Which is your favorite? With all the excitement surrounding the April 1st press conference in which the name of Japan’s new Imperial era was announced–it’s going to be called Reiwa by the way–this year’s April Fools’ Day was definitely a bit overshadowed. However, just like every year, a long list of Japanese companies put out April Fools’ Day jokes in …

Become a holy rider. Shinto shrines can be found all over Japan and although most are dedicated to fairly universal things like good health, studies, and finding a romantic partner, others specialize in far more niche things. Take the case of a relatively new shrine located in the town of Miki (Miki-chō) in Kagawa Prefecture which is dedicated to keeping …

Is 2019 Tottori’s time to shine? When most people think of visiting Japan, they probably think of neon-lit, bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, or the old capital city of Kyoto. However, it was Japan’s most rural area—Tottori Prefecture—that was named the number one Japan place to visit in Japan  in 2019 by GajinPot Travel. GajinPot Travel is a popular …

The most delicious cover of “Smoke on the Water” ever. The humble Pocky is easily one of Japan’s most instantly recognizable and beloved snacks. And for good reason. Not only are these chocolate-coated biscuit sticks delicious, they’re fun to eat. However, did you know that aside from being a great snack, Pocky can also be used to play classic rock? …

No, the new flavor is unfortunately not Wasabi Cheese. In April Nestle Japan called on Kit Kat fans from around the world to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the introduction of this iconic chocolate in Japan by holding an online vote to select a new limited time Kit Kat flavor. And on Wednesday (Nov. 7), after many months of waiting, …

The most appetizing rhymes you’ve ever heard. Carefully preparing food in a kitchen is not something you normally associate with the world of rap. However, it looks like the Japanese female hip hop idol group Lyrical School is hoping to change that because they have just released a music video that goes in-depth into the process of making delicious and …

No free grapes here. Taking a single grape from the grocery store’s produce aisle without paying is one of those things many people do even though they know they’re not supposed to. It’s also one of those things that people rarely, if ever, get punished for. However, earlier this week a man in Fukuoka did just that and is now …

Time to eat some meat. The cat-eared idol group Wasuta (a.k.a. The World Standard) is back with an appetizing new music video for a love song that will make you want to stuff yourself full of yakiniku (Japan’s take on Korean barbecue). Set to release on October  31 as part of the group’s upcoming new mini-album, GIRLS,BE AMBITIOUS!, the new …

Is there anything more appetizing than a sheet of blue fish cake? The folks at the Toyama prefecture based company Ikuji Kamaboko have been hard at work producing kamaboko since 1927. Often referred to as “fish cakes” in English, kamaboko is a staple of Japanese cuisine and instantly recognizable with its semi-cylindrical shape. However, Ikuji Kamaboko has completely changed up …

Quack quack yo! The Japanese hip hop group Sushiboys has come out with a music video featuring a song tailor-made for the next time you find yourself cruising around with your posse on one of those swan-shaped paddle boats often seen at parks. Released on August 13, the group’s latest video is for a track called “Ahiru Bōto” (literally “duck …

It’s meat morphin’ time! It seems like you can find teams of tights-wearing superheroes based on just about anything and everything in the world of Super Sentai (the franchise Power Rangers is based on). Feel like watching a team of heroes based on ninjas? Then, check out Ninja Sentai Kakurenjā. How about space pirates? Then Kaizoku Sentai Gōkaijā is what …

Tasty or awful? Only one way to find out. Japan’s instant ramen industry is known for coming up with some pretty interesting twists on this classic late night snack. And now, the Osaka-based instant noodle maker Acecoik has concocted what may just be one of the “sweetest” takes on instant ramen yet. Created in honor of the 30th anniversary of …