SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:01:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/japanese-gacha-machine-in-shibuya-now-sells-tiny-capsule-terrariums/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/japanese-gacha-machine-in-shibuya-now-sells-tiny-capsule-terrariums/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 13:00:52 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741766

We join the “koke katsu” trend to find out if these little ecosystems are as easy to make as they say.

Japan is famous for its gacha machines, which dispense all sorts of products at random, through the clever use of capsules. After purchasing everything from tiny edible cakes to Casio Watch rings at these machines, we thought we’d seen everything we could possibly see…until the other day, when we stumbled upon a surprise find at Shibuya Hikarie in Tokyo.

After stopping by the building for lunch, we were initially drawn to a store on the fifth floor, which grabbed our attention with its rows and rows of what looked like aquariums from a distance.

Stepping closer, we found that the name of the store was “Terrariums Shibuya”, and that was exactly what it was selling. Terrariums enjoyed a bit of a boom in Japan when people were spending more time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving rise to the term “koke katsu” (“moss hobby”) amongst enthusiasts.

With terrariums being essentially miniature ecosystems that need to be cared for, we’d always felt a bit too intimidated to take up the hobby, but here in this store we came across something that was perfect for newbies like us.

▼ A “Capsule Terrarium” gacha machine!

Now this seemed like something we might be able to manage. Small, cute and cheap – each turn of the machine cost 500 yen (US$3.33) – the “Feel the Garden” capsule terrariums contain everything you need to make a mossy terrarium, including the moss, an essential element.

▼ A cultivation kit for growing moss…all inside a gacha capsule.

After receiving our tiny gacha terrarium, we couldn’t resist spinning the handle on the machine beneath , which sold “Terrarium Figurine Gacha” for 300 yen.

Excited to find out what lay inside the capsules, we took them home and decided to start by opening the “Capsule Terrarium”. Inside, we found the following items: Moss, Waterproof Sticker, Terrarium Soil, Decorative stones, Decorative Sand (the sand and stone types are random to each capsule)
, Tweezers, Dropper, Spoon, Pick
, Fixing ring
, Instructions.

We were honestly surprised by just how much had been packed into the little container. Of course, the capsule itself is an essential part of the setup, so we immediately got to work, following the included instructions and video link to set it up.

▼ The first step involved placing the waterproof sticker over the hole in the capsule, and then adding the terrarium soil.

After arranging the decorative stones in the sand and pushing them in slightly, we used the dropper to add water until the entire surface of the soil became dark brown.

Next, it was time to sprinkle in the decorative sand. According to the instructions, you’re supposed to sprinkle it in areas where you won’t be planting moss, and if you’re not sure where to put it, it’s recommended that you arrange it along the edges of the capsule.

▼ We added ours in bit by bit with the spoon.

Now it was time to plant the star of the show: the moss! It was dry when we took it out of the bag, but the instructions reassured us that this was totally fine – it was still alive, just in a dormant state.

▼ Once it absorbs water it resumes growing, so the dormant state is what makes it possible for a living thing like this to be sold in a gacha machine.

After tearing the dried moss into pieces about 5 millimetres (0.2 inches) in size, we then planted them using the tweezers. Once you’ve secured the moss into the soil, the trick to planting it successfully is to hold the moss down with the pick and smoothly pull out the tweezers.

It was difficult at first, but we gradually got the hang of it and eventually succeeded in creating a mossy meadow around the stones. We gave the moss some water, then popped in the figurine we received from our other gacha…

▼ … and then our Capsule Terrarium was complete!

It took about 20 minutes to make, at a leisurely pace, and was incredibly easy to set up. While it was simple to make, it’s also said to be simple to care for too – just give it some water through one of the holes in the top of the capsule about once a fortnight.

With such little care required, we’re confident that anyone could look after a terrarium like this, and after gazing in awe at our creation for around three days, we’re happy to report that it still looks as beautiful as the day we made it. Though there hasn’t been any major growth, that’s to be expected, because depending on the species, moss is said to only grow a few millimetres to around 1 centimetre (0.4 inches) per year.

▼ Part of the appeal of owning a terrarium is being able to slowly watch how it evolves over time.

All this for just 500 yen was a fantastic deal, because usually when you get into terrariums, you have to buy quite a bit upfront to get started. With everything included in the capsule, this was such a great kit that we’re now tempted to pick up a few more on our next trip to Shibuya.

▼ And we might just buy some other little figurines to join our rubber duck while we’re there.

The specialty store has done a great job with the capsule machine, and when we talked to staff about it, they told us that some people get into terarrium gardening after purchasing the capsules, making it a gateway into the world of terrariums.

▼ And there are sooo many beauties to choose from.

So if you’ve always loved the look of terrariums but felt like they might seem difficult to set up and maintain, the gacha terrarium might just help you out. It’s a fun and easy way to enter the world of terrariums on a tiny scale, and it can be purchased online or at Feel the Garden stores around Japan.

Store information

Terrariums Shibuya / Terrariums 渋谷
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Shibuya 2-21-1, Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs by Tokyu Department Store 5F
東京都渋谷区渋谷2丁目21-1 渋谷ヒカリエShinQs by TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE 5階
Open: 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Mon-Sat); 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (Sun and public holidays)
Closed according to store’s building schedule
Website

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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/japanese-gacha-machine-in-shibuya-now-sells-tiny-capsule-terrariums/feed/ 0 741766 capsule terrarium gacha Japan weird unusual toy machine garden best cute souvenir Shibuya Tokyo Hikarie shops Shinqs Tokyu Department store nature hobby news New Wet Rice Cracker Burger from Dom Dom breathes new life into a “miracle” snack https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/new-wet-rice-cracker-burger-from-dom-dom-breathes-new-life-into-a-miracle-snack/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/new-wet-rice-cracker-burger-from-dom-dom-breathes-new-life-into-a-miracle-snack/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:48 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741691

Snack that saved a Japanese railway gets a whole new look for a limited time.

Japanese-born fast food chain Dom Dom Hamburger has a reputation for being edgier than most, with outrageous menu offerings that take things to extreme places other chains dare not go to.

▼ Now, Dom Dom is flexing its creative muscles yet again, with a new menu item called the “Nure Senbei Burger”

In all our years of eating fast food, we’ve never seen a burger like this. Instead of buns, it uses two pieces of “nure senbei” (“wet rice crackers”), a famous Japanese snack that Choshi Electric Railway, a local railway in Chiba, is particularly known for selling. As the name suggests, nure senbei differ from regular rice crackers in the sense that they’re delectably moist instead of crunchy, and they tend to be coated in a soy-sauce based glaze, making them a very left-field ingredient for a burger.

Dubbed a “miracle rice cracker”, as the struggling railway was able to survive through nure senbei sales after it began selling the snacks in 1995, Choshi Electric Railway’s variety comes in three flavours. Dom Dom doesn’t reveal which flavour of senbei is used in the new burger, though, so to solve that mystery, and find out what a wet rice cracker burger might taste like, we headed over to the Aeon Kaihin Makuhari branch to try it out.

It’s not easy to find the new burger, as the collaboration is limited to select stores in the Kanto region. Even at branches that do offer it, the promotional marketing tends to be kept to a minimum, as we found out at Aeon Kaihin Makuhari, where we only spotted a small mention of it on a laminated sign next to the till.

▼ New releases are usually advertised on giant banners outside this store, but this burger is only advertised on a small A4-sized poster near the register.

The burger is priced at 890 yen (US$5.93), or 1,290 yen as part of a set, and the ingredients are listed as: Two pieces of Choshi Electric Railway’s “nure senbei”, two meat patties, lettuce, cheddar cheese, a fried egg, special burger sauce and mayonnaise.

About five minutes after ordering the burger, our remote buzzer went off to tell us our order was ready, and we went off to collect the burger from staff. When we got back to our seat, we couldn’t stop looking at the “Nure Senbei” sticker on the packaging, which was a very weird sight for a burger, even of the Dom Dom kind.

▼ ぬれ煎餅 = Nure Senbei

We then unwrapped the burger to find…

▼ … a burger without bread buns!

The burger sat there staring back at us, with two wet rice crackers protecting its modesty, looking more like a couple of flat pancakes rather than senbei. Even though we’d read up on the burger and thought we knew what to expect, nothing could’ve prepared us for seeing the real thing right before our eyes.

▼ Curious to see what it contained, we lifted the nure senbei on top, and were surprised to find a large piece of…lettuce?

Nure senbei and lettuce aren’t two things you’d normally associate with each other, and neither is a fried egg, two meat patties, onions, and melted cheddar cheese, which were hiding out between the crackers.

▼ There was plenty of sauce on the bottom senbei too.

After inspecting the construction of the burger, we couldn’t help but be impressed at how well the senbei looked as a burger bun. However, after taking a knife to the burger, in an attempt to check the cross-section, we were surprised to find that the senbei totally resisted the pressure of the blade.

▼ The knife just wouldn’t cut through it at all.

Whereas a normal bun would give way easily, the nure senbei pushed the knife right back, reminding us of the strength of wet rice crackers, which aren’t easy to break apart. Determined not to be defeated, we persisted with the knife until we were able to somehow create a ragged cross-section, revealing it was much flatter than other Dom Dom burgers we’ve tried, which tend to be multi-layered feasts with a lot of height to them.

▼ After conducting our visual inspections, it was now time to get eating.

As soon as we bit into the burger, we knew this was going to be a very different fast food meal. The texture was unlike anything we’d ever experienced, with the nure senbei having just the right amount of moisture, soaking up the meat juices from the patties and the special burger sauce. The fragrant aroma of the soy sauce glaze was present in every bite, pairing perfectly with the egg, while the rich sauce added a mellow richness and the cheddar cheese brought everything together with a salty moreishness.

▼ It was way tastier than we ever thought it would be – who knew the meaty fusion of a burger and senbei could go together so well?

The burger was so good it didn’t take us long to devour it, but before polishing it off, we remembered we were here to solve the mystery of the nure senbei flavour. We’d come prepared with one of each flavour of the original senbei, purchased from the railway store before arriving, so we opened them up to try and identify which one was in the burger.

▼ Choshi Electric Railway’s nure senbei comes in three flavours: Red Rich Soy Sauce, Green Sweet, and Blue Light Soy Sauce.

So…which one of these was being used for the burger?

▼ Let’s start with the Red Rich Soy Sauce.

On its own, this senbei was incredibly delicious, but we held back on eating it all, instead taking small bites of it alongside the nure senbei used in the burger. Immediately, we could tell this one wasn’t it, as the aftertaste was stronger and obviously different.

▼ Next was Green Sweet.

The moment we popped this one in our mouth, we thought, “Could this be it?” It was very close, but after going back and forth between them several times, we started to sense that the aftertaste was subtly different.

▼ And finally, Blue Light Soy Sauce.

▼ Yep, this is it!

Or was it? Since we couldn’t completely rule out Green, we continued alternating between Green, Blue and the “Nure Senbei Burger” in small bites. This confused our taste buds even further, but in the end, we settled on the conclusion that for us, the Blue Light Soy Sauce was definitely the closest match.

▼ After this taste comparison, we also discovered another fun fact: the nure senbei used in the burger seemed to be slightly smaller than the standalone varieties.

This led us to believe that this nure senbei was likely to have been made specifically for the burger. As for the flavour, though, we ended up being right on the money, as the day after our visit, the chain announced that the flavour being used in the burgers was indeed Blue Light Soy Sauce.

The announcement gave us extra faith in our abilities as taste testers, and by our judgment, this is a burger that’s definitely worth trying. The creative concept behind the burger is matched by the skill used to execute it, creating a unique burger with a very Japanese twist that you won’t be able to enjoy anywhere else.

On sale from 10 August, the burger is only available at seven stores in the Kanto region listed below:

• Kaihin-Makuhari Store
• Higashi-Narashino Store
• Ichihara Elephant Kingdom Store
• Mobara FC Store
• Noda-Ungapura Plaza Store
• Aeon Style Akabane Store
• Higashi-Ojima Store

Sure, other fast food chains might test the boundaries of the burger by swapping out buns for rice patties, but only Dom Dom could reach for a wet rice cracker and show us that it deserves a place in the burger world. Hopefully the chain will be able to somehow give it a permanent place on the menu so that Dom Dom fans in other areas will be able to discover the joys of a Wet Senbei Burger.

Related: Dom Dom Hamburger
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/new-wet-rice-cracker-burger-from-dom-dom-breathes-new-life-into-a-miracle-snack/feed/ 0 741691 Nure Senbei wet rice cracker burger Dom Dom Japan fast food chain Choshi Electric Railway miracle snack Chiba news (4) Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/krispy-kreme-japan-is-baking-up-two-new-donuts-that-you-can-only-get-at-one-spot-in-the-country/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/krispy-kreme-japan-is-baking-up-two-new-donuts-that-you-can-only-get-at-one-spot-in-the-country/#comments Sat, 15 Aug 2026 01:00:27 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741762

Two classy fall flavors are on their way, but might require some travel to taste.

We’re still in the middle of a very hot summer in Japan, but Krispy Kreme is already looking ahead to autumn, though not necessarily out of a desire for cooler weather. No, what they’re looking forward to is seasonal fall ingredients, with two fancy new donuts that you can only get at one Krispy Kreme branch in all of Japan.

Once again it’s Krispy Kreme Premium Nagoya, located inside the JR Nagoya Takashimaya department store near Nagoya Station, that’s baking up the exclusive treats. Earlier in the year this location began offering special lemon and peach donuts, but soon they’ll be shuffled off the menu to make room for the tastes of chestnut and fig.

The first of the two new donuts will be the Waguri An Butter. Pictured above, this is a fluffy donut with cream and an (sweet bean past) inside, both enhanced with the taste of waguri (“Japanese chestnut”). The cream and an will be sandwiched around a pat of butter, a nod to Nagoya’s penchant for pairing butter and an for a decadently rich sweetness.

