There’s a reason I don’t write for the Washington Post. Actually, there are about a thousand reasons, almost all of which pertain to my own ineptness. Another one these reasons is that I occasionally write some embarrassing joke that gets completely misunderstood and blows up in my face.
So, I can relate on some level to the Washington Post’s writer and Tokyo bureau chief Anna Fifield. Her tweet, which jokingly translated a customer request sign as “Don’t bring your dirty Korean beer in here,” has led to some considerably harsh feedback from Japanese Twitter users.

Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Japanese black curry “experiment” takes place at an unlikely restaurant branch in Tokyo
Soup curry and onigiri for breakfast at a super tasty semi-secret spot in Tokyo’s Shinjuku
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Tokyo to Kyushu by ferry: An epic 21-hour journey on the sea
What’s the real meaning of Japan’s “burning tofu” emoji?
Solo sakura: Four reasons to have a one-person cherry blossom-viewing party
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
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
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
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Tokyo to Kyushu by ferry: An epic 21-hour journey on the sea
What’s the real meaning of Japan’s “burning tofu” emoji?
Solo sakura: Four reasons to have a one-person cherry blossom-viewing party
Who’s got the best, cheapest one-person sushi delivery in downtown Tokyo? Mr. Sato investigates!
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s got a subscription service for pillows with or without plastic tubes inside
Starbucks Japan’s rarest Frappuccino can only be purchased at 15 stores around the country
Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?
Repeating retro meals in teen-town Tokyo – A visit to Ikebukuro’s Takase
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Lawson?
Simple wrist test shows whether your body type is that of a model, athlete, or sumo wrestler