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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
WARNING! The Civic hatchback can’t drive through Evangelion AT fields, Honda’s lawyers say【Vids】
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Is Village Vanguard Outlet’s 2023 lucky bag filled with 60,000 yen worth of trash or treasure?
Osaka Obachan are here to rock your world, make sure you don’t go hungry
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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 branches- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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- Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Is Village Vanguard Outlet’s 2023 lucky bag filled with 60,000 yen worth of trash or treasure?
Osaka Obachan are here to rock your world, make sure you don’t go hungry
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Dress like an aristocrat from the Nara period at new costume rental shop in Nara【Photos】
How to order snacks on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
Hello Kitty and Kawaii Monster Cafe Harajuku team up for possibly cutest, tastiest collab ever
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
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