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.
Osaka (Page 3)
We delight in some unusual octo-offerings at this Osaka-based takoyaki shop right smack in the middle of our own neighborhood.
Unlimited subway rides, free admission to some of the city’s best sightseeing spots, and no paper ticket you need to pick up at a service counter.
Osaka Station area gets the Lumiose City treatment and challenges Pokémon fans to complete Mega Evolution rally walk puzzle for prizes.
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How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
We tried Japan’s Wobbly Beer Glass that forces you to drink water, and it humbled us
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Japanese restaurant chain offering free food for a year if you beat massive meat bowl challenge
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
Weekly
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals- Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
- How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
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
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
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
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
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
We tried Japan’s Wobbly Beer Glass that forces you to drink water, and it humbled us
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Japanese restaurant chain offering free food for a year if you beat massive meat bowl challenge
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Japan’s 20-year Ig Nobel winning streak continues thanks to people blowing their noses
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Eel sauce is our new favorite cooking hack for making any dish sweet and savory with zero hassle
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