Allowing for female succession would require changes to law and over a thousand years of cultural tradition.
Emperor
The complex in Tokyo’s Chiyoda ward, which serves as a home for Japan’s royalty, is almost three decades old.
The emperor hopes to support efforts to eliminate child poverty and organizations that aid those affected by disasters.
Now’s your last chance to see structures that can’t be seen again until the ascension of the next emperor.
The Nara Hotel offers royal-class hospitality, but right now you won’t have to pay a king’s ransom to experience it.
Teenage girl’s Tik Tok video goes viral after she spots Emperor Naruhito on the royal train.
New emperor’s rainy enthronement ceremony takes place at Imperial Palace while the sword’s regular home experiences blue skies and sunshine.
Emperor Naruhito looks back on emperors of the past before turning his eyes to the nation’s future.
Listen to this video, and you’ll swear one of the greatest pieces of video game music was secretly a prophecy that took 32 years to come true.
The new era name doesn’t have any of the kanji characters for “Shinzo Abe,” but some people saw the politician’s name all the same.
Prime Minister explains rationale behind decision and compares people of Japan to flowers, but not cherry blossoms.


















10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
All aboard Japan’s crazy pro wrestling and electronic dance music trains! 【Videos】
The five least stressful jobs, as ranked by Japanese working people
We make French toast from castella cake, and it’s absolutely yums!【RocketKitchen】
Ramen restaurant in Tokyo offers discount to customers who order ramen with no noodles
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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 considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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】
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
All aboard Japan’s crazy pro wrestling and electronic dance music trains! 【Videos】
The five least stressful jobs, as ranked by Japanese working people
We make French toast from castella cake, and it’s absolutely yums!【RocketKitchen】
Ramen restaurant in Tokyo offers discount to customers who order ramen with no noodles
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
10 great autumn Japan travel spots for fall colors and retro atmosphere【Survey】
Criminals of Japan’s Edo Period Were Often Punished by Getting Face Tattoos
Japan’s “workstyle reforms” are actually making managers’ jobs a lot harder【Survey】
Is work more important to Japanese salarymen than their girlfriends? Survey investigates
“The best curry I’ve ever had in my life, ever” comes from a Tokyo curry vending machine
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch