KADOKAWA is opening Studio One Base, a 4,600㎡ anime production hub housing 400 staff and five group studios inside Ikebukuro's Sunshine City in fall 2026. Part of a vision to turn Ikebukuro into a world-class anime city, the move comes as Japan's anime market hits a record ¥3.84 trillion ($24 billion). Here's what it means for fans and the global anime industry.
Hanamaruki rebranded its liquid shio koji at Natural Products Expo West 2026 in Anaheim, moving a gold-colored fermented seasoning that had been business-to-business only abroad into US retail with 210 ml bottles and an organic version. Can rice koji, salt and water follow miso and shoyu into the global vocabulary?
Tokyo's hit immersive show "Ninja+Kabuki Tokyo" in Shinjuku Kabukicho has unveiled a reimagined program in March 2026. With 80% of its 25,000+ audience from Western countries, this non-verbal spectacle fuses ninja mysticism with kabuki artistry. Directed by Denjiro Tanaka VII, here's everything you need to know — including tickets, access, and what makes the new show unmissable.
In 2025, a record $29 million in lost cash was turned in to Tokyo police — and over 70% was returned to owners. Discover why Japan's KOBAN police box system, Lost Property Law, and deep-rooted honesty culture make it the safest place to lose your wallet. Plus: what to do if you lose something while visiting Japan.
Kyoto City raised its accommodation tax in March 2026 — the top rate now hits $65 per person per night, a 10x jump. Here's what travelers need to know: the new 5-tier system, who pays it, where the $85 million in revenue goes, and what locals actually think.
Japan's foreign driver's license conversion test got dramatically harder in October 2025. With questions jumping from 10 to 50, mandatory resident registration, and tourists barred from applying, pass rates have plummeted from 90% to 40%. Here's what changed, why, and how it compares to other countries' systems.
Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism will prohibit charging with mobile batteries in flight (both powering devices and charging the bank itself) and limit carry-on to 2 per person (160Wh or less) from April 24, 2026. Here's the full breakdown of the new rules aligned with ICAO international standards, what types of batteries are affected, and how to prepare for your trip to Japan.
16-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars opens the world's only collaboration cafe at SHIBUYA TSUTAYA in Tokyo, celebrating his first solo album in a decade, 'The Romantic.' Featuring album-inspired drinks, exclusive merch, and immersive decor, this limited-time cafe is a must-visit for fans and tourists alike — and a testament to Bruno's deep love for Japan.
Kyoto's iconic Uzumasa Movie Village is undergoing a massive renovation for its 50th anniversary, transforming into an adults-only immersive Edo-period experience park. Opening March 28, 2026, it features 360° live dramas, R-18 torture house and gambling events, samurai training, ninja shows, and traditional cultural experiences — offering a side of Kyoto beyond temples and shrines.
Kyoto announces Japan's first dual pricing system for city buses — residents will pay ¥200 ($1.30) while tourists face fares up to ¥400 ($2.60). With 56 million annual visitors overwhelming a city of 1.43 million, this bold overtourism measure follows global models from Venice to Bali. How do locals and the world react?
Konica Minolta's "Starry Sky Jazz Lounge" at Planetaria TOKYO in Yurakucho has been selling out every session. Experience 360-degree immersive dome visuals paired with live jazz performances by piano, saxophone, and contrabass. A deep dive into Japan's world-class planetarium culture and a hidden gem for Tokyo visitors near the Ginza district.
A box of 12 "Berrytsu" strawberries just sold for $1,800 at auction in Japan. From $6,700 grape bunches to $17,000 melons, Japan's luxury fruit market defies global norms. Discover the cultural traditions, auction rituals, and branding strategies that make ultra-premium fruit a thriving business in Japan.
Japan plans to launch JESTA, its own electronic travel authorization system, by 2028 — while tripling its departure tax to $20 from July 2026. With a combined cost of ~$40 per visitor, how will these changes affect inbound tourism? We break down the details, compare with US ESTA and EU ETIAS, and share reactions from both Japanese citizens and international travelers.
Japan's luxury tower mansion market shows signs of a potential bubble burst. Resale listings at Tokyo's Harumi Flag are stalling, Osaka tower condo inventory has doubled in two years, and banks are tightening mortgage screening against flippers. With over 40% foreign ownership in some buildings and a growing gap between sale prices and rental yields, experts predict a major correction within 2-3 years.
A butter confection sold only at Tokyo's Haneda Airport has sparked a souvenir frenzy among international tourists. Born from repurposing skim milk that would otherwise go to waste, "Butter no Itoko" has some flying to Japan just for a taste. We explore how Japan's limited-edition treats and omiyage culture create demand worldwide.
PPAP sensation Pikotaro had a surprise encounter with world-famous DJ Steve Aoki at Tokyo's iconic Kaminarimon gate in Asakusa. Aoki approached Pikotaro first, sparking fan excitement and collaboration speculation. With Pikotaro's PPAP 10th anniversary project underway and Aoki's deep Japanese heritage, could this chance meeting lead to an epic crossover?
Pokémon GO's largest-ever real-world event "GO Fest 2026: Tokyo" is coming to Odaiba this May. Tokyo Governor Koike made headlines by catching a Pokémon live during the press conference. Discover the world-first "City Exploration Ticket," event details, and what makes this 10th anniversary celebration truly historic.
Accommodation taxes are rapidly expanding across Japan. Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement a 5-tier flat-rate system with a maximum of ¥10,000 (~$65) per night, doubling tax revenue to ¥12.6 billion. From Tokyo's shift toward percentage-based taxation to international comparisons with Canada and Austria, here's how Japan is funding sustainable tourism through hotel levies.
Japan's sumo entertainment brand HIRAKUZA debuts at Adelaide Fringe, the Southern Hemisphere's largest arts festival. With 33 performances over five weeks, this marks a major step in bringing authentic sumo culture to global audiences through immersive stage shows.
The Mundo Pixar Experience, a global hit immersive exhibition that has attracted over 3.5 million visitors across 7 countries, arrives in Tokyo's Toyosu in March 2026. Step into life-size sets from Toy Story, Monsters Inc, and more — here's everything you need to know.