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.







A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 3) — The ultimate breakfast? Try $45 rice porridge at a 400-year-old restaurant
Shimane’s hidden travel sites, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy traditional Japan
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Bread, noodles, and rice. We try ALL THE CARBS together with interesting results 【Rocket Kitchen】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
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
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 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
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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
Enjoy Kyoto (Part 3) — The ultimate breakfast? Try $45 rice porridge at a 400-year-old restaurant
Shimane’s hidden travel sites, where you can escape the crowds and enjoy traditional Japan
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Bread, noodles, and rice. We try ALL THE CARBS together with interesting results 【Rocket Kitchen】
How should you use the small hiroen in a Japanese ryokan hotel room?
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s top 10 food travel destination prefectures【Survey】
Japanese art reference book is all about panty poses, promises to have you drawing undies ASAP
Perfectly recreated 1960s Japanese apartment lets museum visitors go back to mid-Showa era【Pics】
We visit Starbucks location in Japan that’s been called the most beautiful in the world
The one and only master of train station packing-tape calligraphy shares his story and inspiration