The best way to sell a foreign brand in Japan is to localize it, and this is both easier and harder when it comes to food. This is a field that offers a wealth of possibilities, but Japanese ...
The first thing to learn about Valentine's Day in Japan is that it's only for women to give to men. The guys are supposed to reciprocate on White Day, or March 14th. Moreover, it's not just for ...
We all know conveyor-belt sushi (kaiten-zushi). But what about conveyor-belt sweets?
For a limited time only, that experiment is coming to Tokyo -- and just in time for Valentine's Day, ...
Instant noodles maker Nissin already hit the viral magic button with the recent release of the Otohiko Anti-Slurping Noise Noodle Eating Fork, a genuine product that functions as a "food sound ...
Social Media Omamori Amulet Set
Traditional talismans for the internet
Nestlé Japan has installed a new vending machine in Kyoto that lets you create personalized Japanese Kit Kat chocolates.
The Travel Memories Kit Kat vending machine is located inside the Omiyage ...
The growth of Halloween cosplay, especially gatherings in major public areas such as Shibuya, has been one of the most marked trends in Tokyo in recent years.
If you don't fancy dressing up in a ...
In the varied and colorful world of Japanese coffee, consumers today can opt for canned coffee from a vending machine, a cheap cup of regular joe from the 7-Eleven, something more expensive from ...
Tree by Naked is a brand new restaurant concept that combines fine dining with art viewing for a complete sensory experience, and it's coming to Tokyo's Yoyogi Park this month.
Tree by ...
Mount Fuji Eraser
The Mount Fuji Eraser is a fun and clever way to bring this icon of Japan into your home or work stationery set. As you use the cuboid eraser, the shape of Fuji gradually comes into view and you find yourself holding Japan's most famous peak.
Our favorite Japanese comedian of the moment, Piko Taro, is continuing to capitalize on his Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen fame by promoting the Perotto Ice Pop DJ Licking Music Toy.
This is another ...
In February, a Polish women became the first foreign female professional player of the Japanese strategic board game shogi.
It's relatively rare for shogi to make the foreign-language news but the ...
Family restaurant chain Coco's has teamed up with android and robotics creator Hiroshi Ishiguro to offer tabletop robots that can entertain diners while they wait for their orders.
The small ...
The American ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs will open a new high-end "ice cream lounge" in one of the most chic areas of Tokyo serving cocktail-style desserts.
To promote the release of the ...
Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has recruited the virtual idol Hatsune Miku to promote Japanese food around the country.
Perhaps only in Japan would you get a ...
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, ...