mayor
This new Working Cats x Shinjuku Ward campaign clip draws from cuteness for coronavirus preventive measures.
Read More
Mayor baffled by sudden surge of foreigners calling in and wanting to become the next Naruto.
Starting this year, the town of Mamurogawa in Yamagata Prefecture is offering up their mayor’s office for those generous enough to hand over one million yen (US$9,600) in furusato tax (hometown tax). It’s the latest move in an increasing trend of offering premiums for tax revenue in rural areas struggling with decreasing populations.
Offering something in exchange for taxes seems like an odd concept without knowing what furusato tax is, so let start with that. Don’t worry it’s simple.







Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Eating Japan’s highest-priced Cup Noodle at Japan’s highest place【Photos】
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
Does Japan’s “body fat-burning” bottled tea really work? Our 30-day investigation 【RocketScience】
Pokémon theme park area announced for Kanto region, opens in less than a year【Video】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Eating Japan’s highest-priced Cup Noodle at Japan’s highest place【Photos】
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
Does Japan’s “body fat-burning” bottled tea really work? Our 30-day investigation 【RocketScience】
Pokémon theme park area announced for Kanto region, opens in less than a year【Video】
Don’t throw away the bones! How to make Japanese Christmas KFC soup【RocketKitchen】
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Anime cooking in real life – How to make Food Wars’ unagi matelote【SoraKitchen】
Pimp out your PlayStation with these free Vita skins from Dengeki Magazine
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Do people in Kyoto really stand to the right on escalators?