Given the large increase in inbound tourist numbers in Japan, local authorities and service operators are on the lookout for ways to improve communication with all these newcomers. Experiencing ...

The latest stars in an advertising campaign for mobile phone provider SoftBank is the unlikely pairing of Canadian singer Justin Bieber and comedian Piko Taro of PPAP fame. So far only ...

The Japan Magazine Publishers Association (JMPA) has released new data of magazine sales for October-December 2016 that reveal a major decline for Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump, one of Japan's ...

If drawing attention to a Japanese city or region is the purpose of the yuuru-kyara mascot, consider Mr. Kure's mission accomplished. This blue, kanji-emblazoned fuzzball may well be the most fly of ...

What's the secret to improving Japan's somewhat notoriously poor English-speaking levels? More English conversation schools? Native speakers installed in every elementary school? Speed-learning ...

The only thing cooler than intergalactic alien robots that transform into muscle cars and big rigs are ones that transform into outdated (but stylish!) mobile phones. A collaborative effort ...

Further cementing his place as the top star in Japanese architecture today, Kengo Kuma will next design a luxury hotel in Ginza set to open in early 2020. In addition to designing the new Yamanote ...

If you're a fan of the retro Japanese tokusatsu TV series Ultraman or its spin-off, Ultra Seven, you will already know you have plenty of tie-up merchandise and events to gorge your hobby. Whether ...

When historians look back on the evolution of the Japanese language, they'll look to January 26th, 2017 as the day kanji died. Because on that day in history, Google launched Word Lens in Japanese, ...

Tokyo welcomes the country's (and world's) first hand-drip green tea cafe, Tokyo Saryo, a modern, modish and minimalist affair tucked away in the sinuous streets of the popular Sangenjaya ...

As more than 30,000 runners prepare for next month's Tokyo Marathon, those less inclined to take on a full 42 kilometers are gearing up for a run of an entirely different sort: Chocorun. Chocorun ...

These days, it's not uncommon to find matcha green tea in cookies, cakes and ice cream, but this might be a first for ramen. Yes, you read that correctly: for the Cup Noodle Matcha Seafood Flavor, ...

Panasonic has been testing a new autonomous delivery robot called HOSPI(R) at a hotel in Narita Airport. From January 14th to January 18th, Panasonic ran trials with HOSPI(R) at the ANA Crowne ...

Sumo has come home as the first Japan-born wrestler for 19 years has been promoted to the rank of yokozuna, the highest in the sport. Following a meeting by the Japan Sumo Association on January ...

By now you've probably heard of maid cafes, where patrons are served by young girls in maid costumes (who also sometimes iron customers' shirts). But what about a maid gym? One exists and is ...