Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
New Face Grand Prix
With a new school year comes new students, new possibilities, and a new round of beauty competitions.
“Wait,” you’re asking, “Beauty competitions? Shouldn’t that be ‘roommates’ or ‘textbooks’ or ‘professors?'” And, yes, those are just a few of the new experiences that come with starting college, but thanks to New Face Grand Prix, new Japanese female college students can also “compete” to be the cutest freshman in Japan.
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Tokyo/Saitama train line to hold cherry blossom viewing tour with meal included
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the countryJapan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day FrappuccinoKrispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Tokyo/Saitama train line to hold cherry blossom viewing tour with meal included
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
We eat hoya sea squirts out of a can, enjoy a tasty regional delicacy from the comfort of home
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Tokyo DisneySea’s Frozen Kingdom: Elsa’s home at Fantasy Springs has a surprising attraction
Daiso vs. Seria: Which sells the better egg white whipper? We find out【SoraKitchen】
Video shows that in Japan, even the train evacuations are orderly 【Video】
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Studio Ghibli answers Spirited Away fan questions, reveals exciting facts and trivia behind the film
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?