Now you too can create a never-ending chain of plastic people sticking their fingers into each others’ buttholes.
Kancho
You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
I have encountered many things in Japan that prompted me exclaim in disbelief, “that did not just happen!”
For example:
“I did not just see a guy peeing on the side of the road”
“That bunch of strawberries does not cost $20!”
“That lady did not just ask how big my husband’s thing is”
But the one that takes the cake, something I’ve said (on several occasions) is “that kid did not just stick his fingers up my butt.”


Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Here’s the best spot to take in a panoramic view at “the most beautiful Starbucks in the world”
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
Burger King Japan’s All Heavy customisation hack may not be all it’s cracked up to be
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Daiso unveils new official mascot, Daizo the elephant
We found a popular Japanese ramen chain in South Korea!…or so we thought
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Burger King Japan’s All Heavy customisation hack may not be all it’s cracked up to be
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Daiso unveils new official mascot, Daizo the elephant
We found a popular Japanese ramen chain in South Korea!…or so we thought
Pitch-black Black Belt udon noodles are a visual roundhouse, but do they taste good?【Taste test】
Chikan molester runs away from Japanese schoolgirls at train station in Japan【Video】
In Kyoto, “Hey, you’ve got a really nice watch” is NOT a compliment, Japanese businessman says
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Wish your loved ones great success this year with a slab of breaded beef in a sushi roll
Visiting Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 anime locations in real-life Hakone【Photos】
Combining two of Burger King’s one-pound beef burgers for an extreme fast food challenge
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey