Oona McGee – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:00:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 Oona McGee – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 Starbucks Japan releases “Let’s Par-TEA!” Frappuccino and drinks for the holiday season https://soranews24.com/2026/10/29/starbucks-japan-releases-lets-par-tea-frappuccino-and-drinks-for-the-holiday-season/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/29/starbucks-japan-releases-lets-par-tea-frappuccino-and-drinks-for-the-holiday-season/#comments Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=748393 
Each beverage has its own unique character so you can choose which one you’d like to party with.
With the holiday season fast approaching, Starbucks is bringing the party spirit to its stores in Japan with a trio of new drinks based around the theme of “Let’s par-TEA!” As the name suggests, the three new holiday drinks shine a spotlight on tea, with strawberry, royal milk tea and Earl Grey chocolate featuring in the beverages.
The three stars of this tea party each have their own distinct character, so you can choose the one that best suits your mood. Those wanting an elegant pick-me-up can opt for the Joyful Medley Strawberry Creamy Tea Latte, which combines robust black tea with the smooth sweetness of oolong tea and the floral fragrance of jasmine tea, finished with a subtle hint of apricot.
▼ Joyful Medley Strawberry Creamy Tea Latte (Tall size only, 638 yen [US$4.03] for takeout; 650 yen for dine-in)
The blended tea base is joined by sweetened fresh cream and a topping of strawberry-flavoured mousse and freeze-dried strawberries. The rich aroma of the chain’s famous Joyful Medley blend, which is reminiscent of apricot jam, is layered with creamy sweetness, while the finish remains refreshing, allowing you to enjoy a variety of tastes and aromas throughout the beverage.
▼ Earl Grey Chocolate Frappuccino (Tall size only, 678 yen takeout; 690 yen dine-in)
Those wanting a little more playfulness can reward themselves with this tea-and-chocolate Frappuccino, which combines aromatic Earl Grey with rich chocolate sauce and crunchy chocolate chips. It has a mellow, layered flavour, with the gentle fragrance of bergamot and the taste of black tea spreading through the palate with every sip, while the chocolate chips add crunchy textural contrast, capturing the playful spirit of the holiday season.
▼ Royal Milk Tea (609 yen takeout; 620 yen dine-in)
Finally, we have a rich, blended milk tea that combines milk with an original blend of three teas: Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon. The full-bodied flavour of the tea harmonises with the mellow creaminess of the milk, creating a rich and rewarding taste that tea lovers will fall in love with.
As an extra special holiday treat, Starbucks is also adding a cookie option, so you can add more flavour and a dash of cuteness to any iced beverage that’s topped with whipped cream or mousse foam.
▼ Be a Santa Cookie Topping (69 yen takeout; 70 yen dine-in)
The “Be a Santa Cookie Topping” has a buttery aroma and crisp yet crumbly shortbread texture. The three designs – a present, a Christmas tree and a Santa hat – are provided at random so, like a Christmas present, you won’t know what you’re getting until it’s given to you by the barista.
While the cookie topping will be available while stocks last from 2-19 November, the drinks will be on the menu for a limited (but unspecified) time from 2 November.
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/29/starbucks-japan-releases-lets-par-tea-frappuccino-and-drinks-for-the-holiday-season/feed/ 0 748393 Starbucks Japan Frappuccino Christmas 2026 Holiday Season Tea Party limited edition drink exclusive Bearista tea latte chocolate joyful Medley Santa cookie menu 2 Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods for 2026, with exclusive holiday surprises https://soranews24.com/2026/10/28/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-christmas-goods-for-2026-with-exclusive-holiday-surprises/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/28/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-christmas-goods-for-2026-with-exclusive-holiday-surprises/#comments Tue, 27 Oct 2026 17:30:48 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=748458 
Festive cheer is here, with mugs, tumblers, candles and keychains you won’t find at any other time of year.
It’s that time of year again, when we look at the calendar and realise there’s now less than eight weeks until Christmas. That means it’s time for Starbucks to start bringing us some holiday cheer, and this year it’s doing that with a massive collection of festive goods based around the theme of “Colours of Holiday“.
Red, green, white and gold are the main colours in the collection, with Bearistas and ribbons adding an extra touch of cuteness and glamour to the festivities. There are a lot of wonderful surprises in store, including a trio of exclusive candles, so let’s take a closer look at everything in the range, which Starbucks says will “brighten your heart for the holiday season”.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Box Stainless Steel Bottle, Glitter Red, 473 millilitres (16 ounces), 5,550 yen (US$34.86)
This glittery bottle will add a touch of festive flair to your drinking experience during the holidays, but it can also be used all year long.
▼ Easy to cheer, easy to clean.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Box with Canister and Ribbon (3,500 yen)
▼ This canister takes the look of a Starbucks cup…
▼ …and gives it a ceramic makeover, transforming it into the perfect vessel for storing your coffee beans.
▼ Beans not included.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Box Double-Walled Heat-Resistant Glass with Ribbon (355 millilitres, 3,800 yen)
▼ This glass might look small in the image above, but seeing it in a human hand conveys its true size.
Though the glass itself is massive, the portion that holds the liquid has a 355-millilitre capacity. The rest of the glass is occupied by a beautiful red ribbon, and glittery gold pieces that swirl around every time you take a sip.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Boxed Stacking Mug Set (237 millilitres, 4,800 yen)
These mugs stack beautifully within each other, creating a cheerful festive duo that can easily be used throughout the year.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Boxed Cold Cup Tumbler Figure (473 millilitres, 4,250 yen)
This is another massive vessel that holds a lot of liquid, but your eye will be quickly distracted by the beautiful festive scene at the top of the tumbler.
A bright red bow and a Bearista keep you company as you sip, and they’ll stay firmly in place even when the tumbler is tilted.
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Box Glass Tumbler Bearista, 473 millilitres (4,600 yen)
This is one of the cutest items in the whole collection, as the colour of the bear changes depending on the drink inside it. Fill it with milk and you’ll have yourself a white bear, while a black coffee will turn it dark and a latte will give it a delicious light brown hue.
▼ Not only is the bear cute, it’s also easy to clean.
▼ Rounding out the drinkware items is the Holiday 2026 Reusable Cup Tree, 473 millilitres (500 yen)…
▼ …and the Holiday 2026 Reusable Cup Tree 473 millilitres + Holiday 2026 Reusable Cup Dedicated Drink Hole Cap Bearista Tree (1,150 yen)
▼ Moving on to the notebooks, we have the Starbucks Holiday 2026 Campus Ring Notebook Tree (650 yen)…
▼ …and the Journal Book (2,050 yen).
The festive season is a time for gifting, and to help with that are a series of food and drink tickets and beverage cards.
▼ Holiday 2026 Food & Beverage Card – includes food & drink tickets (1,100yen)
▼ Holiday 2026 Beverage Card Tree, with drink ticket (900 yen)
▼ This card becomes your own mini tabletop Christmas tree.
▼ Starbucks Holiday 2026 Mini Cup Gift Red Cup, with drink ticket (1,150 yen)
This is a gift you’ll want to keep for yourself, as the mini cup looks like a tiny Starbucks cup, with a bright festive design.
▼ It also comes with a beautiful mint-green bag…
▼ …and can be used to store small items like paper clips.
▼ Holiday 2026 Bearista Message Gift, with drink ticket (1,650 yen)
▼ A beary cute way to treat someone to a beverage.
▼ Holiday 2026 Craft Paper Shopper S (2,400 yen)
▼ This nifty bag is a beautiful way to carry, or gift, one or more of the bottles in the collection.
▼ Holiday 2026 Cup-Shaped Pouch with Keychain & Mirror (2,600 yen)
▼ Holiday 2026 Bearista (5,500 yen)
▼ Holiday 2026 Gift Boxed Plush Ornament Set (3,500 yen)
▼ This set lets you decorate your tree with a couple of Starbucks ornaments…
▼ … that are a lot bigger than they seem.
▼ Bearista Keychain Set in Holiday 2026 Gift Box (4,500 yen)
This cute item looks set to be a sell-out hit, as the Bearista comes with a change of clothes and a couple of cute snowy companions, creating a very unique type of keychain.
Finally, we have a trio of candles, which can only be purchased at the online store.
▼ Starbucks Moment Refresh Inspired by Yuzu Citrus & Tea (3,800 yen)
▼ Starbucks Moment Joy Inspired by Joyful Medley (3,800 yen)
▼ Starbucks Moment Relax Inspired by Coffee & Spice (3,800 yen)
There’s a lot of joy to be found in the holiday collection, but as always, it will only be around for a limited time while stocks last. This year, online sales will commence at 8:00 p.m. on 30 October, while in-store sales will start on 2 November. Be sure to act quick to grab your favourites!
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/28/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-christmas-goods-for-2026-with-exclusive-holiday-surprises/feed/ 0 748458 Japanese sushi etiquette: You may have been ordering sushi wrong this whole time https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/japanese-sushi-etiquette-you-may-have-been-ordering-sushi-wrong-this-whole-time/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/japanese-sushi-etiquette-you-may-have-been-ordering-sushi-wrong-this-whole-time/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:00:59 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747938 
Read this before ordering fatty tuna at a sushi restaurant in Japan.
