This video quiz just might be the first step to acquiring the speed and precision to become a revolving sushi master.
Working at RocketNews24 sort of desensitizes you to craziness, but even we were surprised when we found out our two new coworkers are gigantic eight-foot-tall teddy bears. Things just got weirder as we heard the story of how they found their way to our office, but hey, it’s not like we mind having two new cuddly heartthrobs to share our workspace with!
Despite Japan’s relative safety, abundance of delicious food, fascinating culture, and friendly people, the country still lags behind as a tourist destination for foreign travellers. So the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are the perfect opportunity for Japan to show off its famed omotenashi hospitality to the droves of foreign visitors who’ll be pouring into Tokyo to spectate.
As foreigners who’ve been living in Japan for a while, we think we might have some pretty good ideas about certain things Japan could do in order to make things a little easier on this influx of foreign guests…
Ready to troll your friends by sending them a traditional incredibly inconvenient Japanese gift? Then read on!
Halloween has already passed, but when you’re talking about amazing steampunk-inspired outfits and accessories, like these custom-made motorized goggles, who needs a reason to dress up? Check out how this crafty Japanese Twitterer turned some spare parts into a work of art!
One of the artists for popular light novel and manga series Gosick posted these amazing popup-style drawings on Twitter recently, where they were immediately shared hundreds of times by impressed otaku. Using just pencil, paper, and an open book they’ve been able to bring the characters into the 3D world with clever techniques.
Japan’s two Sanrio theme parks are holding a one-day event on December 4 filled with shows, special events and your favorite characters. The best part is that it will cost you absolutely nothing to get in that day!
Tsurumi Ward in Osaka has been the scene of a crime wave since November 3 in which two young boys believed to be in the fifth or sixth grade have stolen cash and property from six separate homes so far. The suspects are still at large, unless class is in session.
Earlier this month, we looked at a collection of photos taken by the late Kusakabe Kimbei that showed the cityscapes of Japan as they looked in the late 1800s, right before the country’s rapid modernization. But Kimbei didn’t just photograph Japan, he also photographed the Japanese, so today we’re taking another trip back in time, but with a more personal touch, with dozens of photographs that show what daily life was like for the people of Japan generations ago.
What happens when your “prank” isn’t really a prank, but it is kind of awkward? This might take a while…
If you are in Niigata this March, you can live out your Tangled fantasy with a breathtaking view of floating lanterns that rival the beauty of the Disney movie and the festival in Thailand that inspired the film’s iconic scene.
I’m slightly claustrophobic. So you might wonder why I would volunteer to have myself locked into a small room with a bunch of strangers. The truth is that I can’t resist a puzzle.
This is an escape room, an immersive puzzle-solving experience that will test your lateral thinking skills and problem-solving, and for the first time in Japan, it’s being offered in English and Chinese.
Nestlé Japan is offering a new service which allows cats and their humans to dine together. Are you ready to go where no pet owner has gone before?
The dating simulator scene is getting weirder and weirder, so it’s hard to be surprised by anything they come up with these days. Humans are already old news and we’re now used to romancing all manner of strange creatures. Even so, this mobile game for girls caught my eye with its unique character designs and by promising love with powerful ancient Egyptian deities.
Does that beautiful breakfast look like it came from the kitchen of a high-class ryokan inn or loving Japanese family? Guess again – it’s all from 7-Eleven!
Meet Enako, a cute and popular cosplayer who has all her fans buzzing recently with her latest photoshoot that shows off how well pink suits her.


















50-year-old instant noodle recipe is back from the past in Japan for a limited time[Taste test]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Japanese-style accommodation at the new Premium Dormy Inn hotel in Asakusa will blow your mind
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Why this centuries’ old Shinto shrine is suddenly also a hot spot for anime fan art【Photos】
Japan’s smallest Toshogu Shrine: A tiny wonder with a big samurai connection
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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]
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
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
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Why this centuries’ old Shinto shrine is suddenly also a hot spot for anime fan art【Photos】
Japan’s smallest Toshogu Shrine: A tiny wonder with a big samurai connection
Kyoto restaurant only sells one dish, features mannequins and gets rave reviews!
Power up like Godzilla with new limited-edition Godzilla Energy Drink
Naruto’s favorite noodle shop Ichiraku Ramen is real, and we just visited it!
This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Will listening to Japan’s biggest earworm song for five hours drive you insane? Let’s find out!
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch