Japanese kindness leaves a lot to be desired in World Giving Index, but there may be a reason for it.
kindness
Some things you learn when you’re young never leave you, and this is probably one of them.
Instead of resorting to punishment, this supermarket manager tries to solve the root of the problem in this heartwarming tale of second chances.
Many of us may have experienced getting lost in a foreign land and needing assistance from a local person. In most cases, we thank the kind soul who lent us a helping hand, but have you ever received thanks from the person who helped you instead?
A Taiwanese tourist recently shared that during his visit to Osaka, he sought help from a Japanese man, who not only spent over 30 minutes making sure the foreign visitors made it safely to their destination, he even thanked the tourists for their help instead. Find out why after the break!













Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
High-fashion Totoro cuddle purse is like an elegant stroll in the forest【Photos】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
High-fashion Totoro cuddle purse is like an elegant stroll in the forest【Photos】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Japan’s buzzword of the year nominees: A great way to learn and be baffled by Japanese vocabulary
Popular Osaka all-you-can-eat yakiniku chain Yakiniku Rikimaru opens its first location in Tokyo
A new sophisticated take on the Moon Scepter from Sailor Moon R
Number of foreigners studying Japanese in Japan hits record high, but are there enough teachers?
Pikachu-ear engagement rings and Pokémon wedding rings for him and her can now be yours【Photos】