Sweets fans across Japan eagerly await the annual wave of chestnut desserts that come out every fall, but debuting alongside the Waguri An Butter is another uniquely autumn flavor that doesn’t get as much confectionary representation.

The Fig and Black Tea Mont Blanc has the traditional ring donut shape, but its toppings are rather innovative. Sitting directly on top of the donut is black tea cream, presented in coils like the candied chestnut cream of a Mont Blanc dessert, and sprinkled with shredded Uba tea leaves. Swirled on top of the cream is a circle of fig jam, and altogether they promise a sophisticatedly complex mixture of sweet, astringent, and tart notes.

The Waguri An Butter and Fig and Black Tea Mont Blanc are identically priced at 389 yen (US$2.40) and both make their debut at Krispy Kreme Premium Nagoya on August 21, where they’re slated to be available through early December.

Shop information
Krispy Kreme Donuts (JR Nagoya Takashimaya branch) / クリスピー・クリーム・ドーナツ（ジェイアール名古屋タカシマヤ店）
Address: Aichi-ken, Nagoya-shi, Nakamura-ku, Meieki 1-1-4 JR Nagoya Takashimaya 1st floor North Block
愛知県名古屋市中村区名駅1-1-4ジェイアール名古屋タカシマヤ1F北ブロック
Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Website

Source: PR Times
Featured image: PR Times
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: PR Times
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/krispy-kreme-japan-is-baking-up-two-new-donuts-that-you-can-only-get-at-one-spot-in-the-country/feed/ 0 741762 kk 0 Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/watch-a-sumo-bout-inside-tokyo-tower-at-a-new-restaurant-endorsed-by-two-yokozuna/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/watch-a-sumo-bout-inside-tokyo-tower-at-a-new-restaurant-endorsed-by-two-yokozuna/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:30:47 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741883

Sumo and chanko nabe are just some of the highlights of this new Japanese culture experience.

Despite its worldwide fame, not a lot of people actually get to watch sumo. Not only are tickets incredibly hard to get – the official site is so busy when sales start that it’s virtually impossible to access and everything sells out within minutes – but tournaments are only held during very limited periods at certain locations each year, which might not match up with the time and place of your visit.

Now, though, there’s a convenient way to get a taste of the sport, thanks to a brand new restaurant experience called Tokyo Sumo Club Entertainment. After opening its first branch in Sapporo last summer, the restaurant is now coming to Tokyo due to popular demand.

▼  Located on the fifth floor of Tokyo Tower’s FootTown, the restaurant offers more than just sumo and a meal.

Every diner will get to enjoy a “Traditional Japanese Musical Instruments and Dance” performance, a procession by Oiran courtesans, a performance of a famous Kabuki play, and a festival with a lion dance and traditional music. There’ll also be a tradtional bon odori dance and mochi pounding, which guests can take part in.

▼ Learn about kabuki…

▼…and oiran.

At the centre of it all, though, is sumo, with visitors able to watch an entrance ceremony, practice sessions, and serious bouts. A salt-throwing experience and Q&A session is also included, as well as a “Challenge Sumo” experience where you can wrestle with a sumo wrestler.

The venue contains a real clay sumo ring, with diners seated around the ring in a way that mimics the seating at a real tournament venue.

While other sumo restaurants exist in Tokyo, this one is unique in that it’s said to be the only one in Japan officially endorsed by two yokozuna: the 63rd Yokozuna Asahifuji and the 70th Yokozuna Harumafuji.

▼ Asahifuji speaking at the grand opening.

The endorsement of two sumo champions – yokozuna is the title given to the highest-ranking wrestlers – makes this a sumo experience like no other, and Asahifuji has even given his endorsement to the authentic chanko nabe (sumo stew) served at the restaurant. There are three dining options available, all of which include chanko nabe, differing according to seating tier.

▼ Standard

▼ VIP (different dish in the bottom right-hand section of the box)

▼ V-VIP

▼ A vegetarian option is also available upon request.

There are four performances each day, at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with each experience lasting around 90 minutes. The venue has 177 seats, and reservations can be made online, although walk-ins are also possible if seats are available.

Prices start at 12,000 yen (US$75.32) for children and 16,000 yen for adults in standard seats. VIP seats cost 14,000 yen for children and 20,000 yen for adults, while V-VIP costs 25,000 yen, regardless of age. Each plan includes all the performances, as well as a Japanese meal, one drink, a commemorative photo and a souvenir.

So if you’ve always wanted to see sumo firsthand but haven’t been able to secure tickets to one of Japan’s six annual tournaments, this might just be the next best thing. Not only is it much easier to book (tickets can be purchased here), but you also get to experience a number of other Japanese cultural events at the same time, and while you’re there you can cap off your visit with a trip up Tokyo Tower.

Restaurant Information
Tokyo Sumo Stable Entertainment / 東京相撲部屋娯楽
Address: Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Shiba Koen 4-2-8, Tokyo Tower Foot Town 5F
東京都港区芝公園4-2-8 東京タワーフットタウン 5F
Website

Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/watch-a-sumo-bout-inside-tokyo-tower-at-a-new-restaurant-endorsed-by-two-yokozuna/feed/ 0 741883 Tokyo Sumo Club Entertainment Tower restaurant yokozuna endorsed chanko nabe food wrestlers oiran festival kabuki best Japanese traditional culture experience tourism tourist site music travel news 1 Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/ride-a-tram-that-survived-the-atomic-bombing-of-hiroshima-on-a-new-limited-time-history-tour/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/ride-a-tram-that-survived-the-atomic-bombing-of-hiroshima-on-a-new-limited-time-history-tour/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:00:15 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741597

Step back in time on Hiroshima’s “Peace Loop 653”, a special tour that links passengers to the city’s past and present.

Visitors to Hiroshima tend to have an interest in learning about its past, as it was one of only two cities, alongside Nagasaki, to have experienced an atomic bombing. Now, the city is offering visitors a unique way to connect to that history, as Hiroshima Electric Railway is running a limited-time sightseeing tour aboard the historic 653 tram, one of the few vehicles to survive the bombing of 6 August, 1945.

Called “Peace Loop 653”, the tour takes place on the tram, which was built in 1942 and was operating near Eba in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped. Although it was severely damaged, it was repaired and returned to service just four months later.

▼ Eba is around 3.4 kilometres (2 miles) from the Atomic Bomb Dome.

The tram continued operating for decades and is now preserved as a special event vehicle. While it occasionally runs for commemorative occasions and special events, the Peace Loop 653 tour gives visitors a rare opportunity to ride the historic vehicle as part of a guided tour.

▼ Restored to its original appearance, the tram even has a wooden interior that reflects the look of Hiroshima streetcars in the 1940s.

The Peace Loop 653 takes passengers around Hiroshima’s city centre on a loop route, circling around twice as onboard commentary introduces passengers to the city’s history, recovery, and modern attractions.

The tour departs from Hiroshima Station, where passengers are welcomed by a guide wearing a restored 1940s-style uniform. Before boarding, participants will receive a special souvenir inspired by wartime-era tickets, adding another element of history to the journey.

