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.
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Weekly
- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
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Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
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Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan- Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
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Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
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