gacha gacha
We crack open an overwhelming batch of toys–from the charming to the wacky–in which there’s gotta be something for everyone.
Who needs a boring coin purse when you can surprise shoppers at the cash register by popping the lid on your miniature rice cooker?
Got some leftover change after a day of pop culture treasure-hunting? Then this JR station has a vending machine you’ll want to check out.
A shadowy organisation wreathed in mystery and the basis of a thousand and one conspiracy theories, now with collectibles!
They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so we decided to test that theory at the Japanese pop culture expo.




















Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
We tried super spicy wasabi ramen and yakisoba that’s rumored to make anyone cry【Taste Test】
You Can Have Your Very Own Whale Party on iPhone Messages In Just a Few Simple Steps
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
The mystery destination of the SoraNews24 end-of-year party left us speechless
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
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
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
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】
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
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
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
The mystery destination of the SoraNews24 end-of-year party left us speechless
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
Anime’s Tetsuwan Atom/Astro Boy shows up on a pedestrian walk signal in Japan
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Our reporter successfully quits high-stakes capsule machines… but this one feels like a lock!