On the first loop of the tour, passengers learn about Hiroshima before the atomic bombing and in the immediate aftermath. Historical footage from the era will be available to watch on tablets during the ride, allowing visitors to see how the city looked before and after the bombing.

The second loop around focuses on Hiroshima’s recovery and its present-day identity. Using an original tour map, passengers can discover the city’s rebuilt streets, local attractions, and recommendations from guides. During this part of the journey, passengers who prefer to hop off before Hiroshima Station can do so at select stops, although once passengers disembark from the tram it will conclude their tour as they won’t be able to reboard.

▼ First loop in purple, second loop in navy, with stops for alighting in yellow and Hiroshima Station in the red box.

The route above is read as follows:

Loop 1: Hiroshima Station – Inari-machi – Kamiyacho-higashi – Hondori – Takanobashi – Hiroden-honsha-mae – Minami-machi rokuchome

Loop 2: Minami-machi rokuchome – Matoba-cho (alighting stop) – Hatchobori (alighting stop) – Hondori (alighting stop) – Hiroden-honsha-mae (alighting stop) – Hijiyama-shita (alighting stop) – Hiroshima Station (final stop)

▼ The tram utilises the purple loop route, and a portion of the light green route, seen on the upper right.

The tour also includes a two-day Hiroshima Tabi Pass, which gives participants unlimited travel on select local trains, buses, and other transport services during their stay. The experience lasts around 40 minutes from Hiroshima to the first alighting stop, or 90 minutes for the full two-loop journey to and from Hiroshima Station.

Each tour is limited to 25 passengers, with morning and afternoon departures on select weekends and public holidays. The 10:30 a.m. morning departures will take place on 5, 6, 19, 20, 21, 22 September and 10, 12, 24, 25, 31 October. The 1:30 p.m. afternoon departures will take place on 19, 20, 21, 22 September.

▼ Take a look at the Peace Loop 653 service below.

Tickets cost 3,500 yen (US$21.96) for adults (junior high school age and above), 1,500 yen for elementary school-age children, while preschool children ride free. Advance reservations are recommended (online bookings here), but if seats remain available, same-day applications will also be accepted at Hiroshima Station.

Being able to ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima is a rare experience that connects you to the city’s past in a truly tangible and memorable way. Not only is it a reminder of the city’s war-torn past, it’s also a symbol of survival that’s symbolic of the city itself, and you can ride the tram during its limited run until 31 October.

Source: Press release
Featured image: Press Release
Insert images: Press release, Hiroshima Electric Railway
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/15/ride-a-tram-that-survived-the-atomic-bombing-of-hiroshima-on-a-new-limited-time-history-tour/feed/ 0 741597 Hiroshima tram Peace Loop 653 atomic bomb Japanese trains tour tourist site travel sightseeing transport how to news 1 Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/googles-first-google-store-outside-the-u-s-is-now-open-in-tokyo/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/googles-first-google-store-outside-the-u-s-is-now-open-in-tokyo/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:42 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741963

But it’s not in electronics neighborhood Akihabara that Google has chosen to set up shop.

Omotesando, the tree-lined boulevard that stretches out from the corner of Harajuku Station in downtown Tokyo, has been a mecca for fashionistas for generations. Now, though, it also boasts a new attraction for tech fans, with the opening of the first-ever Google Store outside the U.S.

Google Store Omotesando held its grand opening on August 13, welcoming visitors to come in and get hands-on looks at its Google Pixel smartphone line. The shop is also stocked with Fitbit, Nest, and other Google devices, as well as accessories such as Pixel cases from Tokyo-based manufacturer Casefinite.

There’s also a help desk with staff ready to answer questions, help resolve performance problems, or perform repairs for Google devices and services, and in-store pickup of items ordered online from the Google Store can be arranged too.

▼ Video of the Google Store Omotesando’s grand opening ceremony on August 13

One could make the argument that, what with Japan still having a relatively robust brick-and-mortar shopping sector with large-scale physical electronic stores staffed with knowledgeable salespeople, Google doesn’t need its own dedicated store to help with distribution, sales, and after-service. The primary benefits that Google is hoping for with its first store in Japan, though, can probably be guessed through its choice of location. Google is likely hoping that by having a footprint in Omotesando, the neighborhood’s fashionable, sophisticated and cosmopolitan image will come to be associated with its products and services too. As a matter of fact, rival Apple has a store of its own about 10 minutes’ walk further down the street…

…and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone brand has a Harajuku showroom that’s even closer.

Considering, though, that for many people in modern life the idea of going out without your phone is as unthinkable as going out without getting dressed, maybe it’s a natural evolution that Harajuku is becoming a place where clothing and smartphone brands alike feel they need to be.

Shop information
Google Store Omotesando
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 4-40-3, Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado
東京都渋谷区神宮前4-30-3　東急プラザ表参道「オモカド」
Open 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Website

Source: PR Times, Google
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: Google, PR Times
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/googles-first-google-store-outside-the-u-s-is-now-open-in-tokyo/feed/ 0 741963 1_518e75 12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video] https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/12-year-old-foreign-tourist-missing-in-japan-police-asking-for-help-finding-her-video/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/12-year-old-foreign-tourist-missing-in-japan-police-asking-for-help-finding-her-video/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:50:17 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741973

U.K. middle schooler seen on security camera footage after leaving family’s rental property alone.

Carmelita Lakdesha Paul, a 12-year-old middle school student from the U.K., arrived in Japan for sightseeing with her parents and older brother on July 21. She has now been reported missing, and the police are asking for help in finding her.

The Paul family is currently staying at a private rental property in Tokyo’s Kamata neighborhood. The last time the family saw Carmelita was on the night of August 12, when her father spoke with her before going to bed. When the rest of the family woke up at around 8:30 on August 13, she was gone.

▼ Video showing a photo of Carmelita released by the police as part of the call for help locating her

Carmelita did not take a phone with her when she left, so the family had no way of contacting her. The family contacted the police shortly before 9:30. In examining surveillance camera recordings the police found images of Carmelita, dressed in a sky-blue sleeveless top, black-and-white checked skirt and black pumps, and carrying a pink handbag, walking in the Nichome section of Kamata, near the family’s rental property. Investigators were able to determine that she passed through Yokohama Station, roughly 20 minutes south by train from Kamata Station, later that same morning, but have been unable to trace her path any farther than that.

Carmelita did not take her passport with her when she left the rental property, and her family estimates she had only a few thousand yen (less than US$100) on her, which would not be enough for an extended stay in reputable lodgings. The Tokyo/Yokohama area has also been experiencing severe rain showers , making proper shelter even more important than it would usually be.

The police describe Carmelita as being roughly 160 centimeters (5 feet, 3 inches) in height, with a medium build and curly black hair. Anyone with information as to her whereabouts is asked to contact the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Kamata Station at the phone number 03-3731-0110, but information can also be submitted at any police box or station.

