Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Light Transformation Pen
Okay, Sailor Moon fans, here’s another gadget from Toy maker Bandai for you to seriously covet, as if there weren’t enough of them already. This time, Bandai’s newest Sailor Moon offering comes in the shape of an adorable pen, and what makes it extra special is that it’s a re-creation of a toy that was sold by Bandai over 20 years ago. Now, that should provide some excitement for old-time fans!
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
How do people in Japan feel about eating whale? We asked five people for their opinions
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Japanese schoolgirls’ hemlines are still up, but socklines are way down10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itselfRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
How do people in Japan feel about eating whale? We asked five people for their opinions
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Japanese schoolgirls’ hemlines are still up, but socklines are way down
The good, the bad, and the ugly of a vending machine sushi meal in Tokyo【Taste test】
New 800-yen bill artist concept brings Shiba Inu to canvas of Japanese currency
Haru Urara, Japan’s winless “Star of the Losers” race horse, has passed away
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
New Pokémon Seiko watch collection stars Pikachu, Eevee and Mewtwo
New Tokyo restaurant charges higher prices to foreign tourists than Japanese locals
Our authentic, homemade red pickled ginger triumphs over store-bought versions【SoraKitchen】