Typing this Japanese word into your iPhone or Android device will introduce you to some very unusual characters.
Twitter user’s search for the mystery person behind the gift leads them to the original background artist 20 years later.
Yasui Konpiragu worked its magic, but for once, not in the terrifying way it usually does.
New cherry blossom dessert takes its inspiration from a traditional Japanese springtime sweet.
Hanami, Kochi, and Hinamatsuri bath bombs are inspired by Japan’s three favorite springtime flowers.



















Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Studio Ghibli’s No Face twirls to sound of Spirited Away’s theme song in beautiful accessory box
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
Tokyo security guard’s famous station tape font becomes official custom Nike streetwear
Live-action Princess Mononoke is coming to streaming as a live event, previews look amazing [Video]
Starbucks Japan opens new store inside historic seaside quarantine station near Tokyo
We tried Starbucks Japan’s new coffee for people who don’t drink coffee
Godiva Japan gets into the shaved ice scene with two luxurious frozen desserts this summer
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
7-Eleven Japan now offering baked-in-store pizza by the slice with two very different topping sets
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
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
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
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Tokyo security guard’s famous station tape font becomes official custom Nike streetwear
Live-action Princess Mononoke is coming to streaming as a live event, previews look amazing [Video]
Starbucks Japan opens new store inside historic seaside quarantine station near Tokyo
We tried Starbucks Japan’s new coffee for people who don’t drink coffee
Godiva Japan gets into the shaved ice scene with two luxurious frozen desserts this summer
Daiso now sells stress-relief punching bags, but are they worth beating on?
New Studio Ghibli washi tape adds anime flair to Japanese stationery
7-Eleven Japan adds new cold soup smoothies to its convenience store drinks range
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Koei Tecmo continues to be an investment firm that also happens to make video games
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
Japan’s foreign resident population hits record high as Japanese population hits record low
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards