Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
year end
It’s customary for companies in Asia to hold year-end parties (bounenkai in Japan, weiya in Chinese-speaking countries), and these often reflect the state of the companies. In a good year, employees will be treated to lavish affairs complete with lotteries, extravagant performances and attractive prizes. However, one Chinese company stole the limelight this year with their ‘cash grabbing game’ that guarantees everyone a winner!
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Rumors say this is Japan’s very best McDonald’s branch, but what makes it special?[Taste test]
Starbucks Japan adds new Sencha Matcha Tea Frappuccino to its menu, but only at 28 locations
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Uniqlo and Metal Gear team-up for T-shirt line【Photos】Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthdayFamous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime characterUniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthdayFamous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listKrispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japan’s favorite sandwich pockets now come with sakura filling, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Uniqlo and Metal Gear team-up for T-shirt line【Photos】
10 things you should buy at 7-Eleven in Japan
Cat taking over your work-from-home keyboard? Japanese YouTuber has super easy solution【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Studio Ghibli releases new Spirited Away kami collection
This upcycled Kyoto train cafe is the ultimate kawaii spring experience
Hanton rice — a delicious regional food even most Japanese people don’t know about, but more should
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]