It seems we just can’t ring in the new year anymore without this cheering squad of Friezas! Is the Dragon Ball Z overlord actually…benevolent!?
Like a star athlete who just won a championship, video game heroine Lightning has followed up on saving the world of Final Fantasy XIII by landing an endorsement deal.
Since there’s no spot for the cat in the Chinese zodiac, this Japanese kitty turned to some cute cosplay to get in on the Year of the Monkey fun.
Because it’s not like it can choose itself, is it?
Admirers of the virtual female form are claiming victory as they point to the growing discrepancy in the view-count between promotional videos starring the bikini-clad vixens of Dead or Alive Xtreme and the battle-ready Princess Zelda of Hyrule Warriors Legends.
Beyond silly mistakes like wearing toilet slippers on tatami or forgetting to add “san” to someone’s name, what other things do foreigners unknowingly do to reduce their chances of living happily in Japan?
Yes, in Japan, even IKEA offers new year’s lucky bags — join us to find out what goodies were in their fukubukuro this year!
Japanese pop group Perfume and American band OK Go have teamed up to create a theme song for the new Japanese anime “Sushi Police”.
Why is this young man riding the horse bicycle around Bangkok? We have no idea, but we can’t stop watching this video!
Popular anime shop Animega makes up their New Year lucky bag with all our favourite Sailor Moon characters, including Luna the cat.
It may only be a few seconds long, but this clip of a raccoon attempting to ‘wash’ some cotton candy serves as a powerful metaphor for life…
There’s a reason why the same parents who encourage their kids to become doctors or lawyers don’t try to steer them into becoming anime studio employees.
Because if someone’s going to stick you with a handful of needles, you might as well have some anime girls watching.
With 60 items for just 1,000 yen (US$8.35), Animate’s lucky bag might just be the luckiest of all.
The premiere of the Kuroko’s Basketball stage play is still a few months away, but the producers are giving fans of sports anime and/or dreamy boys a sneak peek with the first in-costume cast photo.
Donguri Kyowakoku, the chainstore that sells nothing but Studio Ghibli items, has delighted fans with the best offering of the year: a bag filled with amazing Ghibli merchandise.

















Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
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]
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
No school trip? No problem! Japanese students to go on a virtual school trip in Minecraft instead
Practical Zelda Tears of the Kingdom merch is here to be Hyrule-helpful in your daily life【Pics】
Japanese idol creates kawaii Gunpla, the world’s cutest Gundam models【Photos】
Japan’s legendary Brother Katana might not be brothers after all? Investigating the mystery【Pics】
Retro Japanese-style hotel room with kotatsu, free ice cream is both amazingly cool AND warm
Finding a half decent gym in Japan: A survival guide
Real-world forest that inspired Hayao Miyazaki to create Totoro will become a nature preserve