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.











Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
All-you-can-ride Shinkansen deal coming to Japan for a limited time
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
All-you-can-ride Shinkansen deal coming to Japan for a limited time
Japan’s kimono-style bra and panties bring traditional motif to modern lingerie design【Photos】
Japanese schoolgirls’ hemlines are still up, but socklines are way down
Cosplayers brave the cold in skimpy outfits at Winter Comiket in Japan
Tom Cruise arrives in Japan, talks with horse girls【Video】
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort