Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
high score
Ever since the 2007 documentary film The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters, the world record score for 1980s arcade hit Donkey Kong has been kind of a big deal. For years, the existing record seemed nigh-on unbeatable, with players pouring their hearts, souls, and stacks of quarters into ageing arcade machines in the name of claiming the title for themselves.
But now there’s a new score to beat, and it comes from a relative newcomer, no less.
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Pizza Hut now sells curry pizza in Japan
The 3 best secret places to eat a cheap One Coin lunch in Shinjuku
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Dr Pepper knockoff Mr Popper is a cult drink in Japan, but does it taste like the real thing?
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Japan’s largest online resale site banning scalper sales of McDonald’s new anime Happy Meal toys
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey showsStarbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at homeMt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbersJapan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful gardenThe average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey showsJapan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visaJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Dr Pepper knockoff Mr Popper is a cult drink in Japan, but does it taste like the real thing?
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Japan’s largest online resale site banning scalper sales of McDonald’s new anime Happy Meal toys
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Naked woman runs through one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations, police say she’s not a criminal
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?