Our Japanese-language reporter purchased a forever friend to lighten up his cleanliness rituals.
novelty
Are you looking for the perfect novelty gift for that special someone who already has everything? Do you hate getting corn stuck in your teeth? Then you’ll be glad to know that the Corn Peeler might just be the item you’ve been looking for, and it just might revolutionise the way you eat corn.
Giant Robot Battle Fists Now On Sale in Japan! But With Great Robot Fists Comes Great Responsibility
Finally you can put awesome power of giant battle robots in the palm of your hand— or around the palm of your hand—with GIANT ROBOT BATTLE FISTS. Now available in Japan! Sounds like the perfect Christmas gift to me!
Japanese paper currency is printed with the faces of various prominent figures. However, rather than past or present leaders, like many countries do, the yen banknotes are decorated with writers and a scientist.
For example, the 10,000 yen (US$124) bill has the likeness of Fukuzawa Yukichi, a highly influential writer during Japan’s transition from the feudal system to modern government. He is also known to have never smiled in a photograph, which is why when one man attempted to spend a 1,000,000 yen (US$12,400) bill with a picture of a grinning Yukichi, the clerk’s suspicion was aroused.




Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro futon bedding to its anime store in Japan
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]
Japanese Sakuranbo Mochi goes viral online with millions of views, but is it worth the hype?
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor