Well, it looks like train fans in Japan have something to be excited about — the real-life Thomas the Tank Engine, which has already attracted considerable attention on the Internet and media, is now in service! The Thomas steam locomotive, designed with a large face in the front to quite accurately recreate the well-known children’s character, started on its very first journey on July 12 with about 560 passengers on board. And since we knew this was a ride that would be sure to delight kids as well as adult train fans, one of the reporters from our Japanese site traveled to Shizuoka Prefecture in the center of Honshu, the main island, to see the “real Thomas” on his very first day in operation!
7-Eleven Japan releases fukubukuro lucky bags filled with convenience store surprises
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Beautiful Totoro bag returns, still requires jumping through an extra hoop to get, still worth it
Celebrating Good Couple’s Day in Japan…by getting our significant others to dress us
How merry is Starbucks Japan’s new Merry Cream holiday Frappuccino?
Want some great ramen in Akihabara? Then head to this…karaoke joint?!?
Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam【Photos】
Taking the Kyoto overnight bus for the first time
Japanese mochi tasting flight has roots in samurai dining culture
Forbidden area at Japanese mountaintop shrine opens to the public for first time in 400 years
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
Kyoto Whopper divides customers at Burger King Japan
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Japanese burger chain no longer serves onion rings, but offers intriguing replacement【Taste test】
Yakuza vending machines coming to real-world Tokyo neighborhood that inspired Like a Dragon games
Starbucks Japan unveils second Holiday Frappuccino for 2024
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Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Want some great ramen in Akihabara? Then head to this…karaoke joint?!?
Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam【Photos】
Taking the Kyoto overnight bus for the first time
Japanese mochi tasting flight has roots in samurai dining culture
Forbidden area at Japanese mountaintop shrine opens to the public for first time in 400 years
Support your faves and avoid oshikatsu burnout — advice from our resident otaku
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Gorgeous Chinese woman creates one of Japan’s favorite mobile games, encourages microtransactions
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Kyoto Whopper divides customers at Burger King Japan
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s ice cream popularity poll leaves out fan favourite — but why?!