25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.
penguins
Facility where Grape-kun spent his days with his anime crush says it has no plans for a statue, hasn’t given permission for an installation.
The artist who created the penguin’s 2-D anime crush has even left a beautiful illustration in honour of their memory.
The cardboard cut-out he fell in love with was moved from the enclosure to be with the penguin as he passed away.
Watch as a flat stack of paper springs to life like magic, instantly becoming a three-dimensional penguin in the blink of an eye.
Lost his real-life penguin wife, gained an anime waifu.
Penguins are always popular at zoos and aquariums, and now the aquatic birds are serving as metaphors for some of Japan’s most eligible bachelorettes.
Look who’s stealing the show in the north of Japan! These fellas may not be very disciplined, but they sure look classy (and adorable) in black and white.


















Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
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Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varieties
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
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Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
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Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
Japanese merry-go-round has heartwarming backstory, is one of the best rides in Japan
Nearly half of Pokémon hot spring’s statues have been damaged less than two months after opening
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japanese theme park adding Immersive Death Game with a “bomb collar” you have to wear
Hatsune Miku successfully wraps Miku Expo 2026 North America tour with 100,000 attendees
Dragon Quest’s next quest is a journey to Yoshinoya for awesome Slime toy meals[Photos]
Starbucks Japan sells Valencia Flavoured Syrup, and here are four ways to use it this summer
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Japan opens shrine for plush toys in Kyoto, offering memorial rites and a resting place for remains
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summer