There are a lot of ways to enjoy sushi in Japan, but if you want to earn brownie points (or should we say sushi points?) and impress those around you, you might want to hold back on your favourites and follow a rule of thumb that few tourists know about.
It’s a traditional approach that makes a lot of sense, but it might require some discipline, as it involves starting with lighter fish before moving on to fattier, richer varieties. That means holding back on some of the more popular crowd-pleasers like fatty tuna, and starting with varieties like flounder, sea bream and other delicately flavoured fish.
▼ Scallops are another good choice.
This sushi protocol actually became a topic of debate online recently, when a 30-year-old Japanese office worker went to dinner with the president of his new company and was reprimanded after requesting fatty tuna at the start of the meal. He was loudly scolded by the president, who told him that his choice was inconsiderate, and he should know basic sushi etiquette as a working adult.
The president insisted that diners should always start with white fish, like flounder. When the young office worker explained that he wasn’t fond of white fish, the president criticised him for claiming to like sushi at all. Needless to say, the incident left the worker questioning whether he’d made the right decision in joining the company.
▼ Look boss, I wanted to like you, but I don’t love you like fatty tuna.
While it does sound like the president could’ve been less scathing in his remarks, he actually was referring to a recognised approach to eating sushi. Sushi enthusiasts often recommend starting with delicate white fish, such as flounder or sea bream, as their subtle flavours would be harder to appreciate after eating stronger-flavoured fish and richer cuts like fatty tuna. In fact, when sushi chefs serve “omakase” set meals to diners, they often follow this rule of thumb, as moving from lighter to richer flavours helps diners enjoy the differences between each type of sushi.
Rather than being an absolute rule, though, this progression from light to rich is a general guideline, and a lot of diners these days will simply eat whatever they want whenever they want, especially when dining out at a conveyor belt sushi chain restaurant, where people aren’t really watching what you do.
▼ Heck, you could even order beef short ribs if you wanted to, but on the Sushi Bus, anything goes.
Image©SoraNews24
Like all dining choices, the decision on what to eat, and when, is ultimately up to the diner. So if you’re eating at a sushi counter, with the chef right in front of you, ordering white fish before richer varieties will let them know that you have respect for proper sushi etiquette. If you’re more cavalier, you can take your chances and simply order fatty fish… and hope that the person next to you isn’t a company president with a stickler for the rules, or else you’ll be schooled.
Source: Hachima Kikou via Yahoo! News Japan
Featured image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2, 3)
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/japanese-sushi-etiquette-you-may-have-been-ordering-sushi-wrong-this-whole-time/feed/ 0 747938 Sushi etiquette how to eat at a counter restaurant in Japan food rules fatty tuna New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/new-studio-ghibli-anime-gets-extended-run-at-the-only-cinema-in-japan-where-its-being-shown/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/new-studio-ghibli-anime-gets-extended-run-at-the-only-cinema-in-japan-where-its-being-shown/#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2026 05:00:44 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747674 
If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, you’ll have a better chance of seeing A Night in the Valley of Witches.
Studio Ghibli is world-famous for its feature-length anime movies, but what a lot of fans don’t know is that the studio has a roster of animated shorts that are just as captivating. These rare beauties are like hidden gems for Ghibli hunters, as they’re screened at just two places in the world — the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and Ghibli Park in Aichi Prefecture. Making them even more of a rarity is the fact that the museum and park screen the shorts one at a time, with the line-up usually changing monthly.
▼ My Neighbour Totoro sequel Mei and the Kittenbus is one such short film.
Now, though, Ghibli Park is making an exception to the rule, by extending the screening period for the studio’s newest short, A Night in the Valley of Witches, which debuted at Cinema Orion inside Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse in July. The movie has been so well-received that the park now says it’s decided to extend the run right through to June 2027, giving fans more time to view this newest Ghibli gem.
Although this particular film is exclusive to Ghibli Park, there really is no better place in the world to see it, as the storyline is set in the park’s own Valley of Witches area.
▼ The area honours Ghibli’s witchy characters with buildings like the bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service.
According to the synopsis, A Night in the Valley of Witches follows the story of a new recruit at the park, who receives a surprising number of requests to repair numerous buildings on the grounds. While carrying out the repairs, a number of odd things occur – a fireplace comes alight on its own and water gushes spontaneously from the taps.
Though he’s shaken by what’s going on, one of his senior colleagues, Kikue, dismisses his concerns, until one night at midnight, after the park closes, he heads to the Valley of Witches, where he finds Kikue clad in a cape. Kikue reveals herself to be a witch and then chants a spell, setting the stage for some mysterious magic…
With Valley of the Witches being a real-life area of the park, watching the film in this setting is a real treat for fans, especially at Halloween, when there will be a special after-dark outdoor screening of the film within the area. Outside of the special Halloween event, which is a children-only affair, the screening will take place at Cinema Orion, which isn’t too far from the Valley of Witches, so you’ll still be immersed in the world of Ghibli while you watch it.
The extended run is welcome news for Ghibli fans, because the additional time gives visitors more chance of catching the film while planning their trips. Ghibli Park tickets must be booked in advance, with reservations generally opening at 2 p.m. on the 10th of each month for visits two months later. Tickets are still expected to be in high demand, though, so you’ll want to book early to make sure you don’t miss the run, although our fingers are firmly crossed that they might consider extending it even further, to give even more fans the chance to see it.
Related: Ghibli Park official website
Source: Ghibli Park
Featured image: PR Times
Insert images: PR Times (1, 2, 3, 4)
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/21/new-studio-ghibli-anime-gets-extended-run-at-the-only-cinema-in-japan-where-its-being-shown/feed/ 0 747674 Studio Ghibli Park new anime Valley of Witches movie film cinema Goro Miyazaki travel Aichi news 1 Flying Mud Boat teahouse is a hidden gem in Japan that boggles the mind https://soranews24.com/2026/10/20/flying-mud-boat-teahouse-is-a-hidden-gem-in-japan-that-boggles-the-mind/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/20/flying-mud-boat-teahouse-is-a-hidden-gem-in-japan-that-boggles-the-mind/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2026 05:00:31 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747766 
This site takes traditional architecture to new heights, like a Ghibli world come to life.
We’re always on the hunt for hidden gems and little-known sights in Japan, so when we heard about a teahouse that was suspended in the air, we immediately sent our reporter Natsuno Futon over to Nagano Prefecture to check it out.
Called the “Flying Mud Boat”, the unusual structure is tucked away in Chino City, on a plot of land that houses two other equally charming teahouses. The setting is so whimsical that it feels like a Ghibli world come to life, with calming hues and natural materials helping the buildings blend into the surrounding greenery.
▼ The first sight to greet you is a boat-like object that literally hangs in the air.
This is Sora Tobu Dorobune, which translates as Flying Mud Boat, and it was designed by architect Terunobu Fujimori.
Ever since his student days, Fujimori had always wanted to build something that floated in midair, and he finally got the chance to bring the idea to life when he created the Flying Mud Boat in 2010 to coincide with an exhibition.
From a distance, the architectural creation looks like it’s floating, but up close you can appreciate all the finer details, including the wire structure that holds it in place.
▼ On one side there are doors, which act as a small entrance into the structure.
The interior isn’t normally open to the public, but during special guided tours, a ladder is used so people can climb up to the boat and crawl inside.
▼ A beautiful spot for a teahouse.
As it turns out, the Flying Mud Boat isn’t the only unusual building in the area, as there are several other distinctive structures nearby, als0 designed by Fujimori.
One of these structures is a teahouse, cutely named Takasugian, which roughly translates as “Too-High Teahouse”.
▼ Nestled in amongst the treetops, this is another functioning teahouse in a dream setting.
This structure sits way above ground, perched atop two trees in such a whimsical manner that you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli.
Ghibli’s animated feature movies are filled with architectural wonders that seem to defy all the rules, and this structure brings the same sort of anime wizardry to life in the real world. Despite the precarious look of it, the teahouse is structurally sound, but it’s located so high up that even looking at it from ground level is enough to make your heart skip a beat.
▼ Takasugi-an was once chosen by TIME magazine as one of the “Top 10 Most Dangerous Buildings in the World”, with the Leaning Tower of Pisa taking first place.
From a teahouse that’s too high comes one that’s too low, with the next structure being partly built underground.
Called Hikusugian , or “Too-Low Teahouse”, this is the complete opposite of Takasugian, literally sitting in its shadow.
Though none of the buildings were open when Natsuno visited, just seeing them was enough to spark a sense of awe inside of her. It also opened her eyes to what’s possible outside of traditional norms.
There’s also a community center designed by Fujimori in the vicinity, which puts his creative genius on full display.
From a teahouse that’s high up, to another down low, and then one suspended in the air – who knew teahouses could be so wonderfully unconventional? It’s a truly fascinating site that deserves to be more well-known, so next time you’re looking to enjoy some quiet time off the beaten path in Japan, be sure to put the Flying Mud Boat on your calendar.
