“The Beginning of Kawaii” exhibition explores the backstories of famous Sanrio characters and more.
mascot
The mascot, described as aggressively disgusting, is currently without a name to call it by.
This cat likes to pull peace poses, stand on two feet and make a living selling hot potatoes.
Spoiler alert: it’s filled with one human, 10 pounds of sweat, and at least a year’s worth of back pain.
In what other country would someone think it was a good idea to hold a national ranking of bus company mascots?
Nyango Star must have apple-cat nerves of steel as he absolutely kills a performance of X Japan songs in front of a discerning audience.
Have you ever seen a mascot play drums? I bet you’d never expect one to be this awesome at it.




















Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
We visit the new all-you-can-eat KFC buffet restaurant in Tokyo
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Devil’s Crust Bloody Pizza brought to dark life by Domino’s Japan, has one more terrifying secret
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Guangdong would rank as the world’s 12th most populous nation, and other fun with China’s census
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Devil’s Crust Bloody Pizza brought to dark life by Domino’s Japan, has one more terrifying secret
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Guangdong would rank as the world’s 12th most populous nation, and other fun with China’s census
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 2: Towards the Gray Darkness
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026