taxes
The two things in life that are always guaranteed are death and taxes. Death can come out of nowhere, and it’s the most surprising ones that hurt us the most. Taxes, on the other hand, should never be a surprise. You have to file and pay your taxes every year at the exact same time, so you can’t really say that you didn’t see them coming. In Japan, if the government finds out that you are withholding money from them, trust that they will be coming to collect that cash. As one citizen found out, if you can’t pay them what you owe, they will just take away your precious collection of anime figures.





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
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Kyoto’s green tea sweets capital now has matcha ramen too!【Taste test】
【Lucky Bag Roundup 2017】Spruce up with The Body Shop’s choose-your-own-fragrance fukubukuro
Japanese fashion brand Heather releases line for people 5 feet and under
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
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】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Kyoto’s green tea sweets capital now has matcha ramen too!【Taste test】
【Lucky Bag Roundup 2017】Spruce up with The Body Shop’s choose-your-own-fragrance fukubukuro
Japanese fashion brand Heather releases line for people 5 feet and under
Survey reveals Japan’s Generation Z dresses for social media, not for self-expression
7-Eleven now sells rice burgers in Japan, blurring the line between fast and convenience store food
Why is self-censoring tape appearing all over Tokyo’s host club ads?【Photos】
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
How much should we give in a New Year’s otoshidama without looking like a jerk?
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Japanese company creates stunning line of caps made from real kimono fabrics
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?