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.




Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ASMR ice cream called “Rocky Crunchy!”
Sushi Push Pops aiming to be Japan’s newest sakura season snack sensation
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Sushi key cover capsule toys remind you of Japan’s oft-forgotten delicious oshizushi at each push
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
7-Eleven Japan’s “Paper Tiger” sandwich sparks online controversy over deceptive packaging
Awesome-looking Japanese whiskey maker’s snack recipe requires no booze, almost no effort【Photos】
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
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
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
Sushi key cover capsule toys remind you of Japan’s oft-forgotten delicious oshizushi at each push
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
7-Eleven Japan’s “Paper Tiger” sandwich sparks online controversy over deceptive packaging
Awesome-looking Japanese whiskey maker’s snack recipe requires no booze, almost no effort【Photos】
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
We tried eating a raw “mizu nasu” eggplant, and it tastes like a weird fruit【Taste Test】
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo’s Kabukicho is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Building the crazy-detailed PlayStation model is a surprisingly emotional trip down memory lane
For-foreigners stamp rally begins in Akihabara, gives prizes for walking the otaku neighborhood
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026