Google Maps‘ elaborate April Fools joke got even better. On April 1, Google launched its Pokémon Challenge game, where users could search real world locations on Google Maps and catch the original 151 Pokémon to complete a Pokédex.
Players who successfully completed the Pokédex received a message from Google Maps to fill out a form for a “surprise.” It turns out their efforts weren’t for naught, as several players, including Reddit user “tinygrump” received a congratulatory letter from Google Maps software engineer Tatsuo Nomura and 10 business cards with the title “Pokémon Master.”
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Japan Weak Men’s Center suddenly cancels men-only train event
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Totoro stamp collection lets you add adorable Ghibli touches to cards and letters【Photos】
Dark and edgy Jujustu Kaisen teams up with bright and cheery Sanrio for new merch line【Pics】
Overwhelmed by modern social media? Japanese company is bringing back pagers with an emoji-twist
Starbucks Japan unveils new Holiday goods for 2024
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new holiday goods at Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Studio Ghibli releases new insect whistle necklace from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Starbucks Japan unveils Halloween Frappuccino for 2024, and it’s like drinking a magic spell
Studio Ghibli releases new Howl’s Moving Castle goods that capture the magic from the anime movie
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in Tokyo
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tsukemen ramen restaurant becomes a hit with foreign tourists in Tokyo
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Japan Weak Men’s Center suddenly cancels men-only train event
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Junior high school in Japan introduces trial afternoon nap time for students
Japanese ramen restaurant serves noodles with a heartwarming side of history
No talking allowed, at all, at new Tokyo cafe, even when you’re ordering【Videos】
A visit to Japan’s train station that looks like a spaceport in the middle of nowhere【Photos】
Japanese Prime Minister once criticized deploying military to fight Godzilla
Japanese vending machine sells just one thing at this station
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
Mighty, meaty Tokyo ramen joint flips script by overflowing the bowl with delicious chashu pork
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 1)