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.




















Studio Ghibli unveils new My Neighbour Totoro Yearly Plate for 2027
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
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
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
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
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】
Starbucks Japan releases new coffee table book featuring 18 of the most unique stores around the country
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Japanese Starbucks that’s also an art gallery hosts exhibition by painters from Tokyo’s top art school
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Mini CRT-lookalike Final Fantasy figurines are awesome pixel art music boxes [Video]
The mystery of Port Store, the Japanese convenience store that looks like a Lawson rip-off