Almost 20 years after her debut, the Vocaloid virtual idol still has plenty of power to draw fans and transcend language barriers around the world.
concert
A recent online debate has sparked some fierce opinions about whether it’s OK for fans to sing along at concerts.
The arena, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary, is already a major home for global musical acts.
The phenomenon has been picking up buzz online in recent months among disgruntled residents, though there may be hope on the horizon.
“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” singer says she can’t see eye-to-eye with organizers of Tokyo anime concert series.
Luna Sea, one of the defining sounds of Japanese rock, will take to the stage of Japan’s preeminent music venue as part of its 35th anniversary tour.
Our musician reporter Seiji attends the one-year anniversary concert of idol group Gilty x Gilty, who sang a song that he penned.
Time to look back at the fine history of Mega Man… except the Captain N stuff. Let’s all agree to forget about that.
Rumors are flying around the Japanese internet that facial recognition technology may be introduced at least partially at the Arashi concerts being held later this month.
The city of Dazaifu, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, has a couple of nice cultural sites, such as the Tenmangu Shinto shrine and Komyozenji Buddhist temple. It’s pretty short on modern, youth-oriented attractions, though, so many of the city’s younger residents were probably thrilled when they heard that Momoiro Clover Z, one of Japan’s most popular idol units, would be holding a concert in their relatively sleepy town.
Many of them were less thrilled, though, when it was announced that the concert would be held only for male fans, a decision that’s drawn complaints from a local women’s group.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Nonstop flights from U.S. to Okinawa return after 54 years, making travel faster than before
Starbucks Japan adds a gooey sweet potato Frappuccino to its menu this autumn
Anime and Hollywood movies cross over in new Universal Studios Japan merch collection
Starting this fall, you’ll be able to take a Pokémon Jet flight to Japan
Godiva Japan hops into tsukimi season with bunny and moon-themed chocolate assortments
McDonald’s Japan reveals exclusive new Tsukimi moon viewing collection for 2026
Weekly
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
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan- Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Police in Japan looking for who’s responsible for dumping 80 loaves of bread on side of road [Video]
Japan’s double-decker portable rice cooker/bento maker is better than ever with new version
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
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat- 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
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- Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan adds a gooey sweet potato Frappuccino to its menu this autumn
Anime and Hollywood movies cross over in new Universal Studios Japan merch collection
Starting this fall, you’ll be able to take a Pokémon Jet flight to Japan
Godiva Japan hops into tsukimi season with bunny and moon-themed chocolate assortments
McDonald’s Japan reveals exclusive new Tsukimi moon viewing collection for 2026
Tokaido Lumière Express: Stay overnight inside the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo
No, Japan’s prime minster did not make friends with a cockroach, despite what you may have heard
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only
Family Mart reveals new T-shirt uniforms, relaxes hair colour rules for staff… but is it all too casual?
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
-