Source: TBS News Dig, Sankei Shimbun, YouTube/ANNnewsCH
Featured image: Pakutaso (edited by SoraNews24)
Top image: Pakutaso
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/12-year-old-foreign-tourist-missing-in-japan-police-asking-for-help-finding-her-video/feed/ 0 741973 0_0ff94f Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos] https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/pokemon-donuts-are-coming-to-krispy-kreme-in-the-u-s-photos/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/pokemon-donuts-are-coming-to-krispy-kreme-in-the-u-s-photos/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:07 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741873

Pikachu, the original starter trio, and one more old-school Pokémon are getting ready to warm fans’ hearts and satisfy your sweet cravings.

We recently found out that McDonald’s is going to be offering Happy Meals with crossover Hello Kitty/Godzilla figures later this month at its branches in the U.S., and while we’re obviously happy that people will have their burger and adorable toy needs covered, there is still one critical culinary component missing: dessert. Thankfully, after having your appetite whetted for adorable Japanese pop culture tie-ins, you can continue right on to Krispy Kreme, which has revealed that it’ll soon start selling Pokémon donuts in the U.S.

Offered as part of the ongoing 30th anniversary celebration of the Pokémon franchise, Krispy Kreme will be baking up a half-dozen different themed treats, starting with, naturally, a Pikachu donut featuring vanilla icing and a lemon cream filling.

All three of the Gen 1 starters are here too, Bulbasaur’s donut is the simplest, essentially one of Krispy Kreme’s flagship Original Glazed donuts enhanced with colorful vanilla icing and “leaves” made of frosting.

The Charmander donut gets caramel icing and a toasted marshmallow filling as a nod to the Fire-type’s powers.

Squirtle’s is the most elaborate-looking of the three starters’ donuts, with a swirl of cotton candy-flavor buttercream and sanding sugar.

The above-listed quartet often serve as ambassadors for the Pokémon franchise as a whole, and when there’s room for one more in a collection, the nod often goes to Eevee or whichever Pocket Monster species is having a moment, like Snorlax or Ditto are right now with their prominent roles in Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon Pokopia. However, Krispy Kreme has instead recruited Jigglypuff, who serves as the inspiration for a strawberry buttercream-topped donut with strawberry cookie crumbles.

Finally, rounding out the lineup of a half-dozen Pokémon donuts is an Original Glazed cosplaying as a Poké Ball thanks to vanilla and chocolate icing plus a whole bunch of crimson sprinkles.

Each of the species-specific Pokémon donuts also comes with a little paper decoration of its associated Pokémon. They’ll also be gracing the cups of Krispy Kreme’s donut holes…

…and Pokémon-theming will be showing up on Krispy Kreme boxes as well.

Krispy Kreme’s Pokémon donuts go on sale in the U.S. on August 18, the exact same day as McDonald’s Sanrio/kaiju Happy Meals.

Source, images: Krispy Kreme
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/pokemon-donuts-are-coming-to-krispy-kreme-in-the-u-s-photos/feed/ 0 741873 1_73fc2e 7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it? https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/7-eleven-japan-has-a-super-spicy-taiwan-mince-cutlet-that-looks-dangerously-red-but-how-hot-is-it/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/7-eleven-japan-has-a-super-spicy-taiwan-mince-cutlet-that-looks-dangerously-red-but-how-hot-is-it/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 03:00:11 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741522

Spoiler alert: Your taste buds aren’t ready for this convenience store katsu.

One of the great things about convenience stores is their wide variety of hot food, giving us a simple way to pick up a snack that’s easy to eat while on the go. Not all the hot food is that easy to eat, though, as we recently found out when we stumbled upon 7-Eleven’s “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet”, which practically burnt the taste buds off our tongue with a level of spiciness we weren’t expecting.

Things started off easy, as we spotted the fried cutlet in the hot food display and were instantly drawn to its fiery red appearance. As ardent spice lovers who’ve rarely been challenged by self-proclaimed “super spicy” products before, we casually picked one up to find out how mild it would be, but when we took a bite we immediately swallowed our pride.

From that very first bite, it felt like a flame had been ignited on the tip of our tongue, and the fire quickly spread to cover the entire palate, burning with an intensity that never let up. Surprisingly, it wasn’t just the fried coating that delivered the spicy hit, as the heat came from inside the minced-meat filling as well, giving us double the burn, for twice as long.

▼ Amidst the pain, our taste buds battled against the heat to assess the flavour, because for us, that’s the true marker for a really good hot product.

As it turns out, the flavour was one of the highlights – the filling contained a generous amount of juicy meat, with garlic chives adding an extra element of taste to make the whole thing even more delicious. Perhaps because of the minced meat and garlic chives, the cutlet had a vaguely gyoza-like flavour. Either way, both the taste and the heat were excellent, especially when combined with the wonderfully crispy coating, which crunched satisfyingly between the teeth with every bite.

▼ However, there was one thing that eluded us: what exactly makes it “Taiwan”?

We weren’t sure what the “Taiwan” in “Taiwan Mince Cutlet” was referring to, but after checking 7-Eleven Japan’s official site, we learned that the filling is “Taiwan Minchi” (“Taiwan Mince”) a spicy seasoned minced meat originating in Nagoya. So, in the end, the “Taiwan” in the name refers to the spicy and savoury minced meat filling used in dishes like Taiwan ramen from Nagoya’s famous Misen restaurant.

That’s also why it’s called a “minchi cutlet” rather than “menchi katsu”, which is the usual term for a Japanese-style minced-meat cutlet. It’s also the reason why the filling contains garlic chives, which you don’t normally find in a Japanese-style menchi katsu.

What started out as a chance encounter turned into an exciting journey of discovery, as we not only found out that the cutlet was hotter than any other convenience-store hot food we can remember trying, but also that its name pays homage to the “Taiwan” mince associated with Nagoya’s famed local food culture.

Priced at 189 yen (US$1.18), the Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet really does live up to its name, so be sure to stop by your local 7-Eleven soon if you’re game enough to try it, as it’s only available for a limited time.

Images ©SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/7-eleven-japan-has-a-super-spicy-taiwan-mince-cutlet-that-looks-dangerously-red-but-how-hot-is-it/feed/ 0 741522 7-Eleven Japan super spicy convenience store hot food Taiwan Mince cutlet katsu Nagoya culture limited edition exclusive must try news (4) Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/study-finds-hundreds-of-people-in-indonesia-legally-named-after-naruto-inuyasha-other-anime-stars/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/study-finds-hundreds-of-people-in-indonesia-legally-named-after-naruto-inuyasha-other-anime-stars/#comments Fri, 14 Aug 2026 01:00:43 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741847

Anime’s growing international popularity is affecting name choices overseas.

Popular storytelling tropes and traditions mean there’s often a degree of overlap among anime protagonists, but the characters that leave the deepest impressions tend to bring their traits together in some singular way that makes them stand out from the pack. So while, for example, anime has plenty of hot-blooded martial artist heroes, there’s only one Naruto, right?

