pom pom purin
Sanrio’s lesser-known fishy familiar makes a long-awaited return to the top of the rankings.
Hello Kitty and her friends show up in the infamously cursed village of Hinamizawa to comfort the cast of Higurashi Naku Koro ni.
The preliminary rankings have been called, but it’s still anyone’s game. Who will be crowned the cutest critter in the Hello Kitty crop?
The cutest product is definitely the goldfish-scooping set. Or maybe it’s the little pouches made to resemble shaved ice?
Pom Pom Purin celebrating 20th birthday in grand style in Shinjuku Station, adorable butthole and all…
If Sunkus’ Red-Oni-Pants-Lookin’ Bread and Pom Pom Purin’s Purin Purin! Butt Cakes are any indication, 2016 is shaping up to be a great year for baked goods.
Despite being nowhere near as famous as his feline counterpart abroad, Sanrio’s Pom Pom Purin has a very loyal fan base in his homeland, so much so that the pastel-yellow “pudding” dog managed to clinch fourth place in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking, at one point leading the pack.
But while Hello Kitty, My Melody and Kiki & Lala have all been given their own themed cafes, poor old’ Pom Pom has had to wait on the sidelines like the patient pup he is. But by the looks of it, the first ever Pom Pom Purin Cafe was well worth the wait, with the Harajuku location boasting a super-kawaii menu with meals, desserts and drinks featuring everyone’s favorite Sanrio canine as well as adorable merchandise available only at the cafe.


















Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Play games, learn, and get your fortune at Ginza’s limited-time Tsunaguu “Shrine of the Future”
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japanese women’s breasts get dismal satisfaction evaluation…from their owners
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
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
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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
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】
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japanese women’s breasts get dismal satisfaction evaluation…from their owners
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
You put WHAT in your curry? Japanese netizens reveal their favourite secret ingredients
Starbucks unveils new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino in Japan
Japan’s only blue old-school post box: Where is it and why is it there?
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
Meet the most unmotivated Sanrio character ever — Gudetama, the lazy egg!
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Tokyo ramen restaurant’s brilliant idea: takeout cups of just ramen broth!【Photos】
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】