Come for the retro architecture, stay for the bath and swimming pool filled with onsen hot spring water!
schools (Page 9)
In what’s become an annual tradition, the star musician gave a group of teens the surprise of their young lives.
The upcoming product arose out of a collaboration between two University of Tokyo students and a Japanese fashion designer.
Annual tradition is more beautiful than ever this year.
The existence of the Japanese-style toilet in places of education may be circling the drain.
The annual hit to the family’s finances has certain households dreading the start of each new school year.
Labels the country’s schools as stifling “salaryman training facilities.”
Where do Japan’s young witches and wizards go to hone their magical abilities? Why, Mahoutokoro on the island of Minami Iwo Jima, of course!
Young children are full of surprises, but sometimes the biggest surprise comes out of their backpacks. Meet Zen and the newest “student” at a Thai kindergarten, his cat.
Autumn is the season of school cultural festivals (bunkasai) in Japan. Students pour hours and hours of their time into creating the best possible attractions, food stands, and performances and proudly display these efforts of love for the surrounding community to enjoy.
There must be something in the water because, starting with the teacups ride we introduced last month, Japanese students seem to be showing some unprecedented creativity this year. Just take this musical arcade game that was built entirely by high schoolers, and which many stunned guests have proclaimed to be “good enough to be in a real game center.”
Death Note, the popular manga series turned live-action movie from Japan, follows the story of a bored young genius and his discovery of a supernatural book called the Death Note, which has the power to take the life of anyone whose name is written in it by the owner.
The sinister storyline has now influenced a real-life turn of events at a high school in the United States, where a self-styled “Death Note” was found, containing the names of 17 students, including the dates of their deaths and the manner by which they would be killed.
While many of us spent the last few days stuffing our faces with Christmas treats, singing jolly carols and hoarding presents, one whole city of school children in China were unfortunately unable to celebrate the occasion because the Grinch, a.k.a. adults, had stolen their Christmas.
















Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
The Yellow Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is so bad it may damage Japan-US relations
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s foreign tourist numbers projected to fall for first time in years in 2026
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Evangelion taking over Tokyo Skytree just in time for Christmas
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
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
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Mister Donut and Godiva continue their sweet sweets relationship with new treats on sale now in Japan
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Evangelion taking over Tokyo Skytree just in time for Christmas
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
This gachapon capsule machine dispenses real Akoya pearls, with certificates of authenticity
What Hayao Miyazaki’s Mei would look like if Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro in 3-D
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Shin-Koiwa Station is going all out to prevent human injury and death