osechi
And even though there are some staples on the menu throughout the nation, what goes into those staples also varies!
Join us as we take a look at some of the most popular Japanese New Year traditions and reveal the spiritual symbolism and superstitions behind them.
It’s almost like the New Year already wanted to give him the cold shoulder…or rather, a cold fish cake.
Questions explore the ongoing impact of the pandemic on family traditions and what people plan to spend the most money on for celebrations.
The ingredients of this Frappuccino, including kelp, don’t just taste great, traditional Japanese culture says they’ll give you blessings for the year to come.
Pounded rice may be delicious, but it can be incredibly risky—especially in our current circumstances.
Conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi single-sizes osechi, creates new desserts to keep us company.
Two of the few osechi dishes almost everyone likes team up for a very special, very Japanese flavor that promises good luck in the new year.
After making “Kentucky Fried Christmas” a thing, KFC continues to bring out New Year’s boxes to compete with traditional osechi cuisine
Pikachu is ready to help you ring in the new year with 24 auspicious dishes served inside a giant Poké Ball!
The tiny details and awesome, original extras take these three-tiered meals out of the traditional world and to a galaxy far, far away.




















Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
The world’s biggest Muji store opened in Hiroshima, and we went to check it out!
Studio Ghibli anime Paper Shadow Art craft kits back in stock in time for the holidays【Pics】
Free bus tours of Japan’s famous “Disaster Prevention Underground Temple” underway
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
New Japanese-made Godzilla movie announced, looks to be first direct sequel since 1999
The world’s biggest Muji store opened in Hiroshima, and we went to check it out!
Studio Ghibli anime Paper Shadow Art craft kits back in stock in time for the holidays【Pics】
Free bus tours of Japan’s famous “Disaster Prevention Underground Temple” underway
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
We make a super giant sushi using Costco salmon in Japan【SoraKitchen】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 strangest kanji ever 【Weird Top Five】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japanese sweets artist makes incredible Pokémon cake for son’s birthday
We open a mysterious package from China, unveil a cheeky surprise
Japanese restaurant serves extra wide noodles next to Tokyo Station