It’s safe to say that Cup Noodle is the king of instant ramen. It’s not legally a generic trademark like escalator or trampoline, but in many parts of the world, the name Cup Noodle is synonymous with ...

OK–so evil JASRAC executives weren’t out to get Seiji. As a musician with modest success who had previously only received royalties from Internet streaming and live concerts, he just hadn’t realized ...

Sweets Paradise is the dreamlike, all-you-can-eat dessert chain where sweets lovers can enjoy the sugar rush of their lives at very reasonable prices. Our Japanese-language reporter with a sweet tooth ...

The horse-and-ema association on Studio Ghibli’s nengajo comes with the traditional greeting “謹賀新年” (“Kingashinnen” or “Happy New Year”), and is accompanied by the following message from the studio: ...

In November 2025, a permanent themed shop opened in Harajuku, Tokyo, on the third floor of the shopping mall Tokyu Plaza Harajuku “Harakado”. Despite the teeming crowds, entry to the shop is smooth.

Including fresh pizzas, fried chicken, and a suspiciously familiar tote bag.

Meeting someone through games or social media is becoming just as normal as going to the playground.

Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, the town of Hakone makes for a great weekend or overnight trip from the Tokyo area. In addition to some of east Japan’s best hot springs, Hakone boats ...

A recent online debate has sparked some fierce opinions about whether it's OK for fans to sing along at concerts.

Japan’s most quirkily empathetic monk is back to keep bad mojo away from us as the year ends. There are a lot of different ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Japan. If you want to get orthodox, ...

Then again, 2025 has been quite the year that could drive anyone to the dark side, so he decided to try once more by getting a Hey Punk! Ensemble Lucky Bag for 5,478 yen (US$35) from Birth Japan, the ...

One taste and lighter varieties may never be enough for you again.