game arcade
Japanese UFO catchers give the best prizes – if you’re talented or lucky enough to grab them. (Personally, I think it’s all about luck because after many hours and probably hundreds of yen down the drain, I’m still not any better at winning.) But the euphoria of a win is usually quickly forgotten, and you’re left with one more piece of tat to cram into your room. So what about if UFO catchers actually dished out useful goodies? Wouldn’t that be a real win-win situation?!
In case you hadn’t heard, F1 racing has come to Japan this weekend, and people are excited! Couple the race with a three-day weekend, and you can believe that a ton of people are heading out to Mie Prefecture to catch the big event. Though not quite as popular as soccer or baseball, it’s impossible to deny the draw the motorsport has in the country.
It also means all of the non-Japanese drivers are checking out some of the local culture. Like Red Bull Racing team driver Sebastian Vettel, who made a stop in Tokyo that has become a big hit online thanks to a video showing the German checking out a Japanese game arcade and trying his hand(s) at arcade Mario Kart!
Now, the million dollar question is: Do his real-world driving skills translate to a big win in the game world??



How to get your money’s worth at an all-you-can-eat crepe challenge in Japan
Bad tourist manners at Mt Fuji Lawson photo spot prompts Japanese town to block view with screens
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Chinese dude bags super hot Ukrainian wife, generates major envy online
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
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
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
“Bear” voted Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2025 in extremely close race
Majority of surveyed Japanese workers have dated a coworker, over 20 percent their boss or senpai
Takoyaki store in Osaka becomes a hot topic on Reddit, but is it any good?
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
How to turn your leftover instant ramen broth into delicious chawanmushi Japanese egg custard