stress
How do you say ‘Hakuna Matata’ in Japanese? Maybe people from these prefectures can tell you!
New rage room lets you smash things in the style of Marvel’s Thor or Cloud from Final Fantasy.
Next time you’re feeling stressed, act like a ninja and perform these nine simple hand signals.
One variety proves to be particularly common among online commenters.
Approximately 20 minutes after an elderly woman leapt in front of an express train, a conductor threw himself from an elevated train track down the line.
Regular readers will no doubt recall the Telenoid R1, the tactile doll shaped like a giant human foetus that when controlled via remote computer almost appears to be alive. Using this intriguing yet somewhat disturbing technology, creator and Osaka University professor Hiroshi Ishiguro went on to produce Hugvie, a soft, pared-down version of the doll that has a slot for a smartphone in its head, enabling users to cuddle and chat at once while the doll’s internal vibrators simulate the caller’s heartbeat based on their tone and the volume of their voice.
As fun and quirky as the pillow was, few ever thought it could be beneficial to users’ health, but recent research suggests that cuddling up with one of these blobs while chatting on the phone could actually help reduce stress and make us feel more content.











10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
We recreate the delicious-looking meatball stew from Laputa: Castle in the Sky【SoraKitchen】
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Intimate Korean yoga workout promises to burn calories, get your heart racing【Video】
Studio Ghibli retailer now sells Japanese anime curry with all the special utensils
Interactive online map of Kyoto lets you toggle between modern day and the 9th century
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Intimate Korean yoga workout promises to burn calories, get your heart racing【Video】
Studio Ghibli retailer now sells Japanese anime curry with all the special utensils
Interactive online map of Kyoto lets you toggle between modern day and the 9th century
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Starbucks Japan now has its first-ever Cola Frappuccino, but is it any good?
The Snack Poster: Illustrations to spread the love for authentic Japanese foods
Can a woman have a good time at a Japanese love hotel on her own? Our reporter investigates
The life-size Resident Evil Village tall vampire lady standee may be her most terrifying form yet
Should you dip your cake in sake? One Japanese brewer says no, but actually yes【 Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens