Did you know that FamilyMart sells 108 yen (US$0.90) packets of “roasted shellfish strings?” They’re made from Hokkaido-raised scallops, and just like clams and oysters, scallops can produce pearls underwater. Even the packages come with this warning: “please be careful not to swallow any pearls that the shellfish may have produced while you eat them.”
Well that’s a challenge if we ever heard one! We bought 21 packets of roasted shellfish strings and went on a pearl diving adventure. Did we end up finding one? Read on to find out!
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Where’s the happiest place for foreigners to live in Japan? Study investigates
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
New train recreates hotel atmosphere with wood interiors and views from the foot of Mount Fuji
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
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
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
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
New train recreates hotel atmosphere with wood interiors and views from the foot of Mount Fuji
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Does Japan’s T.M. Revolution J-rock cake really look like the song it’s named after?
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Smoking marijuana is now illegal in Japan, can get you 7 years in prison
Japan’s new giant swing is a beautiful/terrifying way to see the scenery of the Japan Alps
Adorable baby hippo Moo Deng is now an adorable Mister Donut donut!
Tokyo’s “commuter boat” is an awesome hidden way to see the city from the water for dirt-cheap
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost