Japanese celebrities
“I, the great Frieza, will smash the inferior life force known as coronavirus to smithereens!”
The overwhelming wave of criticism left model and singer Ryuchell shocked and hurt enough to make a response post.
When a handful of Japan’s wannabe starlets made a plea to their limited fan base to send them as many plastic bottle caps as possible, it was generally assumed that nothing much would come of it. However, imagine our surprise when, keen to see their favorite idols hit the big time, passionate fans stepped up to donate over 100 million caps towards their case.
In Japan, fans with this level of dedication are known as “aidoru otaku”, meaning idol or star fanatics. Their enthusiasm often goes beyond the boundaries of casual fandom and enters into what can only be described as the realms of what some might deem obsessive. Even so, you’ve got to admire their team spirit- that’s an awful lot of drinks to consume!









Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Over 20 years’ worth of One Piece manga is free to read right now
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
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
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
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】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Over 20 years’ worth of One Piece manga is free to read right now
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
The delicious flavors of Smell, an old-school junkissa coffee shop in downtown Tokyo
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Tokyo farewells Japan’s only double-decker Shinkansen with a special escalator at the station
The Japanese dog cafe that isn’t technically a dog cafe
Secret stairs at Tokyo Station dungeon come with a serious warning
Yokai Train in Kyoto offers a fun and fright-filled ride of ghosts and demons
Need a gift to ensure your friends never forget you? How about a ridiculously huge teddy bear!
Ghibli Park making first update ever to its step-into-anime photo spots, some scenes going away
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created