Kitty-chans representing the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras are waiting inside these sweet treats.
Reiwa
Kitakyushu welcomes its first Coming of Age Ceremony of the Reiwa Era in its typical outrageous fashion(s).
One topic dominated conversations in Japan this year, and now it’s officially the most significant single kanji character of the past 12 months.
Now’s your last chance to see structures that can’t be seen again until the ascension of the next emperor.
The candidates for the top ten catchphrases that defined Reiwa’s first year are here! Who knew bubble tea could be a verb?
Coca-Cola takes the clear drinks trend to a whole new level, and gives us a special Reiwa parody commercial as well.
It was a bit like having your friends over for a party with your mum telling you to be quiet from the other room.
With the imperial Heisei era over and the Reiwa period just beginning, this is the phrase to use.
From jumping off bridges to waiting in ten-hour long queues, there are plenty of ways to welcome in a new era.
Emperor Naruhito looks back on emperors of the past before turning his eyes to the nation’s future.
As Japan says goodbye to the Heisei era, Shiseido looks back on the last three decades, from the bubble economy to yuru fuwa iyashi otono kawaii joshi.
There’s a new way to show your appreciation to the Heisei period…by getting your hands on a can of air!




















Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Which Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain has the best aburi salmon sushi?【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Japan’s Gelato Pique isn’t a gelato company, so is their gelato any good?
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Matcha green tea instant Cup Noodle ramen is here, with a totally unexpected taste【Taste test】
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Japan’s Gelato Pique isn’t a gelato company, so is their gelato any good?
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Matcha green tea instant Cup Noodle ramen is here, with a totally unexpected taste【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Japanese cat and dog clocks with swishing tails make clock-watching more adorable than ever
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Proposed sakura name for new middle school in Japan draws complaints for kamikaze overlap
Beautiful cans of cake become a viral hit in Japan