Discover insider tips, travel guides, and inspiring stories for your next adventure in Japan
A new Girls Craft kit from Gakken is now available for pre-order, letting you handcraft 10 types of cute animal-themed candy-style squeeze toys — from Long-tailed Tit Daifuku to Unicorn Marshmallow — using special gummy resin. Scheduled for release on May 28, 2026, priced at 2,750 yen (tax included).
The character collaboration brand GARRACK is releasing its second One Piece smartwatch series, this time inspired by the Four Emperors — Buggy, Shanks, Teach, and Luffy. Pre-orders open April 27, 2026, with general sales starting May 29.
A larger-sized soft vinyl figure of SHIDORO from the popular gun-girl RPG Goddess of Victory: Nikke is set for release in September 2026, featuring a functional coin slot on the back.
GODIVA Japan and Fukui's century-old confectionery shop Hayakawa have teamed up to release "Habutae Kurumi White Chocolate & Matcha," a new collaboration sweet that merges Japanese and Western confectionery traditions. Sales begin at GODIVA Seibu Fukui on April 28, 2026.
Original drawn-down merchandise for Golden Kamuy: Golden Hakodate — including the Hakodate Adventure Notebook in three cover colors — goes on sale from April 28, 2026, with a limited POP UP SHOP opening at Marui Imai Hakodate Department Store.
The Iwami Ginzan lifestyle brand Gungendo has launched its new summer collection "Kaze no Fuku" (Clothes of the Wind) from April 23, 2026, featuring five standout natural-fiber fabrics crafted by artisans from across Japan.
Ming Hiroba, a roughly 55-tsubo (181 m²) indoor event space located on the 1st floor of JR Hakata Station, has been renewed and is now open for a variety of events, markets, and hands-on experiences.
HakataCCo 2026, a free maternity and family event at Fukuoka Island City Forum, returns on May 24 with hero shows, baby races, job-experience workshops, and over 40 exhibitor booths. Last year's event drew a record 7,840 visitors. Advance reservation required.
HAKUBA GIN, a craft gin made using botanicals harvested from Hakuba Village's forests, has been selected as a finalist in three categories at the 105th ADC Annual Awards — one of the world's most prestigious design and advertising competitions.
A two-day outdoor music festival at Hakuba Happo-one's Usagidaira Terrace brings live performances from Shonan no Kaze, DJ Dainoji, and others to 1,400m above sea level, with the Northern Alps as the backdrop.
The commercial complex Harajuku Quest in Jingumae, Shibuya has reached full operation as of April 24, 2026, with the opening of its 10th and final tenant on the 6th floor.
The Harry Potter – Mahou Dokoro Butterbeer Truck will appear at Oasis 21's Galaxy Plaza in Nagoya from April 29 to May 6, 2026, offering exclusive Butterbeer Popcorn and the newly launched Butterbeer Cotton Candy.