Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably had a happoshu (発泡酒）or “low-malt beer-like beverage” if you’ve ever had a night out in Japan.
The taste of a typical happoshu can vary from “pretty close to the real thing” to “yes, this is definitely weasel urine.” Going into a convenience store and blindly grabbing a beer can is thus a bit of a gamble in Japan, so, ever the masculine, barrel-chested and dashingly handsome role model father to our readers, we’ve done the work for you and chosen the five happoshu brands that are worth your time:
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Cat crashes through sliding paper door and right into the internet’s heart 【Pics】
Can you use the fluctuating exchange rate and Japan’s weak yen to make some money? We find out
Japan has eggs that smell and taste like yuzu citrus fruit, and they’re amazing!
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
Japan’s new luxury overnight bus is the conveniently classy way to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Cafe next to Tokyo Station offers all-you-can-eat tarts, and Mr. Sato is ready for his desserts
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Starbucks Japan quietly slips fans another Christmas present with Joyful Medley Strawberry Milk Tea
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
Japan’s new luxury overnight bus is the conveniently classy way to get from Tokyo to Osaka
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Cafe next to Tokyo Station offers all-you-can-eat tarts, and Mr. Sato is ready for his desserts
AKB48 and Nogizaka46 songs to be played as subway train departure melodies in Tokyo
Spirited Away bathhouse spirits steal the spotlight in new Studio Ghibli finger puppet collection
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 2)
What does a Japanese local think of the Uobei conveyor belt sushi restaurant?
7-Eleven Japan now has two tiers of salmon rice balls, but is the new, cheaper one any good?【Taste test】
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto