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
Today
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand- Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]- Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
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
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Man arrested for spraying Japan’s public broadcasting fee collector with fire extinguisher
King of Japan’s bar hosts shares idea for a sure-fire romantic date
Japan’s public broadcaster goes thug-style, tags the house of man who refuses to pay fees
Popular virtual YouTubers Love-chan and Aipii get an adorable makeover
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