A small act of kindness from the cafe’s member of staff still warms our reporter’s heart when she thinks about it.
Moomin
The cozy photos of a fun day spent with a Moomin friend had everyone online clamoring for a visit, too!
The much-anticipated park will resemble the original park in Finland and allow guests to explore the world of the beloved characters.
A quirky adventure game, or a terrifying ploy to brainwash children of the world into becoming hippopotamus-like big-nosed creatures?
Thanks to years of espionage and international intrigue, Hattifatteners and Snufkin were first brought to Japan.
Over two years ago, the Finnish Ambassador to Japan announced that a Moomin theme park was being developed in Japan with the expected opening date in 2015. Some of our readers might be asking, “What the heck is a Moomin?” but these hippo-like fairies who originated in Finland have a very strong following and fan base in Japan. You might not be familiar with Moomin before you come to Japan, but once you get here, you grow to welcome them at your dining table.
Well, it’s already halfway through 2015, and there is still no Moomin theme park ready to take our money. Or is there? There might be a forthcoming announcement that has us all in a tizzy.










A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
All Tokyo public high schools abolish rules forcing students to dye non-black hair, underwear color regs
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Shinjuku izakaya’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is one of Tokyo’s best secret cheap eats
Nintendo and Lego team up for an awesomely accurate the Lego Game Boy kit【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
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
Shinjuku izakaya’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is one of Tokyo’s best secret cheap eats
Nintendo and Lego team up for an awesomely accurate the Lego Game Boy kit【Photos】
Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
Details of the Pokémon/Van Gogh art museum crossover are just as adorable as we’d hoped【Pics】
Beyond fruit sandwiches — Japan has cake sandwiches too!【Taste test】
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
We visit the world’s largest Starbucks: The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai【Pictures & Video】
Prepare to be outraged: Japan votes for its “100 Best World Class Songs” 【Videos】
Shocking video shows Japanese man’s car being stolen right outside his home. Let’s help him get it back