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
Today
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
We turn to a shady Amazon Japan gadget to try to stop Tokyo crows from stealing our hangers
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]
Zunda Shake vending machine lets you taste samurai culture in milkshake form
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Weekly
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows- Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus- Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors- Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Monthly
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
- The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open- Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
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
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- Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]
Zunda Shake vending machine lets you taste samurai culture in milkshake form
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?
We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Police in Osaka file charges against resident for serial pigeon/crow feeding
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
-
