Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away

Thwarting resellers isn’t always a snap, but maybe it could be a snip. Much like a slice of sweet cake attracting flies, scalpers continue to swarm around Pokémon cards. At its core,... Read more »

Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]

Seventh Heaven arrives in Roppongi with a twist on its name and another for its cocktails. In addition to being a loyal friend and skilled martial artist, Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa is... Read more »

We turn to a shady Amazon Japan gadget to try to stop Tokyo crows from stealing our hangers

Man and machine versus nature. The fact that we call the items “hangers” is proof of how hard it is for us humans to imagine any use for them other than hanging... Read more »

Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?

We’ve heard good things about Pringles and chocolate, but what about Pringles and Lotte’s chocolate? Pringles has been selling potato chips in its distinctive cans for decades, but it wasn’t until recently... Read more »

Does the Fukuryumon Chinese restaurant in Koenji offer the best lunch deal in Tokyo?

The main dishes are already cheap to begin with–but the unlimited free side dishes could even be a meal by themselves! Our Japanese-language reporter/resident musician Seiji Nakazawa has always loved a live... Read more »

We sent two Japanese elementary school kids on a Mother’s Day shopping mission at a 100 yen store

With 1,100 yen to buy gifts for Mom, but no other directions, what will they come out with? Japan celebrates Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in May, just like the U.S.... Read more »

Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices

Consumers showing little sympathy for rice sellers as eating habits and supply chains change. Rice is supposed to be the foundation of the Japanese diet, but these days there’s a whole lot... Read more »

Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato

Does the brand’s most expensive eyewear require a fashion god to pull them off? Due to Uniqlo’s affordable prices and decent quality, it’s probably safe to say that there are more people... Read more »

Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?

We love Japan’s favorite donut chain as much as the next foodie, but you’ve got to eat a lot to get your money’s worth. Looking back, the last time we didn’t want... Read more »

Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan

A limited tour in Kagurazaka, Tokyo invites guests to “Discover Edo Through All Five Senses” in one morning with full English services. Kagurazaka is a central Tokyo neighborhood with refined charm that... Read more »