Some reminders: Japan isn’t always as wacky as foreign media wants to think it is, literal translation can trip non-linguists up, and Osamu Tezuka was a really good manga creator.
bugs
From the country that gave the world a pigeon dating sim comes a short romance game starring cockroaches.
Just when we thought things couldn’t get any more startling at Yachiyo’s most unique sweets shop, this happened.
The impressive research leaves Japanese netizens both grossed out and in a moral quandary.
For many people in Japan, there’s no more welcome sound than the incredibly loud whining buzz of the seasonal insects.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports
OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Corporation is planning to sell off Starbucks Japan, report says
Everything old is new, and cool, again at this hotel in Japan’s hot spring town comeback king
“Lineup” begins for iPhone18 in Tokyo
Pokémon Adidas crossover sneaker line releases in Japan, gives your feet Pikachu hugs [Pics]
New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
Does Tokyo need self-driving taxis? Waymo thinks so, plans to launch fleet soon
Tokyo to repaint streets over rule that makes it impossible for cars to pass bicycles
Weekly
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Burger King goes viral in Japan for opening new store in a Japanese-style building
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Starbucks Japan unveils first-ever vending machine, with an exclusive coffee drink
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Monthly
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
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- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
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
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
“Lineup” begins for iPhone18 in Tokyo
Pokémon Adidas crossover sneaker line releases in Japan, gives your feet Pikachu hugs [Pics]
New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
Does Tokyo need self-driving taxis? Waymo thinks so, plans to launch fleet soon
Tokyo to repaint streets over rule that makes it impossible for cars to pass bicycles
Japan’s new Pokémon Poké Ball hotel releases new details, and it’s giving away free stays [Video]
Snow Salt Soft Cream Cafe & Bar for grown-ups opens in Tokyo’s Ueno area with a bookish surprise
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
Are Japanese temples on Mt Koya cashing in on the foreign tourism boom?
Japan’s new delicious dark horse sweet potato dessert drink is waiting at a beef bowl chain
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter
7-Eleven Japan releases a Kebab Sandwich… but does it really taste like a street-stall kebab?
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
-
