Japan’s most quirkily empathetic monk is back to keep bad mojo away from us as the year ends.
monks
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
To make matters stranger, the video is part of a promotional tie-in with a popular candy company designed to cheer on a certain group of students.
” ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.”
These ascetic noodles taste like soy sauce, and leave out all animal products — as well as the five pungent roots!
Start your day with a healthy serving of adorable felines and their kind-hearted owner.
Buddhist monks juggle, box, dance to show their garments are no hindrance after monk refuses to pay fine for driving in his robe.
Many people are siding with the Mt Koya priest, who said he was frustrated by tourists who post “arrogant responses like they’re some travel pioneer”.
A soul-soothing way to start the day.
In pretty much any major city around the world, you’re bound to run in to a person collecting money for some cause or other. It could be in aid of curing a deadly disease, cutting world hunger, protecting the environment or even animal rights activists PETA asking for donations when they’re not making online videogames…
In Japan, it’s not uncommon to encounter Buddhist monks, standing still in the street with a bowl in hand, asking for donations. This is a tradition that has existed in Japan for centuries, and, while few busy city-dwellers stop to drop a few yen in the bowl, even fewer would begrudge the monks for doing it since they have scant income and bring a lot of comfort to many people.
A photo that appeared online earlier this week, however, showing what appears to be two monks sitting in a side-street laughing and smoking while counting their takings for the day, has caused quite a stir among Japan’s internet users…











Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Towering lanterns light up the summer sky at Akita’s famous festival
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Manga publisher stops shrink-wrapping collected volumes, sees huge sales jump from new policy
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
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
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Towering lanterns light up the summer sky at Akita’s famous festival
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Manga publisher stops shrink-wrapping collected volumes, sees huge sales jump from new policy
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
The top 5 Starbucks Frappuccinos we’d like to drink again in Japan this year
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Where’s the very best seat to sit in on Japan’s Shinkansen? Our expert has an answer
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?