Yuru-kyara, those lovable mascots of urban and rural districts all over Japan, have finished their annual yuru-kyara Gran Prix with Bari-San the chicken clinching a long awaited first place.
But that doesn’t mean these men and women in giant animal costumes have time to rest. No sir. Just as the last Gran Prix closed yuru-kyara it’s now time for the hundreds of mascots to begin campaigning for next year’s vote.
This brings us to Takibou, the Tanuki Monster of Shaolin Temple (not the kung-fu one) in Hachioji, Tokyo. Takibou had finished 58th place (top 6%) in 2012 and is hoping to improve on that performance. So, for the first time – probably in the world – a mascot is releasing their scent for the public to buy.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
KFC Japan earned 6 billion yen over Christmas weekend, proving that Japan loves Christmas chicken
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Snoopy and Woodstock, ordinarily inseparable pals, getting separate themed restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo museum apologizes for calling Demon Slayer’s brothel district setting a “glamorous world”
World’s first Snoopy Museum opens in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills
Look at this awesome vision of how beautiful a modern Pokémon Red and Blue remake could be【Video】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Snoopy and Woodstock, ordinarily inseparable pals, getting separate themed restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo museum apologizes for calling Demon Slayer’s brothel district setting a “glamorous world”
World’s first Snoopy Museum opens in Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills
Look at this awesome vision of how beautiful a modern Pokémon Red and Blue remake could be【Video】
Toei Kyoto Studio Park takes you back in time to Edo period Japan, but all is not what it seems
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Feast your eyes on yet more adorable 8-bit GIFs depicting daily life in Japan
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Yokai Train in Kyoto offers a fun and fright-filled ride of ghosts and demons
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Felt kits from Felissimo let you make purrfectly adorable palm-sized kitty craft