Site information
Flying Mud Boat, Takasugian and Hikusugian / 空飛ぶ泥舟・高過庵・低過庵
Address: Nagano-ken, Chino-shi, Miyagawa 389-1
長野県茅野市宮川389-1
Website
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/20/flying-mud-boat-teahouse-is-a-hidden-gem-in-japan-that-boggles-the-mind/feed/ 0 747766 Flying Mud Boat Teahouse Japan travel unique tourist sites hidden buildings off the beaten track architecture daytrip Chino Nagano Prefecture Fujimori Terunobu (4) Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign https://soranews24.com/2026/10/17/osakas-famous-glico-running-man-will-be-removed-and-replaced-with-a-new-look-sign/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/17/osakas-famous-glico-running-man-will-be-removed-and-replaced-with-a-new-look-sign/#comments Sat, 17 Oct 2026 07:00:55 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747713 
Now’s the time to say goodbye to the city’s sixth running man before he disappears forever.
If you’ve ever been to Osaka, one of the landmarks you’ve probably taken a photo in front of is the Glico “running man” sign. While this might sound like an odd tourist draw, the giant signboard has become one of the most famous sites in the prefecture, with the arms-raised athlete connecting with visitors from around the globe, who may or may not be aware that the sign is actually an ad for one of the country’s most popular confectionery makers.
▼ The sign reportedly attracts an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 visitors a day.
The signboard is so famous that when its operators, Ezaki Glico, announced that it would be disappearing from the landscape for several months for a makeover, it became a national news story. Glico made the announcement at a press conference in Osaka on 14 October, where it revealed that the current Glico running man sign – the sixth of its kind, which has been overlooking the river since 2014 – will be replaced by a seventh-generation version next spring.
▼ Sayonara, number six.
That means the current running man’s days are numbered, with Glico saying that work on the signboard will commence in December. As for what the new design will look like, well, Glico is keeping that a secret, but company representative Yoriko Miki told reporters that the runner will remain the main attraction. According to Miki, the running man represents the company’s founding spirit and its purpose of helping people enjoy “Healthy days, a fulfilling life”.
▼ グリコ = Glico
The company has long held close ties with Osaka, having been founded there 104 years ago, in 1922. The signboard has enjoyed a similarly long history, appearing beside Ebisubashi Bridge in 1935, where it towered over the landscape at a height of 33 metres (108 feet), with large neon lettering making it stand out at night.
▼ It quickly became a local landmark, but was dismantled in 1943 as materials were needed for the war.
Then, from 1955 to 1963, the second incarnation took up residence in the same location, this time above a stage with a giant toy crocodile playing the piano.
From 1963 to 1972, things got even wilder, with the third sign featuring an elaborate fountain that sprayed 12 tonnes of water from 150 nozzles arranged around the runner, illuminated by hundreds of coloured lights to create a colourful effect.
The fourth sign, in place from 1972 to 1996, included a version of the running track we now see today, but after it was switched off and removed due to renovation work on the neighbouring building, Osaka was without its running man for a whole year.
For the fifth iteration, which ran from 1998 to 2014, the colours of the background changed to simulate the passage of a whole day, making it look as if the runner was racing through Osaka from morning until night.
The current, sixth-generation sign continues the running man tradition of being lit up over the river, with around 140,000 LED lights illuminating him through the night.
▼ The backgrounds also changed to show the runner travelling through locations in Japan and around the world.
In looking back at the history of the sign itself, it’s interesting to see just how many forms it’s taken over the years, all while remaining a beloved symbol of the region. As for whether the seventh iteration will be equally welcomed, or reviled like the Suica successors in Tokyo, we’ll have to wait until March 2027 to find out. For now, you’ll want to make your way to Dotonbori to say your farewells, and let anyone who’s visiting Osaka know that the running man won’t be running this winter.
Source: Glico via TBS via Yahoo! News Japan
Images: Glico
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/17/osakas-famous-glico-running-man-will-be-removed-and-replaced-with-a-new-look-sign/feed/ 0 747713 Osaka Glico Sign removal running man tourist site travel news Japan Dotonbori 01 Studio Ghibli adds new Totoro and Jiji blanket socks to its merchandise store in Japan https://soranews24.com/2026/10/16/studio-ghibli-adds-new-totoro-and-jiji-blanket-socks-to-its-merchandise-store-in-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/16/studio-ghibli-adds-new-totoro-and-jiji-blanket-socks-to-its-merchandise-store-in-japan/#comments Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:00:08 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747660 
Beloved anime movie characters are perfectly placed for wiggle-toe animation.
The cosy season has finally arrived in Japan, and here to herald its arrival is Studio Ghibli, with a duo of brand new blanket socks. Designed for homey nights in, these warm blanket socks will cuddle your feet and warm your heart, with Totoro and Jiji serving as our cuddle buddies.
Totoro brings forest charm to this green pair, in calming hues that conjure up the nature-filled home in which he dwells.
Surrounded by forest motifs and his beloved acorns, Totoro sits right above the toe section, so you can bring him to life by wiggling your toes.
Adding to the beauty of the socks is their length, which brings the design, and the warmth, right up your calf. This means you can style them in a number of ways, stretching them out fully to enjoy the forest scene, or letting them bunch up loosely around your ankles, giving you the “loose socks” look once favoured by schoolgirls in Japan.
Fans of Kiki’s Delivery Service will want to slip into the Kiki’s Delivery Service Blanket Socks, which come in a navy colourway.
Waiting for your wiggle-toe animation is black cat Jiji, whose wide-eyed facial expression adds to the magic.
Jiji is surrounded by tulips, recalling the countryside setting of Kiki’s home, and the flower-filled workspace of Kiki’s mother, Kokorin. What looks like brown crosses within the design are actually said to represent pretzels, in honour of the bakery where Kiki works.
Again, the long length lets you fully enjoy the design, or you can let them loose to let the colours shine.
Socks these cute make an ideal gift for Ghibli lovers, but then again, they’re so adorable, we won’t be able to resist buying them for ourselves. Made from a poly-cotton blend, both pairs come in one size, to fit 22-26 centimetre (9-11 inch) feet, and they can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and online (links below) while stocks last.
Source: Donguri Kyowakoku
Featured image: Donguri Kyowakoku
Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2)
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/16/studio-ghibli-adds-new-totoro-and-jiji-blanket-socks-to-its-merchandise-store-in-japan/feed/ 0 747660 Studio Ghibli Japan anime shop blanket socks My Neighbour Totoro Kikis Delivery Service Jiji Donguri Kyowakoku movie film merchandise news 1 New Studio Ghibli stamp rally set to start in Japan, with exclusive merchandise for anime fans https://soranews24.com/2026/10/15/new-studio-ghibli-stamp-rally-set-to-start-in-japan-with-exclusive-merchandise-for-anime-fans/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/15/new-studio-ghibli-stamp-rally-set-to-start-in-japan-with-exclusive-merchandise-for-anime-fans/#comments Thu, 15 Oct 2026 03:00:26 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747599 
All the details on how to collect the stamps and get the commemorative prize.
Japan has a knack for tapping into the human spirit and understanding what nourishes us as a species. One of the ways it does that is through stamp rallies, fulfilling our desire to collect things, achieve goals, and get our hands on a good freebie.
Now there’s a Studio Ghibli stamp rally coming our way, with four digital stamps to collect and an exclusive commemorative badge for those who collect them all.
▼ 金曜ロードショーとジブリ展とSAGAスタンプラリー = Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition and Saga Stamp Rally
Held alongside the Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition, which showcases Japan’s Friday Road Show TV programme and its long-running history of broadcasting Studio Ghibli films, the event is also encouraging visitors to explore Saga City, where the exhibition is being held from 3 November 2026 to 14 February 2027.
The Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition and Saga Stamp Rally will be held throughout the exhibition period, and although it’s free to participate, an admission ticket to the exhibition is required.
You’ll also need to download Fukuoka Broadcasting System’s free FBS app – you can scan the QR code at one of the rally points to download it – and then you simply visit all four stamp rally locations around Saga City and scan the QR code at each one to collect your stamps. Unlike a traditional stamp rally, where participants physically stamp a piece of card or paper, this event is all done digitally, so you’ll be collecting the stamps on your smartphone.
There is, however, a physical reward that you can clutch in your hands like No Face with a mound of gold, because once you collect all four, you can show your completed stamp collection at the prize exchange counter at any of the four locations to receive your badge.
The four locations and their stamp designs are:
▼ Saga Prefectural Art Museum – Friday Ojisan
▼ Saga Mado – From Up on Poppy Hill
▼ Saga Castle History Museum – Princess Mononoke
▼ Saga Balloon Museum – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
▼ The stamp rally route stretches around 2.9 kilometres (1.8 miles) and takes around 41 minutes to complete on foot or eight minutes by car.
For visitors who don’t have a car and prefer not to walk, Saga has a convenient bus network that’ll get you to the locations, and it’s drawing attention to that fact with specially wrapped buses for a limited time. The vibrant look ties in with the prefecture’s “Let’s walk Saga Prefecture” initiative, which encourages visitors to use public transport while exploring the area on foot.
Visitors who use the participating bus services or JR trains to reach the exhibition can also receive a free A4-sized clear file featuring Friday Ojisan, the Friday Road Show mascot character. These limited-edition freebies are available while stocks last, and visitors will need to show their exhibition ticket along with the required proof of travel – pick up a “clear file exchange ticket” on one of the wrapped buses or snap a photo of the special photo panel inside the ticket gate at JR Saga Station – to claim one of the files.
