If you’re a girl who grew up with Japanese relatives, then this Rika-chan doll probably brings back some childhood memories. Created in 1967, her popularity in Japan rivals that of Barbie in the West and her impressive accessories collection contains all sorts of Japanese-related goods including futons, Hello Kitty hats and kimonos. Now Rika is adding to her collection by collaborating with one of Japan’s newest and most popular characters, Kumamon, the official mascot for Kumamoto city in Kyushu. The new friends, with their matching black, red and white outfits, will be released on February 1 by Takara Tomy.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Which Japanese convenience store has the best plain onigiri rice balls?
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Survey shows that guys like girls who eat a lot, so long as it’s salad
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Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Tokyo’s famous Lost in Translation hotel is closed
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Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】