Our visiting Japanese reporter shares her thoughts on the Spanish capital’s tribute to Japanese culture in its various forms.
Madrid
Our reporter travels all the way to Spain to meet an artistic hair stylist whose technique is a little sharper than usual.
The Japan Chibi Weekend, held in February in Madrid, is a relatively small player in the anime convention world. Entry costs just 7 euros (US$10), and its name even means “mini” in Japanese. That doesn’t stop anime and manga fans having a blast though, with a great mix of Japanese and western characters on show in the cosplay competition and around the convention.
Although the two-day event focuses on manga, anime and Japanese culture, the competitors’ handmade costumes included an impressive line-up of Disney and Dreamworks characters, too! Let’s take a look at what was on offer in the Spanish capital at this year’s event.
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Today
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Weekly
- Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store- Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio- Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine- Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Mos Burger opens fancy burger shop and bar in Ginza, Tokyo
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Studio Ghibli adds a new Jiji mini bag to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan’s Pokémon mailboxes saved from removal with last-minute extension on final day
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Japanese convenience store coffees are now bigger than ever, thanks to the new “Deka Drink” trend
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