SMAP, one of Japan’s most famous pop boy band groups, have announced they will disband at the end of this year.
Shingo
Although, Japan is still something of a smoker’s paradise compared to other developed countries, there are signs that times are a’changing with an increase in prices and no-smoking areas sprouting up across the land.
Anti-smoking groups often use dramatic stories and images to try and frighten or disgust people out of smoking tobacco. However, one simple poster hanging in a smoking section in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture sends a chilling message of love to all their nicotine addicts.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Japan’s new Pokémon donut treat marks Ditto’s Mister Donut debut!
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Dove ad slams Japanese beauty ideals, backfires with complaints from public instead
Brown-haired girl sues Japanese school for telling her to dye hair black, court makes decision
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Weekly
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls- Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo releases exclusive Christmas goods in Japan
Monthly
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train- Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Dove ad slams Japanese beauty ideals, backfires with complaints from public instead
Brown-haired girl sues Japanese school for telling her to dye hair black, court makes decision
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Studio Ghibli adds acorn-shaped Totoro bento boxes to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japan’s amazing egg sandwiches sold from self-serve roadside fridges have an inspiring backstory
New Pokémon dress shirt line lets you dress like an adult in the company of all 151 Kanto species
-
