Japanese kindness leaves a lot to be desired in World Giving Index, but there may be a reason for it.
stranger
Skype is known around the world as a convenient, free video calling service and enjoys widespread popularity in Japan. As with any online communication website, you’re bound to be contacted by someone you don’t know. If you simply ignore the contact request, nothing will come of it, but what if you didn’t? What sort of mischief would come about as a result of your imprudent actions?
This brings us to the first and hopefully last installment of what our Japanese correspondent likes to call “My English battle with a foreigner who suddenly decided to contact me on Skype”.



Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Secret Starbucks sausage customization sparks sweet joy in Japan[Taste test]
Nissin Donbei to sell Classic line of instant udon and soba noodles for its 50th anniversary
Mitsubishi’s solution for stressed office workers in Japan: fake skylight video displays
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Are 500-yen noodles at Akihabara Ramen Center a great find or cheap miss?
Secret Starbucks sausage customization sparks sweet joy in Japan[Taste test]
Nissin Donbei to sell Classic line of instant udon and soba noodles for its 50th anniversary
Mitsubishi’s solution for stressed office workers in Japan: fake skylight video displays
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum is crazy strong, can easily carry creatures twice his body weight
Don Quijote now sells a bento of American corn dog ends
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Here comes Japan’s newest fruit dessert sandwich: 7-Eleven’s purple Blueberry Sandwich!
Parasite movie releases free official wallpapers to download as backgrounds for video calls
Japan’s Mos Burger discontinues old teriyaki burger and rolls out new recipe, but is it as good?