Aikatsu
Sometimes, the line between hospitality and hostility is a blurry one.
After years of living in Japan, I’ve noticed that the island nation has quite a few merry misconceptions about what it means to have a Western Christmas celebration. Replacing Santa’s cookies with a strawberry-topped Christmas cake is just one of their many mix-ups, though at least they have the gift-giving part right.
Now, you might be wondering why it is that we’re posting about Christmas when it’s barely even October! As it turns out, Japanese parents hoping to surprise their kids with a sweet treat from Bandai have to start planning for the holidays NOW. The Premium Bandai online store has just opened up reservations for their 2013 line of character-themed Christmas cakes called Chara Deco Christmas. These cakes come with toys and other neat treats suited to young fans of everything from Kamen Rider to Pokemon.


Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Nintendo and Lego team up for an awesomely accurate the Lego Game Boy kit【Photos】
15 rude things not to do on trains in Japan【Survey】
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Chinese classroom introduces roller coaster-style desks, hopes to protect kids’ eyesight
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Chinese classroom introduces roller coaster-style desks, hopes to protect kids’ eyesight
All-ages Catbus, real-world Spirited Away office part of new Studio Ghibli museum exhibit【Photos】
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases a new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino…with a special dipping waffle cookie
We get a haircut by a stylist who cuts with katanas and fire at “Samurai Salon” in Spain
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day