J-pop mega star returns to the biggest hit of her career as an adult, with some help from a special musical partner from her past.
The First Take
Utada Hikaru sings incredible new one-take version of “First Love,” 26 years after original release
-
Casey Baseel
May 16, 2025 - Tweet
- Japan
- (First Love • Hikaru Utada • J-Pop • music • The First Take • Utada Hikaru • video)
Ash’s Japanese voice actress nails Pokémon anime theme one last time before retiring from role【Vid】
-
Casey Baseel
Mar 24, 2023
Get ready to cheer and cry some big ‘ol Poké-tears as Rika Matsumoto aims to be a Pokémon master one last time.
- Japan
- (anime • anime songs • anison • ash • Ash Ketchum • Mezase Pokémon Master • moving • music • Pokemon • Rika Matsumoto • Satoshi • The First Take • touching • video)
Rock princess Avril Lavigne takes us back to 2002 with performance on Japanese YouTube channel
-
Dale Roll
Sep 6, 2022
The singer-songwriter’s intimate, acoustic performance on The First Take reminded fans of what made Avril so great in the first place.
- Japan
- (acoustic • Avril Lavigne • music • The First Take • video • YouTube)
-
Recent Posts
- Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
- This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
- Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
- Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
- Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
MOST POPULAR
Today
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Weekly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Monthly
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Yearly
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
Is the two-hour wait for Tokyo’s Yokota Gaijin Burger worth it?【Taste test】
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
-
Categories
Archives


