sofa
Japanese chain wants to make inflatable furniture the next big thing, but it’s harder to set up than an Ikea flatpack.
It might be incredibly supportive, but it sucks the will to be productive right out of you.
Rilakkuma, whose name is a combination of the words “relax” and “kuma” (meaning bear in Japanese), is one of Japan’s more deserving popular characters. Created back in 2003, the lazy little bear with a zip on his back became an instant hit with a series of picture books and cuddly toys, and continues to be adored almost 10 years on–a feat that few cute-for-the-sake-of-it mascots besides Hello Kitty could ever boast.
Now, a furniture maker in Japan is offering Rilakkuma fans the chance to purchase an original order-made sofa based on their favourite po-faced bear. But with a price tag of almost US$2,000, their bank balances will have to be just as healthy as their love of all things cute and cuddly to afford it.












Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Kyoto’s green tea sweets capital now has matcha ramen too!【Taste test】
The International Federation of Sports Onigokko hopes for tag to be a part of the Tokyo Olympics
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
The world’s most matcha-intense ice cream experience is waiting for you in Shizuoka
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
Kyoto’s green tea sweets capital now has matcha ramen too!【Taste test】
The International Federation of Sports Onigokko hopes for tag to be a part of the Tokyo Olympics
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
The world’s most matcha-intense ice cream experience is waiting for you in Shizuoka
New Kura Sushi revolving sushi bar in Ginza is the chain’s most beautiful restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo ramen restaurant only lets you in with a reservation, is super-expensive, totally worth it
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
We taste the Adult Cream Pie from McDonald’s Japan
We try gold-topped ramen, the newest gourmet noodle treat in Tokyo and Kyoto【Photos】
New Evangelion short anime, written by Hideaki Anno, to have world premiere early next year
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Flex and pose your way to fitness with the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure exercise program!【Video】
Japan’s new Hello Kitty and Sanrio smartwatches are cutewatches too【Photos】
We try “the worst-tasting ramen in Japan” – How bad could it be?【Taste test】