cultural differences
Our Japanese-language reporter had his world turned upside down when his German wife commented on his childhood memories.
Japanese people dish on things foreigners told them that they’d never realized before about their home country.
None of the natives at this Canada Day celebration seemed to care, but in Japan, this would never happen.
Should I stay or should I go? A Japanese employee shares some insight from his American boss about when to take time to recuperate.
Read More
A simple act leads to a deep discussion on important cultural values within Japan vs. outside countries and traditional gender roles.
Would these Finnish students be as successful if they’d gone through the Japanese school system instead?
Japanese tourists wearing everyday casual flu masks apparently caused upset amongst supermarket shoppers in British seaside town
Are you Japanese, American, Korean or Chinese when it comes to smartphone game transactions?
‘Tis the season for grumbling about cultural differences, but does it have to be?
These days, Japanese food is pretty widely consumed in the west, even if sometimes the original taste gets slightly lost in translation. In general, though, even non-Japanophiles can be found enjoying a range of Japanese food, whether at home or out for dinner with friends. Sushi is no longer shocking, and “comfort foods” such as okonomiyaki, ramen, and yakiniku can all be enjoyed overseas. But did you know that apparently we’re still making five major mistakes when it comes to Japanese cuisine? Read on to find out if you’re a major offender who doesn’t know their ikura from their elbow!
Take a look at this picture – what’s your first impression? Personally (and perhaps due to my prior experiences as a kindergarten teacher in Japan) my first thought was: “How convenient that must be when it comes to potty-training!”
These Chinese “split pants” are considered completely normal for children to wear in China, so when a Chinese-American parent took their little boy out to play in Monterey Park in Los Angeles, they surely weren’t expecting a concerned citizen to call the police on them.
Bonsai and sushi are two of Japan’s most well-known cultural exports with fans all over the world. But while Japan may cling to the traditional presentation of these two icons, globalization has taken these Japanese icons and turned them into something new. Not just happy with tiny trees and raw fish on top of vinegar rice, these cultural hybrids have evolved into something far beyond their origins in the Japanese archipelago. Click below to see some very creative bonsai as well as some food that really stretches the definition of “sushi.”
As you may have noticed, we here at RocketNews24 are definitely not shy about giving out our opinions about life in Japan. But although you’ve heard plenty about what we think are the best and worst parts of living in the country, we thought it would be interesting to look at what Japanese people think of their own country.
After living and working abroad for a while, Japanese expats coming back home may find themselves thinking they’ve lost touch with their own culture. But we found a list of things that Japanese expats say are some of the best parts of life in Japan that you just can’t find anywhere else. Click below to find out the six things that Japanese citizens living overseas miss most about home!
Although visitors to Japan routinely compliment the country for its world-class hospitality and excellent customer service, dining in Japanese restaurants can be a confusing experience for tourists and residents alike. Even the most seasoned long-time expats can still be put off by some of these strange behaviors. Of course, everything is relative as Japanese tourists overseas complain about the opposite, but click below to find out seven ways that a visit to a Japanese restaurant may surprise you!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Sailor Moon’s Artemis is part of the Artemis II NASA mission control team[Video]
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Weekly
- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Monthly
- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Yearly
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Japan named most sleep-deprived country for fourth year in a row, according to survey
Sailor Moon’s Artemis is part of the Artemis II NASA mission control team[Video]
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Japan’s full-facemask Ninja Parka still lets you eat ice cream[Photos]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
What’s so “Japan mind” about Häagen-Dazs’ new “Japan Mind” ice cream?
The most preposterous “adult” gacha capsule toys at Akihabara Station
We try ice cream with a topping of natto fermented soybeans, because the Internet told us to
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
-
