Some reminders: Japan isn’t always as wacky as foreign media wants to think it is, literal translation can trip non-linguists up, and Osamu Tezuka was a really good manga creator.
cockroaches
From the country that gave the world a pigeon dating sim comes a short romance game starring cockroaches.
Fumakilla promises to kill all roaches in your home, but you have to ask yourself if that’s what you really want.
When you stop and think about it, putting pictures of cockroaches on a product for people who hate them is kind of a weird strategy.
Home-made “bombs” aren’t lethal, let you swap insect invaders for a pleasant smell.
Ever wonder why cockroaches are so shiny? Well, let’s put our fears aside and learn a little more about one of the urban human’s greatest foes.
Become a fearless pest disposer with this incredibly effective three-step hack requiring just two utensils.
The Tokuyama Zoo in Yamaguchi Prefecture has come up with a novel way to attract visitors this summer. And by novel, I mean probably insane. Would you buy tickets for a Cockroach Fest?
As the summer cools back down to a comfortable autumn, the cockroach index has slid to a 1 across much of Japan. But before they go to sleep in many parts of the world, it looks like our little black friends are squirming their way into the headlines to give us something to remember them by.
We’ve all probably heard the tale of Edward Archbold who mysteriously died after winning a cockroach eating contest in the USA. However, in China, roaches making quite a stir – by getting stirred into the food.
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Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Family Mart joins forces with legendary sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji for new Convenience Wear collection
Janken Kebab: Win at rock-paper-scissors and get extra fillings at this fun Japanese kebab shop
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Is Tokyo’s Odaiba, once one of its trendiest neighborhoods, becoming a ghost town? [Photos]
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
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Weekly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan- Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
- Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
- Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
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Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
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Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Is Tokyo’s Odaiba, once one of its trendiest neighborhoods, becoming a ghost town? [Photos]
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
This Japanese 7-Eleven has the most expensive drinks, and item, we’ve even seen at the chain
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Foreign travelers arrested in Japan following smash-and-grab robbery in Tokyo shopping mall
Anime and Hollywood movies cross over in new Universal Studios Japan merch collection
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
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