If you’re of a certain age, born anywhere between the early 80s and 90s, there’s a range of toys that just explode in your brain with raw nostalgia. We’re sure this is true for every generation, but those late 80s/early 90s toys just have something special about them. Whether is was their awkward use of new technology or absurd coloring schemes, we can’t deny just how cool they seemed when we were little kids!
What we were surprised to see, though, was just how many of those toys and games were also available in Japan! So come with us on a trip down memory lane and find if your favorite childhood distractions made the list, and discover just how many of these things kids in Japan were also completely enamoured with.

Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
G-cha & Ba-cha serves Japanese green tea with a heartwarming backstory in Tokyo
Flexible teachers DO exist in Japan: First-grader gets full credit for “wrong” math test answers
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
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
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
G-cha & Ba-cha serves Japanese green tea with a heartwarming backstory in Tokyo
Flexible teachers DO exist in Japan: First-grader gets full credit for “wrong” math test answers
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
New Totoro carabiner pouches are ready to clip/tag along with you on all your adventures[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Studio Ghibli announces first new short anime film in 8 years, exclusive to Ghibli Park
Posthumous “Gwegh, I’m deadngo” tweet sparks nationwide cancer awareness movement in Japan
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
New 7-Eleven sandwich goes viral in Japan, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Onikun: Epic onigiri so big they’re half demon, half rice ball
Old-school Shibuya Hyakkendana neighborhood targeted for urban renewal — Will it lose its charm?