presidential visit
This Tokyo small business owner is at the centre of attention after his signature burger was selected to be served to the President.
Everyone feared there’d be a gaffe during the presidential visit, but this wasn’t what anyone was expecting.
President Obama made headlines during his visit to Japan, not for his diplomatic mission, but for his first order of business: dining at arguably the best sushi restaurant in the world. Greenpeace was angry about him consuming endangered bluefin tuna, but everyone else seemed to look upon his choice in Japanese dining experience favorably, many extremely jealous of the opportunity to consume expertly crafted sushi.
But aside from raising the hackles of environmental organizations and causing the world to crave raw fish, President Obama also had some other unexpected influences on the country of Japan. From the invention of new hashtags to the accumulation of trash around Tokyo, let’s take a look back at the Obama Effect on Japan.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Japanese convenience store sandwich becomes a hot topic on Reddit, but is it any good?
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Crazy movie coincidence reveals Godzilla’s true weakness: Films called Your Name
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Weekly
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
- Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Yearly
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese convenience store sandwich becomes a hot topic on Reddit, but is it any good?
Amazing time-lapse video from China shows 1,300-tonne bridge built in less than 43 hours【Video】
Crazy movie coincidence reveals Godzilla’s true weakness: Films called Your Name
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
New Attack on Titan theme park attraction coming to Fuji-Q Highland
You Can Have Your Very Own Whale Party on iPhone Messages In Just a Few Simple Steps
Japan’s Mos Burger creates tempura rice bowl bento boxed lunch burger, but not for its menu
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Why you should be adding Calpis to your beer in Japan
20 things to buy at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store
New app lets you traverse the streets of modern Tokyo and ancient Edo at the same time
-
