Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
early
Despite Japanese news programmes just this morning stating that North Korea would likely delay the launch of its “long-range rocket” until the end of the month, South Korean news sources have revealed that the launch went ahead earlier today at around 9:50 a.m. Japan Standard Time.
Debris from the rocket is believed to have fallen into the sea between South Korea and China, with additional parts crashing down close to the Philippines.
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Japan’s first-ever wanko soba conveyor belt restaurant opens in Tokyo
Saitama women arrested for dueling
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goalRamen 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.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 branchesOur 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 requirementsRamen 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
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】
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
Survey says osechi New Year’s food differs according to each region in Japan
Pokémon fan chef’s Psyduck sweets are so cute they’re making our head hurt【Photos/Video】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Udonuts: Doughnuts containing udon noodles become a thing in Japan
Anime girl virtual YouTuber unmasked as middle-age male otaku, loses some fans, gains others【Vid】