biology
Can the collective Internet come up with a possible solution, or just crack a bunch of monkey jokes?
Ever wonder why cockroaches are so shiny? Well, let’s put our fears aside and learn a little more about one of the urban human’s greatest foes.
Although the spiny, horrifying outside may scare you off, the insides of a sea urchin are one of the most delicious things to come out of the ocean. In Japan, sea urchin, or uni in Japanese, can be enjoyed with sushi, on top of rice or just own its own. Sea urchins are a treat for any seafood fan, but recently a group of Japanese netizens found out a little bit more about the life of the sea creature and began a deep discussion about the spiny little critters.
When wildlife researchers in Kochi Prefecture set up an unmanned camera in a local forest to find the cheeky wilderness creature stealing honey from an animal trap they’d set up, they probably expected to find a clever squirrel or some other creature too small or quick to set off the trap door.
Instead, what they found in video footage was what can only be described as real-life Winnie the Pooh turned to petty crime to fund his hopeless honey addiction.
When sitting around drinking late at night, the conversation inevitably turns to superpowers and which one everyone wants.
Aside from a super healing factor and flight, one of the top picks is surely invisibility–though usually for some pretty diabolical reasons, like stealing your neighbor’s newspaper.
While we’re still not quite at the level of full-on invisibility cloaks, scientists have developed a way to make cells transparent! Invisible Woman this isn’t, but maybe it’s enough to sneak a midnight snack?
(Warning: some images may not be for the squeamish.)
Have you heard of a series of unique creations called “Transparent Specimens” produced by Iori Tomita? It may sound bizarre, but they are specimens of different living creatures including fish, arthropods, reptiles and mammals that have been specially treated to make them transparent. And the end result is far from bizarre – in fact, the specimens are so beautiful that the series of work have a considerable following of fans.
MOST POPULAR
Now
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
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Kanna Hashimoto’s rise to fame continues with major commercial appearance
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Weekly
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 goal
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】- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
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
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
Kanna Hashimoto’s rise to fame continues with major commercial appearance
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
We buy a pair of glasses from up and coming idol Kanna Hashimoto
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
-
