Hello Kitty has fallen down the rabbit hole into a world of whimsical animals in this gorgeous line of ceramics from an established Kyoto shop.
whimsical
Japanese ukiyo-e painters from the Edo period (1603-1868) are now famous throughout the world for their exquisite woodblock prints depicting everyday Japanese life and the natural world. Such master painters are less well-known, however, for their humorous contributions to the art world, which often feature whimsical scenes of anthropomorphic animals. Fortunately for us, though, these types of pictures are experiencing a recent wave of popularity among Japanese Internet users, and these images are simply too cute for us to just pass up. We’ve got fish, cats, puppies, monkeys, and a few more surprises from the masters in store for you after the jump!


7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo cafe offers all-you-can-eat pancakes for less than ten bucks!
Dinner in the Sky arrives in Tokyo, serves meals with a unique view above the city
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
All-you-can-eat yakiniku in Shinjuku for less than 10 bucks!
Say Hello (Kitty) to my little friend — Sanrio’s famous mascot as a custom assault rifle
How to buy a cake in a gacha capsule from a vending machine in Japan
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Dinner in the Sky arrives in Tokyo, serves meals with a unique view above the city
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
All-you-can-eat yakiniku in Shinjuku for less than 10 bucks!
Say Hello (Kitty) to my little friend — Sanrio’s famous mascot as a custom assault rifle
How to buy a cake in a gacha capsule from a vending machine in Japan
After 10 years of secrecy, anime song duo ClariS finally remove their masks and show their faces
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Three kotatsu-boosting items to turn your home into a toasty fort against winter’s cold
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Haunted, abandoned hotel complex on Okinawa is a lesson against messing with Japan’s spirits