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.








Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Beyond fruit sandwiches — Japan has cake sandwiches too!【Taste test】
Baskin-Robbins teams up with Japan’s oldest department store for brand-new traditional ice cream flavor
Japan’s mini VHS anime home video replicas are the newest blast of capsule toy nostalgia【Pics】
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
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
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo releases exclusive Christmas goods in Japan
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
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Beyond fruit sandwiches — Japan has cake sandwiches too!【Taste test】
Baskin-Robbins teams up with Japan’s oldest department store for brand-new traditional ice cream flavor
Japan’s mini VHS anime home video replicas are the newest blast of capsule toy nostalgia【Pics】
Permanent Sailor Moon stage show theater announced for Tokyo
Hello Kitty and twin sister celebrate birthday at Baskin-Robbins Japan with special merch, sweets
Tokyo’s hidden mall serves up Japan’s best regional ice creams
New “health care” app will measure woman’s cup size if she puts a smartphone between her breasts
Japanese gyaru-turned-mom is more concerned with making her son a gentleman than a scholar
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train will start offering wider seats, but will charge more for them too
18-year-old man stabbed to death for protesting a car blasting loud music in Kamakura