Elegant kimono, cascading wisteria blossoms and the stunning scenery of Kyushu, Japan’s most southwesterly island. If this sounds like an archetypal scene from the land of the rising sun, you’d be half right – new drama ‘Kol Kimono’, which hits TV screens in December, is definitely set in Japan. But you won’t find it broadcast there just yet – only in Thailand!
In Thailand, interest in Japanese culture is at an all-time high. Thanks in part to relaxed visa regulations, the number of Thai visitors to Japan has doubled in the last three years. The new primetime drama, which started filming on location in Kyushu last week, also stars Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre, one of Thailand’s biggest names, in his first leading role in 17 years.

A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
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Japan has omurice chocolate, and the weirdest thing isn’t how it tastes
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
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Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Japanese men and woman both have the same top requirement for a spouse in konkatsu poll
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Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
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Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
We ate “the alien of Japan’s Ariake Sea,” and you can too, if you’re brave enough【Taste test】
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Studio Ghibli releases cute new blanket socks for winter
Japanese men and woman both have the same top requirement for a spouse in konkatsu poll
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
Randy’s Donuts opens first-ever branch in Japan, brings L.A.’s donuts to Tokyo【Photos】
We eat hoya sea squirts out of a can, enjoy a tasty regional delicacy from the comfort of home
Totoro and Kiki star in new Ghibli stationery collection
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Hunter x Hunter teams up with Shimamura clothing chain for clothing and more treasures galore
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Donuts with seaweed and soy sauce — Is Japan’s Mister Donut idea too Japanese for its own good?