One topic dominated conversations in Japan this year, and now it’s officially the most significant single kanji character of the past 12 months.
kanji (Page 2)
The new era name doesn’t have any of the kanji characters for “Shinzo Abe,” but some people saw the politician’s name all the same.
There’s a beautiful reason why the kanji for cherry blossoms looks the way it does, and remembering it makes the character a snap to write.
Some people in Japan are lamenting the fact that another kanji from the top 20 list wasn’t chosen instead.
Meanings show hope for bold boys, beautiful girls in list of the most popular names of the Heisei era.
Kanji are one of the hardest parts of leaning Japanese, but they’re easier when they have move sets related to their meanings.
Learned everything covered in class? You get 100 percent. Learned more than what was covered in class? Then you get a bonus.
Can comedians Takashi and Saito-san use their power of alopecia for good, and get kids studying kanji?
Students rejoice and adults gripe as the government Agency for Cultural Affairs declares some writing “rules” undecided.
Because one of Japan’s Asian neighbors had the nation’s eyes looking north again and again this year.



















Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Solaniwa Onsen: Kansai’s largest hot spring theme park is also one of its most beautiful
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Hayao Miyazaki-painted Totoro post cards on sale, proceeds help preserve real-life Totoro forest
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
Real, functional Attack on Titan swords: This man’s year-long project will blow your mind
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
AI learns how to colorize photos, makes old Japan pictures look like they were taken today【Pics】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
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
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 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
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
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
Real, functional Attack on Titan swords: This man’s year-long project will blow your mind
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
AI learns how to colorize photos, makes old Japan pictures look like they were taken today【Pics】
Japan’s Great Gratin Croquette Burger War begins: McDonald’s vs. Lotteria【Taste test】
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Graffiti artist Pikachu plushies coming to brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center megastore【Photos】
How to write “sakura” in Japanese (and why it’s written that way)
Japanese women describe their personal ideal height and weight【Video】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Instant natto soba a suspiciously hot item so we check it out