As another initiative to get people on the buses, there will be special in-car announcements by voice actress Sumi Shimamoto, who voiced the main character of Nausicaä in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, as well as voicing Satsuki and Mei’s mother in My Neighbour Totoro and Toki in Princess Mononoke.
You can collect the stamps in any order, and you don’t have to visit all four locations in one day as the stamps you’ve collected will be automatically saved in the app. The commemorative badge measures approximately six centimetres (2.4 inches) in diameter and features the exhibition’s key visual, acting as a sweet souvenir and reminder of your efforts. It’s not available for sale, and only one can be claimed per person per device, so it will be a very sought-after item.
▼ A true collector’s item.
Stocks of the badge are limited, so although the rally runs until February, you’ll want to collect your stamps earlier rather than later to avoid missing out. Be sure to check the opening hours of the locations too, so you can plan your visit accordingly and get the most out of each location. Happy stamping!
Related: FBS App, Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/15/new-studio-ghibli-stamp-rally-set-to-start-in-japan-with-exclusive-merchandise-for-anime-fans/feed/ 0 747599 studio Ghibli stamp rally saga prefecture Friday Road Show exhibition anime movie locations Japan Nausicaa Princess Mononoke Poppy Hill Art Castle History Museum sightseeing bus original merchandise goods news Studio Ghibli adds Totoro family goods to its anime merchandise store in Japan https://soranews24.com/2026/10/14/studio-ghibli-adds-totoro-family-goods-to-its-anime-merchandise-store-in-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/14/studio-ghibli-adds-totoro-family-goods-to-its-anime-merchandise-store-in-japan/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:00:52 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747394 
Finished with a Totoro netsuke that combines anime charm with centuries of Japanese tradition.
Whenever you think of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbour Totoro, the titular grey giant will likely come looming into your mind’s eye. However, this forest-dwelling character isn’t the only Totoro to appear in the movie, as it’s often joined by two others – a blue “Medium Totoro” and a white “Small Totoro“. While each one has its own unique charms, their personalities truly shine when they come together, and to prove that point is a trio of bags from the studio’s Donguri Kyowakoku specialty retail chain.
▼ Leading the charge in this fluffy bag collection is the Large Totoro Fluffy Tote Bag (5,280 yen [US$33.27]).
Though the Large Totoro appears here in a more fashion-friendly shade of taupe, which is actually a blend of dark brown and grey, the character is easily distinguished by its whiskers, which aren’t seen on any of the other Totoros.
The whiskers here are as soft as the bag, which is made from a warm and fluffy fabric, making it ideal for outings in the chillier seasons of autumn and winter.
▼ Stay warm with Totoro bag cuddles.
Everything you put in the bag will stay warm and cosy too, with an inner pocket for storing small items…
▼ …and a concealed magnet closure.
Another nice feature is the way you can spot Totoro’s belly markings every time you reach into your bag.
With a body that measures around 25 by 32 centimetres (9.8 × 12.6 inches), the bag is well-sized to carry a lot of items during your travels.
And the more you put inside Totoro the better, as its belly will take on a cute, rounded shape.
▼ Moving down a size, we have the Medium Totoro Fluffy Drawstring Pouch (3,135 yen).
This sweet rendering of the mid-sized Totoro is true to form in terms of features, as it has a nose but no whiskers.
Measuring 18 by 19 x 15 centimetres, the pouch is made from a warm and cosy boa fabric, and has a brown lining.
▼ The climbing rope cord handles are a striking design feature.
These handles also work to close up the drawstring pouch, so when it’s filled with items it creates a cute, rotund shape.
▼ You’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t run off into the forest with your belongings inside it.
▼ Small Totoro Outing Reel Mascot (2,200 yen)
Rounding out the cute bag collection, and the cute character trio, is the Small Totoro, who differs from the others by having no mouth, whiskers or nose.
▼ In this collection, it also differs by not being a bag or pouch, instead stepping in as a handy keychain.
The retractable reel makes this a practical item for attaching small items like keys…
▼ …and you can also attach it to the Large Totoro bag for extra cuteness.
▼ The family is complete!
If you’d like to add even more charm to your bag, you can attach another Totoro, this time in the form of a Netsuke strap. While the bags above have been restocked at the chain, the strap is a new addition to the lineup.
▼ The My Neighbour Totoro Kororin Netsuke Strap (Large Totoro & Small Totoro) – 1,540 yen
Netsuke have centuries of history behind them, as they started out as small, carved items to attach personal items like tobacco pouches and medicine boxes to kimono sashes during the Edo period (1603–1867).
The Totoro netsuke blends modern anime with Japanese tradition, and it comes in two new varieties.
▼ Light blue…
▼…and Pink.
While the blue version can be purchased now, Donguri Kyowakoku says the pink version will be available soon, from mid-to-late October.
All items can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and in Japan (links below) while stocks last.
Source: Donguri Kyowakoku
Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku
Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4)
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/14/studio-ghibli-adds-totoro-family-goods-to-its-anime-merchandise-store-in-japan/feed/ 0 747394 Studio Ghibli anime shop My Neighbour Totoro goods cute merchandise Kororin Netsuke keychain bag pouch news 12 Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know about https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/japanese-milk-carton-cakes-are-a-genius-idea-that-the-world-needs-to-know-about/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/japanese-milk-carton-cakes-are-a-genius-idea-that-the-world-needs-to-know-about/#comments Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:00:01 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747132 
We’ve got all the details on where to find them, and how to eat them.
There are many, many supermarket chains in Japan, but one of the most popular is Gyomu Super. Colloquially known as “Gyo-su”, this chain is designed for gyomu, or business use, so it’s stocked with bargain bulk buys that are commonly purchased by restaurant owners, but it’s just as popular with regular customers and households looking to save money.
▼ Gyomu Super
Right now, the chain is in the spotlight on social media, thanks to a surprise product that not a lot of people know about: milk carton desserts. Gyomu Super actually sells around 10 varieties of these milk carton desserts, which pack around a kilo (2.2 pounds) of dessert into every carton. It’s a clever and compact way to serve up a big dessert, and now that a new Mitsuimo Cake has been added to the range for autumn, it was the perfect time for us to head out and try it.
Mitsuimo (literally “honey potato”) refers to sweet potatoes that become especially sweet and syrupy when cooked, with a moist and sticky texture. At first glance, you might think this carton contains Mitsuimo milk, if such a thing were to exist, but a closer look reveals this really is a cake, with the word “ケーキ” (“cake”) clearly printed on the packaging.
A cake in a carton sounds like a difficult thing to eat, but thankfully the pack comes with instructions on how to release the dessert from its packaging.
▼ First, open the entire thing up top so you can see into the carton…
▼…then tip it on its side and jiggle the dessert out onto a plate.
▼ Milk carton…
▼ …dessert!
▼ The cake slid out with a whoosh, surprising us with its presence.
▼ It was so golden and gleaming that it kind of looked like a gold bar.
Grabbing a knife, it slid through the dessert like butter, so we could easily cut a piece off and present it on a plate of its own.
After slicing, the dessert really began to resemble a cake, and when we tasted it, it had a rich sweetness and a sticky, dense texture, while being soft and jiggly at the same time. It was far more delicious than we thought it would be, with a texture like purin (Japanese pudding) but the taste of sweet potato.
Although it was tasty, the sweetness was quite strong, so it would be impossible for us to finish the whole carton as is. Thankfully, the pack comes with a few alternative ideas, like French Toast and Ice Cream Sandwiches, which both looked fantastic, but we decided to try their suggestion to use it as a spread.
Simply toast a thick slice of bread until golden brown, then spread on a layer of cream cheese and some of the Mitsuimo Cake.
▼ Since the Mitsuimo Cake is soft, it can be spread on toast like jam or butter.
This was a taste sensation. The rich sweetness of the sweet potato complemented the fresh tang of cream cheese to create a fantastic dessert-like treat. Great for breakfast or as a snack, this is something we could happily eat every day.
▼ Who knew carton cake on toast could be a thing?
The Mitsuimo Cake costs 537 yen (US$3.39), and with 7–8 servings in a pack, this was great value for money. The fact that it’s made domestically at a factory Japan is another nice selling point.
▼ Once you’ve been initiated into the world of milk carton cakes, you’ll be keen to explore other options, like this Peach Jelly.
▼ Two quick and easy ways to serve up sweets at a gathering.
The only problem with the carton desserts is finding them. We found ours after visiting three different Gyomu Super branches, as they were so popular they’d already sold out. So if you do come across them, don’t hesitate to pick one up, so you too can fall in love with the wonders of Japan’s milk carton cakes.
Images © SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/japanese-milk-carton-cakes-are-a-genius-idea-that-the-world-needs-to-know-about/feed/ 1 747132 Japanese milk carton cake dessert mitsuimo sweet potato unusual unique food gyomu supermarket shop news (4) Sushi Bus starts running in Japan, but is it a tourist trap or tourist must-do? https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/sushi-bus-starts-running-in-japan-but-is-it-a-tourist-trap-or-tourist-must-do/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/sushi-bus-starts-running-in-japan-but-is-it-a-tourist-trap-or-tourist-must-do/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 15:00:54 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747288 
We take a trip on the world’s first conveyor belt sushi bus…and it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.
