Don’t have a smartphone? You’ll be required to rent one, and pay for it out of your own pocket.
skype
Japanese netizens are both creeped out and confused by this new Thanksgiving/Christmas emoji from Skype.
Skype is known around the world as a convenient, free video calling service and enjoys widespread popularity in Japan. As with any online communication website, you’re bound to be contacted by someone you don’t know. If you simply ignore the contact request, nothing will come of it, but what if you didn’t? What sort of mischief would come about as a result of your imprudent actions?
This brings us to the first and hopefully last installment of what our Japanese correspondent likes to call “My English battle with a foreigner who suddenly decided to contact me on Skype”.





Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Gangnam Style Parody “Gaijin Style” Hits the Web With Mixed Reviews
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Creator of Rurouni Kenshin manga/anime avoids jail time in child pornography possession case
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Gangnam Style Parody “Gaijin Style” Hits the Web With Mixed Reviews
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Creator of Rurouni Kenshin manga/anime avoids jail time in child pornography possession case
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle Calcifer rings aren’t just rings, they’re Kazarings【Photos】
We try all-you-can-eat raw eggs for 730 yen, turns out to be way better than it sounds
Evangelion getting live-action kabuki adaptation, Shinji and Kaworu actors announced
Gorgeous 2-D platform game inspired by Studio Ghibli edges closer to completion on Kickstarter
We try Muji’s new “communist” suit【Photos】
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
The one and only master of train station packing-tape calligraphy shares his story and inspiration