Japanese railway company comes up with a cute solution to one of the biggest problems for overseas tourists.
JR East
End of the line for JR East’s adorable mascot for its revolutionary train fare payment system.
“Hands-Free” service lets Shinkansen travellers send their suitcases by bullet train without carrying them onboard.
![Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/02/ss-1-1.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]")
New bullet train goes into service next month with route connecting Tokyo and Tohoku region.
Complete with departure bell alarms, this is a unique way to wake up for your train in the morning.
25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.
JR East’s easy-to-complete Pokémon stamp rally can only last as long as its card supply does.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Osaka may name a district after mascot Myaku-Myaku
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
New Godzilla figure is adorable, destructive, and baseball-loving for Dodger Stadium Godzilla Night
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand- Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts- 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
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Monthly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
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
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
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
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
New Godzilla figure is adorable, destructive, and baseball-loving for Dodger Stadium Godzilla Night
McDonald’s Japan makes beautifully bittersweet burger anime music video with Idolmaster [Video]
Japanese airport offering 19,250-yen sandwiches as last Japan meal for international travelers
Osaka’s amazing budget-luxury hotel has free takoyaki, craft beer, and comedy shows
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
7-Eleven Japan revamps its convenience store pizza, but did it ruin a good thing?
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
-
