Honorary Pokémon governor of Udon Prefecture has a treat that might be even tastier than his tail.
Slowpoke
The prefecture that named the Water/Psychic Pokémon as its governor is now building him a park.
The official Udon Prefecture ambassador takes part in special events at the airport where you can also win fabulous prizes.
Slowpoke buses, Slowpoke hotel rooms, and even a Slowpoke ferry pop up in Kagawa’s cities (but don’t worry because the service isn’t slow).
Pokémon plushie pal’s productivity parameters are suspect, but his cuteness can’t be denied.
What’s better than Pokémon? Music videos about Pokémon! Last year, the Pokémon higher-ups in Japan released an official theme song and video for Yadon (Slowpoke, in English), the lethargic, sleepy, pink Pokémon. The Japanese song, Donaiyanen Yadon, was made to celebrate the Pokémon Center’s Facebook page and is charming, if not hypnotic.
Apparently, though, Yadon’s sluggishness is contagious and spread to the Pokémon Center’s translation team, because the translation of the psychedelic-reggae song was not released until a solid year after people started grooving to the original. But we’re happy to say: The English version is finally here in all of its bizarre glory.
















Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Green onion baths return to Japanese bathhouse to celebrate Labor Day
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
The most preposterous “adult” gacha capsule toys at Akihabara Station
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
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
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
The most preposterous “adult” gacha capsule toys at Akihabara Station
Japanese osechi New Year’s meal lucky bag gives us way more than we bargained for
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Bake and feast — We try the new bakeable Kit Kats!【Taste Test】
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Spirited Away bath herbs now available at Ghibli exhibition in Japan
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
We go on a quest to find the cheesiest sushi at Japanese conveyor belt sushi chains【Taste test】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Testing 23 different yakiniku dipping sauces from the Japanese supermarket to find the top three