clean up
Remember when everyone’s minds were blown by images of Japanese fans tidying up their section after the World Cup? Well what might seem amazing to some is totally atarimae (obvious and expected) to the typical Japanese mindset. As your mother may have told you as a kid; you make the mess, you tidy it up! And the day after the massive Halloween party at the famous Shibuya crossing last weekend, volunteers were out in droves this year again with plastic bags and gloves to make the streets all sparkly again.
But just how many of them actually even contributed to the mess to begin with? According to reports on Twitter, not too many—and boy, are they angry…


Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
New tax exemption system for foreign visitors to Japan starts today!
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Can you make instant udon noodles with room-temperature water? We find out
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
New tax exemption system for foreign visitors to Japan starts today!
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Can you make instant udon noodles with room-temperature water? We find out
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Tokyo National Museum seeking donations to pave over pond, create space for beer and music events
Little witch Kiki and Little Mermaid Bakery bake three special pastries, we eat them all
Mr. Sato taste tests not only the original takoyaki, but its predecessor, radioyaki, in Osaka
The number of tourists was declining in this Japanese city, but Ono is now making its comeback
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
Two boys beaten and robbed of puffy pants, Osaka slammed for being trapped in the past
Secret tourist stop in Japan has a lift car that whisks you away to a mystery mountain destination