Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
banana tattoo
We don’t know about you guys, but when we were kids our parents always told us not to play with our food. Judging by the number of “banana tattoo” photos doing the rounds on Twitter today however, it looks like there are plenty of people here in Japan prepared to ignore that particular piece of parental advice in the name of art.
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goalStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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 branchesOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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 monthRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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】
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Freakishly muscular life-size statues of Grappler Baki anime/manga cast intimidate and amaze【Pics】
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Hama Sushi?
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
SO…MANY…PIKACHUS!!! 2019’s Pikachu Outbreak takes over Yokohama with cuteness【Photos, video】
Widespread anime support and expansion initiatives planned by Japanese government
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
We get a taste of Starbucks Japan’s new coffees and sweets, including one that’s here to stay