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!




















10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
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
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
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
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Japanese breakfast ramen for US$3.50 in Shinjuku is the morning meal you didn’t know you needed
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Famichiki Pancake Steamed Buns take Japanese convenience store food to a whole other level
Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki releases new artworks, still wants to make movies
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost