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?!?


















Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio 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
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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】
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]
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Udon pudding is about to shake up the noodle scene in Japan
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
We try Krispy Kreme Japan’s first-ever all-you-can-eat doughnut deal
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar