Just when you thought it was safe to delve into the back of your boyfriend’s closet, the hizamakura is back!
Literally translated as “lap pillow,” hizamakura — cushions designed to look like the tender thighs of a woman – were a huge hit about 10 years ago and were splashed all over Western websites and magazines alongside phrases such as “weird Japan”, with many articles asking whether the country’s men were really so lacking in social skills that they were forced to buy such products. In truth, many were purchased as gag items as the trend grew, but as their popularity faded hizamakura soon became associated more with otaku nerd culture and became a much less common sight.
Reports suggest, however, that a new line of lap pillows going on sale at Tokyo’s Narita Airport are bringing the trend back and they’re selling better than ever.
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Manga artist raises question online about false perspective in Ghibli film My Neighbor Totoro
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Japan has an awesome one-person bento box rice cooker, and here’s what we made with ours
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
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]
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
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
Almost all Japanese women say they dislike random gacha/blind-box toys in survey
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Japanese potato chip Rubik’s Cubes coming soon
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Japan has an awesome one-person bento box rice cooker, and here’s what we made with ours
Classic 16-bit Nintendo controllers get modern makeover for use with Switch, current-gen consoles
Retro Japanese-style hotel room with kotatsu, free ice cream is both amazingly cool AND warm
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Japan’s original oyakodon restaurant reopens after three years in a newly renovated building
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
Tokyo’s downtown Chuo Line now has first-class Green Car carriages for no additional cost to ride
Turns out you can draw all four original starter Pokémon with just three colored pencils【Video】
Get an authentic Japanese summer festival in a box with this crowdfunding project