Draco Malfoy’s real-life actor apologizes for causing offense through his “ignorance.”
Japanese flag
Japan’s national flag may be well-known for its simplicity—after all it’s just a big red circle in the middle of a field of white—but did you know that’s not Japan’s only flag? Every single prefecture, city, town and village has its own special flag to represent its history or what it’s famous for.
Even more commonly, many of the municipalities’ flags have stylized versions of the kanji found in their names. And when we say stylized, we mean highly stylized. We have here a selection of some of Japan’s kanji-flags, so you can see the creativity that went into each of them.
If you think you’re a kanji master, then get ready to test your skills and see how many you can guess correctly!
The world’s most venturesome ramen shop, Musashi Noodles, fearlessly created a cold ramen dish with soy milk soup and rayu, or chili oil, ice cream. Musashi Noodles is a Japanese noodle shop franchise. Their Shinjuku branch held a Valentines special promotion back in February featuring Unique Chocolate Ramen.
Summer in Japan is when ramen shops do a booming business in cold noodle dishes like hiyashi chuka. This new creation dubbed ‘tonyu hiyashi men’ or soy milk cold noodles, is available for a limited time only. Notice the scoop of red rayu ice cream floating in the white soy milk soup. A timely creation, full of national pride for all those medals won in the Olympics! But what about the taste? One of our reporters went to check it out. Read More
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
We traveled almost 400 miles to get popcorn from this ninja machine, but do we regret it?【Photos】
Racing into our stomachs this winter are motorcycle fuel tank-shaped bento
Poké Ball cakes here for limited but long time to celebrate Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary
What’s the minimum amount of money Japanese women want their husbands to earn? Survey investigates
Heartwarming response to Twitter question confirms that yes, Tikuwa_0913, there is a Santa Claus
Pikachu’s chunky original design is back as a plus-sized plushie【Photos】
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Japan’s choco mushroom snacks hold fashion show with designer Junko Koshino【Video】
Weekly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only- Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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】- 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
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Yearly
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- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Heartwarming response to Twitter question confirms that yes, Tikuwa_0913, there is a Santa Claus
Pikachu’s chunky original design is back as a plus-sized plushie【Photos】
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Japan’s choco mushroom snacks hold fashion show with designer Junko Koshino【Video】
Got tattoos, but still want to experience a Japanese hot spring? It’s no problem here!
Sanrio’s Little Twin Stars shine brightly in new themed rooms at the Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji
“Bear” voted Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2025 in extremely close race
Japan’s Valentine’s chocolate Slimes let you say you say I love you like the Dragon Quest mascot
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Umamusume anime cosplayers make news in U.S. for their pro football fandom【Video】
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
We try gold-topped ramen, the newest gourmet noodle treat in Tokyo and Kyoto【Photos】
In Japan, capybaras not only bathe in hot springs, they swim in your soup
-
