culture (Page 25)
Legendary blade is a an official natural treasure, and presented in a uniquely beautiful way.
Two of Japan’s most beautiful blades are said to be linked at birth, but a closer look makes some scholars think twice.
Getting married or having a kid? Then into the flames you go!
There’s one place in particular where Japanese people aren’t just not polite, they’re downright rude.
You may have heard giving a certain amount of money will win you favor with the gods, but a very high authority says otherwise.
Get a stamp of approval with your own Japanese personal seal complete with your Japanese kanji name.
One topic dominated conversations in Japan this year, and now it’s officially the most significant single kanji character of the past 12 months.
One of Japan’s best katana-collection museums recreates its swords in miniature form for you to cut up your desserts with.
Will our UFO-chasing reporter finally get the answers he’s been looking for since the alien encounter he says he had in high school?
Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, and even Baymax turn into traditional symbols of good luck and the Chinese Zodiac to help ring in 2020.
Now’s your last chance to see structures that can’t be seen again until the ascension of the next emperor.
Like the samurai lord who visited 400 years ago, we get beckoned to this suburban temple by its feline charm.
Japan’s biggest kabuki star becomes Kylo Ren, and here’s how you can watch the performance yourself.
Gift shop kimono are almost nothing like the real thing, but can Mr. Sato’s fashion aura transcend national boundaries?
Slurping is the norm in a Japanese noodle house, but is it OK to bite off your ramen if it’s more than you can chew?



















Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Tokaido Lumière Express: Stay overnight inside the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
McDonald’s Japan reveals exclusive new Tsukimi moon viewing collection for 2026
Starbucks Japan adds new Customisation Bar to stores, with free ways to hack your food and drink orders
Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
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
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
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
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
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】
Starbucks Japan adds new Customisation Bar to stores, with free ways to hack your food and drink orders
Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
Dragon Ball Z theme park, financed by Saudi Arabia, to be built in France
Pikachu and other Pokémon evolve into hydration types with Thermos drinkware collaboration [Pics]
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
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
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
Winnie the Pooh cosplays as Yuzuru Hanyu for new plushie collaboration
Turn octopus, spaghetti, and more of your favorite foods into crackers with Senbei Maker 2
After pleasing your ears, Hatsune Miku is ready to ease your pain as a PC cushion plushie