No more heavy ball baskets or stacks of cash, but the same ol’ sensory rush with a modern flair.
pachinko
Japanese boss’ kind reaction to employee ditching work, playing pachinko, losing company car in fire
The neighborhood of Otsuka is very different from what it once was–and even more so without its most iconic building.
The driving force behind this team-up isn’t nuclear power or existential angst, but little metal balls.
Politician wants people to know which businesses in one high-risk industry are ignoring warnings during the state of emergency.
A popular pachinko place claims to be “following suggestions by city mayors“, but is what they’re doing helpful?
A grim mortality rate for pachinko parlor management companies shines a light on the poor health of the industry.
”Preventative measures” sees visitors setting themselves back $75 before even stepping foot into the casino.
If smoke-filled rooms, loud noises and low win rates weren’t enticing you to go, there might actually be a few reasons to visit one now!
Turns out there’s a simple way you assess whether you’re a happy drunk or a dangerous one, at least according to one Japanese Twitter user.
Place your bets now for what you think the biggest energy consumer in the largest city in Japan is.
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Today
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports
OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Corporation is planning to sell off Starbucks Japan, report says
Everything old is new, and cool, again at this hotel in Japan’s hot spring town comeback king
“Lineup” begins for iPhone18 in Tokyo
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New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
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Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Mt. Fuji may soon require off-season climbers to register with government or pay for their rescues
Can hanging a handy fan on your crotch keep you cool in the Tokyo summer? SN24 investigates
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How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Monthly
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
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- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
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】
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“Lineup” begins for iPhone18 in Tokyo
Pokémon Adidas crossover sneaker line releases in Japan, gives your feet Pikachu hugs [Pics]
New Ranma 1/2 anime tableware and lifestyle goods are appropriately multi-faceted [Photos]
Does Tokyo need self-driving taxis? Waymo thinks so, plans to launch fleet soon
Tokyo to repaint streets over rule that makes it impossible for cars to pass bicycles
Japan’s new Pokémon Poké Ball hotel releases new details, and it’s giving away free stays [Video]
Snow Salt Soft Cream Cafe & Bar for grown-ups opens in Tokyo’s Ueno area with a bookish surprise
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
Are Japanese temples on Mt Koya cashing in on the foreign tourism boom?
7-Eleven Japan releases a Kebab Sandwich… but does it really taste like a street-stall kebab?
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Japan’s new delicious dark horse sweet potato dessert drink is waiting at a beef bowl chain
Making the latest social media snack sensation in Japan, Dot Butter
7-Eleven Japan’s Ramen Machine is a viral hit, but there’s one glaring problem
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