We visit Hobonichi HQ in Tokyo to give you the highlights and our must-buy recommendations for next year’s range.
Moomin
It’s not too late to get organised with One Piece, Tomie, Mother, and Tamagotchi at your fingertips.
A small act of kindness from the cafe’s member of staff still warms our reporter’s heart when she thinks about it.
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.
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Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general public
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
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Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
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Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
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Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]- Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
McDonald’s Japan makes beautifully bittersweet burger anime music video with Idolmaster [Video]
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
Japanese airport offering 19,250-yen sandwiches as last Japan meal for international travelers
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
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