Sushi and sightseeing tend to be at the top of the must-do list for many visitors to Japan, so what if you could combine the two and enjoy them at the same time? Well, now you can, thanks to the arrival of the Sushi Bus, a new two-decker restaurant bus that takes you on a tour around Tokyo while a conveyor belt filled with plates of sushi runs around the tables.
▼ In case you’re wondering, IBS Coach stands for International Business Solutions, not Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Billed as the first bus in the world to have a sushi conveyor belt, there’s been a lot of buzz about the Sushi Bus, but does it live up to the hype? We stepped on board for a ride before tickets went on sale to find out if it was a tourist trap or a tourist must-do.
The first thing you’ll notice about the bus is its eye-catching exterior, with the entire vehicle wrapped in a giant image of two bright red tuna sushi pieces, which are said to be 12 metres (39 feet) long and 4 metres high. The bus is dubbed “Maguro-go” (“Tuna Vehicle“), with plans to introduce more buses to create a fleet from next year, and it’s a beautiful design that’ll make you feel like you’re entering a new world of sushi when you step on board.
Though the welcome sign is in English, the Sushi Bus caters to locals as well as international tourists – 70-percent of bookings in the first five days were made by Japanese people – and staff speak both English and Japanese.
▼ After making your way up a short flight of stairs, you’ll be surprised by the interior, which is like no other bus on the streets.
Running around the entire bus is a long conveyor belt, with lanterns giving the space a very Japanese vibe.
There are a variety of seating options on board the 20-seater bus, from two premium single seats at the very front…
▼ …through to a table for three…
▼…and tables for four…
▼ … and two.
▼ Every seat comes with seatbelts, which passengers are asked to wear while the bus is in operation.
As for the tables, they’re beautifully designed, at just the right height for eating, and with places in the centre console for holding the soy sauce bottle and your drinks.
Every passenger gets a free drink, with some of the choices being soft drinks, green tea, and beer.
The bus has an open-air rooftop, which gives you a fantastic view of the buildings as you glide through the streets. In inclement weather, the top closes up but it’s transparent so you can still see the Tokyo skyline.
Each tour lasts approximately 70 minutes, and takes you past some of the top spots around the city, including Tokyo Station…
▼ … Tokyo Tower…
▼ … the Imperial Palace…
▼…and the towering buildings of Ginza.
Tokyo really does look beautiful from the top of a double-decker bus, but you’ll soon find yourself looking away from the view when the sushi starts appearing on the belt.
The belt is surprisingly smooth, and there’s no fear of the sushi flying off, as the setup has been thoroughly tested to withstand even hard braking.
The all-you-can-eat extravaganza contains over a dozen sushi varieties, which may vary by day. When we visited we were able to enjoy offerings like:
▼ … egg…
▼ … crab…
▼ … salmon…
▼ … octopus…
▼ … tuna…
▼ … prawn…
▼ … squid…
▼… yellowtail…
▼ … and beef short ribs.
▼ There are also tubs filled with packs of pickled ginger and wasabi.
▼ Little plates are provided for you to empty the packs into.
▼ All the sushi is prepared in the kitchen downstairs…
▼ …and transported up to the dining area by way of a compact little elevator.
▼ Staff place the plates on the conveyor belt and keep an eye on things to make sure everything runs smoothly during the ride.
Throughout the entire tour, we couldn’t get over what we were seeing, not because of what was outside the window, but because of what was inside it.
▼ A constant stream of sushi surrounded us on the belt, like a sushi lover’s dream come to life.
While it looked wonderful, we were keen to know what the sushi actually tasted like, so we reached out and grabbed a plate of salmon from the belt.
▼ Beautifully presented on a Sushi Bus plate.
After stopping for a moment to take in the fact that we were eating sushi on a moving bus while people on the streets stared curiously at us, we dove in and found that the sushi was delicious.
Eager to try more, we grabbed the beef ribs, which were so flavourful that we found ourselves reaching for another serving immediately afterwards.
▼ Then we tried the tuna, which was another impressive offering.
Though you might think that sushi on a bus like this would be lacking in flavour, we were honestly surprised at how delicious it all was. The toppings were high quality and generously sized, and Sushi Bus says it places a lot of importance on its ingredients, sourcing them from a wholesaler at Toyosu Market who they have a business partnership with. The tuna, for instance, comes from different regions according to season, and each slice weighs 12 grams (0.4 ounces), which is about 1.5 times the amount you get at a regular conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
▼ The generous portions really do fill you up, and after five plates we were already feeling full.
▼ One of the passengers in the front seat, however, put us to shame with ten empty plates on the table.
The excitement of the tour is dialled up a notch with loud music and enthusiastic commentary from staff, who get everyone to look up at the bridges and highways that pass by within inches of the roof, giving you a unique feel for the city.
▼ The Sushi Bus is a feast for all the senses.
So…is it a tourist trap or a tourist must-do? Well, in our opinion, it’s a must-do. Sure, it’s touristy, and if you’re a local the price is pretty steep, at 16,000 yen (US$101) per person (or 22,000 yen for a premier front-row seat), but if you’re a tourist from overseas, or even outside of the prefecture, it’s an undeniably unique experience that’ll stay with you as a fun memory for years to come.
Plus, with all-you-can-eat sushi and a 70-minute trip around Tokyo that takes in some of the most iconic sights, it works out to be pretty good value, especially if you finish a lot of plates.
▼ Another bonus is the convenient pick-up and drop-off location at Marunouchi-Kajibashi Parking Lot, which is right next to Tokyo Station.
The Sushi Bus operates daily (with occasional closures for vehicle inspections and maintenance), and currently offers five tour times, with departures at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reservations can be made here, and the bus starts rolling around town from 10 October.
Images ©OonaMcGee/SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/10/sushi-bus-starts-running-in-japan-but-is-it-a-tourist-trap-or-tourist-must-do/feed/ 0 747288 Sushi Bus Tokyo Japan Tour Booking site food sightseeing things to do 97 Starbucks Japan releases new Halloween Frappuccino and drinkware, but are they worth buying this year? https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-and-drinkware-but-are-they-worth-buying-this-year/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-and-drinkware-but-are-they-worth-buying-this-year/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 05:00:58 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747218 
We find out if double the cats makes for double deliciousness.
While it might feel like Halloween is creeping up on us now that we’re in October, at Starbucks in Japan the festivities have already leapt up at us, with the release of a special Halloween treat called the Blackberry Yoghurt Frappuccino.
Designed around the theme of “Halloween Purple Cat in Mystery Forest”, where a “Phantom Purple Cat” lures you into the forest, feline motifs are key to the celebrations this year, even in the drinkware range.
▼ The purple kitty is being hidden around stores, with pawprints leading to its secret location.
With both the drink and the drinkware released at stores in Japan on 9 October, our resident Starbucks expert K. Masami decided to go all in on the feline frivolity by purchasing one of the cutest goods in the range, the Cat Glow in the Dark Double Wall Heat-Resistant Glass Cup, and asking staff to serve the Frappuccino inside it.
▼ The result turned out to be one of the cutest things she’s ever seen.
While the cup is incredibly cute, with phosphorescent sprinkles in the base and a cat with bat wings reaching for the stars, the drink itself is just as adorable. Giving it its charm is the chocolate topper, in the shape of cat ears, with two varieties to choose from – “black” or “white”.
Though she initially wanted to go for black ears, which are decidedly more spooky, Masami instead opted for white, in honour of her white cat.
Masami’s feline has her so under its spell that even her drink choices are decided by it.
▼ You…will..adore…meeee…ow”
As an ardent lover of cats and yoghurt Frappuccinos, this drink had all the elements of a dream scanrio for Masami, but what she really wanted to know was… would it taste as good as it looks?
Taking a sip, Masami’s palate was immediately enthralled by the flavours. The tartness of the berries and yoghurt made it refreshing and easy to drink, and there were even tiny blueberry pieces swimming around in the mix, adding exciting bursts of texture. The creamy milk and blackberry sauce gave every sip a delicious richness, and the balance was superbly well-crafted, making for a delicious Frappuccino.
While she was very impressed with the drink, Masami was even more impressed by the effect of the cat ears on top, which added so much cuteness that it seemed to make every mouthful even more delicious.
Both the drink and the drinkware are definitely worth buying, and the Frappuccino tasted so good that Masami vowed to return again to try it, perhaps next time with black cat ears, and without publishing it online, so her white kitty doesn’t find out about it. She’s also keen to try it with one of the recommended customisations, like chocolate chips, for added taste and texture.
▼ Always watching and reading your stories, Masami.
The Halloween Frappuccino, and the limited-edition seasonal drinkware, are available for a limited time, and only while stocks last, so be sure to get in quick to enjoy the celebrations.
