Some reminders: Japan isn’t always as wacky as foreign media wants to think it is, literal translation can trip non-linguists up, and Osamu Tezuka was a really good manga creator.
UK
![12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/08/0_0ff94f.jpg?w=640 "12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]")
U.K. middle schooler seen on security camera footage after leaving family’s rental property alone.
The Spirited Away stage play will cross over to the other side of the Pacific for the first time ever, plus make its return to the U.K.
Kiki’s next adaptation will draw from her original, pre-anime roots, but will audiences give it a chance?
Adaptation of Studio Ghibli classic is coming to London, keeping its Japanese stars and Japanese-language dialogue.
Amazon’s innovative ‘no checkout required’ supermarket leaves our reporter feeling uneasy.
Pikachu shows up in a special outfit and London gets its own Pokémon species representative too.
Intense heavy metal gig leaves our Maximum the Hormone newbie wanting to live life to the fullest.
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Today
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Tokyo’s red-light district cafe lets you dine inside a real 1960s cabaret
Weekly
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026- Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
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
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Tokyo’s red-light district cafe lets you dine inside a real 1960s cabaret
Okinawa man convinced he won 700 million yen by scammers, saved by convenience store staff
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
Starbucks Japan proves Pumpkin Spice is NOT dead, with a new take for autumn
A friendly reminder not to accidentally get squid sperm in your mouth, it hurts
Shinto shrine gate parfaits that tell your fortune now being served in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new finger puppets to its anime merchandise collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
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