Warmhearted hospitality plus unforgiving customers equals the world’s highest service standards.
culture (Page 34)
The history of the first kanji that makes many learners of Japanese want to pull their hair out, and why their initial guess isn’t entirely wrong.
From the well-known to the obscure, this year’s annual ranking of top spots has some surprises in store for even the most seasoned travellers.
The works of Hokusai and others, admired for more than a century, lend a touch of class to your appreciation of a cold one.
Much has been written about the experience of being a Western-looking foreigner in Japan. But what is the situation like for foreigners of Asian backgrounds?
Crowdfunding campaign opens for Japanese international friendship initiative’s gorgeous designs.
From elegant gardens to stoic shrines and museums of fine art, Tokyo is full of places to stimulate the mind, soothe the soul, and please the senses.
Things that “can’t be helped” in Japan, but are maybe a little different elsewhere in the world.
Respondents in the U.S., China, and four other countries’ top 10 answers included Pokémon, military leaders, and adult film actresses.
Common sense will actually keep you pretty safe when navigating the “etiquette minefield” of a job interview in Japan.
Seiji Nakazawa, our Osaka-raised correspondent, shares what he thinks the region-based criteria are for ikemen in Japan’s two major cites.
Bold innovation isn’t motivated by ecological concerns, but a desire to preserve a part of Japanese agricultural heritage.




















Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Man arrested in Tokyo after allegedly luring foreign tourists into shady Kabukicho establishments
7-Eleven Japan reimagines the fruit sando with new chocolate bread version
Japanese recipe for Tempura Twinkies takes America’s favourite snack to a whole new level
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Studio Ghibli calendar figures are back, look amazing whether you check the date or not[Photos]
Burger King Japan goes viral for its new Big Mouth Dirty, but is it really worth the hype?
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Tokyo revises accommodation tax amidst tourism boom, Airbnb rentals now included
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Tochigi man shares his family’s process for creating 16 years worth of rice paddy art
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Studio Ghibli calendar figures are back, look amazing whether you check the date or not[Photos]
Burger King Japan goes viral for its new Big Mouth Dirty, but is it really worth the hype?
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else
Shizuoka police inspector punished for playing crane games on duty
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views
Shake Shack has five regional shakes hiding on the menu in Japan, and here’s how to find them
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Survey shows foreigners’ desire to work in Japan long-term dropping, but that’s not the whole story
Mister Donut becomes “Mrs. Donut” for sweet new Mrs. Green Apple collaboration
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Studio Ghibli brings anime characters to the table with new Totoro placemat that’s like a movie cell