Japan is now without giant pandas after two beloved pandas left Tokyo for China in January 2026. The twin pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, were born at Ueno Zoo in 2021 and became very popular with visitors.

When the image of a sea turtle with a plastic straw protruding from its nose went viral, people around the world took notice. In the years since, major corporations around the world have made efforts to reduce and replace their plastic straws with more eco-friendly options.

The internet never fails to deliver amazing viral content. This time, a sweet and catchy song from Japan went viral not just at home but worldwide. If you love ice cream, you’ll adore AiScReam’s hit “Ai Scream!”—a tune that’s as catchy, fun, and delightful as Japanese ice cream itself.

February 2026 brings some of Japan’s most magical winter celebrations, from massive snow sculptures to fiery demon dances and bean-throwing rituals. These events mix ancient traditions with stunning natural displays, drawing crowds to snowy Hokkaido and historic shrines across the country. Sapporo Snow Festival The Sapporo Snow Festival transforms Japan’s northern city into a sparkling...

Mars has long stood as one of the most enduring and popular destinations for speculative science fiction. In December last year, NHK released a new live-action drama set on Mars. Queen of Mars takes viewers to the red planet, mixing political tension, alien mystery, and sweeping adventure. What is Queen of Mars? In the distant...

In Japan, there is an annual event in which the public votes on a kanji character to represent the year. Held at the end of the year, the event is meant to showcase Japan’s overall state, for better or worse. The kanji can summarize an event, mark a change in economic health, or celebrate a...