John Oliver
Two otters travel across the ocean to search for “He-John” in this funny and heartwarming video.
Emerging from the cocoon that was The Daily Show, John Oliver has carved out a brilliant spot for himself with his own talk show Last Week Tonight. He has produced some amazing pieces on net neutrality, Edward Snowden, the Miss America Pageant and the NCAA. Viewers tune in each week to find out what subject close to their hearts is being roasted or promoted on HBO. Japan has gotten a couple of mentions on the show before, but this past week brought the insanity that is Japanese mascots to the attention of his viewers. Surely Japan’s mastery of the subject can teach the rest of the world something.






Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Drawing a school girl leaping over a man firing a gun? There’s a reference book for that!
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Survey claims that 30 percent of boys’ love fans in Japan are men
Children’s books about hybrid mouse-bread thief celebrates 5th anniversary with huge event
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Survey claims that 30 percent of boys’ love fans in Japan are men
Children’s books about hybrid mouse-bread thief celebrates 5th anniversary with huge event
Retro Showa-era cafe in Tokyo features good food and nostalgic game fun【Photos】
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Stay home in style with Kyoto-easy hakama-inspired roomwear for men, women, and kids【Photos】
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 2)
Visiting Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 anime locations in real-life Hakone【Photos】
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart