character design
Japanese anime Twitter takes a look back at characters who have been around so long you might not recognize them in their original forms.
A lot has changed in the last 30 years, but this is one evolution old-school Clamp fans didn’t want to see.
13 years later and an ocean away from where he grew up, this illustrator proves the seed of greatness was always present in his artwork.
New character design has some fans in Japan hating it, others comparing it to Studio Ghibli’s artwork.




Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Japan’s gorgeous Mt. Fuji chocolate cake lets you eat the mountain instead of climb it【Photos】
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Why is Yoshinoya called Yoshinoya?
Japan’s gorgeous Mt. Fuji chocolate cake lets you eat the mountain instead of climb it【Photos】
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Subway Japan purchased by Japanese izakaya pub company with penchant for organic farming
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Posthumous “Gwegh, I’m deadngo” tweet sparks nationwide cancer awareness movement in Japan
Big, drunk and furry—Everything you need to know about tanuki (plus a song about their balls!)
Do people in Kyoto really stand to the right on escalators?
We buy oysters from a Japanese vending machine
Japanese island with a population less than 10 is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides