Fire up your city pop playlist for a visit to Asakusa’s legendary Marubell, where the ’80s never totally went away.
idol singers (Page 4)
Last remaining member of original group of 20 founding idols announces graduation, says she “still loves AKB48.”
Banker asks fan why he needs the extra cash, struggles to process the idol-loving response.
She used to be affiliated with AKB48, Japan’s biggest idol group, but now ramen fans are the ones singing about her amazing noodles.
Reika Saiki is here to evolve traditional kawaii cuteness into a new form: mukikawa.
Noodle joint takes a page from the idol singer industry.
A heartbreaking gesture of kindness for a woman in an industry that often doesn’t treat its performers like people.
Light displays, idol dances, motivational speeches, celebrity appearances–you name it, they’ve got it.
NGT48 shakeup comes after months of scandal.
NGT48 members says she was told that if she didn’t apologize, another idol would be made to read a letter of apology for her.
Idol group’s newest song is its 36th million-seller in a row, but a recent change may mean it’s leaving a ton of money on the table.
Event will be skipped for the first time in 10 years, leaving fans to find some other way to throw money at their favorite idol units.
Graduating from Japan’s biggest idol group means liberation from its no-romance clause, and this former member has now found the love of her life.
Group recommends pouring some into your own tub to make it feel like you’re taking a bath together with the idols.
As NGT48 announces new concerts, Maho Yamaguchi and three others seem to be distancing themselves from the unit.












Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Shohei Otomo brings the gritty side of Japan to vivid life with a mere ballpoint pen
A chance to experience what goes into making Japan’s Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
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
A chance to experience what goes into making Japan’s Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
New Era combines with old eras for amazing hat collection based on Japanese painting masterpieces
We eat fugu pufferfish semen at a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Japanese beauty trends of the 20th & 21st centuries, and predicting future fashions
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Kawaii concrete? Japanese retailer selling cuddly tetrapods for a limited time only
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet