P.K. Sanjun takes a look at some of the common criteria used to define what makes a person “Japanese,” and whether they’ll still be used in the future.
Skip the Shinkansen and savor the journey with Japan’s ultra-affordable unlimited-use one-day rail passes.
A Twitter user made this startling discovery when their mother tossed a beloved cushion into the laundry.
Sadly, quintessential anime scenes of rooftop swimming classes may be coming to an end soon.
Modern conveniences are returning to parts of Hokkaido, but there’s still much to be done.
The young girl with a voice to rival legendary singers has perfected the art of singing in English–a language she doesn’t even speak.
Jewelry chain Cartier hopes to make you value the ordinary by displaying their famous Juste en Clou line in the same way as cup ramen and magazines.
Conan and his team packed in as much of Tokyo as possible during the final days of their Japanese trip.
Enako’s popularity, and profits, continue to grow as fans form their longest line ever to buy her photo albums.
Got some leftover change after a day of pop culture treasure-hunting? Then this JR station has a vending machine you’ll want to check out.
Hanazono University hopes you’re never too old to get a bachelor’s in clinical psychology.
This would have been supremely cool if it wasn’t for the fact that it would also cause chaos on roads.


















The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
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
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Lipton releases… Pudding Milk Tea in Japan?!?
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
49-year-old Japanese shut-in spends weeks living with corpse of mother who died at home
Live-action Ghibli Princess Mononoke stage play tickets are now on sale
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s Mister Donut Japan tries its hand at Taiwanese-style street food donuts
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Bandai cancels gacha/blind-buy system for anime cosmetics, will let fans choose what they buy