Except, actually, in Indonesia, there are well over 100 Narutos. And no, this isn’t the result of somehow amplifying the power of bunshin/shadow cloning techniques, but part of a trend of actual people in Indonesia having the name of anime characters.

Earlier this month, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (a.k.a. Dukcapil), part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, released its latest census data and found a surprising number of residents whose names clearly come from the anime/manga world. The most common anime name among the people of Indonesia is Uzumaki, with 190 people using Naruto’s surname as their name, while another 157 Indonesian residents are named Naruto. Hailing from the same series, the Dukcapil found 158 Sasukes and 152 Uchihas, creating totals of 347 people who owe their name to “Naruto Uzumaki” and 310 to “Sasuke Uchiha.” The census also turned up 60 people named after Boruto, Naruto’s son and star of his own sequel spinoff.

Doraemon also had a strong showing for inspiring names, with 181 people named Nobita, after the series’ lead human character. There are also 16 people in Indonesia named Doraemon, and another 8 share the name of Nobita’s wealthy associate Suneo.

Pirate saga One Piece’s popularity has resulted in 79 people named Luffy and 37 named Usopp. 65 people are named Shinchan, as in the titular tyke of Crayon Shin-chan, and Indonesia is also home to 23 people named Inuyasha.

To be clear, these tallies aren’t for people who use the anime character names as a professional name, nickname, or alias. The census counted official, legally registered names, meaning that any passports, driver’s licenses, or other official forms of ID issued to these people really will list their name as “Naruto” or “Inuyasha.”

The publicly released census data doesn’t seem to account for whether or not the people with these names are native Indonesians, but it’s unlikely that many of them are ethnically Japanese foreign residents. Naruto isn’t really a name that’s used in Japan, and Uzumaki is an incredibly rare family name, with estimates that there are fewer than a dozen Uzumakis in all of Japan. Sasuke is an actual given name, but one that’s very old-fashioned (we’re talking “immediately calls up images of ninja from hundreds of years ago” old-fashioned), and Uchiha doesn’t appear to be an actual surname name. The closest name out of those listed above that you’d be likely find an actual Japanese person with would be “Shin,” but even then, no Japanese person would make the affectionately diminutive suffix “-chan” part of their legal name.

Taking all that into consideration, it appears that these names really are the result of anime’s popularity in Indonesia, and with the medium’s global fanbase continuing to grow, we might be seeing even more anime names in the real world in years to come.

Source: Jiji, Yomiuri Shimbun, International Business Times, Myoji Yurai.net (1, 2)
Photos ©SoraNews24
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/study-finds-hundreds-of-people-in-indonesia-legally-named-after-naruto-inuyasha-other-anime-stars/feed/ 0 741847 1_b3494e Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/starbucks-releases-tear-jerking-new-video-inspired-by-heartwarming-encounters-in-japanese-stores/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/starbucks-releases-tear-jerking-new-video-inspired-by-heartwarming-encounters-in-japanese-stores/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:30:16 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741800

A beautiful homage to the true stories of customers and staff at Starbucks Japan.

It’s been 30 years since Starbucks opened in Japan, and since then the chain has grown to include 2,100 stores across all 47 prefectures, with approximately 60,000 staff serving nearly 1 million customers every day.

Those are big numbers for a 30-year-old business, and to celebrate these three decades in Japan, the chain has released a tear-jerking new video that looks back at the many small moments and connections that have taken place at its stores over the years.

Starbucks says around 3 billion “hellos” and “thank yous” have been exchanged between customers and employees across its stores, and this new video pays homage to those exchanges, depicting moments of happiness and sadness that Starbucks learned about through interviews with staff and stories and comments submitted by customers.

Titled “Starbucks 30th Anniversary Brand Movie”, the video was released on 12 August, and displays a distinctive hand-crafted style inspired by the handwritten chalkboards associated with Starbucks stores.

▼ Take a look at the video below, and remember to keep some tissues handy!

From a daughter who grows up all too fast before her father’s eyes to the student who fails her entrance exam, and the elderly couple who are no longer able to enjoy each other’s company at Starbucks, this video really knows how to pull on the heartstrings. The message the chain wants to convey through the video is that Starbucks staff are always looking out for their customers, supporting them with smiles… and a little something to drink.

Helping to make the tears flow is an original song by singer-songwriter Anri Kumaki. Kumaki composed the music and provided the vocals while director Shinya Nakajima (a recipient of many awards including the Cannes Lions Grand Prix) wrote the lyrics based on the stories he heard while working on the project.

▼ Anri Kumaki

▼ Shinya Nakajima

Providing the art is award-winning art director Hidehito Yagi and his team, who spent every day drawing as part of what he described as a challenging but enjoyable process.

▼ Hidehito Yagi

▼ You can see both directors working on the project in the behind-the-scenes making-of video below.

So next time you step into a Starbucks in Japan, take heart in knowing that your story helps to contribute to the history of the chain. Whether you’re there for a happy occasion or to seek out some solace on a tough day, Starbucks wants all its customers to know that their stories, however small, are part of the story of Starbucks Japan.

Source, images: Press release
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/starbucks-releases-tear-jerking-new-video-inspired-by-heartwarming-encounters-in-japanese-stores/feed/ 0 741800 Starbucks Japan video 30th anniversary birthday limited edition menu drinks Frappuccino heartwarming news Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/japanese-airlines-set-to-cut-fuel-surcharges-for-international-flights-in-september-and-october/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/japanese-airlines-set-to-cut-fuel-surcharges-for-international-flights-in-september-and-october/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 15:00:01 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741833

Flights to Japan are about to get cheaper for overseas tourists.

With the yen recently reaching historically weak lows, Japan has become an increasingly affordable destination for many overseas tourists. Now, visitors to Japan can have even more cash in their back pocket as ANA and JAL are set to reduce their fuel surcharges for international flights.

The two major Japanese airlines are expected to lower their fuel surcharges for tickets purchased in September and October, following several months of exceptionally high fees. These surcharges are typically added to international airfares to help airlines cover fluctuations in aviation fuel prices, and ANA and JAL revise their surcharges every two months, with the amount determined by fuel prices over the preceding two months.

The fluctuating prices can make a substantial difference to the price of airfares for passengers, as the surcharge is worked into the cost of the plane ticket. Fuel surcharges for ANA and JAL flights between Japan and Europe, North America, the Middle East and Oceania, rose to a record 65,000 yen (US$433) for tickets issued in July and August, up from 56,000 yen in May and June and 31,900 yen in March and April.

The incredibly high fees are largely due to a surge in aviation fuel prices following unrest in the Middle East, with the sharp increase eventually impacting the airlines’ surcharge calculations. The Japanese government’s emergency subsidy for aviation fuel, introduced in response to the Middle East situation, has now helped to ease costs, allowing the airlines to reduce charges for September and October.

While JAL is yet to release its official list of fuel surcharges for tickets issued from September through October, it has historically been on par with ANA, which updated its list of upcoming surcharges on 12 August. According to the update, for travellers flying between Japan and Europe, North America, the Middle East and Oceania, ANA’s surcharge will fall from 65,000 yen to 55,000 yen per person each way. That’s a saving of 10,000 yen each way, or 20,000 yen for a return trip.

