Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Maple Tempura
Japan is a rich country when it comes to specialty treats and dishes. Small towns all over the nation can offer up unique foods and drinks you’ll never find anywhere else.
Shigenobu Matsuzawa who has uncovered Japan’s hidden treasures such as Digital Kowloon City, The Life and Sex Museum, and Gunma Cycle Sports Center now has found one such snack in Mie Prefecture that you’re unlikely to find in most places: Maple Tempura.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nailsTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summerIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and SakuraStarbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly FestivalHundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwichesStudio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feetTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of JapanIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
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]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visaJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Is the two-hour wait for Tokyo’s Yokota Gaijin Burger worth it?【Taste test】
In search of Japan’s biggest tanuki, we stumble across something equally big
We try out “instant rice balls”, prepared with water, to see if they’re actually tasty
Japanese lingerie saleswoman gives Internet a lesson in what bust sizes look like in real life
Mr Sato makes a frightening purchase at an Akihabara vending machine