Arcades
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
This black Slime plushie had become his white whale until something I’d never experienced before happened.
The shutter and curtain come down on the first arcade Sega ever opened in Japan’s biggest gamer neighborhood.
We may have to say goodbye to Akihabara Building 1, but it’s also time to say hello to a brand-new GiGO arcade elsewhere in Tokyo.
“Slime Sandwich Mold” usually wouldn’t be such an appealing combination, but these are sandwich makers shaped like the beloved Dragon Quest mascot we’re talking about.
Fire breaks out at Osaka arcade popular with foreign tourists, motorcycle in building may have made situation worse.
A giant Pikachu beguiles us with its cute face and affordable price tag, but there’s one surprising hurdle to owning one.
Multiple regional brewers and amazing taiyaki will keep you from getting too thirsty or hungry while you’re at Japan’s newest arcade.
Our reporter returns to a place of her childhood that’s still going strong after decades of operation.
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Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
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US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
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Weekly
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
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Bear spotted near most popular hiking trail on Tokyo’s most popular hiking mountain- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Tokyo’s Square Burger claims it’s a viral hit with foreign tourists who’ve given it near-perfect Google reviews
Monthly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Fukushima’s popular dialect T-shirt vending machine gets its first sibling in Iwaki
Osaka may name a district after mascot Myaku-Myaku
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
Pikachu plushie actually goes into space as part of Pokémon/European Space Agency collaboration
Bear found on Japanese fishing boat, escapes into the sea
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My night trapped in Nagoya’s flood: what do you do when Japan’s trains shut down?
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
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