Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
global peace index
It seems like Japan is winning at everything these days, first with being selected to host the 2020 Olympic Games, then with Tokyo being chosen as the safest city in the world (and Osaka a close third!). Now, Japan has been ranked by the Global Peace Index (GPI) as having one of the top 15 least violent armed forces in the world. Did your country make the list too? Check after the jump to find out!
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Pizza Hut Japan’s new ie-kei ramen pizza is here and weird, but is it tasty too? [Taste test]
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Boro the Caterpillar anime now showing at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo 【SoraReview】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
We went to a Japanese restaurant in Italy, ate green sushi, learned a lesson about taking it easy
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizzaStudio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to localsNine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Boro the Caterpillar anime now showing at the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo 【SoraReview】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
We went to a Japanese restaurant in Italy, ate green sushi, learned a lesson about taking it easy
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Japan’s elementary school backpacks grow up with new high-class randoseru for adults
Hayao Miyazaki’s final TV anime gets popup shop in Tokyo opening this summer
Japan’s Fake Black Stockings offer sheer looks and winter-cold protection
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Burger King Japan’s Ugly Burgers go head-to-head in a battle for flavour
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Chance to play Tetris on a massive staircase in Kyoto Station coming in March
Starbucks Japan’s Cream Puff Frappuccino is here! Did it make Friday the 13th lucky? [Taste test]