We spoke to an industry veteran about the rationale behind the common practice, and got an answer we definitely weren’t expecting.
We sent one of our Japanese reporters, “Rei-chan,” to the “RAAR’s Night” crossplaying event in Shinjuku. Here’s his story.
Square Enix producer cites amount of demand as key factor in decision whether or not to add controllable heroines to upcoming video game.
Usually we think of costumes as something to sew, but some clever construction was required for this amazing Pokémon outfit.
Nobody is happier with a Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen than the apple-loving owner of the Death Note notebook.
For more than 30 years, this Japanese zoo has been keeping its capybaras cozy, and visitors oohing and aahing at their adorable hot spring-style setup.
This stylish young man is making news internationally for working on his rice farm every day in a suit.
Who can resist scrumptious Oreo cookies, especially when they’re inscribed with our favorite Ghibli anime characters? Read More
The little girl’s love for the mysterious anime spirit is so adorable fans have turned her into a hilarious Internet meme.
Yes, that is Cardcaptor Sakura diligently working with her fishmen colleagues.
Who knew the doppelgänger of a communist leader could come with such adorable bopping hips?
The way this feline uses its submerged position to evade being tagged by its friend is so cute it’s got people around the world laughing.
Welcome to Volume No. 35,000,000 of More Sailor Moon Stuff You Didn’t Know You Needed Until Now!
”Why fly when you can ride?” this crow in Sapporo seems to be asking.
With just four quick steps and a very special ingredient, anyone can make this spectacular fluorescent jelly!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
What happens when our reporters show up to work dressed like their fathers?
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Japanese green tea vending machine has a puppet show that tells the story behind the drink
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
From cameos to creepy-crawlies: 15 little-known facts about Studio Ghibli movies
Weekly
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Tokyo teahouse serves up a sakura matcha dessert you won’t find anywhere else
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Monthly
- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Japanese green tea vending machine has a puppet show that tells the story behind the drink
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
From cameos to creepy-crawlies: 15 little-known facts about Studio Ghibli movies
We live the high life with McDonald’s two most expensive Quarter Pounders ever
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Japanese restaurant chain shows us how to make katsudon in three minutes【SoraKitchen】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
New 7-Eleven sandwich goes viral in Japan, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Gift-giving made easy! The most popular omiyage bought in Japan, station by station
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
-
