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.

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 ...

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

Hideaki Ito is a well-established actor in Japanese TV and film, having starred in the popular Umizaru series, some Takashi Miike films, Kamen Rider, and three Coca-Cola commercials. He is also the ...

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 ...

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, ...

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

It’s truly an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku…in Shinjuku.

New Year’s is a major event in Japan, much like Christmas is in the West, full of cultural traditions that span back decades, and even centuries. One of those is the practice of adults handing ...