cute
![Japanese scientists developing cute, autonomously swarming robo dogs for anti-bear patrols [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/2_4a9778.jpg?w=640 "Japanese scientists developing cute, autonomously swarming robo dogs for anti-bear patrols [Video]")
![Japan’s Pokémon donuts are back at Mister Donut, with Slowpoke making dount debut! [Pics]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/4_5c11b2.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s Pokémon donuts are back at Mister Donut, with Slowpoke making dount debut! [Pics]")
![There are goats spending every day in downtown Tokyo, but why? [Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/21_cb48c2.jpg?w=640 "There are goats spending every day in downtown Tokyo, but why? [Photos]")
Totoro and the Catbus are ready to help you get started on wishing for good luck and happiness even before we get to nengajo season.
Finished with a Totoro netsuke that combines anime charm with centuries of Japanese tradition.
![Video released of Pikachu’s real-world trip to space! [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/10/3_e8712d.jpg?w=640 "Video released of Pikachu’s real-world trip to space! [Video]")
Face of the Pokémon franchise hitches a ride to the International Space Station as part of European Space Agency mission.
![Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/4_b1ea82.jpg?w=640 "Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]")
Unlikely friendships form across anime movie borders with this new range of soft plush toys.
Shared spirit of adventure leads to team-up between Pokémon franchise ahead of World Space Week.
The mysterious god even has a moving mouth, to eat the tasty anime meals on the note pads.
![Fox spotted in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Japanese Internet wonders if it’s a shapeshifting spirit [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/09/0_7898fd.jpg?w=640 "Fox spotted in Tokyo’s 23 wards, Japanese Internet wonders if it’s a shapeshifting spirit [Video]")
Foxes rarely venture this close to the Tokyo city center…unless kitsune spirits are here all the time.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Evangelion announces collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe
Life-size Monster Hunter dragon statues to be built at Japanese shopping mall
Modern exosuits are opening up ancient Japanese castle climbs to everyone
Studio Ghibli homeware brand’s faux oil lamp brings light, smiles, and Kiki’s Jiji to your home
Cold Stone is closing its final branch in all of east Japan, but it’s going down singing
Hello Kitty cuts ties with hit Japanese spy drama Vivant over torture scenes
Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Burger King Japan shuns Shibuya Halloween spirit, but keeps it alive everywhere else
Real-world Legend of Zelda treasures, Heart Container lights and Ruppe pouches, coming soon [Pics]
Weekly
Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
One simple unexpected recipe swap will make your Japanese-style omelets extra fluffy and juicy
Fishing information website for Susaki, Japan, hit by data leak, all 3 users affected- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Modern exosuits are opening up ancient Japanese castle climbs to everyone
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful soft serve ice creams is also one of its trickiest to find [Photos]
This Tokyo snack shop can send your taste buds on a trip around Japan for just 1,000 yen
10 of the nicest celebrities we’ve met in Japan over the years- Studio Ghibli homeware brand’s faux oil lamp brings light, smiles, and Kiki’s Jiji to your home
Monthly
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]- Chainsaw robots helping keep trains running safely in east Japan [Video]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Yearly
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Hello Kitty cuts ties with hit Japanese spy drama Vivant over torture scenes
Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Burger King Japan shuns Shibuya Halloween spirit, but keeps it alive everywhere else
Real-world Legend of Zelda treasures, Heart Container lights and Ruppe pouches, coming soon [Pics]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises
Japanese government still lists refusing to pay for dates as a form of domestic violence
Japanese snack lovers may soon be spore-ting the latest crowdfunded confectionery tech
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
New Tokyo facility promises to make you feel reborn, time in the womb and all [Photos]
Japan’s super cute tanuki bread skips tricks, promises to be treat for your eyes and taste buds
Fishing information website for Susaki, Japan, hit by data leak, all 3 users affected
Ikea Japan stopped selling soft serve ice cream?! We try what they’re now selling instead
Cup Noodle launching “isekai” crossover line featuring flavors from outside instant ramen world
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