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.
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Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
One-of-a-kind Osaka-themed Uniqlo Shinsaibashi opens
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Number of foreigners working in Japan hits all-time high, 25 percent come from same country
Weekly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
- Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Yearly
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】
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Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
One-of-a-kind Osaka-themed Uniqlo Shinsaibashi opens
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Number of foreigners working in Japan hits all-time high, 25 percent come from same country
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Japanese train driver and conductor duo melt hearts with behind-the-scenes friendship【Video】
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
We visit the 24-hour male-only sauna just outside of Hakata Station and ponder a strange sight
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
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