Images ©SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-and-drinkware-but-are-they-worth-buying-this-year/feed/ 0 747218 Starbucks Japan Halloween Frappuccino 2026 exclusive limited edition drink menu merchandise drinkware goods tumbler glass bottle cat cup seasonal special blackberry yogurt news (4) Burger King serves up Pickleball Burgers in Japan, with a tasty nod to the number 11 https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/burger-king-serves-up-pickleball-burgers-in-japan-with-a-tasty-nod-to-the-number-11/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/burger-king-serves-up-pickleball-burgers-in-japan-with-a-tasty-nod-to-the-number-11/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2026 03:00:32 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747204 
Limited-edition exclusive comes with free goods and special prizes.
Burger King is always looking for ways to stand out from the competition in Japan, and right now it’s doing exactly that with the release of a brand new Pickleball Burger.
Created as part of the chain’s ongoing efforts to promote pickleball in Japan, where it’s sponsored the Pickleball Japan Federation since 2025, there are two varieties in the lineup – the Pickleball Burger and the Chicken Pickleball Burger.
Each burger contains a whopping 11 pickles, as a nod to the scoring in the game, where the first player to reach 11 points wins.
Everyone’s a winner with these two burgers, as they both feature a special creamy dill sauce that balances the refreshing aromas of dill and lemon in every serving. The standard version serves up two of the chain’s signature flame-grilled beef patties, with lettuce and onions, while the chicken version swaps the beef for a chicken patty that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
As an added bonus, the chain is giving away a free original pickleball paddle keychain for every burger purchased, although stocks are limited so you’ll want to get in quick to receive them.
Pickleball lovers and those who are new to the sport can also enjoy some extra fun with a special pickleball game on Burger King Japan’s official app. Win at the game and you’ll be rewarded with discount coupons, and if you happen to achieve a special, super-rare winning animation, you’ll automatically be entered into a lottery to win an original Burger King paddle.
The game runs from 1 p.m. on 9 October until 11:59 p.m. on 15 October. As for the burgers, they’ll be available at store locations nationwide, excluding the Kansai International Airport Terminal and racecourse branches, from 9 October. The beef Pickleball burger will be on the menu at 1,490 yen (US$9.43), or 1,790 yen as a set, while the chicken will be priced at 690 yen, or 990 yen as a set, and they’ll both be on the menu in limited quantities while supplies last.
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/09/burger-king-serves-up-pickleball-burgers-in-japan-with-a-tasty-nod-to-the-number-11/feed/ 0 747204 Burger King Japan Pickleball Whopper limited edition exclusive menu free keychain merchandise fast food sport news Starbucks Japan serves up new Coffee Espresso Cream Frappuccino for Nighttime Dolce Coffee range https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/starbucks-japan-serves-up-new-coffee-espresso-cream-frappuccino-for-nighttime-dolce-coffee-range/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/starbucks-japan-serves-up-new-coffee-espresso-cream-frappuccino-for-nighttime-dolce-coffee-range/#comments Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:26 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747010 
A new way to have your dessert and drink it too.
As the nights get longer and the weather starts to cool, Starbucks’ Reserve Cafes are enticing us to enjoy the evenings with three drinks inspired by the Milanese tradition of enjoying desserts and coffee at evening bars.
The drinks are a luxurious way to unwind in the evening, and two of them have been so well received by the public that they’re now permanent fixtures on the menu. The Espresso Affogato Frappuccino, which contains vanilla ice cream and espresso, has been a hit with coffee lovers, while the Opera Frappuccino is well-loved for its intense chocolate flavours and decadent dessert-like taste.
Joining the two recently introduced mainstays is a new Coffee & Espresso Cream Frappuccino, which delivers bold espresso flavours with a creamy sweetness. The Frappuccino contains a layer of espresso whipped cream at both the bottom and top of the cup, with a milky body to balance out the bitterness and create a decadent richness.
According to Starbucks, the first few sips offer more of the creamy sweetness, while the roasted aroma and deep flavour of espresso becomes more pronounced as you make your way through the drink. Those looking for even more variety can customise the drink at the Coffee Discovery Counter, with the chain recommending cacao nibs for extra texture and roasted flavour, or pink pepper for a spicy, fragrant accent.
Though they’re being billed as “Nighttime Dolce Coffees”, all three drinks can be purchased at any time at the following six Starbucks Reserve Cafe locations:
- Shinjuku Marui Main Building 2F
- Tokyo Skytree Town 30F
- Daimaru Umeda B1F
- Shinsaibashi Parco B1F
- Nagoya Sakae Haera
- Tenjin Business Center II
The new Frappuccino will be available in a Tall size only, priced at 900 yen (US$5.68) for dine-in and 884 yen for takeout, and will be on the menu from 9 October.
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/starbucks-japan-serves-up-new-coffee-espresso-cream-frappuccino-for-nighttime-dolce-coffee-range/feed/ 0 747010 Starbucks Japan Frappuccino Reserve Roastery Tokyo nighttime dessert coffee drink menu autumn exclusive limited edition seasonal espresso affogato cream Opera cake news 1 Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/tokyo-train-station-will-play-godzilla-theme-song-as-new-departure-melody/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/tokyo-train-station-will-play-godzilla-theme-song-as-new-departure-melody/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:30:55 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747054 
Japanese subway company adds a new soundscape to Godzilla’s Tokyo home.
November 3 is a special date for fans of Godzilla as it’s known as “Godzilla Day”. First celebrated to mark the anniversary of the premiere date of the original 1954 film, Godzilla, it was eventually adopted by Toho, the film’s production company, and after it was registered with the Japan Anniversary Association in 2017, Godzilla Day was officially established, representing Godzilla’s birthday.
While it’s heartening to know the kaiju has a day of its own, it also brings up a unique set of challenges, like…. what the heck do you give the King of the Monsters for his birthday? Well, subway operator Tokyo Metro has come up with a beautiful way to mark the occasion, by changing the departure melody for its trains at Hibiya Station to “Godzilla’s Theme”.
▼ Hibiya Station
Originally composed by Akira Ifukube for the 1954 film, “Godzilla’s Theme” is one of the most instantly recognisable pieces of Godzilla-associated music, with brass, strings and percussion instruments playing a relentless march that’s equal parts call-to-arms inspiring and run-for-your-life fear-inducing.
Two versions of the melody are set to be played, with different arrangements used depending on which direction you’re travelling. One arrangement will be played on platforms 1 and 3, which serves Hibiya Line trains bound for Naka-meguro and Chiyoda Line trains bound for Yoyogi-Uehara, while the other arrangement will play on platforms 2 and 4, for trains heading towards Kita-senju and Ayase.
▼ Hibiya Station is conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo.
Like all departure melodies, these ones will be played just before the train doors close and the train departs, so as long as you’re on the platform at the time you’ll be able to hear it. Tokyo Metro is asking fans to avoid lingering on the platforms though, and it’s also requesting that they avoid crowding around the speakers to record the melodies or in any other spots that might interfere with station operations.
There’s a high likelihood that fans of Godzilla will be arriving and departing by train, though, as Hibiya itself is closely tied to the kaiju, being home to Toho’s headquarters. Toho has been producing the Godzilla series for more than 70 years, and nods to the famous local company are present in two statues, one of which stands at Hibiya Godzilla Square and the other at Toho Cinemas Hibiya.
▼ Hibiya Godzilla Square
▼ The Hibiya statues are a lot smaller than this giant Godzilla atop Shinjuku Toho Building, which houses Toho Cinemas Shinjuku.
For a lot of fans, Hibiya has already established itself as Godzilla’s stomping ground, so the new departure melodies are an exciting way to dial up the kaiju vibes in the neighbourhood even further. Set to commence on 3 November, which coincides with the Japan premiere of the new movie Godzilla-0.0, the melodies are the gift that keeps on giving, as there appears to be no end date for them.
So next time you catch a train at Hibiya, be prepared for the new formidable soundscape that surrounds passengers, and don’t be surprised if you find your eyes drawn to the shadows, searching for a glimpse of Godzilla in the tunnels.
Source: Pia Corporation via Yahoo! News Japan
Images ©SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/08/tokyo-train-station-will-play-godzilla-theme-song-as-new-departure-melody/feed/ 0 747054 Godzilla Japanese train station theme tune Tokyo departure melody movie news 07 Shibuya goes hard on Halloween, announces countermeasures to prevent chaos on the streets https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/shibuya-goes-hard-on-halloween-announces-countermeasures-to-prevent-chaos-on-the-streets/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/shibuya-goes-hard-on-halloween-announces-countermeasures-to-prevent-chaos-on-the-streets/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:00:16 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=747014 
Tokyo Ward clamps down as this year’s Saturday Halloween poses more dangers than the past six years.
If you’ve ever visited Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing at Halloween, you’ll know how chaotic it can be. Costumes, crowds, street drinking, and people cramming into the crossing and surrounding thoroughfares for photos and impromptu meetups are all the ingredients for mayhem, and after a truck was overturned by revellers in 2018, Shibuya has been doing everything it can to clamp down on the unwanted chaos.
With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, Shibuya is preparing for more revellers than usual, and is working hard to keep things under control with a new awareness campaign that comes with the slogan “GOODBYE BAD HALLOWEEN”.
