Also, Pokémon character designer reveals that his name is NOT supposed to mean “electric mouse.”
Pokemon (Page 38)
Our Japanese-language reporter thinks the worldwide phenomenon could rise to popularity again soon.
One parent and Twitter user experiences the joy of catching Pikachu in Pokémon GO, but it’s all too short-lived.
Original designer reveals that the real inspiration for the “electric mouse” was a different animal altogether.
Finally, a real-world Pokémon adventure where you don’t have to worry about getting hit by a car.
Some say the Pokémon GO craze is over, but the bond between true lovers is eternal (and in this case kind of weird).
The story of the man who brought us Pikachu and countless other fantastical creatures to feature in an educational manga next month.
A trick of the light has Japanese social media checking every crane game for evil apparitions.
Special after-dark Pokémon parade means fans will want to stick around all day to see the 1,500-plus Pikachus.
Ash has a whole new set of pals for Everybody’s Story, but his old friends are nowhere to be seen.
The slide from pinnacle of children’s entertainment to threat of obscurity continues for Jibanyan and crew.
Some resourceful netizens who have pieced together clues from various sources seem to think so!
Ninja, sumo, and kabuki Pikachu are hiding in plain sight right next to Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe.
Adorable guest is sure to boost Poké-productivity.
Pikachu Plates, Eevee Burgers, solving the mystery of what’s inside Mimikyu’s costume, and a very, very special guest.
Japan’s newest mecca for real-world Pokémon Trainers gives the Pokédex a jaw-dropping UI overhaul.
Recreate Ash’s voyage around the Orange Archipelago without ever leaving your living room.


















What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Akashiyaki: A regional dumpling with a fascinating backstory
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers have Sandshrew welcoming you to an often forgotten part of Japan
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What the heck is okame soba?
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent