Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Chanrio Maker
Do you love Hello Kitty? Of course, you do! Everybody does! But have you ever wanted to be as cute and adorable as Hello Kitty? If so, we have some excellent news for you: Sanrio recently unveiled a website that you can use to automatically make yourself a Sanrio character! It’s cute and easy, our two favorite things.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
New Pokémon Center to open in Kyoto with exclusive goods featuring adorable Maiko PikachuStarbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorationsGiant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day10 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 branchesStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s DayOur 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 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 monthRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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 validStarbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
New Pokémon Center to open in Kyoto with exclusive goods featuring adorable Maiko Pikachu
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Japanese traditional Ghibli gift set lets you give Totoro teatime to a fellow fan…or yourself
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district