Everybody loves chicken kara-age, all-star of Japanese cuisine. The crispy, succulent Japanese fried chicken admirably fulfills its role as side dish, beer munchie, and midnight snack. Hardly anybody would turn down another bite or two.
While passing by the Shinkansen ticket gates at Tokyo Station, I noticed a vending machine that didn’t seem to belong there. Strange in this land of vending machines, I know, but something about this machine was different.
Has Odaiba seceded from Japan and created its own economy? You might think so if you looked at the price tags on the run-of-the-mill fare at this year’s United States of Odaiba, Fuji Television’s annual summer event.
In a country where 800 yen is considered pricey for a beef bowl, standard dishes like katsudon and butadon are going for 1390 yen a pop. A thread on 2channel broke the news on the menu, and there was no shortage of incredulous, mocking and sarcastic responses. Among them:
Do you have a guy friend who hasn’t had a girlfriend in ages? Some guys have no problem finding their next girlfriend after breaking up with the last one. On the other hand, some guys have never found themselves in a serious relationship of any kind.
Internet forums have buzzed with conversations between groups of Japanese women over what the differences are between men who can attract women and those who attract only scorn. After lengthy discussion, they narrowed the list down to 20 characteristics of guys to avoid: Read More

Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
“They’ve got be kidding me.” – Mayor in Japan fed up with off-season Mt. Fuji hikers needing rescue
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood restaurant in Noboribetsu!”
Man tells Nintendo HQ “I’m going to blow you all the hell up,” gets arrested by Kyoto cops
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
New bounty system starts in Japan, rewards reports of illegal employment of foreigners
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
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
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood restaurant in Noboribetsu!”
Man tells Nintendo HQ “I’m going to blow you all the hell up,” gets arrested by Kyoto cops
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
New bounty system starts in Japan, rewards reports of illegal employment of foreigners
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Huge display of drones and fireworks together coming to Osaka this June
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Pokémon retro black-and-white Game Boy art T-shirts are on the way from Uniqlo[Photos]
War in Iran causing dark development for potato chip packages in Japan
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Akira creator opens his own anime studio, is recruiting artists even without Japanese fluency
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival