P.K. Sanjun takes a look at some of the common criteria used to define what makes a person “Japanese,” and whether they’ll still be used in the future.
COK (Page 339)
Skip the Shinkansen and savor the journey with Japan’s ultra-affordable unlimited-use one-day rail passes.
Sadly, quintessential anime scenes of rooftop swimming classes may be coming to an end soon.
Got some leftover change after a day of pop culture treasure-hunting? Then this JR station has a vending machine you’ll want to check out.
Rice is part of almost every traditional Japanese meal, but should the rest of the meal be part of the rice?
Three different panty designs that are as stylish as they are functional.
Shadowy ghost and poison-types get their moment in the sun, and of course there’s a new Pikachu item too!
Best-of-both-worlds beverage has more caffeine and fewer calories than the classic soda’s ordinary version.
Being prepared for an idol concert means you’re also surprisingly prepared for a typhoon-induced power outage.
There’s no need to pay to use payphones to let your family know you’re OK or tell response teams that you need help.
Veteran employee was involved in measuring radiation levels immediately after 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
After carrying passengers to Hokkaido, the Hokutosei is now taking guests to slumberland with a great location and special beer.
New rules aims to close loophole that lets language school students spend as much of the year working full-time as attending class.
From download to post-boss content, loving dad shares his mature wisdom in a way that’s easy for his much younger son to relate to.
We can’t say definitively that it’s the best, but 12 shiny Eevees in three hours is hard to beat.



















Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Winnie the Pooh cosplays as Yuzuru Hanyu for new plushie collaboration
Nagoya’s famous Shinkansen platform noodle shop has other, better branches nearby
Japan’s double-decker portable rice cooker/bento maker is better than ever with new version
Osaka Starbucks has one of the city’s coolest photo vantage points, but it’s going away soon
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program returns after six years with free tours and festival experiences
Ohaw? Ruibe? Pocche? While traveling in Japan’s north, we try Ainu cuisine for the first time
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
Japanese workers reveal their top five mysterious rules they wish would disappear【Survey】
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
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
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
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
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
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】
Osaka Starbucks has one of the city’s coolest photo vantage points, but it’s going away soon
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Narita Airport Transit & Stay Program returns after six years with free tours and festival experiences
Ohaw? Ruibe? Pocche? While traveling in Japan’s north, we try Ainu cuisine for the first time
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
KFC Japan unveils new Tsukimi collection that takes moon-viewing to extreme levels
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Wait, some Shinkansen trains already have private booths that only cost 1,500 yen for an hour?
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
The Japanese government is ending its Cool Japan Fund program
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
German woman rescued from Mt. Fuji after suffering altitude sickness symptoms, hiking to peak anyway