The straight-to-the-point, all-caps slogan aims to curb what Shibuya calls “Meiwaku Halloween” (“Nuisance Halloween”) behaviour, which includes drinking and smoking on the street, littering, making excessive noise and obstructing pedestrian traffic while taking photos in costume. Shibuya says this year’s celebrations pose a significatly greater risk as Halloween hasn’t ocurred on a Saturday since 2020, and it estimates that around 18,000 people will be on the streets of Shibuya Center Gai during peak times, compared to 4,200 last year, which was the lowest since records began in 2019, when there were approximately 40,000 visitors.
Though last year’s crowds were thwarted by rain, the decrease in revellers in recent years is all down to Shibuya’s concerted efforts to discourage people from making the scramble crossing area their playground during Halloween. Countermeasures now include a year-round ban on drinking alcohol on the street in Shibuya between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m., introduced in October 2024, and 62 retailers in the vicinity, including convenience stores and department stores, have been asked to refrain from selling alcohol during those hours on Halloween night.
This year also marks the first Halloween since Shibuya began collecting a 2,000-yen (US$13) fine for littering in June, with patrols being increased from the usual three teams of three to five teams of seven on Halloween.
Combined with a large police presence, plus 185 private security guards and 70 ward employees on patrol to curb bad behaviour, Halloween in Shibuya now feels less like a street party and more like a heavily regulated, slightly hostile no-go zone. While this approach has so far been successful in keeping the peace, it does come at a cost, with Shibuya saying it has spent around 74 million yen (about US$468,000) on countermeasures for this year’s Halloween. Of that, around 58 million yen is going towards station-area safety measures, 2 million yen towards rubbish collection and disposal, and 14 million yen towards public-awareness materials like flags and banners.
▼ And, presumably, this awareness video.
Despite all the countermeasures, which include temporary fencing around the famous Hachiko statue to block it from view from 6 a.m. on 30 October until 5 p.m. on 1 November, and the suspension of LUUP and Lime services around Shibuya Station from 5 p.m. on 30 October until 5 a.m. on 31 October, Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe isn’t entirely against Halloween.
In speaking to the press, he has been encouraging visitors to enjoy Halloween in Shibuya, just not on the streets, but by attending events organised by shopping streets, commercial facilities and clubs in the ward instead.
So the message from Shibuya this year is clear – the streets are not an all-night party venue. With police and officials out in force during the Halloween weekend, the party vibe of years past is now long gone, so you’d be better off celebrating in other parts of Tokyo instead.
Sources: Sankei, Yahoo! News Japan
Images: YouTube/渋谷区公式チャンネル
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/shibuya-goes-hard-on-halloween-announces-countermeasures-to-prevent-chaos-on-the-streets/feed/ 0 747014 Shibuya Halloween 2026 event scramble crossing cosplay costumes Goodbye bad behavior rules etiquette police video news 3 Starbucks Japan releases new seasonal chilled cup tea latte with surprising accents in flavour https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-seasonal-chilled-cup-tea-latte-with-surprising-accents-in-flavour/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-seasonal-chilled-cup-tea-latte-with-surprising-accents-in-flavour/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2026 05:00:53 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=746925 
Limited-edition drink serves up a new taste of autumn.
Starbucks’ chilled cup range was first released in Japan ahead of the globe over 20 years ago, and since then it’s undergone many transformations, with limited-edition exclusives capturing the taste of the season.
Now, as we stride through autumn, the chain is giving us a new limited-edition release called the Joyful Harmony Tea Latte, which delivers chill autumn vibes with some interesting accents in flavour.
At the heart of the drink is black tea, with oolong and jasmine tea adding extra layers of complexity, combined with a good serving of milk for a creamy finish. The surprise flavour, however, is apricot, which is said to balance well with the fuller body of tea and creamy milk. Though fruity accents tend to act as a mellow counterpart in a lot of teas, Starbucks says this drink has a distinctive rich apricot aroma and a fruity taste reminiscent of perfectly ripe apricots, so you can truly enjoy the taste of the fruit.
The autumn theme is beautifully captured in the design on the cup, which features jasmine flowers, tea leaves and apricots, in gold and warm-toned hues to represent the layers of flavour and fragrance in the beverage.
While the drink can be enjoyed on its own, it’s said to pair particularly well with desserts like Sweet Potato Mont Blanc. According to the chain, the gentle sweetness and smooth texture of this dessert complements the creamy milk and fragrant tea flavours in the latte.
▼ The jasmine aroma and fruity apricot notes enhance the flavour of sweet potato, creating a very autumnal combination.
The chilled cup is a quick and easy way to enjoy Starbucks without having to stop by the chain, and it can be purchased at 7-Eleven stores and other retailers nationwide for a limited time from 13 October, priced at 230 yen (US$1.46).
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-seasonal-chilled-cup-tea-latte-with-surprising-accents-in-flavour/feed/ 0 746925 Starbucks Japan Chilled Cup Joyful Harmony Tea Latte Melody Frappuccino 2026 exclusive limited edition autuumn seasonal drink convenience store news 1 Starbucks Japan unveils new Halloween goods with secret glow-in-the-dark details https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-halloween-goods-with-secret-glow-in-the-dark-details/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-halloween-goods-with-secret-glow-in-the-dark-details/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:30:34 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=746823 
Tumblers, bottles, Bearistas and cats get us in the mood for spooky season.
With Halloween now on the horizon, it’s time to stock up on spooky goods to celebrate the season, and over at Starbucks there’s a bevvy of goods to bring a dash of scary cuteness to your beverages.
Designed around the concept of “Moon Light Halloween“, the new collection covers a wide array of drink bottles and tumblers, with sparkles, shimmers, and glow-in-the-dark details conjuring up the mysterious beauty of a moonlit evening. With over a dozen items to choose from, there’s something to suit all types of Starbucks lovers, particularly those with a soft spot for cats, as felines feature prominently in the range.
▼ Stainless Steel To-Go Bottle – Cat Light Pink, 473 millilitres (5,500 yen [US$34.78])
This bottle serves up cute cat details on the front, where a white feline sits beneath a starry sky, and on the back, where you’ll find cat-shaped customisation boxes, with a single moon thrown in.
▼ The push-button unlock feature means you won’t have to worry about spills.
▼ Stainless Steel Bottle – Glitter Light Purple, 444 millilitres (4,900 yen)
This beautiful bottle has a glittery surface that sparkles in the light, and a subdued celestial cat design for refined elegance.
▼ Stainless Steel Logo Bottle – Cat Glow in the Dark, 473 millilitres (4,950 yen)
Venture into the darkness of the night with this jet-black bottle, which cleverly incorporates black cats into the design, alongside one solitary white feline.
▼ Switch off the lights and the white cat glows in the dark, thanks to its phosphorescent coating.
▼ Stainless Steel Cold Cup Tumbler – Glitter Pink, 591 millilitres (5,450 yen)
This showstopper of a tumbler shimmers with a hot pink glittery surface, offset by cat-and-moon customisation boxes on the rear…
▼ …and a very cute straw cap that depicts a black cat sitting on the moon.
▼ Snow Globe Tumbler – Cat Glow in the Dark 355 millilitres (3,400 yen)
This tumbler looks set to be a sell-out hit, with the snow globe feature in the base containing a black cat, paw raised as if playing with the stars that swirl around it.
▼ To make things even cuter, the stars around the body of the bottle glow in the dark.
▼ Cold Cup Tumbler – Cat 473 millilitres (2,800 yen)
Sip from between a cat’s ears with this sweet tumbler, which changes colour from light to dark pink with the addition of cold water.
▼ Double Wall Heat-Resistant Glass Cup – Cat Glow in the Dark 355 millilitres (3,700 yen)
▼ This glass cup also lets you drink from a cat, thanks to the adorable cat-ear lid.
The clever design gives the black cat a set of devilish bat-like wings, and when the lights are out, the scene comes to life with glow-in-the-dark confetti scattering and sparkling with every movement of the glass.
▼ Coaster – Cat (2,200 yen)
This cute coaster is as practical as it is beautiful, with its hot pink hue catching the eye, and moon-and-star details setting the scene for our black cat and cat bat.
▼ The perfect coaster for the Glass Cup.
▼ Colour-Changing Reusable Cup 473 millilitres (700 yen)
▼ This affordable cup changes colour when you pour a hot drink into it, transforming the black cat into…
▼ … a white cat!
▼ Colour-Changing Reusable Cup 473 millilitres + Reusable Cup Exclusive Drink Hole Cap Bearista Cat (1,350 yen)
Add on a cute Bearista cap and your drink will be less prone to spilling and more prone to compliments.
▼ Bearista Mini (2,750 yen)
The chain’s beloved Bearista character slips into a black cat costume for Halloween, and will look very cute when clipped onto a bag or keychain.
▼ Starbucks Mini Cup Gift with drink ticket (1,150 yen)
Those wanting to share the love have several options to choose from, with the Mini Cup Gift being arguably the cutest.
You can mimic the colour-changing effect of the larger Cold Cup Tumbler by slipping the hot pink insert in and out of the cup.
The tiny size lets you store small items like paper clips, so you can enjoy the beauty of the cup while it serves a practical purpose as part of your stationery collection.
▼ Bearista Message Gift with drink ticket (1,650 yen)
▼ For a message with soft and cuddly feels, this gift set ticks all the boxes.
