Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
cool towel
In the never-ending hunt to find ways to keep cool, many in Japan have been flocking to ‘cool towels’, which miraculously claim to provide a cooling sensation with the mere touch of moisture.
However, do these man-made wonders have the goods to keep people cooler than pure ice in such scorching weather? On this tremendously hot and sweaty day, I was tasked with finding out…
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Hayao Miyazaki reveals the kind of otaku he hates the most
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s DayRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirersGiant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the monthRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Hayao Miyazaki reveals the kind of otaku he hates the most
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Discover some of the best snacks in Atami, a wonderland of Japanese street food
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
How old is too old for a boy to go into the women’s hot spring bath in Japan?
Lifehack for Curry Fiends: Get More for Your Yen at CoCo Ichibanya
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years