Travellers from other parts of the world will also pay less, with surcharges on flights between Japan and Hawaii, India and Indonesia dropping from 40,400 yen to 35,800 yen, while flights to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Cambodia will fall from 33,500 yen to 27,300 yen. Flights to South Korea will be 900 yen cheaper at 6,500 yen, and flights to China and other destinations will be 1,100 yen cheaper at 14,300 yen.

As for other airlines, it’s too early to say whether they will also lower their fees. Fuel surcharges are set independently by each airline, so a reduction by ANA and JAL doesn’t necessarily indicate that other carriers will lower their own surcharges.

The new rates for ANA, and JAL if they follow suit as expected, are the cheapest they’ve been since 1 May. So if you’re thinking of booking a flight to Japan, you may want to hold off until 1 September, when the new fuel surcharges come into effect for tickets purchased from 1 September through 31 October.

Source: ANA, Nikkei, FNN via Yahoo! News Japan, Asahi Shimbun via Yahoo! News Japan
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2)
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/14/japanese-airlines-set-to-cut-fuel-surcharges-for-international-flights-in-september-and-october/feed/ 0 741833 Japan fuel surcharge JAL ANA flights cheaper fees airlines information costs travel international ticket price discount news 1 Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/delta-airlines-adds-first-nonstop-flight-between-japans-narita-airport-and-u-s-in-seven-years/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/delta-airlines-adds-first-nonstop-flight-between-japans-narita-airport-and-u-s-in-seven-years/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:04 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741828

After a seven-year absence, Delta is ready for daily flights from its west coast hub to the Tokyo-area international airport.

A lot has changed in the Japan travel sphere in the past seven years. After one of the longest international tourism shutdowns of any nation during the pandemic, worldwide interest in Japan’s pop culture, cuisine, and photogenic landscapes/cityscapes is soaring at the same time that the value of the yen is plummeting. So with Japan having never before been such an in-demand and affordable destination for travelers from overseas, Delta is finally ready to start flying directly again from the U.S. to one of Japan’s largest international airports.

2019 was the last time that Delta flew directly from the U.S. to Narita, one of the Tokyo area’s two international airports. Since then, all Delta flights connecting Narita and the U.S. have required at least one layover. Come next spring, though, Delta will be reinstating daily direct flights between Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, the airline’s primary west coast hub, and Narita.

The flights will depart from Seattle at 1:35 p.m. and, as a result of crossing the international date line, arrive at Narita at 4:20 p.m. the following day. Headed back the other way across the Pacific, flights will take off from Narita at 6:40 p.m. and land in Seattle at noon of the same calendar date. Narita Airport claims that the Narita-Seattle route will be the shortest air travel path between Japan and the continental United States.

The route will be serviced by an Airbus A330-900neo aircraft with a capacity of 281 passengers, with 29 business-class, 28 Premium Economy, 56 Delta Comfort, and 168 Delta Main (i.e. standard economy) seats.

The first flight on the route will be a Seattle departure on March 27, 2027.

Source: PR Times (1, 2), Delta
Top image: PR Times
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/delta-airlines-adds-first-nonstop-flight-between-japans-narita-airport-and-u-s-in-seven-years/feed/ 0 741828 dn 1 Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video] https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/hello-kitty-x-godzilla-happy-meals-are-coming-to-mcdonalds-but-not-in-japan-video/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/hello-kitty-x-godzilla-happy-meals-are-coming-to-mcdonalds-but-not-in-japan-video/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:38 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741801

Sanrio’s kaiju crossover gives one cute character two extra heads, plus gives one character often overlooked in Japan some time in the spotlight.

Godzilla and Hello Kitty are on the highest tier of international stardom for Japanese pop culture icons. Long before the current global otaku and kawaii culture booms, the kaiju king and Sanrio queen were winning the hearts of fans far beyond their home country

So it’s understandable that McDonald’s America would be very happy to have either of them as a promotional partner. The burger chain is going one step farther, though, and instead of just Godzilla Happy Meals or Hello Kitty Happy Meals, they’re going to be offering Happy Meals with Godzilla and Hello Kitty together!

cosplaying right into our hearts. Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla Happy Meal out 8.18. pic.twitter.com/toTfyzcQ3k

— McDonald's (@McDonalds) August 12, 2026

Arriving later this month are the brand-new Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla Happy Meals, which McDonald’s is billing as “cute meets kaiju.” The toys will consist of eight different team-ups between a Sanrio character and a giant monster, with the pairings being:
● Hello Kitty x Godzilla
● Kuromi x Mechagodzilla
● My Melody x Mothra
● Pompompurin x Gigan
● Cinnamoroll x Destoroyah
● Badtz-Maru x Rodan
● Kero Kero Keroppi x King Ghidorah
● Chococat x Space Godzilla

There seems to be some fun logic between some of those team-ups, such as the gentle and considerate My Melody being paired with motherly Mothra, the always-assertive Kuromi with hubris-born Mechagodzilla, and the repeating aspect of Kero Kero Keroppi’s name dovetailing with the three-headed anatomy of King Ghidorah. Chococat’s inclusion in the lineup might seem like a surprise, but while the character often gets lost in the Sanrio swarm in Japan, he placed third among U.S. voters in this year’s Sanrio Character Poll, so his apparently sizable fandom in the States likely played a role in getting him a spot in the collaboration.

McDonald’s says that these characters will be “cosplaying right into our hearts,” implying that these are meant to be kigurumi/one-piece costumes of kaiju that the Sanrio characters are wearing. However, Keroppi Ghidorah having three heads suggests the possibility that the Sanrio characters are fusing with their partner kaiju, and this video of Kitty Godzilla approaching a defenseless Happy Meal freighter has an unmistakably sinister tone to it that makes one wonder if she’s becoming influenced by the kaiju’s destructive tendencies.

View this post on Instagram

▼ Will shipping companies need to summon Archfiend Hello Kitty to protect their cargo from this new threat?

The Hello Kitty and Friends x Godzilla Happy Meals are scheduled to go on sale at U.S. McDonald’s locations on August 18, with no word yet as to whether they’ll be available in Japan.

Source, top image: Twitter/@McDonalds
Insert images: Instagram/mcdonalds
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/hello-kitty-x-godzilla-happy-meals-are-coming-to-mcdonalds-but-not-in-japan-video/feed/ 0 741801 md 1 The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/the-japanese-city-where-ordering-grilled-chicken-doesnt-guarantee-youll-actually-get-chicken/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/the-japanese-city-where-ordering-grilled-chicken-doesnt-guarantee-youll-actually-get-chicken/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 03:00:34 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741619

Just a short train ride from Tokyo and you’ll be left addicted to delicious skewers slathered in a fiery miso sauce.

