Taking a break in the shade? Here’s some Japanese vocabulary and cultural knowledge that could be yours by the time you step back into the sun.
SNO
![Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/5_b24272.jpg?w=640 "Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]")
![Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/0_d19506.jpg?w=640 "Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]")
Following suspiciously swift sell-out of Yoshinoya’s Dragon Quest Slime bowls, new policy means that everyone who wants one can buy one at the regular price.
![7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/1_3c85fd.jpg?w=640 "7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]")
Vietnam’s star sandwich reaches a new milestone on the road to mainstream popularity in Japan.
![The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/0_8d5bf5.jpg?w=640 "The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]")
Dragon Quest Slimes appear at Yoshinoya, and the restaurant is trying to make sure they go home with actual fans.
![Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/cornpotagepopcorn.jpg?w=640 "Testing Japan’s latest food hack trend: Adding instant corn soup powder to popcorn[Taste test]")
![The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/t.jpg?w=640 "The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]")
7-Eleven Japan reinvents convenience store fruit sandwiches with new salty pink sakura peach variety
![Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/05/6_f00354.jpg?w=640 "Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]")
Seventh Heaven arrives in Roppongi with a twist on its name and another for its cocktails.
![Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/03/lp-1.jpg?w=640 "Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]")
Tiny Frappuccino is designed for young girls, so we find out if it’s too sweet for adults.
We head to Shinjuku to encounter these Square Enix video game mascots turned tasty treats.
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
This black Slime plushie had become his white whale until something I’d never experienced before happened.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Weekly
- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
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