It’s almost summer and that means a lot of stuff in Japan—Golden Week, brain melting humidity, Obon, and of course, horror movies and haunted houses. While many people in the west binge on horror flicks and spooky attractions as Halloween nears, Japanese people tend to get their fright on during the summer months.
We recently caught up with Margee Kerr, a sociologist who studies fear and helps the world famous ScareHouse terrify their patrons—in a good way of course! Margee was in Japan studying how fear works across different cultures and we were excited to learn about the similarities and differences in the reactions between Japan and America to horror. Check out our interview with a true master of fear at one of Tokyo’s scariest bars: Yurei Izakaya in Kichijoji!
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
What did Shibuya really look like after the crowds on New Year’s Day?
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Combining all of Nissin’s new Cup Noodle series into one powerful bowl of ramen
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
What did Shibuya really look like after the crowds on New Year’s Day?
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Combining all of Nissin’s new Cup Noodle series into one powerful bowl of ramen
Following the Find Seiji a Girlfriend Project, our reporter now has to meet his girlfriend’s mom
We get to be (probably) the first ever to try Nissin Cup Noodle’s latest creation: Gyoza ramen!
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
The dramatic conclusion to the Find Seiji a Girlfriend Project【Video】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace