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.”
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
New smartphone game turns car models into anime girls with model-worthy looks
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Man arrested in rural Japan on charges of leaving obscene DVDs in stores as gifts for “healthy men”
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
JR East announces awesomely cheap one-day all-you can ride pass, Shinkansen included
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Starbucks Japan releases new Chocolate Milk for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism