Shiga
Japan has many shrines linked to prosperity, but these five are considered some of the best for boosting financial luck.
The Book of Five Rings author, Miyamoto Musashi, has a part to play in the company’s history.
Parliament without everyone fighting like cats and dogs and otters and bears and beavers and…
Japanese raccoon dogs are known for their large…ahem, appendages. But which one is the largest of them all?
Koka City was once home to the legendary Koga Ninja Clan, and the local station pays homage with some fun trick art!
We sure hope that train’s heater is working.
On 4 November, Ei Nakayama of The University of Shiga Prefecture made a historic announcement that eight man-made pillars had been found standing upright at the bottom of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture.
Despite the country’s long history and relatively changeable landscape due to seismic and volcanic activity, this is actually the first time ruins have ever been found underwater in Japan.
No matter what your job is, it’s important to be skilled with the tools of your particular trade. That’s especially true if those tools happen to be firearms, which is why being part of Japan’s police or Self-Defense Forces means you’re in for a lot of time on the firing range.
It seems at least one member of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force needs a little more practice, though, since one of his shots missed the target he was aiming for and hit a civilian home instead.
















Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japan’s Mocchurin donuts declared too popular to exist by creator Mister Donut, will disappear soon
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Studio Ghibli mini towels add anime flair to a Japanese cultural tradition
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan’s Pokémon mailboxes saved from removal with last-minute extension on final day
Mos Burger opens fancy burger shop and bar in Ginza, Tokyo
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
Japanese convenience store coffees are now bigger than ever, thanks to the new “Deka Drink” trend
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]