From love hotels in summer to the history of fireworks, these juicy bits of information amaze even Japanese people.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Japanese soccer fans attracted plenty of praise at the World Cup last month when, having watched their team lose to Ivory Coast, they diligently cleaned up their trash from the stadium. Whether you think these supporters’ actions show how important it is to Japanese people to be considerate of others, or just good old-fashioned common sense that applies wherever you are in the world, everyone (well, almost everyone) agreed that taking your rubbish home with you is A Good Thing.
This week, however, Japanese Twitter users have breathed a collective disappointed sigh as photos of the trash left in the streets after the world-famous Sumida River Fireworks Festival show some people in Japan aren’t as super-considerate as we’d like to think. Is Tokyo an exception to the rules? Or is Japan’s reputation as a super-clean nation undeserved?


Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
The 13-year-old video game contest winner who became one of Japan’s greatest manga artists
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Summer Comiket 2019【Photos】
Anime’s greatest pervert inspires all-female stage play in Japan with Takarazuka City Hunter
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
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
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Summer Comiket 2019【Photos】
Anime’s greatest pervert inspires all-female stage play in Japan with Takarazuka City Hunter
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
New Nintendo Lego kit is a beautiful piece of moving pixel art of Mario and Yoshi【Photos】
Controversial “little girl simulator” game pulled from Steam just days after release
Can our gourmet writers tell luxurious wagyu beef jerky from the cheap imported beef stuff?
All-you-can-eat lunch buffet for just 850 yen right next to Shinjuku Station
Fujisan View Express: A train journey to Mt Fuji so stylish you’ll never want it to end
Nagoya’s dark-red miso has continued to capture tastebuds for generations