JR-West Hotels entice travellers with ‘GoTo West Japan’ discounts
‘Go-To’ is the Japanese government’s nationwide campaign to encourage domestic tourism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Fear of contracting the disease has kept…
Only in Japan
Japanese fans for pandemic’s “new normal” fight bacteria, virus and foul odors
Some Japanese women hide their mouths when they laugh as a matter of etiquette or a mannerism corresponding to a certain traditional feminine ideal. It…
Studio Ghibli generously releases 400 images from its films free of charge, with more to come
In a move which surprised many in the anime community, Studio Ghibli announced on September 18th that it was making images from its films available…
Clocking out to City Hunter’s ending theme “Get Wild” is trending in Japan
A trend goes wild What’s the latest work trend in Japan? It isn’t teleworking or Zoom Happy Hour. No, according to trend research company Nexer,…
Halloween fashion idea: This kawaii black cat beret is a notch above nekomimi hairbands
If you’re looking for an easy way to get into the Halloween spirit but don’t want to dress up in a costume, how about this…
Hightail it over to Pikachu Sweets for an Eevee’s Tail Apple Pie Frappe
Since 2019, Pikachu Sweets, the takeout-only branch of Pokemon Cafe, has been offering Pokemon-inspired sweet desserts, drinks and other tasty treats. © PR Times, Inc….
Illustrator Natsuya’s never-ending summer dreams of pools, popsicles, and aquamarine
Ahh, natsu (夏)… It means “summer” in Japanese, and also happens to be the first two syllables in the word natsukashii (懐かしい), which is “nostalgic.”…
Japan’s first ever burger chain celebrates with a whole fried crab burger
Bigger fast food chains in Japan may offer some eye-catching limited edition specials, such as McDonald’s first ever rice burgers and Burger King’s all-you-can-eat one…
With the Departure of Shinzo Abe, Yoshihide Suga takes the reigns
In late August, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced he would be stepping down. Citing health concerns—he is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis—the news initially fueled speculation…
Kenko Tokina’s retro cool camera instantly prints black-and-white photos on thermal paper
Embracing the retro look Instant cameras have been around for over 70 years now, and different formats have come and gone. Although many models are…
Japanese cat demonstrates how to appreciate a Zen garden
Zen gardens, known in Japanese as 枯山水 karesansui, create miniature landscapes out of strategically placed rocks, carefully pruned bushes, and gravel which is raked into…
Nasu Kogen Rindo Lake Family Ranch pays tribute to classic anime “Heidi, Girl of the Alps”
Located three-and-a-half hours away from Tokyo, the lakeside leisure park area and family ranch at Nasu Kogen Rindo Lake is 300,000 square meters large and…
The fish that fought back: role-reversing cookie from cormorant fishing area goes viral
Sometimes, surprises come in small packages. A few days ago, Twitter user Tanabota banzai (@Ankosri) posted an unusual looking cookie along with a pamphlet from…
Cultivate your kami collection with “Spirited Away” kami figurine series
Many of those who love Hayao Miyazaki’s classic film “Spirited Away” will surely remember the enigmatic cast of spirits and supernatural beings who help Chihiro…
Raise your Konosuba cred with this Aqua “Pause” T-shirt
The light novel manga and anime franchise KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World! (or “Konosuba” for short) has enjoyed an enduring popularity. The anime…