After Hello Kitty goes home for the day, some decidedly less cute characters will be taking over Sanrio Puroland.
Students let a local agricultural product shine by partnering with a 215-year-old sweets maker for a new take on a classic Japanese treat.
Both sides of the Pacific are getting new themed cafes with attached merch shops from the video game developer of Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
As onigiri prices continue to rise everywhere else, Lawson Store 100 stays true to its name.
We pit the convenience store challenger against Tokyo’s favorite maker of Japan’s beloved octopus dumplings.
A Japanese diner shares their take on the kaisendon restaurant that’s exploded in popularity amongst overseas tourists.

![Sanrio amusement park in Tokyo to host Psycho Game horror event this summer[Video] Sanrio amusement park in Tokyo to host Psycho Game horror event this summer[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/sr-1-1.jpg?w=640)
![Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth finds happiness in a canned cocktail[Video] Final Fantasy VII’s Sephiroth finds happiness in a canned cocktail[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/sc-2.jpg?w=640)

![What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey] What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/ig-1.jpg?w=640)



![Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos] Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/hk-1-1.jpg?w=640)
![Japanese convenience store brings rice balls back to 100 yen – Is this deal worth it?[Taste test] Japanese convenience store brings rice balls back to 100 yen – Is this deal worth it?[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/hl-9.jpg?w=640)





![Tokyo’s city hall changes dress code, workers now allowed to wear shorts[Videos] Tokyo’s city hall changes dress code, workers now allowed to wear shorts[Videos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/04/ts-1.jpg?w=640)




Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
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
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
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 now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
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
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
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
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
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?
The Mandalorian and Grogu film inspires a new set of Ginza Cozy Corner mini cakes and more
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]