Japan’s supernatural world springs to life in a special Hyakki Yagyo event you won’t want to miss.
monsters
Fans wonder if this is a cryptic sign that a dream collaboration between the two animation companies is on the horizon.
Did you know that each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has a designated monster that represents their region? The larger-than-life beings were born from the “Gotouchi Kaiju” (“Local Monsters”) multimedia project helmed by Professor Hiroshi Sagae, who’s worked on a number of kaiju-centric films such as Godzilla Millenium, Ultraman Saga and Gamera the Brave.
Now there’s a special crowdfunding campaign that’s calling on the masses to support the plight of the monsters as they strive to protect nature and promote greenery in their towns. Patrons who contribute to their favourite beast will be rewarded with cards, T-shirts or even a 3-D kaiju figurine but best of all, the funds raised for each prefecture will go towards supporting environmental projects in the region.






Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
Enjoy the elegance of Edo at Shogun, Tokyo’s new experiential cafe
Pokémon and Japan Sumo Association announce partnership
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
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
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
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
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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】
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
Enjoy the elegance of Edo at Shogun, Tokyo’s new experiential cafe
Pokémon and Japan Sumo Association announce partnership
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Ghibli Window Wall Art series turns any wall into a portal to an anime wonderland【Photos】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Japan’s workplace drinking party communication is unnecessary, says majority of workers in survey
Japan’s version of a ouija board: We try to summon Mr. Kokkuri