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.













Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
The Mandalorian and Grogu film inspires a new set of Ginza Cozy Corner mini cakes and more
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup