conflict
Alright, let’s recap.
Last Tuesday, a flotilla of Taiwanese fishing boats was rumored to have set off for the disputed Senkaku islands, located near the Japanese islands of Okinawa, seeking to assert their ownership among China and Japan.
At around 6 a.m. on Sept. 25, the 50-strong Taiwanese flotilla arrived in the disputed waters. At least eight patrol ships were sailing alongside the fishing vessels and many of the boats were displaying banners reading “We swear to defend the Senkaku islands!”
Japanese coastguard patrol boats moved in to intercept the tiny fleet and warned them to vacate the area. However, the Taiwanese boats maintained their position, asserting that they were in Taiwanese waters and their presence perfectly legitimate. Tensions were running high and it seemed only a matter of time before the conflict turned hostile.
And that’s when Japan decided to bring out the big guns.

Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Our two-day struggle to buy the cutest onigiri rice balls in Tokyo
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Intimate Korean yoga workout promises to burn calories, get your heart racing【Video】
Japanese schoolgirls from the ‘70s are the reason we have teriyaki burgers today
Japanese government says country needs more women’s room toilets to meet modern society’s needs
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Intimate Korean yoga workout promises to burn calories, get your heart racing【Video】
Japanese schoolgirls from the ‘70s are the reason we have teriyaki burgers today
Japanese government says country needs more women’s room toilets to meet modern society’s needs
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Eating a shark heart from a Tokyo supermarket【Photos】
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
Jimmy Choo designs limited edition Crystal Boots for Sailor Moon’s 30th anniversary
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it