No more heavy ball baskets or stacks of cash, but the same ol’ sensory rush with a modern flair.
gambling
Gambling regularly tops lists of unattractive behaviors in Japan, so how did one of the country’s most notable hobbies surpass it?
If this was a spam advert, we’d have to say something along the lines of “local gambling enthusiasts are furious!”
“I had nothing else to do, so I went two to three times per week,” admitted one customer who had been arrested.
A popular pachinko place claims to be “following suggestions by city mayors“, but is what they’re doing helpful?
Japan’s most popular symbol of the beautiful game continues with his newfound love of gambling.
Steak, dollars and men with guns (somewhere probably); we have a Las Vegas-lite experience at a U.S. military casino in Okinawa.
A grim mortality rate for pachinko parlor management companies shines a light on the poor health of the industry.
”Preventative measures” sees visitors setting themselves back $75 before even stepping foot into the casino.
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Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
New Wet Rice Cracker Burger from Dom Dom breathes new life into a “miracle” snack
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
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Weekly
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Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]- The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]- Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Monthly
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
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99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
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Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it?
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
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