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.
















Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Studio Ghibli’s kodama ready to leave the Princess Mononoke forest as a squeezable keychain【Pics】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japan’s two-month Shut-in Pilgrimage – A 1,200-year-old way to deal with a modern issue
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
What’s so “Japan mind” about Häagen-Dazs’ new “Japan Mind” ice cream?
Three Inuyasha cafes opening in Japan to celebrate sequel series to Rumiko Takahashi hit
Is real Tokyo as dangerous as the Yakuza video games? Chapter 3: Crazy Town
Full-color anime art wall appears in Tokyo station as Jujutsu Kaisen returns to Shibuya【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new popcorn Frappuccino at one special location
Japan’s cat testicle calendar is here for nyantama fans to go nuts with