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.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
It’s been raining in Tokyo for more than a month now, breaking a record at least 150 years old
Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses
Japanese eSports prodigy becomes youngest-ever gold medalist at Asian Games
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general public
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand- Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween- Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general public
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Here’s why you’ll never want to hit a hole-in-one in Japan
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
We spend a night at the Legoland Hotel (no assembly required)
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Japanese bookstore dares to be different with common-sense fix to weird industry hassle
Osaka’s amazing budget-luxury hotel has free takoyaki, craft beer, and comedy shows
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