Estranged childhood friends, a blackout, and a mobile app are the perfect ingredients for a marvelous story line.
childhood
When you have children howling the word “impregnate!” over and over again to score, something’s really wrong.
At first you’ll be impressed with this drawing, but then you’ll want to laugh when you scroll down to see the rest.
An eight-year-old boy who accidentally drowned his beloved Nintendo 3DS handheld console has written a heartfelt letter of apology to Nintendo customer service.
It’s weird being in your thirties (or thereabouts) in 2015. Kids today have no idea what a struggle it was for us growing up in the days before smartphone selfies, dumb internet trends, and myriad modern technological conveniences. Wait, what are we saying, it was absolutely awesome! For ours was a more innocent childhood, full of VHS tapes, talking on phones connected to the wall by a wire, and clunky dial-up internet that still felt like the greatest thing ever invented.
Japan’s 30s club is no different; they too are nostalgic for the relics of a simpler past. And in this article, we round up 22 nostalgic items that Japanese Twitter users say sum up their idyllic childhoods. But how many of them (if any) are the same as those we in the west enjoyed?
Recently, our Japanese reporter Yoshio visited his parents’ house and decided to finally take a stab at tidying up his childhood room, which had been left untouched ever since he moved out. In the process, he was surprised to find many lost relics and treasures from his childhood, and became caught up in a wave of nostalgia for several hours. Needless to say, he didn’t get much cleaning done in the end…
If you’re the nostalgic type, perhaps you’d like to take a peek at the treasures that Yoshio dug up, some from over 20 years ago!
The picture above looks like it could have been taken at the set of a cute children’s fantasy movie. Or perhaps a theme park. If not those, then maybe a really expensive themed restaurant. In fact, none of those would be correct. These are apartments in Japan. Yes, you can live in them.
Join us after the jump for a beautiful collection of fairy tale-like houses and cafes to delight your inner child.








Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Mos Burger opens Mosh Burger & Bar in Ginza, but is it fated to be a short-lived sensation?
Japan’s favorite quasi-local curry launches convenience store version – Does it match the real deal?
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Tokyo’s viral 90-yen cafe pop-up returns to Harajuku with yogurt coffee
We found the world’s first Yakult 1000 soft serve, and it’s hidden away in Nara
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them