april fools
Limited-time French fry burger returns after four years, with even more flavour than before.
This first-of-its-kind tour is designed for bus lovers by bus lovers, or really just anyone who loves riding on buses.
Edible watches, Nintendo characters and a handy Lego app all make an appearance on this year’s roundup of fantastic news we wish was true today.
Does that make the giant inflatable schoolgirl idol an April Geniuses’ gag?
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Our loyal readers are probably more aware of who Takeru Kobayashi – the infamously voracious Japanese competitive eater – is than the New York Cosmos professional soccer team, but it looks like the Cosmos players weren’t so familiar with the diminutive athlete… Until now.
As part of an elaborate April Fool’s joke, New York Cosmos managers put together a stunt that saw Kobayashi posing as an employee at the frankly quite delicious Buffalo Wild Wings chicken wing chain as the Cosmos team filtered into the restaurant for a meal.
You read that right: in just 10 years you can have your very own hand-made smartphone with the brand new weekly make-your-own-smartphone kit from Japanese mobile provider au! For anyone who’s a fan of weekly collect ’em magazines (who isn’t?), tech, or wasting their money, then this is for you.
Ah, it’s been a great day for April Fools’ pranks this year, what with Google treating us to a worldwide pokémon outbreak and car maker BMW unveiling its “ZZZ” series sleep machine (any others I missed?). And now, Capcom – the Japanese company behind video game greats such as Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, and Mega Man – has announced that it is launching special dubbed versions of its top titles.
That’s right, folks, all of your favourite Capcom games are now available in neko-go “cat language“, allowing Japan’s nyan population to join in the gaming fun.
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A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Japanese Internet debates sure-fire way to catch a cheating lover and/or make them hate you
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?- 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- Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
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
Monthly
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- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
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
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
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Japanese Internet debates sure-fire way to catch a cheating lover and/or make them hate you
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)
Mist descends upon Japan’s “Killing Stone” after ceremony to appease nine-tailed fox spirit
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
We taste-tested 10 convenience store roll cakes for Roll Cake Day!
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
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