Space Invaders
While the floors of most modern Japanese homes are covered by hardwood, tile, or carpeting, many people still have a soft spot in their hearts for tatami. There’s something about the reed floor mats that has a soothing effect on many adults, perhaps because they remind them of the easygoing days of their childhood.
You know what else harkens back to a simpler time? Retro games, like Space Invaders. The encroaching aliens of the classic 1970s shooter are once again expanding their territory, this time moving from the stars above your head to directly below your feet with new Space Invaders tatami.
Isn’t it irritating when you click on a site link only to receive the message 404 Not Found? Sure some sites will dress up their error messages with a funny picture or a witty saying, but the fact of the matter is that the page you wanted is missing! To help ease this first-world frustration, one web design company has programmed a fully playable game into their error messages. Error screens have never been so welcome!



Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Beautiful Ghibli earrings allow you to finally reunite two of the studio’s star-crossed lovers
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Tokyo big walk – Walking from Tokyo Station to the Big Sight convention center on Tokyo Bay【Pics】
Japanese netizens outraged over famous YouTube channel’s treatment of hamsters【Videos】
Osaka establishes first designated smoking area in Dotonbori canal district to fight “overtourism”
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Japanese netizens outraged over famous YouTube channel’s treatment of hamsters【Videos】
Osaka establishes first designated smoking area in Dotonbori canal district to fight “overtourism”
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
This standing sushi bar inside a Tokyo train station blew us away with its speedy deliciousness
Why does Japanese writing need three different sets of characters? (Part 2)
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
New Licca-chan doll from Japan has unnervingly rapid hair growth