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!




















Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Japanese convenience store food gets turned into hyper-realistic stationery you can peel open
Kumamoto earthquake may have created Japan’s newest hot spring inside flooded restaurant [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
This Japanese chopping board sanitising bag might be the handy kitchen gadget we never knew we needed
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
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
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
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
This Japanese chopping board sanitising bag might be the handy kitchen gadget we never knew we needed
Tokyo is getting a branch of famous Los Angeles hot dog chain Pink’s with Japan-exclusive items
Tired of city life? Try out Japanese rural life for a few days on an active volcano in Kagoshima
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store drinks with new Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy