Ultraman
Professional manga artist deftly displays his artistic skill progression from kindergarten to the present.
Would chance to direct boyhood favorite franchise convince Hideaki Anno to push back the release of his seven-years-in-the-making Evangelion finale?
Will station staff let him give up his kaiju monster-fighting days and allow him to commute like an ordinary Japanese salaryman?
A rubber suit monster, surreal humor, and a heaping helping of sexual subtext that has nothing to do with the product itself? This might be the alpha and the omega of Japanese commercials.
Children all over the world idolize at least one TV or comic book character at some point while growing up. For everyone who gets a rush of excitement whenever they fondly recall their favorite childhood character toys, we’d like to introduce you to a must-see event that’s currently going on in Tokyo’s Odaiba district: the “Nostalgic Toy Great Exhibition” (懐かしのおもちゃ大博覧会)!
This event is a massive display of classic Japanese character toys that date from the Showa period (1926-1989) to the present day. Everything from ultra rare vintage tinplate toys from the 1960s to Sailor Moon figurines from the 2010s are on display, for a grand total of approximately 2,000 toys. On top of that, photography is permitted—it’s truly a toy lover’s paradise!
Coming to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Theater Concert Hall on 2 November is the Ultraman Symphony Concert 2015. At this event music from the high-culture tokusatsu masterpieces of Ultraman and related shows will be performed by a full orchestra.
It’s sure to be a luminous evening of sci-fi splendor, but to mark the occasion a single Ultra Violin, the only official Ultraman violin in existence, will be sold to one lucky buyer.
Getting pounded into the turf by a 40-meter (131-foot) tall martial artist who can shoot beams of energy from his hands can’t be an easy lifestyle. So last year when a restaurant opened in Kawasaki to honor the giant monsters and aliens who so often end up on the losing side of the battles in the Ultraman franchise, we thought it was nice they now had a place to relax, enjoy some tasty food, and knock back a few beers between regularly getting pummeled by the good guys.
Of course, we Earthlings were also welcome at the establishment, called the Kaiju Sakaba (“Monster Pub”). We stopped by shortly after the place opened last year, and all of the Ultraman-themed decorations made us feel like we were little kids again (well, at least until our first round of alcoholic drinks arrived, anyway). And then we felt like little kids again as wept in sadness upon hearing the Kaiju Sakaba was closing last March.
But, just like the ending of each installment of the Ultraman saga gives way to the next chapter, the Kaiju Sakaba is coming back to Kawasaki later this month, and this time it’s here to stay!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
We take a trip to China to explore one of its four ancient cities: Langzhong!
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
We stress-test Uniqlo’s “Impressive Jacket and Pants” to see if they live up to their names
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area- 7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie- Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
- Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Umamusume food and drinks dash into real world at Family Mart convenience stores[Taste test]
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
We stress-test Uniqlo’s “Impressive Jacket and Pants” to see if they live up to their names
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Criminals of Japan’s Edo Period Were Often Punished by Getting Face Tattoos
Kodomo no Omocha creator draws new manga pages for an unexpected new home
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Latest Japan cherry blossom forecast pushes Tokyo date back, sakura now expected first elsewhere
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Osaka man reserved and cancelled 1,873 seats at two baseball games to get more space for self
You could be renting this 300-year-old samurai era house in Japan right now
-
