Chances are since you’re visiting our site, you probably already have an interest in Japan or other Asian countries. But have you ever had a friend who knows next to nothing about Japan, but you just have a feeling that they would come to love the island country given the right incentive?
If so, you may recognize some characteristic qualities of that friend in the following list written by Japanese blogger and all-around-life expert Madame Riri. This time, she’s come up with some common traits of foreigners who grow to love Japan based on her own observations from time spent abroad.
Do you find yourself conforming to any of the following patterns?
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Manga and anime, my how you’ve changed!
Starbucks Japan just released a new matcha green tea latte, but is it any good?
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Manga and anime, my how you’ve changed!
Starbucks Japan just released a new matcha green tea latte, but is it any good?
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Mt Fuji convenience store becomes “lawless zone” as tourists hurl abuse at security guards
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
Which Japanese convenience store has the best lucky sushi roll? Unclear results show clear winner
Mysterious Santa puts smiles on childrens’ faces with a generous gift of 3,000 books!
Low price, free booze and curry, late check-out, and great location — Akihabara capsule hotel has it all
A carlator is shaking things up on our way to one of Japan’s last revolving restaurants
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
We score an exclusive interview with viral Twitter star Otodo-chan, Kochi Aquarium’s scary mascot