How do you feel about the state of anime nowadays?
That question is likely to draw some strong opinions from our readers. There’s no question that the past few years have produced a number of works critically acclaimed for their innovative plots and characters. But then there are some series that have built up huge fanbases for their…wait, why was that again? As one Chinese anime fan so eloquently put it, it’s almost as if these “mass-produced series” are on par with fast food…

Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Burger King offers every fast food franchisee in Japan 40M yen to jump ship and join them
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Shinkansen operator apologizes for three-minute delay because conductor was napping
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Japan’s Baby Bird Reincarnation sofa bed — So cozy you won’t want to go back to being a human?
Here’s the best spot to take in a panoramic view at “the most beautiful Starbucks in the world”
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
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
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
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Japan’s Baby Bird Reincarnation sofa bed — So cozy you won’t want to go back to being a human?
Here’s the best spot to take in a panoramic view at “the most beautiful Starbucks in the world”
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Japan now has stricter requirements for foreigners applying for citizenship
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Studio Ghibli fans surprised to find hidden images in Grave of the Fireflies anime poster
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]