Amerika. Itaria. Kanada. The majority of countries are known in Japan by names that sound vaguely similar to their native monikers. So why on earth do the Japanese call the UK ‘Igirisu‘?
“Enlightening” is not a word that should be tossed around lightly, but this essay by eighth-grader Ayumi Takada really is just that.
Afraid of spilling something on your favorite anime T-shirts while cooking dinner? Protect your wardrobe the magical girl way!
Whether the near future or the distant past, Evangelion Units look pretty fearsome in whatever era they appear.
Both the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire would agree that these renditions of our favorite Star Wars characters are the perfect way to welcome 2016.
Fans of manga artist Rumiko Takahashi will be happy to know that a slightly unexpected new product featuring her work will soon be hitting stores—instant ramen!
Mei, the strong-willed four-year-old star of Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed anime film My Neighbor Totoro expresses 15 different emotions in brilliant 3-D renderings.
If a notebook costs 100 yen, 20 yen cheaper than a pencil case, then how much is an eraser?
Many of us dream of eating authentic sushi in Japan. But do you know the proper decorum for ordering? How about paying the bill? And what’s the difference between nigiri and narezushi, anyway?
Even the pets of Japan want to show their respects to the recently passed yokai author Shigeru Mizuki.
From fashion to extracurricular activities, the lives of an American colleges students are an ocean apart from their counterparts in Japan.
Universal Studios Japan‘s upcoming Universal Cool Japan campaign rides are rolling out in January with a new ride attraction inspired by fashion model and singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Crayon Shin-chan) and upgraded versions of “Evangelion The Real 4D,” “Attack on Titan The Real,” “Biohazard (Resident Evil) the Escape,” and “Monster Hunter the Real.”
Fan anticipating the launch of “vangelion The Real 4D” got a sneak peek of the experience in a new ad.



















Japan’s most popular curry rice restaurant chain, Coco Ichibanya, might be for sale
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan
Family Mart joins forces with legendary sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji for new Convenience Wear collection
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Onsen Egg Bukkake Udon Ice Cream makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about sweets
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Japan’s birth rate rose for the first half of the year for the first time in over a decade
Is Tokyo’s Odaiba, once one of its trendiest neighborhoods, becoming a ghost town? [Photos]