When a handful of Japan’s wannabe starlets made a plea to their limited fan base to send them as many plastic bottle caps as possible, it was generally assumed that nothing much would come of it. However, imagine our surprise when, keen to see their favorite idols hit the big time, passionate fans stepped up to donate over 100 million caps towards their case.
In Japan, fans with this level of dedication are known as “aidoru otaku”, meaning idol or star fanatics. Their enthusiasm often goes beyond the boundaries of casual fandom and enters into what can only be described as the realms of what some might deem obsessive. Even so, you’ve got to admire their team spirit- that’s an awful lot of drinks to consume!
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station
Squat toilets’ popularity fading as parents call for them to be abolished in Japanese schools
Can you spot the problem with this Tokyo subway sign in this tale of awesome customer service?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils epic Frappuccino hunt with five to find in new Star birthday campaign
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Can you spot the problem with this Tokyo subway sign in this tale of awesome customer service?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Starbucks Japan unveils epic Frappuccino hunt with five to find in new Star birthday campaign
Mr. Sato gets invited out to dinner by seven beautiful models, struggles to speak intelligibly
We deeply regret spending five hours on this artistic Japanese island (we should have spent more)
Foreign tourist angers locals for doing pull-ups on torii gate at shrine in Japan
Does a long line mean a sweeter deal? We compare two sweets from a Hokkaido food fair【Taste test】
Häagen-Dazs releases new Green Tea sandwich in Japan for a limited time
Animal Crossing plushie pouch towels and cozy socks show up at Family Mart convenience stores
Krispy Kreme Japan giving free donuts with morning drink purchases at all branches, maybe forever