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
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
7-Eleven Japan now sells bagels…cooked in bamboo steamers
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Store where you pay to shoplift returns to Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Weekly
- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
- Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]- One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Monthly
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
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- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Store where you pay to shoplift returns to Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
Mr. Sato turns into a historical figure through his first-ever wet plate photography session
Mt Fuji and Raijin and Fujin lingerie sets let you wear your love for Japan under your clothes
One Piece x McDonald’s Japan collaboration burgers: Does the treasure taste as good as it looks?
Stylish stockings from Japan give your legs a pierced look without the actual piercing【Video】
Studio Ghibli unveils new Totoro and Spirited Away anime merchandise to put a smile on your dial
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Japan asked to vote on what to officially call insanely hot days
Send a free drink to a friend with Japan’s newest coinless vending machines【Video】
-
