As someone who never completely outgrew his love of animation and video games, I try to at least keep up with what’s popular with kids in Japan. I can identify Pikachu, Squirtle, and a handful more of the cute cockfighting stand-ins from Pokémon. If I visit my in-laws and my nieces are watching an episode of PreCure, I know that it’s about a team of friends who fight evil with their magical powers (even if I have no idea how one of the girls got stuck with “The bursting scent of lemons!” as her special ability).
Still, until recently I hadn’t heard a single thing about Yo-Kai Watch, Japan’s current megahit among the elementary school set. At first I thought this was weird, but as it turns out Yo-Kai Watch’s popularity isn’t in spite of people in my age group not knowing about it, but because of it.
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
All-you-can-drink Starbucks and amazing views part of Tokyo’s new 170 meter-high sky lounge
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Beautiful Sailor Moon manhole cover coasters being given out for free by Tokyo tourist center
Studio Ghibli glasses cases let anime characters keep an eye on your spectacles
Tokyo luxury hotel offers month-long stays with free breakfasts, might be cheaper than apartment
Mister Donut ready to make hojicha dreams come true in latest collab with Kyoto tea merchant
Hamster abandoned at Tokyo ramen restaurant gets new home
Inflation making penguins in Japan unhappy with aquarium’s switch to cheaper fish
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen community
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Kyoto creates new for-tourist buses to address overtourism with higher prices, faster rides
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli glasses cases let anime characters keep an eye on your spectacles
Tokyo luxury hotel offers month-long stays with free breakfasts, might be cheaper than apartment
Mister Donut ready to make hojicha dreams come true in latest collab with Kyoto tea merchant
Hamster abandoned at Tokyo ramen restaurant gets new home
Inflation making penguins in Japan unhappy with aquarium’s switch to cheaper fish
Big win for tattoo artists: Japan’s Supreme Court rules medical licenses aren’t necessary
New Totoro, Catbus, and other Ghibli plushies transform from cushions to blankets【Photos】
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Welcome to Tokyo Psycho Break Show 2014! 【Tokyo Game Show】
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Ginza hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts in Tokyo
Kura Sushi adding premium tier pricing for better chance at capsule machine game