Critics said “Maruta Shiga” was a reference to human experimentation during World War II, but some see the same problem in his new name.
history (Page 12)
Critics say “Maruta Shiga” is a reference to human experimentation in Japan-occupied China.
Legendary blade is a an official natural treasure, and presented in a uniquely beautiful way.
Two of Japan’s most beautiful blades are said to be linked at birth, but a closer look makes some scholars think twice.
One of Japan’s best katana-collection museums recreates its swords in miniature form for you to cut up your desserts with.
Will our UFO-chasing reporter finally get the answers he’s been looking for since the alien encounter he says he had in high school?
Like the samurai lord who visited 400 years ago, we get beckoned to this suburban temple by its feline charm.
The Nara Hotel offers royal-class hospitality, but right now you won’t have to pay a king’s ransom to experience it.
Yes, but they can’t drink there…but not because it’s a rule. It’s just… Ahhh, just see for yourself.
Hidden sprinkler defense system activates to help protect beautiful traditional thatched-roof farmhouses.
Festival-goers sustain injuries, suffer broken bones at one of the most dangerous festivals in Japan.
New emperor’s rainy enthronement ceremony takes place at Imperial Palace while the sword’s regular home experiences blue skies and sunshine.
We’re back for another look at how the arms and armor of samurai developed, and this time we learn why they ditched their otachi for uchigatana.

















We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Become the “waifu” of your dreams with FaceRig’s Live2D module 【Video】
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Naked Run takes a confused grasp of streaking, puts it in a video game【Review】
SO…MANY…PIKACHUS!!! 2019’s Pikachu Outbreak takes over Yokohama with cuteness【Photos, video】
Japan’s Newest National Stadium Design is Decided, but is it the Best Choice?
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent