Whether we like to admit it or not, where we were brought up has a huge impact on the person we become. From our way of thinking to what foods we prefer, it’s hard to deny that our environment shapes our personal identity.
While some people come from nations that are veritable melting pots of backgrounds, languages, and cultures, others come from a country with much more homogeneity. Japan is one such country, and its people have a strong sense of identity—though they may not readily admit it.
But often during a trip to a foreign country, there comes a moment of self-realization where they become aware of just how Japanese they really are. A recent survey asked Japanese travelers to identify the five moments they felt most Japanese when abroad. The results are really quite telling.


















Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nendroid Face Maker lets you custom design faces for Japan’s most popular anime figure line
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
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
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
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nendroid Face Maker lets you custom design faces for Japan’s most popular anime figure line
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
New Sweet Sake Pocky showcases the flavour of a centuries-old Japanese sake brewery in Tokyo
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Starbucks in traditional Japanese building at Ise Jingu has hidden secrets in its roof tiles
We copy the look of Matt, Japan’s hottest male model as SoraNews24’s Meg becomes Mett
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience