In this two-part series just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics, we’re taking a look at Japanese skaters who have shaped the sport past and present.
Yuzuru Hanyu
”Do you play games on your smartphone?” asks interviewer before the two-time gold medalist says his two favorite games are from the ‘90s.
“This is the journey I took with my programs since March 11 2011” says gold medalist in unique substitute for suspended sporting events.
Perhaps even stranger still, this particular person has achieved an almost cult-like status among some Japanese women.
If you’ve ever wondered what flavor gum the two-time Olympic gold medalist favors, you now have the answer!
A showering of gifts might be the norm for the Olympic gold medalist, but this one could mean the most to him.
In a long-standing debate, some people posit life imitates art more often than art imitates life.
Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu became the first man in 66 years to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in men’s figure skating at the PyeongChang Olympics on Saturday.
Call for more balanced language following gold and silver medals for Japanese figure skaters runs into strong backlash.
Even gold-medal winning figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu has been caught on film performing the infectious dance moves.
He’s handsome, talented and an Olympic gold medalist. And now, Yuzuru Hanyu will be making his screen debut as a samurai lord in the Edo period!
Japanese ice skater Yuzuru Hanyu is famous for record-breaking performances—but none are as awesome as this video of the athlete with a lightsaber!
Domo-kun is down on the ice and can’t get up! Who can save the furry, brown monster mascot?!?


















Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Lawson convenience stores sell a mega katsu sando, and there’s a hack to get it cheap in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new plush characters that turn into eco-friendly reusable shopping bags
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
Giri? Tomo? Gyaku? A guide to Japan’s many different kinds of Valentine’s Day chocolate
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
We try roasted horseshoe crab in Thailand, regret our choice yet strangely long for more
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
Giri? Tomo? Gyaku? A guide to Japan’s many different kinds of Valentine’s Day chocolate
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
We try roasted horseshoe crab in Thailand, regret our choice yet strangely long for more
TeamLab Borderless: A visitor’s guide to Tokyo’s new jaw-dropping interactive light museum
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
One Piece devil fruit ice cream coming back to Baskin-Robbins Japan
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country