2026 nengajo drawing comes with a never-before-seen photo of the legendary anime director.
A round-up of the best limited-edition drinks Starbucks served up in Japan this past year.
The colorful displays and activities make Tamagotchi feel a lot less stressful than what we remember.
Meeting someone through games or social media is becoming just as normal as going to the playground.
Train to off-the-beaten-path onsen town gives you a taste of Japanese bathing culture even before you arrive at your destination.
Intricately detailed frames let you mix your real life memories with Ghibi’s unforgettable anime settings.
A new test kit checks for hidden iron deficiency using menstrual blood, and it’s super simple to use.
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Japan’s most quirkily empathetic monk is back to keep bad mojo away from us as the year ends.
With peak Fuji-viewing season coming up, here are seven spots to add to your Japan travel list.
Two Sanrio stars slip on sumo loincloths to celebrate the first nig sumo tournament of the year.




















Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
The Pokémon anime studio’s next project is a Scooby-Doo anime, Yokoso Scooby-Doo
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
The Pokémon anime studio’s next project is a Scooby-Doo anime, Yokoso Scooby-Doo
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
7-Eleven Japan adds macaroni cheese sandwiches to its convenience store food range
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Do Bare Feet of a Gorilla slides really make your legs slimmer?
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails