Ukraine
Railway company’s dedication to customer service backfires, landing it in hot water instead.
Ambassador takes aim at Japan’s richest man, questioning the decision to value pants and T-shirts over Ukrainian lives.
One of Japan’s leading art directors leads the way in raising funds for an issue that’s close to his heart.
Says that “the trampling of a peaceful and democratic Ukraine by unjustified force is a challenge to democracy.”
Fake news story goes viral around the world, but the real story behind it is just as compelling.
With a ratio of three beautiful Ukranian women to one Chinese man, the odds seem pretty good. But it’s going to cost them $10,380 each.
We’ve all heard the stereotype that western guys who come to Japan find themselves suddenly showered with beautiful ladies, while Asian guys who head to the west get squat. Regardless of the fact that this kind of generalization is SUPER mean and based upon some pretty sketchy and biased thinking, it does seem to be the most prevailing opinion (in spite of the many cases where it’s blatantly not true.) When we heard about this regular Chinese dude who bagged himself a super hot wife after deciding to study abroad in Ukraine, we thought it made for an adorable story about a successful international marriage. Unfortunately, it seems that Chinese netizens were less charmed, with plenty taking to their keyboards to register their surprise, envy, and skepticism.
The recent tragedy of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has capture the attention and sympathy of people across the world, leaving many wondering how such a horrible accident could have occurred. While fingers are being pointed and world leaders are looking for someone to blame, many in Japan are also wondering why a flight from Amsterdam to Malaysia was going through Ukrainian airspace in the first place.
Do you like French bread? We certainly do! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re great for making sandwiches or tasty canapé-type appetizers like bruschettas. But have you ever felt that the long distinctive shape of French bread sometimes makes it hard to carry around? Well, if you have, we’ve found the perfect item to solve that problem. It’s a bag made specifically for French bread, and it’s called the Baguette Bag!
When we saw a picture of this unique bag, we knew we just had to have one, but after we did a bit of searching, we found out that the bag was a product of Ukraine. Hmm… was it really wise trying to purchase an item from a country that was so far away and the language was completely foreign? We’ll just have to try and find out, won’t we?
Nataliya News is a column brought to you by our Ukrainian correspondent Nataliya, who currently lives there and writes her reports for our sister site RocketNews24 Japan in her charming Japanese. This week, she airs the feelings of her fellow Ukrainian women about dating or being married to Japanese guys, which of course we’ve translated into English for you! Check it out after the jump.




















Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Are 100-yen shop Daiso’s gel nail polish strips a good dupe for salon quality nails? Let’s find out
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Cherry blossoms are going to bloom on Tokyo’s new license plates
Kyoto sightseeing tour: The most amazing old bathhouses in the city
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
A visit to one of Japan’s motorcycle Shinto shrines
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
Cherry blossoms are going to bloom on Tokyo’s new license plates
Kyoto sightseeing tour: The most amazing old bathhouses in the city
You COULD eat a terrifying octopus egg in Japan, but SHOULD you? Let’s find out!【Taste test】
A visit to one of Japan’s motorcycle Shinto shrines
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Finally, a chance to cuddle up to Japan’s “No. 1 Cosplayer”, Enako
“Graffiti Temple” in Kyoto, where visitors are encouraged to deface the walls
Play games, learn, and get your fortune at Ginza’s limited-time Tsunaguu “Shrine of the Future”
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Saizeriya?
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Toma Toma Sparkling: Taste-testing the tomato juice that will give you a hangover