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.
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Today
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Weekly
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines- Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
- Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan- Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir- Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
- Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
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- Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
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]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- 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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Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli’s new moving keychains are the angry, adorable bugs from Nausicaa [Photos]
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Japanese curry rice burger gets all the attention in Mos Burger’s new birthday celebration campaign
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Mos Burger opens Mosh Burger ＆ Bar in Ginza, but is it fated to be a short-lived sensation?
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