In the never-ending battle to be the next big thing, a new idol group made their debut on January 15–with “big” being the operative word. Featuring the same singing and dancing you’ve seen from the hundreds of idol groups before them, these five girls are trying to prove that even those who aren’t paper-thin can make it in the idol world.
What separates this group from the “marshmallow girls” before them? For one, they actually are plus-sized, and they are OK with that! Please welcome to the stage: Pottya.
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Starbucks Japan gifts us with the Matcha Classic Green Tea Latte for a limited time
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Sega apologizes after exec says Puyo Puyo players eat beef bowls with cheese
Anime featuring yakuza thugs getting gender reassignment surgeries to become idols begins in July
Okinawa soul food: We try the most epic pork and egg onigiri rice balls in Japan
Bandai to release life-like posable plastic figures to help you draw “realistic” epic poses
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
Pokémon Smart Bath Mats are amazingly cute, but there’s more to them than meets the eye【Photos】
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku