Chinese zodiac
Yamada Heiando has been in business for over 100 years, but it’s still got new ideas for its Pokémon crossover line.
Higashiyama doll artisans deliver some festive holiday cheer alongside their more traditional Japanese lineup.
There may not be a Year of the Bear, but Eto Pooh is an annual tradition for Disney fans in Japan.
Higashiyama artisans craft figurines, bells, and gosho ningyo dolls to ring in the new year.
From the relatable to the amoo-sing, there’re idioms for Japanese language learners of all skill levels.
From playfully cute to quietly elegant, these beautiful bovines are here to keep you company on your coffee break.
Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, and even Baymax turn into traditional symbols of good luck and the Chinese Zodiac to help ring in 2020.
Since there’s no spot for the cat in the Chinese zodiac, this Japanese kitty turned to some cute cosplay to get in on the Year of the Monkey fun.




















Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
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 branches
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 month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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 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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Freakishly muscular life-size statues of Grappler Baki anime/manga cast intimidate and amaze【Pics】
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils sakura cherry blossom drinkware range for 2021
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent