Marutaro, Japan’s most beloved shiba inu, not only shares his name with a hedgehog — he also shares his nappy time with an adorable stuffed polar bear!
Marutaro
When we first met Marutaro the hedgehog last year, he was just about the cutest thing we’d seen in months. Now, over 12 months later, we have to say that’s still the case! And it looks like the adorable little spike ball is only getting more and more popular—popularity that we’d say is well deserved.
In case you haven’t been following Marutaro on Twitter, we’ve decided to round up a few of our new favorite photos and videos of the little guy being adorable, as well as some family photos. Get your fill of loveable cuteness below!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Chocolate Totoro cream puffs and cakes coming to Japan’s Ghibli bakery for Valentine’s Day【Pics】
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
- New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Chocolate Totoro cream puffs and cakes coming to Japan’s Ghibli bakery for Valentine’s Day【Pics】
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
“Ugly” South Korean woman goes from “Old Lady Face” to “Dream Girl” with help of cosmetic surgery
Tokyo has a BLUE sushi restaurant with all-you-can-eat BLUE sushi for just 400 yen (US$3.50)
Graffiti artist Pikachu plushies coming to brand-new Shibuya Pokémon Center megastore【Photos】
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
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