25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.
mascot characters
“The Beginning of Kawaii” exhibition explores the backstories of famous Sanrio characters and more.
Luce is an attempt to form connections via “the pop culture so beloved by our young people.”
Awareness campaign for plan to dump radioactive water into ocean lands creators in hot water.
Video released on same day approval is granted for waste water project at Fukushima nuclear power plant.
Kids in Hikari are raised under Boob Childrearing concepts.
Funasshi has had more than six years of celebrity fame, so maybe it’s time for the pear creature to have a little R&R.
MOST POPULAR
Now
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
There’s a samurai-era village for you to walk through at this awesome overlooked museum in Japan
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Weekly
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware- Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- 7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
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 otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade- A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Monthly
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- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- 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 considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Masahiko Ozumi Paris in Osaka makes the comfiest desserts around
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
All-you-can-drink deal for US$4 in Shinjuku is one of the best finds in Tokyo
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Pokémon manhole covers are taking over streets in Japan!
Japan’s Choco Eggs now come with Super Mario figures from two decades of Nintendo history
-
