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!
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Over a billion yen in smuggled gold found inside sex dolls by Japanese investigators
Will we eat the gyoza or our words at this all-you-can-eat dumpling challenge?
TKG Debate: What’s the best way to eat Japan’s beloved raw egg comfort dish?
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroadJapan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summerJapanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in AmericaJapanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
7-Eleven Japan to start selling Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches this summer
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino, tea and soda drinks for summerStarbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
“Phantom Egg Shop” opens in Japan, with a dozen rare Japanese varietiesJapan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the countryJapanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroadStudio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in JapanJapanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noonJapan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in JapanJapan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Totoro Soot Sprites are here to help keep your organized as adorable paper clips[Photos]
Nearly half of Pokémon hot spring’s statues have been damaged less than two months after opening
Hatsune Miku successfully wraps Miku Expo 2026 North America tour with 100,000 attendees
Japanese merry-go-round has heartwarming backstory, is one of the best rides in Japan
7-Eleven Japan now has Seven Cafe tea machines…but can they convert a coffee drinker?
Starbucks Japan sells Valencia Flavoured Syrup, and here are four ways to use it this summer
Japan opens shrine for plush toys in Kyoto, offering memorial rites and a resting place for remains
Dragon Quest’s next quest is a journey to Yoshinoya for awesome Slime toy meals[Photos]
Private Shinkansen Supreme Class Cabin pricing, start date, and details announced by Japan Railways
Japan’s Yellow Shinkansen to be retired, last chances to ride it come with eye-popping prices