Oh summer vacation. For little kids (and big kids too!) it’s a time to finally throw off those backpacks, forget about homework, and have fun all day long running around outside or playing video games. If you’re the mom or dad of one of those kids, though, you’re often left to clean up in their wake.
And the same is true in Japan too. For the most part it’s moms who’re left to run after kids giddy with the freedom of no school. They’ve even started a Twitter hashtag for it: #SummerVacationStupidKids.
What kind of things do Japanese kids do to drive their parents crazy? Are they the same as the rest of the world or completely different? Read on to find out!

















Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Testing Japan’s fluffy mayonnaise pancake cooking hack【SoraKitchen】
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
New Laputa amulet actually responds when you incant the anime’s magic spells
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Is a snow day the perfect day to beat the crowds at a popular ramen restaurant? [Experiment]
American tourist arrested in Japan on charges of pushing sexual services worker down stairs
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
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
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
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
New Laputa amulet actually responds when you incant the anime’s magic spells
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Is a snow day the perfect day to beat the crowds at a popular ramen restaurant? [Experiment]
American tourist arrested in Japan on charges of pushing sexual services worker down stairs
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
Sega apologizes after exec says Puyo Puyo players eat beef bowls with cheese
Sanrio changes Hello Kitty lead designer for first time in 46 years
JR’s new overnight sleeper train will connect Tokyo and northern Japan, is private cabin-only
The odd phenomenon of some Japanese husbands making their wives put their socks on for them
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film