Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
feel good stories
What a week, eh? Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement was announced, the creator of Attack on Titan has annoyed fans with his “poor” drawings, a massive boulder nearly smashed a car, and, worst of all, a freaking tornado ripped up a chunk of Japan! We sure could use some good, light-hearted news.
Well, how about this story of a man who donated 100,000 yen (US$1,000) to one of the elementary schools ravaged by the tornado…in one of the most unusual ways ever!
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
What’s inside Japan’s super-rare, super-popular Nara bread?
Turn a rainy forecast into a blast at the Naruto & Boruto Ninja Village May Rain Festival 2026
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Unique Starbucks in historic building is one of the most beautiful in JapanWisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutesJapan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful gardenJapan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese Godzilla looks set to attack New York in teaser for Godzilla Minus Zero[Video]
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Unique Starbucks in historic building is one of the most beautiful in Japan
McDonald’s Japan adds exclusive Hawaiian Burgers to its menu for a limited time
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Pringles Chocolate, but with a Japanese twist, is the snack hack you should be trying right now
Starbucks Japan goes retro with Purin A la Mode Pudding Frappuccino, kissaten coffeehouse items
Retro Japanese train is our new favourite office space
Cosplayers visiting Japan, this is your wonderland! Over 40 realistic backdrops in one place!
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success