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.











Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Coo-Che becomes a viral sensation, and everyone wants a taste
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Pokémon’s cozy city builder game inspires Cozy (Corner) cakes in Japan! [Photos]
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Universal Studios Japan requiring consent form for adults-only horror attraction
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Dance with demons in Kyoto at this Edo-period Japanese Halloween festival
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese curry shirts in honour of anime about the studio’s staff
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?