Today we’re introducing you to the basics of Japanese Buddhism, plus highlighting some of the Buddhist images you’ll see in Japan and help you distinguish them from Shinto ones.
“Ah… I can see a bigger world…” Weird tools and makeup techniques make for hilarious results.
Cats are melting hearts around the country by wrapping tails around their legs, necks and heads to fight the winter chill.
Cooking udon, or any other kind of fresh pasta, just got a whole lot easier.
When this high-school kid opened up the last hand-made bento lunch of his high school life, he found a note from his mother with a sweet and surprising message…
It’s cold and frosty in Tokyo! Perfect weather for taste-testing the newest frozen cheesecake ice cream bar!
Following his tear-drenched press conference and constant ear cupping, disgraced assemblyman Ryutaro Nonomura finally gets his day in court—and shocks the public yet again with a new trademark move.
Last year about 5 million Chinese tourists visited Japan, and Chinese website NetEase was kind enough to compile a list of seven of Japan’s most unusual habits according to them.
Now you can enjoy a break with a Kit Kat and a shot of Japanese rice wine all rolled into one.
The recipe calls for meticulously sticking dry noodles into numerous mushroom stalks. Uppercutting the entire dish into the atmosphere out of sheer frustration at the difficulty of that step is, we presume, optional.
And no, you can’t pick “All of the above.”

















Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Japanese whisky sweet potatoes: A super-easy, super-delicious snack you can make in seconds
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Japanese whisky sweet potatoes: A super-easy, super-delicious snack you can make in seconds
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Funny signs in Japan: 7-Eleven enters the ring with a humorous notice for drivers
Live-action Attack on Titan musical reveals in-costume photos of full cast【Photos】
20 things to buy at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
New Japanese capsule toys answer question: What if bread had legs?
Giant digital sumo wrestler now stopping trains at Tokyo station【Video】
Lawson convenience stores selling drinkable mapo tofu, spicy meat and tofu
How to fix damaged trading cards quickly and easily