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.



















Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful place to write down your beautiful thoughts【Photos】
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful place to write down your beautiful thoughts【Photos】
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
Studio Ghibli animator reveals the secret food eaten by Chihiro’s parents in Spirited Away
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Starbucks Japan’s rarest Frappuccino can only be purchased at 15 stores around the country
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan’s new canned chu-hai with fresh lemon slice: disappointing gimmick or drink revelation?