Jul 30, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Kumamoto Castle left illuminated all night long as symbol of hope for earthquake victims The castle itself is still undergoing repairs from an earthquake from 10 years ago. Kumamoto is still reeling from a massive earthquake that struck the prefecture on Japan’s southwestern island of ...
Jul 30, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Katana of one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen goes on display to help Kumamoto earthquake victims The sword of the vice-captain of the Shinsengumi is being called into action once again in a touching story of repaying kindness. On Tuesday morning, a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefectur...
Jul 30, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Sanrio’s newest item looks like dog butt, exactly like it’s supposed to [Photos] If you’ve ever wanted to take a nap while burying your face in Pompompurin’s butthole, this is the cushion you’ve been waiting for. You can make a strong argument that no other company on the plane...
Jul 30, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Starbucks Japan unveils new coffee drinks… for people who don’t drink coffee Created with Shibuya109 Lab, this new release aims to bridge the gap between traditional coffee and sweet Frappuccinos. This year marks the 30th anniversary for Starbucks in Japan, and the chain is...
Jul 30, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Official Final Fantasy beers are going on sale in Tokyo this month, giant Aetheryte appearing too Two brews, inspired by the world of Final Fantasy XIV, are joining the taps at an Akihabara craft beer bar. Back in the spring, Final Fantasy VII’s Seventh Heaven bar popped up in real-world Tokyo,...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month The rise in the entry fee comes amid an increase in public bathhouse users in Tokyo and a decrease in the total number of sento. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced that the maximum ent...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data The average overseas visitor now consumes more rice in a day than a Japanese local. On 27 July, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) released its fiscal 2025 data on rice ...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid] Mega Rayquaza comes to Shinjuku from the stratosphere. Seeing a Rayquaza is a pretty special occasion for Pokémon fans. According to franchise lore, the Dragon/Flying-type spends most of its time s...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season Suspension of unreserved seat tickets on some bullet train classes means planning ahead is especially important. Japan is a famously hard-working country, but it’s got a major vacation period comin...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life Exclusive range includes a planter cover, smartphone stand and a unique coffee-dyed Japanese tenugui. A cup of coffee has a story that continues even after the final sip. That’s the idea that Starb...
Jul 29, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications “Small manor in the Izu highlands” is getting ready to welcome guests once again. At pretty much any hotel in Japan, you can count on cleaning staff to come in to vacuum the floors, empty the waste...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Pachinko industry rebounds on convenience and innovation, but smaller parlors struggle to keep up No more heavy ball baskets or stacks of cash, but the same ol’ sensory rush with a modern flair. While wandering the streets of a Japanese city, there’s a chance that during your stroll through a t...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return Official city survey highlights the issues that left some visitors less than satisfied with their Kyoto experience. Kyoto has long been one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, but now the...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death Ikebukuro Pokémon Center and Pikachu Sweets cafe immediately closed following tragic event. The Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, located inside the Sunshine City shopping center in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro neig...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours Grown with special electrolysed hydrogen water, this ultra-sweet fruit reaches more than 17 degrees Brix. Melon season is upon us in Japan, and there are plenty of delicious varieties to choose fro...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas New “Jimoto” series celebrates the unique flavours and charms of different parts of Japan. To mark its 30th anniversary in Japan, Starbucks has announced a new initiative called the Starbucks Jimot...
Jul 28, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack Turn a Samurai Mac into an expensive Omotesando gourmet burger by taking one thing out – and no, it’s not the pickles. Whether you’re in Japan or overseas, social media is filled with all sorts of ...
Jul 27, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations Ice cream chain famous for its 31 flavors celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise with temptingly tactile treats and a salute to every starter Pokémon. As any etiquette expert know...
Jul 27, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival Experience the bullet train like few travellers ever have before. Japanese bullet trains are usually known for speed, but East Japan Railway (JR East) is now highlighting the charms of a stationary...
Jul 27, 2026 from SoraNews24 -Japan News- Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city Always good to have a spare lying around. Capital cities are essential parts of all countries, serving as the center of government, hubs of economic activity, and symbols of the national identity. ...
