The pickled umeboshi plum is a common food in Japan, but can you guess what makes these plums special enough to warrant a US$850 price tag?
Year of the Monkey
Since there’s no spot for the cat in the Chinese zodiac, this Japanese kitty turned to some cute cosplay to get in on the Year of the Monkey fun.
And just like that, 2015 was no more! It’s now January 1 all the way across Asia, which means it’s officially the Year of Monkey! Happy New Year, everyone!
We’ll be putting our feet up for the rest of today, but we promise we’ll be back tomorrow with more of the news, cuteness, cats, food, fukubukuro, Mr Sato and all the weird and wonderful stuff from Japan and Asia that you know—and hopefully love—us for.
Thank you for continuing to visit our site, share our stories and follow us on Twitter and Facebook (281K and counting!!), and for helping us to grow and grow. 2015 was very good to us, but here’s hoping that 2016 will fill us all with the sprightly energy of a whole mess of merry monkeys and that we can continue to make our little site even better—although hopefully without any poo-slinging.
Stay tuned, Rocketeers, and have yourselves a great New Year’s Day!
Last winter, while people in Japan were getting ready to send their nengajo (New Year greeting cards) to family and friends, Japan Post did something amazing. Instead of releasing just any ol’ stamp for the Year of the Sheep in 2015, they made what was obviously a continuation of the stamp from 12 years prior. You see, in 2003, there was a darling sheep knitting a scarf on one of their special stamps, and in 2015 that same sheep was proudly wearing the finished product.
The story was a nice, feel-good moment for many, and people starting wondering whether this was a one-time occurrence or if Japan Post was going to continue this “stamp story” two years in a row. We are happy to say that they appear to be starting a tradition, as the Year of the Monkey is also getting an adorable back-story!
MOST POPULAR
Today
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Weekly
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more- Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?- Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
- Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
- Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
- Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Monthly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan- Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
- New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before- Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
- What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Yearly
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]
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】
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]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan Post’s mail carriers are getting some cool upgrades, but packages might be a little late
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Japanese convenience store challenge is only for those with extreme tastes
Cup Noodle hamster wheel is the new adorable pet toy animal lovers in Japan want[Video]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Japan’s sticker wars are reaching a breaking point, even for enthusiasts
-
