Where do Japan’s young witches and wizards go to hone their magical abilities? Why, Mahoutokoro on the island of Minami Iwo Jima, of course!
Rocking the deerstalker like our homeboy Sherlock, this custom Detective Pikachu amiibo is on the case!
Ehomaki “lucky sushi rolls” are a big part of Setsubun—the changing of the seasons festival. So big, in fact, that some convenience stores appear to be losing their minds in an effort to sell more rolls than the competition.
Anime’s hottest new hero has no hair, but that’s no problem for this dedicated fan who cosplays as One-Punch Woman.
Commuter train with special heart-motif straps and box seats starts service in time for Valentine’s Day.
Want to try your hand at crafting Super Mario Maker screens, but don’t have a Wii U? Right this way!
A beloved mushroom travel companion lost in transit, never to be seen again? Not on our watch!
In an effort to beat the recent cold snap that befell Japan, our writer Ahiru Neko discovered Edible Kairo (Edible Heat Packs) but got a little carried away.
If you can’t make it to one of Miku’s concerts, now she can perform for you right in your home.
Today, we present five phases Western expats go through, from arriving fresh off the boat to thinking about retirement, when living in Japan.
Ever wondered what the classic Lupin III theme song would sound like played on a telephone? Neither have we, but the result is still spectacular!
The whisky distiller, famous for upstaging Scottish standbys to be crowned “Best Whisky in the World” in 2014, recently renovated their open-to-the-public facilities. We figured it was as good an excuse as any for a tour and tasting!
Anyone who’s been to Japan knows that the convenience store is the prefect place to get snacks, pay your bills, buy adult material, and get into a fight. Wait, what?
Taiwanese otaku recently greeted Tsai Ing-wen with shouts of “Kirishima!”, which is causing problems for some dojinshi artists.
Fancy a purr-fect replica of your very own feline friend? This Japanese needle-felting artist recreates kitties in stunning, realistic detail to order.
















Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Newly established Japan Ninja Council promises to be your one-stop website for all things ninja
Japanese confectionery giant Glico adds three new flavours to their regional Pocky range
Inakaya Denim jeans are the latest farm-fresh Japanese-inspired fashion item
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories