Five things our reporter noticed after moving from Tokyo’s safest area to its least safe one.
daily life
“How do I order food?!” and other good things to know if you’re visiting Japan this summer for the first time since before the start of the pandemic.
A while back, we shared a series of super-cute 8-bit GIFs created by talented Tumblr user 1041uuu which depict everyday scenes of life in Japan in a whimsically awesome, old-school way. Now we’re happy to report that the artist has been busy creating even more GIFs in the same great style!
Get ready for some super sweet moving pixel art!
Tao Liu has a knack for capturing split-second moments that reveal funny configurations or striking parallels, and embody the essence of the hectic and haphazard Chinese streets where he and countless others live and work.
His work has gone viral in China, and is now spreading across the world thanks to people sharing his images across the net. Street photography is about capturing poignant and fleeting points in time, which say something about the human condition, even if that something cannot be put into words, and Tao Liu’s photographs speak across languages and cultures.




Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
One in four Japanese women is now over 70
We try the new Dom Dom Burger with a whole fried crab — best fast food near Sensoji temple
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
When Totoro met Baymax, and other cool anime crossover T-shirts you can buy
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
We try the new Dom Dom Burger with a whole fried crab — best fast food near Sensoji temple
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
When Totoro met Baymax, and other cool anime crossover T-shirts you can buy
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Can you make KFC takikomi gohan in a rice cooker, and is it something worth eating?【SoraKitchen】
One Piece manga creator’s work schedule is absolutely insane
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Tokyo coffee master reveals easy trick to make instant coffee almost as good as fresh-brewed
Abysmal viewer ratings for Pokémon anime series does not worry its broadcaster the slightest bit
Tokyo pub explicitly soft-bans customers older than 39 from entering