music
We’ve compiled our favorite parts of this year’s event, including the largest-ever collection of special food, goods, and a new HamiKuma variant.
Earthenware flutes include bilingual instructions, sheet music to play the My Neighbor Totoro opening theme song.
Gorgeous artwork graces the jackets of LP releases of the work of Ghibli’s greatest composer.
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Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
Lest we forget 1936: The year fake Mickey Mouse attacked Japan
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
Weekly
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends- Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Monthly
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】- Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Lest we forget 1936: The year fake Mickey Mouse attacked Japan
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
This beautiful Nara inn was once home to a Living National Treasure
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood joint in Otaru!”
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Special edition UNO allows you to play with Mario and co. in a whole new way
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Gorgeous Japanese prison built at turn of the century to become hotel
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Japanese vending machine at Shinjuku Station is a rare gem hiding in plain sight
Interactive online map of Kyoto lets you toggle between modern day and the 9th century
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