Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
chirashi-zushi
Leave it to Japan to make a bowl of rice absolutely adorable. The Volkswagen Japan official Facebook page has recently been the topic of conversation on the net thanks to the publication of a bowl of chirashi-zushi, or “scattered sushi”, with the image of a VW Beetle. However, that’s not the only edible auto to show up on the site.
You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
Hidden down a road, a little ways away from the main port of Nishinoshima, Shimane prefecture, is a tiny sushi restaurant.
From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. Approaching the front of the establishment, you can even see the owner’s laundry hanging to dry in the upstairs window. But inside, Zen Sushi will amaze you.
A little mom and pop establishment, the owners prepare fresh sushi made with fish caught in the waters of the Oki Islands. Peering through the front windows, you can enjoy views of the turquoise waters that these fish call home.
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Golden Japanese toilet appears at “multi-millionaire” izakaya in Tokyo
Dove ad slams Japanese beauty ideals, backfires with complaints from public instead
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
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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 decorations
Giant 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
Dove ad slams Japanese beauty ideals, backfires with complaints from public instead
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
5 things about Japanese customer service that surprise foreign visitors
See how the game of Othello has evolved at Tokyo Toy Show 2022
Kawaii concrete? Japanese retailer selling cuddly tetrapods for a limited time only
The Sailor Scouts and their Sanrio sidekicks are finally here with adorable new collectable goods
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
New interior necessity: Japanese dining table with a hole for your cat right in the middle【Pics】
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment