Here is essential advice for surviving sudden disaster in Japan.
Read More
SNO
We review all the products to find out which ones should you try and which ones you should miss.
We visit Hobonichi HQ in Tokyo to give you the highlights and our must-buy recommendations for next year’s range.
Find out if these limited-edition sweets uphold the family reputation for quality and creativity.
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.
![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.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses
Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something
How to get into this beautiful off-the-beaten-path Kyoto temple earlier than the general public
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
It’s been raining in Tokyo for more than a month now, breaking a record at least 150 years old
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand- Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween- Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
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
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Robot bartender bar opening in Kyoto, and no, they’re not controlled by AI
Pickling Shine Muscats was not on our bingo card, but were we grapeful we tried?【SoraKitchen】
Robbers in Japan steal drunk man’s shoes and one million yen in cash
It’s been raining in Tokyo for more than a month now, breaking a record at least 150 years old
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Official Metal Gear car boxes are coming to provide stealthy style for your pets
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
McDonald’s Japan makes beautifully bittersweet burger anime music video with Idolmaster [Video]
Japanese airport offering 19,250-yen sandwiches as last Japan meal for international travelers
Japanese bookstore dares to be different with common-sense fix to weird industry hassle
Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
-
