Java sparrows are pretty popular pets in Japan, where they’re called buncho. But even though buncho literally means “literature bird,” some of the cute little creatures apparently have more of a gift for music, like in this video of one Java sparrow dancing adorably to the sounds of one of Japan’s most popular rock bands and singing along like he’s at karaoke.
Japan (Page 1305)
Japanese smartphone and tablet gamers spend a disproportionate amount of money on mobile games compared to the much larger mobile markets of North America and China, according to a new report from EEDAR – a video gaming analytics consultancy. This is despite the fact that the Japanese mobile gaming population is just a third of that of North America and a mere eighth of the Chinese gaming population.
Naomi Watanabe is the comedian-turned-model and fashion designer largely responsible for Japan’s pocchari, or chubby, trend which is still going strong, and paving the way for large and lovely girls nationwide, from idol group la BIG 3 to the more recent Shangrila maid cafe.
Now, Watanabe is making waves across Japanese social media for her fashion-forward hair.
A new survey conducted by the Japanese government found that nearly half of female temp workers faced discrimination as a result of being or becoming pregnant while in employment.
When running a full marathon, you want to make sure you’re outfitted with the proper equipment, like supportive, well-cushioned athletic shoes, sunglasses to keep the glare out of your eyes, and, of course, a frilly anime magical girl skirt so you can cosplay as you run.
Now in its third year of testing, the artificial intelligence just earned its best mock entrance exam score yet.
On vacation in Tokyo but feeling a little “lost in translation”? Well, if you’ve got the cash to splash, why not make your Japan experience even more memorable by paying homage to the classic comedy-drama of the same name by staying at the Park Hyatt Hotel, considered by some to be Tokyo’s best luxury hotel.
For those who are extremely fortunate, as one Reddit user recently found, you might even score a fabulous night in the suite used by Bill Murray in the movie.
A muscular, all-male Sailor Moon senshi group has just released a live-action music video in honour of the hit anime from Japan.
Teenage drummer Senri Kawaguchi, famous for her enthusiastic YouTube videos, appears in a stunning new video for the Japan National Football Team!
We’ve all heard about how safe Japan is. But unless you live here, you may not understand why Japan is considered so safe. The uninitiated may presume that safety is enforced through a rigid society that doesn’t allow freedom of expression, that Japanese people are too worried about losing face to commit a crime, or that the government comes down unnecessarily hard on people who step out of line. In reality, none of these rings true.
But we can’t deny that there’s one thing that Japan does better than anyone else. Join us after the jump for some insights and our own observations.
There’s a long backstory to this figure inspired by virtual idol Hatsune Miku, but here’s the condensed version: She’s got no pants, or underwear, for that matter.
ZOZOTOWN, the Japanese fashion retailer with a name that kind of sounds and looks like they’re shouting at you, is a pretty big deal in Japan.
The company, which operates an online marketplace, primarily markets to women – so much so that you’d be hard pressed to find a Japanese teen or 20-something girl that doesn’t have at least a few items of clothing purchased there – which makes their choice of a certain bearded model for a new clothing line all the more unexpected.
Last weekend, Tokyo’s two most famous structures switched their usual lighting to blue, white, and red in a showing of solidarity with the French people.
Earlier this year, we shared news about a restaurant in Tokyo where you can dine between the train tracks of the busy Chuo Line. One of our Japanese-language reporters finally got the chance to visit the location for himself, and we’d like to share his thoughts about getting up close and personal with some trains!
Winter is settling in and the nights are getting colder. Fortunately, that means you’ll soon be able to slumber snugly in a Rilakkuma sleeping bag!
In the small town of Inakadate, Shota Kawasaki was both employed at a straw-crafts workshop and a member of his local volunteer fire department. However, this village of 8,000 people was far more famous for its rice paddy art than fires breaking out, and while making straw art is charming in its own way, it can get to be a drag day in and day out.
That’s why Aomori prefectural police are suspecting Kawasaki of starting a series of fires over the past six months; so that he could allegedly feel the rush of putting them out.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
One simple unexpected recipe swap will make your Japanese-style omelets extra fluffy and juicy
Japan getting a brand-new batch of Pokémon manhole covers in eastern prefecture this fall
Fishing information website for Susaki, Japan, hit by data leak, all 3 users affected
This curry restaurant might have the worst location in Tokyo…or maybe the best
Cup Noodle launching “isekai” crossover line featuring flavors from outside instant ramen world
Baum vending machine in a Yokohama station lets us eat cake served on a luxury cruise ship
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
Beloved, 100-year-old Tokyo public bathhouse Sengenyu is about to get a second life this December
Weekly
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
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
Family Mart enters the soft serve game with giga-sized cones of milk or matcha goodness
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful soft serve ice creams is also one of its trickiest to find [Photos]
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese sushi etiquette: You may have been ordering sushi wrong this whole time
Trial of terminally ill cancer patient who found 22 million yen on the street and kept it ends- Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
- This Tokyo snack shop can send your taste buds on a trip around Japan for just 1,000 yen
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
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]- 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?- 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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Cup Noodle launching “isekai” crossover line featuring flavors from outside instant ramen world
Baum vending machine in a Yokohama station lets us eat cake served on a luxury cruise ship
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
Beloved, 100-year-old Tokyo public bathhouse Sengenyu is about to get a second life this December
Japanese snack lovers may soon be spore-ting the latest crowdfunded confectionery tech
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s super cute tanuki bread skips tricks, promises to be treat for your eyes and taste buds
Visiting the “world’s most precarious temple” in China, where getting there is half the battle
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful soft serve ice creams is also one of its trickiest to find [Photos]
Trial of terminally ill cancer patient who found 22 million yen on the street and kept it ends
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
93-year-old Japanese grannie helps set trap for scam artist half her age
-
