Hello Kitty dons yet another hat by becoming a member of one of Japan’s most popular idol groups.
idol groups
Instinctively chasing down idols may be acceptable in fans’ eyes, but not so in everyone else’s.
Scathing comments from Japanese and Korean netizens spark heated debate between the two pop cultures.
Handsome miner dummies take the mannequin challenge to new heights with a catchy new music video that’s winning over fans around the country.
If there was an award for most male-on-male kisses in a mainstream music video, this idol group would take home first prize.
Hugely popular idol group AKB48 was founded on the premise of “idols you can meet” and over the years they’ve stuck to it, hosting numerous handshake and meet-and-greet events on top of their live shows and performances at their own special theatre. Sadly, that open, accommodating fan policy was jeopardised last year when two members of the group were viciously attacked at a handshake event by a crazed “fan” wielding a hand saw.
Luckily, the girls weren’t too seriously injured, but the incident shook the entertainment industry and led to increased security measures being implemented at celebrity events, and it was reported yesterday that the individual responsible for the attack has been sentenced to six years in prison.








Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Fading Tokyo – Horikiri Station, the Arakawa River, and Kinpachi-sensei[Walking course]
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
This lucky bag of anime models is also a decades-long history lesson for our mecha newbie
Marvel Age of Heroes Exhibition opens in Tokyo, and we stop by to experience the heroic display
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
This lucky bag of anime models is also a decades-long history lesson for our mecha newbie
Marvel Age of Heroes Exhibition opens in Tokyo, and we stop by to experience the heroic display
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]