marine biology
You may be familiar with oysters as the delicious seafood best eaten raw (or as ice cream) and served in months ending in “r,” but did you also know the little guys have impressive filtering skills that can clean even the dirtiest water?
Eating its fill of plankton and other particles floating around, a fully grown oyster can filter more than 50 gallons (189 liters) of seawater in one day. After seeing a few videos demonstrating this cleaning ability, some Japanese netizens started to question just how appetizing this made the once delicious-looking oyster.
Golden Week in Japan is a great excuse to use those consecutive spring days off to relax, see a new part of the country or just enjoy some cheap ice cream. But vacationers wanting something a little different got an extra special Golden Week treat last week when a museum in Shizuoka dissected an incredibly rare megamouth shark in full view of the holiday crowd.
Fewer than 60 megamouth sharks have been caught around the world and this 4.4 meter-long specimen was caught last month at a nearby port. Click below to see photos and videos of the live dissection.
The Maldives has always been a popular honeymoon destination, known for its crystal clear waters, gorgeous beaches and glamorous, resort-style accommodation. As if the area wasn’t romantic enough, at night there’s a breathtaking natural phenomenon that transforms its shores into glimmering waves of iridescent blue. One visitor who stumbled on the unbelievable sight likened it to the starry night skies of the Milky Way and took to the internet to find out the cause of the mysterious occurrence.






Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Brown-haired girl sues Japanese school for telling her to dye hair black, court makes decision
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Rare ghost-white tuna caught off Bali — we go to see it on display in Shibuya!
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born
This six-year-old Japanese girl is school’s one and only first-grader as lack-of-kids shutdown ends
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
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Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
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Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
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Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
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Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Rare ghost-white tuna caught off Bali — we go to see it on display in Shibuya!
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born
This six-year-old Japanese girl is school’s one and only first-grader as lack-of-kids shutdown ends
Vacation with Oshawott in this Pokémon collaboration hotel room in Mie Prefecture
Studio Ghibli serves up anime characters on new lacquered trays
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
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