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?
While there is nothing “American diner” about Denny’s in Japan, the well-known family restaurant chain is going all-out Japanese with its new location in Tochigi Prefecture.
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Today
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Suspected Japanese ice cream cartel under investigation for price-fixing
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
Pokémon coming to Japan’s highway rest stops with exclusive merch and stamp rally this summer
Weekly
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
- Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Monthly
- New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Yearly
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
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Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Suspected Japanese ice cream cartel under investigation for price-fixing
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
All-you-can-eat cheese restaurant in Tokyo is a hidden gem not many people know about
Pokémon coming to Japan’s highway rest stops with exclusive merch and stamp rally this summer
New adorable Osaka foodie destination, Chiikawa Bakery Osaka, opening soon with crazy ramen bread
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Studio Ghibli releases new anime character fans to keep fans looking and feeling cool this summer
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Tokyo has a cafe that prohibits talking inside, and here’s why it’s awesome
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Studio Ghibli turns anime characters into “Friendly Bags” for merchandise range in Japan
100-meter tall Hello Kitty artwork appearing on Japanese Ferris wheel, jumbo Pompompurin nearby
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