futuristic
The only problem is that it looks like a killing machine compared to domestic robot Pepper.
Japan is well-known for its packed commuter trains. For decades, smartly dressed men and women have shuffled wordlessly into train cars each morning, all painfully aware that they will soon be getting up-close and personal with total strangers and have nowhere to run, hide, or even breathe freely until their stop. Glove-wearing station staff pack passengers in as tightly as they’ll go without them popping out the other side, each firm shove accompanied by a polite word or phrase thanking passengers for moving all the way inside the car or warning them to keep their various appendages clear of the (just barely) closing doors.
But earlier today, Japan was given a glimpse of a much more civilised, luxuriant commuting experience that may soon put an end to these sardine-can shenanigans. Better yet, this logistical revolution is coming soon: not twelve months from now, commuters will be able to zip into Tokyo in style, lying back in comfortable faux-leather chairs inside sleek, aerodynamic private pods that resemble something out of Minority Report.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the next generation of luxury travel, and its name is Kosoku.











We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
Godzilla and Gap Japan team up for kaiju casual fashion collection【Photos】
Majority of Japanese men say they feel some discomfort seeing female janitors in men’s restrooms
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
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
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Tokyo station platform to transform into sake bar with hot drinks, hot oden, and hot kotatsu
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Your Name’s animated storyboards show anime phenomenon like you’ve never seen it before【Video】
Sanrio lucky bag gives you cute My Melody and Kumori merch, all your money back in burgers coupons
A taste of Japanese curry usually only sold overseas, at Tokyo’s Curry House CoCo Ichibanya World
Taste-testing Japan’s three biggest convenience stores store-brand cup ramen【Taste test】
Veggie Sushi Will Win Over All Your Senses in the End
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school