contests
The Tenth International Manga Award submission period is open now. Gold and Silver Award winners will get a chance to visit Japan!
Model Saya Kagawa takes the women’s crown, distracts everyone from a bunch of ripped dudes flexing in the background.
The publisher of Shonen Jump + is teaming with digital distributor MediBang to hold an amateur manga submission contest. Those who make the cut will see their manga on the virtual pages of the magazine!
When creating a local mascot in Japan, there are basically three styles to choose from. You can go the traditionally cute route, like Gunma Prefecture did with its adorable horse, national popularity contest champion, and confectionary model Gunma-chan. Option two is to make something so weird it puts a smile on peoples’ faces, like Funabashi City’s unofficial spokepear Funasshi.
Or, you can just draw a picture of an anime girl, like the town of Shima did. Yes, she of course has a nice smile and attractive proportions, and so far every picture that’s been released of the tourism ambassador has her posing in a swimsuit. But before you go blasting the designers for making that wardrobe choice before even giving her a name, bear in mind there’s a good reason for her attire.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Suspected yakuza member arrested for having frequent flyer mile account
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
The Pokémon anime studio’s next project is a Scooby-Doo anime, Yokoso Scooby-Doo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Weekly
- Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
- Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
- Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup- Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
- This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Monthly
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home- Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
- Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio- Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Yearly
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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The Pokémon anime studio’s next project is a Scooby-Doo anime, Yokoso Scooby-Doo
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
You’ll never win cash or prizes or cash at this Tokyo pachinko parlor, and that’s why it’s so cool
The Mandalorian and Grogu film inspires a new set of Ginza Cozy Corner mini cakes and more
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
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