Osaka Municipal Water Bureau suddenly becomes quite a bit closer to being flush with funds.
Ecological goals and economic concerns mean no more free bags and more by-location price variations.
What’s creamy on the outside, jiggly on the inside, and pink and delicious all over? This new sakura dessert drink.
One country is clearly the cause, but fewer foreign tourists might not put the pressure it expects on Japan.
Train etiquette can be hard to navigate for tourists, but locals need to watch their manners too.
![Japanese zoo’s monkey bonds with Ikea stuffed orangutang following abandonment by mother[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/im-1.jpg?w=640 "Japanese zoo’s monkey bonds with Ikea stuffed orangutang following abandonment by mother[Video]")
Punch’s life started with a metaphorical gut-punch, but things are cuddlier, and happier, now.
Manga Plus adds feature that lets fans put manga page art they’ve fallen in love with onto a shirt.
![How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/rc-1.jpg?w=640 "How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]")
![We tried six Japanese burger chains’ coffee to test the state of fast food coffee in Japan[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/bc-0.jpg?w=640 "We tried six Japanese burger chains’ coffee to test the state of fast food coffee in Japan[Taste test]")
In a rare twist, we headed to McDonald’s Japan, Mos Burger, and more without buying a single sandwich, because today we’re all about the beans.
![Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/sy-3.jpg?w=640 "Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]")
Can Hokkaido’s annual outdoor art event charm a Tohoku girl who’s always been lukewarm on winter travel?
Gomen means sorry in Japanese, but in this town you’ll see it written on the streetcar destination displays.
Styled like a traditional sento, this izakaya chain lines its walls with 13 working faucets that let you pour your own drink.
This stairway of hina dolls at a local shrine is a true sight to behold and might actually make you lose your breath for good reason.
![Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/cm-2.jpg?w=640 "Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]")
Unique Takadanobaba meditation space gets a splash of cuteness to brighten up the deathly décor.
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New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
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Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
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Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
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- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
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Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir- Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
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Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer- Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Yearly
- 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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
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Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
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If you love Pokémon and cats, you’ll love Japan’s cat Pokémon cat toys and feeding dishes[Photos]
Hatsune Miku, VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi perform opening pitch at pro baseball game in Japan [Video]
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
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