Learn about this sad sumo jargon while enjoying a few photos of sumo wrestlers petting cats!
The fukubukuro fun continues as we snag a lucky bag crammed full of merch, including limited edition items, from the Evangelion Store Tokyo-01.
A new year means new lucky bags! So, how’s the haul from Starbucks? We find out after waiting in line all night!
What better way to usher in a new year in Japan than with a cute collection of dogs in kimono?
If you’re up on your currency exchange rates, the answer won’t shock you.
We dropped 1 million yen (approximately US$8,300) on 5,000 Japan National Lottery scratch-off tickets to see if buying in bulk translates to bigger wins.
Are you able to suitably show off your appreciation for one of the most critically acclaimed magical girl anime in the last five years? If not, come see what is in store after the jump!
Tongue-in-cheek comic and anime hit One-Punch Man might feature the most powerful character ever, but that doesn’t preclude it from having the funniest character ever too.
Impressed with Japan’s ability to quickly rebuild after the Second World War, some educators in Iraq are looking to instill similar values in their own youth.
How do you reply to a friend’s wedding invitation: with a simple check mark in a box, or a thoughtful work of art?
Akira‘s theatrical poster is almost as iconic as the movie itself. But who knew that a character walking towards their ride could look as badass as Kaneda?
And just like that, 2015 was no more! It’s now January 1 all the way across Asia, which means it’s officially the Year of Monkey! Happy New Year, everyone!
We’ll be putting our feet up for the rest of today, but we promise we’ll be back tomorrow with more of the news, cuteness, cats, food, fukubukuro, Mr Sato and all the weird and wonderful stuff from Japan and Asia that you know—and hopefully love—us for.
Thank you for continuing to visit our site, share our stories and follow us on Twitter and Facebook (281K and counting!!), and for helping us to grow and grow. 2015 was very good to us, but here’s hoping that 2016 will fill us all with the sprightly energy of a whole mess of merry monkeys and that we can continue to make our little site even better—although hopefully without any poo-slinging.
Stay tuned, Rocketeers, and have yourselves a great New Year’s Day!
In order to change yourself for the better, one Japanese website is offering a simple way to identify your own faults based on your date of birth.



















Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Three ways going to see cherry blossoms alone is better than seeing them with other people
History’s largest force of Samurai Colonel Sanders deploying to KFC Japan branches
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
Japanese breakfast ramen for US$3.50 in Shinjuku is the morning meal you didn’t know you needed
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Ichiran Ramen opens new premium branch in Ginza with high-class boxed noodles
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
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
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
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Which Gundam is the favorite for fans in different countries? Gundam election announces results
Japanese breakfast ramen for US$3.50 in Shinjuku is the morning meal you didn’t know you needed
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Ichiran Ramen opens new premium branch in Ginza with high-class boxed noodles
Adorable napping otters in Mie Prefecture school humanity in how to relax
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Play with fire at an old-fashioned “irori” hearth restaurant
Nara deer shikadamari phenomenon continues to baffle visitors at Nara park
Sakura in Japan 2019: The best spots for hanami cherry blossom viewing
【Obituary】 Giant isopod “No.1” found dead after more than five years of not eating
The Almost All Lettuce Burger from Dom Dom Burger really lives up to its name
Pizza Hut’s new Oreo pizza is like nothing we’ve ever eaten before