When Australian musician Tal Wilkenfeld randomly asked a fellow coffee shop patron for translation help, we don’t think this was quite what she was expecting.
At one time, nearly all of the 270 households in the village of Shawo would have been engaged in woodcraft, but today just six elderly men know the old techniques. Luckily, a younger generation is taking steps to ensure that the craft does not die out.
Students who add and multiply with the numbers in the ‘wrong’ order are getting their answers marked as incorrect? Japanese net users weigh in.
Sailor Moon fans, are you looking for the perfect item to commemorate the series’ 20th anniversary? This beautiful watch might be just that—but you’d better hurry because stocks are limited!
When Japanese Twitter user @nasuiro posted this picture of a blob of hand cream last week, he probably had no idea that it would end up being retweeted over 41,000 times…
The machines are available at arcades and amusement centers in the “purikura” section and offer over 1,500 designs.
Aisa Mijeno, a young Filipino engineer and environmental advocate, has conceptualized a product that is not only environmentally friendly, but will provide basic lighting to the less-privileged: a lamp that runs on salt water!
A ton of anime characters wear some sort of school or military uniform, but that doesn’t mean the shows’ art is always consistent.
While the French still produce and consume the most wine per capita, Japan is continuing to grow as one of the biggest wine markets in the world — and they’re not afraid to show their passion for the beverage.
Because why stop at 40 pieces when you could order 48, or just keep going into quadruple digits to really support your favorite Japanese idol singer?
Snacks don’t get much more decadent than fried ice cream, but it can be intimidating to make for inexperienced fryers. Luckily we found that using Japanese ice cream snacks coated in gelatinous rice known as mochi instead really simplified things without sacrificing any of the taste.
With all the pretty lights, there are a ton of photo opportunities during the holidays. Give your pictures a unique look with this simple technique!
Have you ever wanted to make sushi that looks just like a swimming fish? This video shows how to make the stunning dish in your very own kitchen!
A sumo wrestler has drawn ire after using the adorably named nekodamashi, or “deceiving cat,” technique to win a match.
What would be the ultimate luxury in personal service for a highborn aristocrat? Someone to draw your bath? Peel your grapes? Fan you with palm fronds? How about a servant whose job it is to take the blame for your farts.
Every time I visit my home country and talk about my life in Japan, one thing becomes clear to me: Japan remains incredibly misunderstood overseas. With this in mind, today we’ll be discussing three stereotypes of Japan: the country’s apparent disdain for those who stand out from the crowd, the notion that Japan is a strict society, and that the idea of ‘losing face’ is a quintessentially Asian concept.
Remember the awesome, super-expensive R2-D2™ Moving Refrigerator we reported on last month? Well, we recently went to see an actual model on display!
Black and white photos of the Philippines from as far back as the late 1800s look shockingly modern with just a splash of color.




















New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Japan’s cafe that won’t let you go home until you solve a puzzle is opening in Osaka’s canal district
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
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
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 reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Studio Ghibli releases Ponyo donburi bowl to bring anime ramen to life
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Here’s the Studio Ghibli cookbook recipe to make Lin’s Spirited Away sweets she gave to Chihiro
Beautiful Ghibli anime uchiwa fans are like little posters you can use to keep yourself cool
Official Spirited Away cookbook teaches how to make food from the Ghibli anime classic
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors