Super snazzy samurai armor-wearing teddy bears will be ready for your next Children’s Day display!
helmet
These sleek ornaments are perfect for a history buff interested in legendary warriors of the Sengoku period of Japanese history.
Westerners who come to Japan may be taken aback by the sheer numbers of bicycles in use in cities. Equally impressive is the degree to which people load their bicycles with shopping bags, children, boyfriends, and/or garbage bags full of aluminum cans for recycling. And yet, with all this, it’s a rare sight to see anyone besides tiny kids wearing a helmet.
Ehime Prefecture, known for its scenic bike paths and wide use of bicycles for commuting, is hoping to change that by enacting a law instructing cyclists of all ages to wear a helmet, or else.
It’s well known that within every Disney Park, small Mickeys are hidden throughout the grounds. If you look close enough, Mickey Mouse seems to be everywhere; on buildings, carpets, and even the vehicle speakers on Space Mountain.
But you would never expect Mickey to be hidden on a helmet used by ancient Japanese warriors and samurai. You also wouldn’t expect it to be made of silver and cost a staggering 250,000 yen (US $2,697).




7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
Edible 10-yen coins become a hot new trend in Tokyo【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
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】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
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
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
Edible 10-yen coins become a hot new trend in Tokyo【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Pikachu kisses his audience in Pokémon XY anime opening, gives glimpse of another dimension
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school