fetish
Passersby were shocked to see the man surrounded by women with cameras at the side of the street.
When I left England for Japan in 2011, I received a card from four schoolfriends of mine. “Keep in touch!” the girls had written. “Have a great time!” The one guy in the group had a slightly different message for me: “Enjoy the tentacle rape porn!”
While for many, Japan evokes imagery of ancient temples, plates of sushi, and Shinkansen, it is also known as the land of crazy weird sex stuff. (Tentacle erotica, by the way, is much older and, I might add, much rarer than you might think). So when we stumbled across (I know, right! I can’t remember what we were looking for in the first place, either!) a Japanese blog post about surprising sexual fetishes, we knew it was worth sharing.
“What’s your fetish? An introduction to the fetishes you won’t believe exist” runs the title of the list, compiled by 26-year-old Japanese NEET Nura Hikaru. We bring you our top three, plus a few bonus ideas for good measure.
Just when you thought it was safe to delve into the back of your boyfriend’s closet, the hizamakura is back!
Literally translated as “lap pillow,” hizamakura — cushions designed to look like the tender thighs of a woman – were a huge hit about 10 years ago and were splashed all over Western websites and magazines alongside phrases such as “weird Japan”, with many articles asking whether the country’s men were really so lacking in social skills that they were forced to buy such products. In truth, many were purchased as gag items as the trend grew, but as their popularity faded hizamakura soon became associated more with otaku nerd culture and became a much less common sight.
Reports suggest, however, that a new line of lap pillows going on sale at Tokyo’s Narita Airport are bringing the trend back and they’re selling better than ever.




7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Sailor Moon lingerie sets are back, and this time they brought all their friends!
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Starbucks Japan’s Lucky Bag #3: A fukubukuro surprise we weren’t expecting
Family Mart releases a fukubukuro lucky bag packed with cool Convenience Wear
What’s in the KFC Japan fukubukuro lucky bag?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
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
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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
Sailor Moon lingerie sets are back, and this time they brought all their friends!
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Starbucks Japan’s Lucky Bag #3: A fukubukuro surprise we weren’t expecting
Family Mart releases a fukubukuro lucky bag packed with cool Convenience Wear
What’s in the KFC Japan fukubukuro lucky bag?
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
The Häagen-Dazs Japan fukubukuro lucky bag is filled with…ice creams from 2023
All-you-can-eat oboro tofu restaurant in Kyoto is a guilt-free experience
Is the Krispy Kreme fukubukuro lucky bag in Japan good value for money?
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
New retro museum in Tokyo is like a time portal back to the Showa era【Photos】
Starbucks Japan reveals this year’s lucky bag bundle, pre-order lottery opens tomorrow
Ikea Japan’s matcha sweets fair is back, and with all-new green tea desserts!
Japan’s new canned chu-hai with fresh lemon slice: disappointing gimmick or drink revelation?