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.







Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro tenugui anime art for the rainy season in Japan
Crazy new Pokémon chair makes no secret of your pure love for Poison-Type Gengar【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases cute new zodiac goods for Year of the Rabbit
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro tenugui anime art for the rainy season in Japan
Crazy new Pokémon chair makes no secret of your pure love for Poison-Type Gengar【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases cute new zodiac goods for Year of the Rabbit
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
What’s the rule for where to put strollers on Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains?
Super Mario Bros. is actually a three-person co-op game, as long as you play it like this【Video】