dolphins
Adorable houseplant is a relative of the hot dog cactus.
New Japanese film asks, “Who decides which animals are okay to eat and which animals aren’t?”
There’s a lot to look forward to in the Year of the Monkey—Here are just a few of the top Japan-related events you won’t want to miss in 2016!
Aren’t the words “free entry,” “costs nothing,” and “0 yen” exciting to hear? I think we can all agree that there’s nothing better than a good deal, especially when that deal happens to be completely, 100% free.
While attractions marked as free may set warning bells ringing for some people, Japan has plenty of high-quality, worthwhile places to visit that are such a blast, you actually wouldn’t mind paying money for admission—except that they really do cost absolutely nothing to enter!
International hacking group “Anonymous” has stated that it breached and shut down the official Wakayama Prefecture website earlier today as a taste of what may come should local fishermen continue to hunt dolphins. The prefecture is home to Taiji, the coastal town that shot to infamy in 2010 following an exposé in the film The Cove, which documented the mass slaughter of thousands of dolphins that takes place in the area each year.
For many, the word “dolphin” conjures up images of docile, intelligent creatures that are often considered to be the heroes of the sea, pushing stranded swimmers back to shore and fending off predatory sharks whenever they’re not skipping alongside boats and generally being cute. However researchers from St. Andrew’s University in the United Kingdom have released controversial information that suggests that this is far from the case, resulting in uproar among dolphin conservation groups who argue strongly that dolphins should be protected on account of their high IQs. The news has also shocked many dolphin lovers who regard the creatures as some of the most intelligent and sociable in the world.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Pay for guests’ transport? The many potential pitfalls in the Japanese wedding planning minefield
Where are all the beautiful women in Japan? Survey investigates
Which is the real winner of McDonald’s Japan v. America burger throwdown? Here’s our taste test!
Japanese government worried young adults aren’t drinking enough alcohol
Weekly
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Monthly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Yearly
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Pay for guests’ transport? The many potential pitfalls in the Japanese wedding planning minefield
Where are all the beautiful women in Japan? Survey investigates
Which is the real winner of McDonald’s Japan v. America burger throwdown? Here’s our taste test!
Japanese government worried young adults aren’t drinking enough alcohol
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Japanese high school student becomes Twitter sensation showing difference between time with boyfriend and friends
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Majority of surveyed Japanese workers have dated a coworker, over 20 percent their boss or senpai
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We hung out at one of Tokyo’s most popular pickup spots, drank our hearts out and met many men
-
