We’ve already talked about Japan’s penchant for limited stock and limited-time seasonal items, but I’m starting to get the impression manufacturers and retailers are playing us for fools. Zipping down to the grocery only to find that at least some of the basic items you wanted are sold out is a common headache in Japan, as if retailers are hoping we’ll all be like, “Oh man, white bread must be really trendy right now. Guess I’ll buy five loaves next time.”
Convenience store chain 7-Eleven is downright diabolical about this kind of stuff, with a constantly shifting roster of goods that seem to come and go arbitrarily, which Japanese consumers have apparently picked up on because they’re currently in a crazy purchase panic over 7-Eleven’s delicious new Premium Popcorn.
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Famous Japanese painter’s centuries-old cat artwork proves Japan has always loved felines
Finally! First-ever Pokémon manhole covers installed in downtown Tokyo
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
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
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
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
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
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
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Famous Japanese painter’s centuries-old cat artwork proves Japan has always loved felines
Finally! First-ever Pokémon manhole covers installed in downtown Tokyo
Expensive Japanese nail clippers: Are they worth it?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Virtual YouTuber finds a way to shake hands with real-world fans, give them high-fives in Japan
Here it is: The finalized map for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (and its food)
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Kyoto travel alternative: The “little Kyoto” of Shuzenji【Photos】
Rice ball melon bread – A treat Japanese bakeries aren’t crazy enough to make, but we are【SoraKitchen】
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view