raccoon
It may only be a few seconds long, but this clip of a raccoon attempting to ‘wash’ some cotton candy serves as a powerful metaphor for life…
Author Sterling North’s classic book Rascal, about North’s own adventures with his wily pet raccoon, has delighted both children and adults for generations. The story also became a huge hit in Japan with a wildly popular animated series adaptation in the 1970s, and the character is still well-known today.
Due to their intelligence and craftiness, raccoons are known mischief-makers. They are also really stinkin’ cute, which makes them- or more specifically, Rascal- the perfect match for these limited edition Halloween donuts, from donut-specialty shop Floresta.
One lucky visitor to a zoo in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan was treated to quite the show when she witnessed a raccoon standing on its hind legs and doing a little dance in anticipation of its next meal. Luckily for us, she was able to share pictures of the spectacle over a short series of tweets, one of which has been retweeted over 11,000 times in the last two days! Keep reading for your daily fix of cuteness.




Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese mom’s sketchbook of amazing anime character designs from 50 years ago amazes daughter
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Japanese government wants to build luxury resorts in all national parks for foreign tourists
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Does changing your smartphone lock to 8376 bring good luck, as one Japanese book title suggests?
Life-size Totoro FOUND! Live out your Ghibli fantasies in Tochigi Prefecture
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Japanese government wants to build luxury resorts in all national parks for foreign tourists
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Does changing your smartphone lock to 8376 bring good luck, as one Japanese book title suggests?
Life-size Totoro FOUND! Live out your Ghibli fantasies in Tochigi Prefecture
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
“Denki Anma”: The Japanese traditional torment that you’ll be glad stays in Japan
Crafting an easy hands-free umbrella with a few ordinary household items
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Tokyo government provides coronavirus home recuperation sets with instant ramen, curry, and more
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options