Renowned Japanese voice actress Reiko Katsura (real name: Reiko Kanauchi) passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 89 due to aspiration pneumonia. Her passing was announced on March 4, and her funeral was held privately with only close family in attendance. Katsura is best known as the original voice of Ikura-chan in…

Renowned Japanese voice actress Reiko Katsura (real name: Reiko Kanauchi) passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 89 due to aspiration pneumonia. Her passing was announced on March 4, and her funeral was held privately with only close family in attendance. Katsura is best known as the original voice of Ikura-chan in…

The British Museum in London is currently hosting “Samurai”, a blockbuster exhibition that delves deep into the world of Japan’s legendary warrior class. Running until May 4, 2026, the exhibition presents over 280 objects, including armor, weapons, art, and rare manuscripts, tracing the samurai’s evolution from medieval warriors to cultural icons that have shaped global…

Self-control has become one of the most important traits for children to develop in today’s fast-paced world. Beyond academic intelligence, it is the ability to regulate one’s emotions, manage impulses, and act thoughtfully in pursuit of long-term goals. From waiting patiently in line to stopping a video game when time is up, self-control manifests in…

Ogaki, Japan – March 3, 2026 – In a day packed with strategy, resilience, and an unforgettable final sprint, veteran cyclist Ichido Sugata clinched an emphatic win in the GIII Suito‑Ogaki Cup at the Ogaki Velodrome, marking his fifth Grade III triumph in a distinguished career that continues to defy age and expectation. The 39‑year‑old…

NHK’s popular music program ‘The Covers’ is set to delight viewers with a special spring-themed episode on March 5, 2026. The show, which highlights the enduring appeal of classic songs through contemporary interpretations, will focus on “songs for spring,” featuring celebrated artists such as JUJU, Sakai Yū, Cocco, Hata Motohiro, and Tokunaga Hideaki. The broadcast…

As the spring sports season approaches in Japan, fans are gearing up to cheer for their favorite teams from the comfort of home. To make these moments even more enjoyable, Japanese pizza delivery brand PIZZA-LA has unveiled its limited-time “Value Party Sets”, available exclusively on their official website from March 4 to June 9, 2026….

March 2 to 4, 2026, marks a special occasion for ramen enthusiasts in Japan. The national ramen chain Korakuen is hosting the Kōriyama Black Fair, offering one of its most popular local specialty bowls at an unbeatable price of 500 yen. This three-day event highlights the unique flavors of Kōriyama Black ramen, a regional favorite…

On Friday, February 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM Japan Standard Time, the popular Japanese music program Music Station will air on TV Asahi. Music Station is one of Japan’s longest-running music shows, known for bringing together veteran performers and emerging artists. The February 27 episode promises a mix of television debuts, classic hits, and unforgettable…

In Japan right now, a wave of “buy one, get one free” promotions is spreading across restaurants and convenience stores. These campaigns are attracting attention from consumers and retail analysts alike because of the value they offer and the ways businesses are using them to increase customer visits and overall sales. According to recent reports…

Starting Thursday, March 5, 2026, Seven-Eleven Japan is rolling out one of the largest onigiri (rice ball) discount campaigns in recent years. For three days, from March 5 to March 7, selected onigiri and sushi items at Seven-Eleven stores nationwide will be offered at deeply reduced prices, some as low as 100 yen. This price…

On the final day of Japan’s recent long weekend, thousands of visitors from both inside and outside Fukushima Prefecture flocked to the Van Gogh Exhibition at the Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art in Fukushima City, creating long lines even before the museum opened. The exhibition, which opened on February 21, 2026, has quickly become one…

Tokyo, February 20, 2026 – Nosh Inc. has relaunched its beloved Japanese-inspired dish with the newly enhanced “Tai Fish Meatball with Ginger Sauce”, featuring an extra fish meatball and a presentation that evokes the freshness of early spring. This revamp balances taste, nutrition, and seasonal charm, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and…

Alysa Liu, the 20-year-old American figure skater, captured global attention not only by winning gold in women’s figure skating at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics but also through her striking personal style, which blends athletic excellence with fearless self-expression. Her performance on February 19, 2026 (Japan time February 20), was historic. Rising from third place…

On February 18, 2026, Foodway opened its latest supermarket, the Foodway Itazuke store, in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City. This new location marks the company’s first roadside store in four years and introduces a discount (DS) model combined with 24-hour operations, reflecting an innovative approach to meet diverse consumer needs. The store occupies approximately 500 tsubo (around…

In an extraordinary tale that has captured public attention in Japan and resonated with audiences worldwide, former gymnast and television personality Naoki Ikeya is now selling takoyaki from a kitchen car to repay an overwhelming ¥120 million, a stark contrast to the athletic fame he once enjoyed. His journey from sports star to street-food vendor…

Umeda, the bustling northern hub of Osaka, is more than just a commercial center. It’s a living chronicle of Japanese dining culture, where the tastes and habits of different generations converge. Walking through the streets around Osaka Station, Grand Front Osaka, LUCUA, HEP FIVE, and Kitashinchi, diners can encounter everything from quiet, decades-old sushi counters…

Quitting a job can feel like admitting defeat. Even when leaving is the healthiest or most strategic choice, many people experience guilt, shame, or self-doubt. This emotional response is not unusual. Society often equates perseverance with success and quitting with weakness. Understanding why quitting triggers these feelings can help individuals approach career decisions with clarity…