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…











Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
We eat hoya sea squirts out of a can, enjoy a tasty regional delicacy from the comfort of home
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Retro Japanese-style hotel room with kotatsu, free ice cream is both amazingly cool AND warm
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Retro Japanese-style hotel room with kotatsu, free ice cream is both amazingly cool AND warm
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Ranma 1/2 Cafe opening in three Japanese cities, features food with transformable flavors
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
New Wendy’s chicken burger inspired by ramen contains…no ramen?
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!