We visit Hobonichi HQ in Tokyo to give you the highlights and our must-buy recommendations for next year’s range.
notebooks
Anime castle steps into the spotlight with a new release that will delight Japanese stationery enthusiasts.
It’s not too late to get organised with One Piece, Tomie, Mother, and Tamagotchi at your fingertips.
Cats, pigs, and monster princesses grace the covers of these functional and flexible notebooks.
My Neighbour Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away have starring roles in this stationery collection.
Totoro and Jiji stationery and craft supplies are set to put smiles on faces of Ghibli fan kids and grown-ups alike.
Four designs let you entrust your thoughts to Totoro and other Ghibli characters when you put pen to paper.
Unique notebooks promise to motivate and/or distract you during tough study sessions and boring business meetings.
The unusual memo pad has become so popular it’s caused the maker’s online store to shut down.
The subject of plastic surgery has come up in a number of our past articles, but did you know there’s a certain cosmetic surgeon here in Japan who is practically a national celebrity? If you’ve spent some time in Japan, you may have heard of Dr. Katsuya Takasu, known for his chain of clinics for cosmetic procedures, the Takasu Clinic. Although he’s strictly a cosmetic surgeon by profession and not a media personality or entertainer, his face and name are recognizable to virtually everyone in Japan, thanks in large part to a series of unique ads that have aired on TV over the years.
Well, it now seems the good doctor will be coming out with some goods that have nothing to do with plastic surgery, but still boldly feature pictures of himself, and the sheer visual impact of these goods have definitely caught the attention of Japanese netizens. But don’t take our word for it, see the pictures yourself!
MOST POPULAR
Today
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports
Everything old is new, and cool, again at this hotel in Japan’s hot spring town comeback king
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Pokémon Adidas crossover sneaker line releases in Japan, gives your feet Pikachu hugs [Pics]
Tokyo to repaint streets over rule that makes it impossible for cars to pass bicycles
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Snow Salt Soft Cream Cafe & Bar for grown-ups opens in Tokyo’s Ueno area with a bookish surprise
Does Tokyo need self-driving taxis? Waymo thinks so, plans to launch fleet soon
New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
Weekly
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Burger King goes viral in Japan for opening new store in a Japanese-style building
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Starbucks Japan unveils first-ever vending machine, with an exclusive coffee drink
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Monthly
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Snow Salt Soft Cream Cafe & Bar for grown-ups opens in Tokyo’s Ueno area with a bookish surprise
Does Tokyo need self-driving taxis? Waymo thinks so, plans to launch fleet soon
New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
Japan’s new Pokémon Poké Ball hotel releases new details, and it’s giving away free stays [Video]
Are Japanese temples on Mt Koya cashing in on the foreign tourism boom?
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter
Japan’s new delicious dark horse sweet potato dessert drink is waiting at a beef bowl chain
Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
Starbucks and clothing brand Beams team up for launch of second collaborative core collection
7-Eleven Japan releases a Kebab Sandwich… but does it really taste like a street-stall kebab?
The confusing enjoyment of our day-trip bus tour from downtown Tokyo to Yamanashi [Photos]
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