Combination of factors is dimming the shine of one of the stars of Japanese restaurant culture.
bars
![Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/ay-0.jpg?w=640 "Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]")
There’s nothing for sale inside the machine, but Okinawan spirits and delicious deserts are waiting on the other side.
Tenshoku Sodan Bar seeks to fill a need that’s not served by the traditional job-hunting process.
There are more than 600 bars and pubs in Noge, and these wristbands seek to help you find one that’s just right for you.
Northern Japanese town famous for its castles and cherry blossoms also has one of the country’s most unique hotels.
Future Lemon Sour is a world-first, but does it really recreate the izakaya experience at home?
The owner is a stylishly eccentric enka singer who sings along with his guests and promises a great night will be had by all.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Tokyo’s insane Garlic Ramen is a meal, and an aroma, you’ll never forget[Taste test]
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Own a piece of anime history with U-Treasure’s Astro Boy gold miniature figure
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Weekly
- Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl- Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]- Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Monthly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines- Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
- Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Yearly
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Own a piece of anime history with U-Treasure’s Astro Boy gold miniature figure
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
What makes the Starbucks Japan chocolate terrine so popular?
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
KFC Japan’s “The American Burgers” include a pile of guilt
Used chopsticks upgraded from “waste” to “valuable material” by Kawasaki City thanks to ChopValue
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Japanese government to allow desecration of flags on kids’ meals
Cloud’s Final Fantasy Buster Sword is now a cat scratching pad thanks to Square Enix Pets
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
-
