Our boss gives us a generous winter bonus, but makes us work for it with a team challenge.
bonus
This special, lovingly crafted issue was released in celebration of Doraemon’s 50th anniversary. Even its price is symbolic.
This bonus comes with a special set of conditions: you must prove you used up the entire amount by April 30, or it’s null and void.
It’s customary for companies in Asia to hold year-end parties (bounenkai in Japan, weiya in Chinese-speaking countries), and these often reflect the state of the companies. In a good year, employees will be treated to lavish affairs complete with lotteries, extravagant performances and attractive prizes. However, one Chinese company stole the limelight this year with their ‘cash grabbing game’ that guarantees everyone a winner!
The World Cup is not just a battle between nations to determine who is the strongest in the world. It is also a momentous celebration of international exchange and an opportunity for citizens of the world to display their national pride. Heart-wrenching and heartwarming stories alike are born from the event, which remain in people’s minds long after the final score has been forgotten. Some of the most memorable stories from the tournament don’t even take place on the pitch during gameplay; rather, they materialize in other acts of chivalry off the field.
Although Greece was defeated by Costa Rica on Sunday, Greek citizens couldn’t have been prouder to see their national team advance to the Round of 16 for the first time ever. The Greek athletes also seemed content just having served as representatives for their home country, as they incredibly refused individual monetary bonuses and instead asked for a joint venture that should further unite them in spirit with their fellow countrymen.
In Japan, summer and winter mean bonus time, which is kind of like getting Christmas twice a year. Japanese workers often use the extra money to take a well-deserved vacation or to buy something big they’ve had their eyes on for a while.
R25, a website focused on business professionals and their lifestyle, conducted a survey with 300 businessmen to find out about last year’s bonuses. Let’s see what they discovered! Read More
“Why do I have to study English? I’m never going to use it… there’s no point,” whines at least one Japanese student in any given English class on a daily basis.
Now, thanks to one company’s clever new initiative, instead of the usual spiel about the benefits of English being an “international language,” teachers can tell their students that knuckling down and mastering the language could bag them 1 million yen.





We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
We brave fastballs from the world’s fastest (and most terrifying) pitching machine
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Subway Japan purchased by Japanese izakaya pub company with penchant for organic farming
New Ginza sushi bar offers 21-piece omakase course for just US$60
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Subway Japan purchased by Japanese izakaya pub company with penchant for organic farming
New Ginza sushi bar offers 21-piece omakase course for just US$60
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Ministop becomes Megastop in our minds by increasing certain food volumes by up to 50 percent
Is it worth eating at Akihabara Ramen Center?
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
McDonald’s Japan’s Gurakoro burgers, like a cup of hot soup in sandwich form, return this month!
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro stamps to its anime merchandise store in Japan
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.