Today, we present five phases Western expats go through, from arriving fresh off the boat to thinking about retirement, when living in Japan.
Japan (Page 6)
Time may have changed him, but we still have these nostalgic photos of how music legend David Bowie used to be.
Japan may be an awesome country, but for some Japanese people who’ve experienced life abroad, it’s just not for them anymore. Here are five reasons why.
New business model aims for US$855 million in profits in several years.
Built with wooden frames and light materials, the majority of Japanese homes are torn down and rebuilt from scratch once they begin to age. But one architect in Chiba had a slightly different idea…
Even if you haven’t caught Star Wars: The Force Awakens yet, you’ve probably heard about Commander of the First Order Kylo Ren. And his temper…
And just like that, 2015 was no more! It’s now January 1 all the way across Asia, which means it’s officially the Year of Monkey! Happy New Year, everyone!
We’ll be putting our feet up for the rest of today, but we promise we’ll be back tomorrow with more of the news, cuteness, cats, food, fukubukuro, Mr Sato and all the weird and wonderful stuff from Japan and Asia that you know—and hopefully love—us for.
Thank you for continuing to visit our site, share our stories and follow us on Twitter and Facebook (281K and counting!!), and for helping us to grow and grow. 2015 was very good to us, but here’s hoping that 2016 will fill us all with the sprightly energy of a whole mess of merry monkeys and that we can continue to make our little site even better—although hopefully without any poo-slinging.
Stay tuned, Rocketeers, and have yourselves a great New Year’s Day!
Ice cream taster; sleep research participant; full-time sperm donor. There are few jobs that could ever be described as truly enjoyable, but playing with an adorable panda cub is probably one of them.
When a reporter for popular social news site BuzzFeed ate at Ramen Jiro recently, Japan’s netizens had plenty to say about it!
We asked Japanese people to tell us the things foreigners say or think about Japan that really gets their goat—and they were happy to oblige! How many of these faux pas are you guilty of?
Amerika. Itaria. Kanada. The majority of countries are known in Japan by names that sound vaguely similar to their native monikers. So why on earth do the Japanese call the UK ‘Igirisu‘?
On November 28, the results of Japan’s first national survey about attitudes toward gay marriage were revealed. What kind of image did they paint of the people of Japan?
We all love candy, don’t we? But how would you feel about candy that, rather than tasting like peaches and cream, tastes like pork stock ramen soup?


















Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Onigiri in Paris: Small lunch shop brings traditional Japanese rice balls to France
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
The Grind, the Tornado, and the Samurai – Video explains how to use Japanese toilet bidets【Video】
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Adorable New “Pokemomo” Brand Goods Coming to Pokemon Center Stores Across Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
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】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 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】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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
The Grind, the Tornado, and the Samurai – Video explains how to use Japanese toilet bidets【Video】
Which Japanese beef bowl chain’s near-identical demon grater onioroshi ponzu gyudon is the best?
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Adorable New “Pokemomo” Brand Goods Coming to Pokemon Center Stores Across Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
South Korean design company turns subway maps into beautiful artwork you can hang on your wall
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 kanji with ironic meanings【Weird Top Five】
Japanese women asked what best job for a husband is, may be looking for romantic-comedy lead