horse racing
The hit video game/anime’s Haru Urara is a real horse, and fans have found a way to show their love for their heroine who never gave up.
If this was a spam advert, we’d have to say something along the lines of “local gambling enthusiasts are furious!”
Japan’s most popular symbol of the beautiful game continues with his newfound love of gambling.
With laser-blast-firing sumo wrestlers on horses, Japan Sumo Derby was one of the best things we’ve seen this year. So, how can it be topped? With Street Fighter characters!
Aside from having particularly large members of the animal kingdom as their stars, sumo wrestling and horse racing don’t have a whole lot in common. But the sport of kings and the sport of heavy, scantily clad men are teaming up in a cross-promotion that’s bizarre even by the standards of Japanese marketing, with Japan Sumo Derby, a free-to-play browser game filled with sumo wrestlers riding famous Japanese race horses.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
All-you-can-eat lunch buffet for just 850 yen right next to Shinjuku Station
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
“25 Potential Culture Shocks from around the World” infographic offers tidbits of travel wisdom
Japanese teen offers to catch purse snatcher for elderly woman, but is actually helping rob her
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Japanese magazine’s checklist for the ideal girl has a whopping 23 points
We travel to Yamanashi to try the water cake that disappears in 30 minutes!【Taste Test】
Sushi from a vending machine — would you try it? Mr. Sato did
Weekly
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away- Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Monthly
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- Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
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
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese teen offers to catch purse snatcher for elderly woman, but is actually helping rob her
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Japanese magazine’s checklist for the ideal girl has a whopping 23 points
We travel to Yamanashi to try the water cake that disappears in 30 minutes!【Taste Test】
Sushi from a vending machine — would you try it? Mr. Sato did
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Japan’s amazing egg sandwiches sold from self-serve roadside fridges have an inspiring backstory
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Super-expensive capsule toys – Trying out Japan’s Premium Gachapon machine【Photos】
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Japanese automaker Suzuki now makes instant curry, but does it rev our foodie engines?【Taste test】
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Dodger Stadium takoyaki comes to 7-Eleven for a limited time【Taste Test】
What does “Konnichiwa” really mean? Understanding Japanese greetings
-
