Let Oshawott be the star of your stay in a popular travel destination city famous for its seascapes and pearl divers.
pearls
We sent a reporter to go gamble for a genuine gachapon gem.
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Did you know that FamilyMart sells 108 yen (US$0.90) packets of “roasted shellfish strings?” They’re made from Hokkaido-raised scallops, and just like clams and oysters, scallops can produce pearls underwater. Even the packages come with this warning: “please be careful not to swallow any pearls that the shellfish may have produced while you eat them.”
Well that’s a challenge if we ever heard one! We bought 21 packets of roasted shellfish strings and went on a pearl diving adventure. Did we end up finding one? Read on to find out!
We’re quite aware that Hello Kitty, the most famous feline in the world, has turned herself into some pretty exclusive high-end products in the past, like a limited edition pink car or even a jewel-studded platinum doll complete with a one carat diamond on her signature ribbon worth approximately US$150,000. But now, it looks like Ms. Kitty’s latest collaborative effort is about to top all of that!
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Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Our Japanese-language reporter dressed up to woo his celebrity crush, but it didn’t go as planned
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
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Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
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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
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Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Our Japanese-language reporter dressed up to woo his celebrity crush, but it didn’t go as planned
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games
Sega announces Game Gear Micro, an extra-tiny retro system with a startingly high price
Saitama women arrested for dueling
The science of Attack on Titan explained: Finally, a Titan tie-in that looks kinda cool
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers