“Kabe-don” ranked among Japan’s top anime buzzwords of 2014. Facing a woman with her back on the wall, the man places his hand on the wall beside her with a “don!” (the Japanese sound routinely used to represent something hitting a hard surface), with his face close to hers. This situation common in girls’ comics is also frequently seen in TV dramas and movies, and many young women who watch this scene dream of finding themselves in a similar situation with the object of their affections.
But is the ago-kui set to be 2015’s kabe-don and among its most-used phrases?
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
We check out Otaru’s real-life locales that inspired scenes in hit anime Golden Kamuy
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
10 slightly strange Christmas trees from Japan
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Blur the borders between gaming and real life with table-top “save points” from Japan
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Sushi, sumo, and cats in kimonos: the best Christmas and New Year cards from Japan【Pics & Video】
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Blur the borders between gaming and real life with table-top “save points” from Japan
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Sushi, sumo, and cats in kimonos: the best Christmas and New Year cards from Japan【Pics & Video】
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Clash of the instant ramen! Taste-testing seven instant noodles on a flavor trip across Kyushu
Sushi cars are the newest crazy cool dream from Japan’s Tomica line
Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated toy train is the perfect gift for kids who like to be confused
Our Japanese writer goes all out to get her cats an expensive exercise wheel from the U.S.
Japan’s new restaurant is reeling in customers with its all-you-can-eat sashimi experience
7-Eleven selling half-off fried food for Black Friday alongside regular-priced black food