After 30 years of waiting, combination Pokémon Trainers/Lego builders finally get the kits of their dreams.
video games
Yamada Heiando has been in business for over 100 years, but it’s still got new ideas for its Pokémon crossover line.
Crane games are big hits with foreign tourists and Japanese kids, so Family Mart is happy to have them come in and play.
Hadouken Pasta also on the menu at themed cafes celebrating Capcom art and history exhibition.
We head to the Japan Mobility Show Kansai to take a closer look at the real, ridable Legendary Pokémon.
As newest Metroid game hits store shelves, Nintendo celebrates with cool and clever merch line.
We head to Shinjuku to encounter these Square Enix video game mascots turned tasty treats.
Bathhouse just north of Tokyo provides rubber Psyduckies, Ditto sauna stones, and other sights and scents to soothe tired Trainers.
I had no idea you could win crane game prizes in Japan the way my friend won this Dragon Quest Slime
This black Slime plushie had become his white whale until something I’d never experienced before happened.
You’ll need skills at a different kind of game to get your hands on these video game plushies.
Path through the forest of wild Pokémon could strain some visitors’ legs, ticket cost might be hard on their hearts.




















New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Our visit to the coolest Book Off used Japanese book store that we’ve ever seen
This Japanese supermarket has either the kindest or cruelest slogan, but no one’s sure which
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Our visit to the coolest Book Off used Japanese book store that we’ve ever seen
This Japanese supermarket has either the kindest or cruelest slogan, but no one’s sure which
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Japan Tobacco Unveils 1000 Yen Pack of Smokes
Rumors say Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple sticks you with bad fortunes, so we bought 100 to find out
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
We try out the R-rated “world’s smelliest burger” from a Tokyo burger cafe
Best practices for celebrating Coming of Age Day for those turning 18, 20, or both in Japan
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations