections via “the pop culture so beloved by our young people.”
Team Japan gets first overall victory in 12 years, but it’s a safe bet that no one will ever forget this Totoro.
Our Japanese reporter dishes on her experience trying sushi at a popular sushi delivery chain.
Pikachu portrait with grey felt hat plushie, exclusive Pokémon card, and an honestly clever way to teach people about art history.
Studio Ghibli director appears in video message while receiving award from European film festival.
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Life-size Monster Hunter dragon statues to be built at Japanese shopping mall
Cold Stone is closing its final branch in all of east Japan, but it’s going down singing
Evangelion announces collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe
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Modern exosuits are opening up ancient Japanese castle climbs to everyone
Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season
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Fishing information website for Susaki, Japan, hit by data leak, all 3 users affected- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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This Tokyo snack shop can send your taste buds on a trip around Japan for just 1,000 yen
10 of the nicest celebrities we’ve met in Japan over the years- Studio Ghibli homeware brand’s faux oil lamp brings light, smiles, and Kiki’s Jiji to your home
Monthly
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]- Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season
Hello Kitty cuts ties with hit Japanese spy drama Vivant over torture scenes
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Guile cosplay goes with everyone for Halloween at SoraNews24 HQ [Photos]
Burger King Japan shuns Shibuya Halloween spirit, but keeps it alive everywhere else
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Japanese government still lists refusing to pay for dates as a form of domestic violence
Real-world Legend of Zelda treasures, Heart Container lights and Ruppe pouches, coming soon [Pics]
Cup Noodle launching “isekai” crossover line featuring flavors from outside instant ramen world
This curry restaurant might have the worst location in Tokyo…or maybe the best
Japanese snack lovers may soon be spore-ting the latest crowdfunded confectionery tech
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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