East Japan Railway Company
“Hands-Free” service lets Shinkansen travellers send their suitcases by bullet train without carrying them onboard.
![Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/ss-1-1.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]")
New bullet train goes into service next month with route connecting Tokyo and Tohoku region.
25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.
JR East’s easy-to-complete Pokémon stamp rally can only last as long as its card supply does.
The answer might depend on what kind of drink you reach for after a long day at the office.
Operational shift means no more unique station melodies on one Tokyo line, and more could follow.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Weekly
- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji- Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines- Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
- Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir- Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country- Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese curry shirts in honour of anime about the studio’s staff
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
-
