You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
Did you know that July 4th was Pear Day and October 8th was Tofu Day? If you live in Japan, you may have seen special sales on Yakiniku (grilled meat) on August 29th, Yakiniku Day. Read More

Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Anime-style isekai story is actually an English-learning textbook from Japan’s public broadcaster
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Newest tool to help Japanese people learn English: An all-English isekai light novel
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Japanese people list 10 ingredients they never, ever want to find in their miso soup
A trip to the deadline cafe in Tokyo, where staff won’t let you leave until you’re done writing
Unko Museum to open in Okinawa with some exclusive crap
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Beautiful Totoro bento box mixes classic and modern symbols of Japan
Kagawa’s Udon Gummies are so hard to chew they come with warning labels
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Newest tool to help Japanese people learn English: An all-English isekai light novel
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Japanese people list 10 ingredients they never, ever want to find in their miso soup
A trip to the deadline cafe in Tokyo, where staff won’t let you leave until you’re done writing
Unko Museum to open in Okinawa with some exclusive crap
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
We try European Cup Noodle Soba flavors to see which ones come out on top 【Taste test】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Tokyo all-you-can-eat senbei deal is perfect for newbies to the world of beloved Japanese snacks
Tokyo has an all-you-can-eat cookie cafe, and the amazing deal costs less than 10 bucks
Studio Ghibli serves up anime characters on new lacquered trays
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection