high school
Plus some surprising extra requirements, like having to say “thank you” at least 10 times a day.
Students let a local agricultural product shine by partnering with a 215-year-old sweets maker for a new take on a classic Japanese treat.
From covers of classics to altogether newer songs, these are the melodies that Japanese youth associate with graduation in this current Reiwa age.
The lower-than-usual number of students points to both population-based and educational trends reflective of many other areas of the country.
We take a closer look at some of the entries selected by Gen Z and Gen Alpha Japanese schoolgirls and suddenly feel very old.
Number of high schoolers who’ve kissed or lost their virginity drops to half of early-2000s peak.
Board of Education doesn’t want students to be penalized for times when missing school is necessary.
Even public high schools charge tuition in Japan, but that’s going to be ending soon in the nation’s largest city.
Starting next spring, going to school is going to mean going to Shibuya to play games for some Tokyo teens.
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Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
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Osaka’s amazing budget-luxury hotel has free takoyaki, craft beer, and comedy shows
US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
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New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
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Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
Bear spotted near most popular hiking trail on Tokyo’s most popular hiking mountain- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports- Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Tokyo’s Square Burger claims it’s a viral hit with foreign tourists who’ve given it near-perfect Google reviews
Monthly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Yearly
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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Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
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Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Bear found on Japanese fishing boat, escapes into the sea
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
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Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Final Fantasy VII’s Buster Sword gets real-world practicality as a giant towel [Photos]
Black bear in Sendai becoming proficient with the three-section staff
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
This Shinjuku capsule hotel offers a capsule, a fancy bath, and a sauna for about 3,000 yen per night
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