It contains a drink ticket, up to the value of 700 yen for dine-in orders or 687 yen to-go, with a section where you can write a message to the recipient.
There’s also a bag for gifting, which neatly holds the card and the Bearista in batwing costume.
▼ Beverage Card with drink ticket (750 yen)
Finally, we have a shiny drink ticket, which opens up like a card for you to write a message on.
Well, that was a lovely walk in the moonlight, and now we’re definitely in the mood for Halloween. As always, the products are available for a limited time, from 9 October, and they’ll be available at Starbucks stores around Japan and online, while stocks last.
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-unveils-new-halloween-goods-with-secret-glow-in-the-dark-details/feed/ 0 746823 Starbucks Japan Halloween goods 2026 exclusive limited edition merchandise shop seasonal cup tumbler mug glass bottle gift card news 91 Starbucks Japan releases new Halloween Frappuccino for 2026, inspired by a cat in a mystery forest https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-for-2026-inspired-by-a-cat-in-a-mystery-forest/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-for-2026-inspired-by-a-cat-in-a-mystery-forest/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:00:26 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=746915 
The Phantom Purple Cat brings mysterious charm to two exclusive limited-edition drinks.
Now that we’re in October, Halloween is right around the corner, and Starbucks is here to celebrate with a playful new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by a phantom cat.
The feline, known as the “Phantom Purple Cat”, sits at the centre of this year’s Starbucks celebrations, with the theme being “Halloween Purple Cat in Mystery Forest” (yes, that’s the exact official English rendering).
The elusive cat is ready to lure customers into the forest with the new limited-edition Blackberry Yogurt Frappuccino, which comes in two varieties.
▼ Black Ears Version and White Ears Version.
Common to both drinks is a fruity blueberry yogurt base, which has a sharp yet pleasant acidity and a soft, fruit-like texture. Blackberry chocolate sauce adds a deep accent in colour and flavour, and both drinks are finished with a chocolate topper shaped like cat ears, to make it seem as if the phantom cat is peeking out of the cup.
▼ The Black Ears Version uses bitter chocolate for a cooler, more grown-up look and flavour…
▼ … while the White Ears Version has a sweeter, milkier taste and a cuter look.
You can choose your cat to match your mood, but whichever feline you choose, the purple kitty will be close by watching from the sidelines, with Starbucks saying it will be hiding quietly around stores.
▼ Customers can find the purple cat by following its in-store footprints.
Joining the felines for a limited time is a special limited-edition sweet, with its dark hues and green filling matching the mood of the mystery forest.
▼ Matcha Anko Butter Chocolate Scone Sandwich
According to Starbucks, this scone resembles “a ghost sticking out its tongue“, and it contains a well-balanced sweetness, saltiness, and bitterness that pairs well with the drinks.
As an added bonus, Starbucks Rewards members who purchase one of the cat-eared Frappuccinos will be able to receive a free chocolate chips customisation by using the app or presenting the designated QR code at the register from 9-15 October.
Both drinks will be available in a Tall size only, priced at 730 yen (US$4.60) for dine-in or 717 yen for takeout. They’ll be on the menu for a limited time from 9 October.
Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/07/starbucks-japan-releases-new-halloween-frappuccino-for-2026-inspired-by-a-cat-in-a-mystery-forest/feed/ 0 746915 Starbucks Japan Halloween Frappuccino 2026 exclusive limited edition drink menu seasonal matcha an butter chocolate scone sweets dessert news 1 Wendy’s Japan goes big with new limited-edition Mega Wendy’s, but is it worth the calories? https://soranews24.com/2026/10/06/wendys-japan-goes-big-with-new-limited-edition-mega-wendys-but-is-it-worth-the-calories/ https://soranews24.com/2026/10/06/wendys-japan-goes-big-with-new-limited-edition-mega-wendys-but-is-it-worth-the-calories/#comments Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:00:59 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=746454 
Sometimes Japanese portion sizes are small… and sometimes they look like this.
Wendy’s is often overlooked in Japan, but right now it’s towering over the competition with a new burger called MEGA Wendy’s. The all-caps in the name is certainly warranted, because it’s even bigger than the three-patty Wendy’s Burger USA Triple (known as “Dave’s Single” in the U.S.), with four extra beef patties and four slices of cheese giving it a total of seven patties and an astonishing 2,614 kilocalories.
Our reporter Kouhey has taken on all kinds of big burger challenges over the years, but this one looked so formidable that he spent a long time wondering whether he should even take it on. However, after finding out that the new burger was released nationwide to commemorate its appearance on TV, he realised he may never get the chance to take on such a heavyweight again, so he shrugged off his concerns and headed out to his nearest branch.
After arriving at the Iidabashi Ramla store, located in the Iidabashi Ramla commercial complex next to JR Iidabashi Station, he walked over to one of the self-service kiosks and blinked in surprised when he saw the burger on the menu, branded with a “New Product” tag and standing there like a meat tower.
▼ His eyes widened further when he saw the price – the burger, on its own, was a whopping 3,670 yen (US$23.36).
This was the first time he’d seen a burger this expensive at a chain restaurant, and it was so pricey that he had to check whether he had enough in his wallet to cover it. Fortunately, he did, so he ordered it as part of a drink set, bringing the total to 3,910 yen.
Looking at the stats, the MEGA Wendy’s is approximately 14 centimetres (5.5 inches) tall and weighs 900 grams (1.98 pounds). This was way bigger than Burger King’s four-patty Crown The One Pounder, which Kouhey previously battled with in 2023, so he felt slightly wary of this new opponent, which was in a totally different weight class.
After about five minutes of waiting, Kouhey’s number was called, and when he took the tray over to his table, he felt his muscles activate under the weight of the tray.
▼ “What the heck is this?!” He thought to himself. “Is it an iron ball?”
Even while wrapped in its paper, the burger was already a massive round mass. Looking closely, he could see the words “CHICKEN” and “SPECIAL” printed on the paper, and it was so large that it had been wrapped around the burger several times.
▼ Picking it up, it was seriously heavy – like something you could use for strength training.
Carefully unpeeling the wrap… the monster revealed itself.
▼ Meat, meat, meat, meat, meat, meat, meat!!!
It truly was a wall of meat. Seven patties were stacked up on top of each other, pushing the top bun upwards. When he lifted the bun, he could see onions, ketchup and lettuce sitting above it all, giving it the character of a burger, but with a mountain of meat underneath.
Looking closely, Kouhey discovered a good amount of cheddar cheese between the patties, and when he gently pried them apart, the melted cheese looked nice and gooey.
Though all the components of a good burger were clearly present, Kouhey was surprised at how the buns seemed so miniscule – the top and bottom buns were completely outdone by the seven patties between them.
▼ Then there was the burger packaging, which was enormous when he spread it out, giving you an idea of just how big the burger was.
At 14 centimetres tall, this is a seriously tall burger, and it was a tall order to eat. As the battle between man and burger began, Kouhey, gripped the burger firmly and brought it up to his mouth…
▼ …but the thing was so huge that he could only eat the meat.
No matter how much he ate, every mouthful consisted of nothing but meat, and sometimes a little cheese. Every now and then, a hint of bun or a skerrick of onion would timidly make its way into the mix, but it felt less like eating a hamburger and more like eating a lump of meat with cheese sandwiched in between.
About halfway through, he took a breather and paused to check the cross-section.
▼ There was still a lot left.
As a seasoned big burger professional, Kouhey knew he was now entering the “flavour-change zone”. This is what he likes to call the stage where your palate gets so tired of the monotonous flavours that you need to add a little something extra to keep you going until the end, and to help with his, he added some habanero sauce, which he’d picked up from beside the register.
Drizzling it over the cross-section of the patties, he wondered what kind of difference the sauce would make to the flavour profile.
▼ Whoah. This was actually good.
The spiciness and acidity enlivened his palate, lifting it from all the meat and cheese that had been weighing it down. After the endless procession of meat, the sauce provided some welcome relief, helping him through the second half. Although the meat remained the star of the show, there was no stopping Kouhey’s momentum now, so it didn’t take long for the tower, which had once seemed impossibly tall, to shrink down to a size that fit in the palm of his hand.
▼ A few more bites and finally, the end came into view.
▼ Then, the final bite.
▼ K.O.!
With his belly now full, Kouhey let a smile drift across his face as he reveled in his sense of achievement at having devoured the beast. Looking back at the timestamps on his photos, he found that it’d taken about 18 minutes between him receiving the tray and folding away the burger wrap at the very end of the meal. Although he had to stop repeatedly to take photos, he’d completed the task in good time, and he could confidently say this is the most amount of meat he’s ever eaten in a single sitting.
In the end, the MEGA Wendy’s was less a hamburger and more of a meat-eating challenge. If you feel ready to take on the challenge, be sure to stop by Wendy’s soon as it’s only a limited-time menu item, and come prepared with an empty stomach to take on the beast.
Images ©SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/10/06/wendys-japan-goes-big-with-new-limited-edition-mega-wendys-but-is-it-worth-the-calories/feed/ 0 746454 Mega Wendy's Japan big burger fast food news Tokyo Iidabashi First Kitchen (8)