Gransta Tokyo have selected the best travel lunches for your next long train ride.
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Next time you’re passing through, keep an eye out for one of these station bento to treat yourself during your travels.
Need a little more action, adventure, and spying in your life? Try checking out free sample chapters from one of these current hit series in Japan.
These iconic series, spanning sci-fi to sports, were instrumental in paving the way for anime of subsequent decades.
For the third year in a row, this particular name takes the top spot for all felines, male or female.
Japan’s netizens club together to crown fictional stars who are flies in your soup, pebbles in your shoes, peas beneath your bed, or just plain evil!
Obaachan knows best, especially when it comes to popular Japanese snacks that have stood the test of time.
Don’t be afraid to take in the eye candy with these characters who originally graced the pages of Japan’s best-selling weekly shonen manga magazine.
Last summer, I was riding the subway with some friends from home who were visiting me here in Nagoya, Japan. Suddenly, my friend pointed at a sticker on the window behind us. “What’s that?” he asked, staring wide-eyed at the image of a smiling cartoon golden dragon wearing a train conductor’s uniform. “That’s the mascot of the Nagoya Transportation Bureau,” I replied, happy to be imparting local knowledge. “Oh,” he said. “And why does the Transportation Bureau need a mascot?”
You see, it’s the little things that can be most surprising about a culture that’s not your own. Today, we bring you a list of 10 quirky things that you probably didn’t know – or may not have realised – about everyday life in Japan.
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Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Cosmetic wizardry: Asian women removing makeup to reveal their true selves goes viral【Video】
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
We taste makunouchi bento at four Japanese convenience store chains【Taste comparison】
Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Studio Ghibli adds “komorebi” Totoro plush toys to its anime merchandise range in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese police question man for “not looking good in a suit,” turns out he robbed an old lady
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
Weekly
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience- Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Yearly
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
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
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Studio Ghibli releases new free-to-use anime images to “use within the bounds of common sense”
Studio Ghibli adds “komorebi” Totoro plush toys to its anime merchandise range in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japanese police question man for “not looking good in a suit,” turns out he robbed an old lady
“Office lady in heels walking on tatami”: The mysterious world of Japanese fetishism
British man arrested for biting Japanese police officer during shokumu shitsumon questioning
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Five reasons there’s no tipping at restaurants in Japan
Starbucks Japan joins Been There drinkware line with 20 cool designs for all over Japan【Pics】
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Overseas Uber driver and anime fan gets the Cowboy Bebop surprise of a lifetime【Video】
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
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