Japan has a lot of lists of “Three Great…”, from beautiful sceneries to shrines at the bottom of a flight of stairs, but there is also a list for yakitori (literally “grilled chicken”). These humble skewers of chicken meat, often found at festivals, roadside stalls, or at pubs, may not be your first thought for ranking a food nationally, but there are three cities in the country that are known to outshine the rest: Muroran in Hokkaido, Imabari in Ehime, and Higashimatsuyama in Saitama. Although one of them has a surprising twist in that they are not made from chicken at all.

With both Hokkaido and Ehime being on different islands to Tokyo, they’re not exactly somewhere you can pop over in order to sample their delights, but Saitama is different. Just a short train ride from the capital on the Tobu Tojo line, you’ll soon come to the city of Higashimatsuyama, which stands out for its unique culinary identity rooted in postwar history.

▼ Higashimatsuyama Station Building

The tradition began in 1956, when the founder of the yakitori store Daimatsuya opened a shop in the area. At the time, pork kashira (meat from a pig’s temple and cheek) was rarely utilized in Japanese cooking, but by grilling this tender yet chewy pork and pairing it with a spicy miso sauce, it proved to be a massive hit with the locals. The original owner shared the kashira recipe with local vendors, establishing this unique dish as a core element of local food culture.

▼ Heading to Saitamaya‘s Higashimatsuyama Ekimae store, we were excited to finally give it a try for ourselves.

Looking at the menu, three types of lunch sets were available, and while we were also curious about the Secret Miso Fried Chicken Set, we couldn’t exactly satisfy ourselves with fried chicken after coming all of this way.

So, we ordered the Higashimatsuyama specialty Yakitori-ju Set, costing 1,200 yen (US$7.54). To go along with it, we also splurged on a lunch drink, costing an extra 100 yen, and the Gokutoro Liver (680 yen) we spotted on the menu posted on the wall; it just looked so delicious we couldn’t help ourselves.

▼ The first to arrive was the liver, looking fresh and faintly tinged with pink.

Throwing a bite into our mouth, it had a sublime melt-in-your-mouth texture that is to be expected of something called “toro” (the Japanese culinary term for something rich and tender).

Then came the Yakitori-ju, a heavy box set that comes with miso soup, pickles, and a small side dish. There are four skewers: Kashira, Negima (chicken and green onion), Tsukune (chicken meatballs), and Eggplant.

While the Negima, Tsukune, and Eggplant looked positively delectable, it was the Kashira that we were most interested in sinking our teeth into.

The meat offers a firm texture, satisfying chew, and rich umami that differs completely from chicken, complemented by the fiery punch of the miso sauce for an addictive combination.

Unlike traditional local eateries, where kashira skewers are served continuously until diners ask the chef to stop, more modern establishments like Saitamaya offer standard menu ordering, so if you’re looking to try some kashira for yourselves, you’ll need to plan in advance what sort of experience you’re looking for. Now, we just need to find an excuse to make our way to Hokkaido and Ehime.

Restaurant information
Saitamaya Higashimatsuyama Ekimae-ten / さいたまや 東松山駅前店
Address: Saitama-ken, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Yakyu-cho 1-chome 13-15 Sakura-biru 1F
埼玉県東松山市箭弓町1丁目13-15 さくらビル1F
Open: 12:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (last order 8:30 p.m.), Takeout 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Website

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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/the-japanese-city-where-ordering-grilled-chicken-doesnt-guarantee-youll-actually-get-chicken/feed/ 0 741619 donyakirtori10 This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics] https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/this-beautiful-okinawa-beach-gives-you-the-best-of-both-worlds-when-visiting-the-prefecture-pics/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/this-beautiful-okinawa-beach-gives-you-the-best-of-both-worlds-when-visiting-the-prefecture-pics/#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:00:45 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741554

Minnajima combines remote-island beauty with main-island-stay convenience.

It’s a long way to Okinawa from most parts of the rest of Japan. Getting there from Tokyo, for example, requires you to first go to Haneda Airport, get through all your check-in procedures, fly for about two and a half hours to Naha, Okinawa’s capital city, and then, after you land, make your way to the beach.

This had us in a bit of a quandary on our recent trip to Okinawa. The prefecture’s best beaches are on its outer islands, but getting to them tacks yet another time and energy-consuming segment onto the total journey, so we were thinking of maybe just making do with the coastal options on Okinawa’s main island, which are still nicer than the beaches in most other parts of Japan.

But then we took another look at the map and noticed Minnajima Island.

▼ Minnajima Island

Minnajima is only about 15 minutes by boat from Toguchi Port in the town of Motobu on Okinawa’s main island. We heard, though, that it’s in a whole other class in terms of beach beauty, and so we headed to the port to catch a 10:30 a.m. ferry to see the place for ourselves.

We booked our tickets as part of a package through marine sports/tour company Mermaid, paying 4,500 yen (US$29) for round-trip ferry fare, lunch, and beach umbrella rental, all of which turned out to be things we were happy to have sorted out ahead of time. The same tour is priced at 3,500 yen for kids ages 6 to 11 and 500 yen for children 5 and younger (although that youngest age bracket doesn’t include lunch).

Almost every seat on the ferry was full, but the ship departed right on schedule, and as we drew closer to the Minnajima dock…

…the ocean transitioned to a brilliant blue. The color was so dazzling it reminded us of a tropical cocktail, and not only was the water’s hue breathtaking, but its clarity was too.

At the beach, the tour’s partner staff asked us where we’d like our beach umbrellas set up, and then planted them in the sand for us.

Even if you’re not ordinarily the sort of person who uses a parasol at the beach, we’d recommend one here. While there are lockers and shower facilities, there aren’t really any shade-providing structures or vegetation. Without an umbrella, you’re going to be in direct sunlight pretty much nonstop, and the sunlight is definitely strong here in midsummer.

And again, we can’t stress enough how incredible the water is here. Sometimes when looking at photos posted online of Okinawa beaches, it’s hard to imagine there isn’t some serious filter and color-processing going on, but this really is how Minnajima looks.

As for why booking a package day-trip that includes lunch is a smart idea, there are very few restaurant options on the island, and if you bring your own food, you’ll have to store and carry home all of your own trash, as there are no trash receptacles at the beach. Our package provided us with Okinawa soba noodles at a cafe up the street from the beach, and even the walk there featured great scenery, such as a field of sugarcane.

▼ Our Japanese-language reporter Ahiruneko and his daughter having lunch after hitting the beach

Our boat back to the main island left at 3:30 p.m., and while it might have been nice to stay longer and take the 4:30 ferry instead, we still got to spend close to five hours on Minnajima, and it was time very well spent.

In a way, Minnajima represents the best of both worlds when traveling in Okinawa. Obviously, it’s not deserted during the peak summer travel season, but it was significantly less crowded than the main island’s major beaches. It lets you experience a more unique, and beautiful, part of Okinawa Prefecture’s coastline, but its day-trip-doable status still lets you have the convenience, larger selection of hotels, and larger amount of free time that comes from staying on the main island. Just be sure, if you’re headed to Okinawa, to watch out for the new luggage check-in rules at Haneda Airport.

Related: Mermaid
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/this-beautiful-okinawa-beach-gives-you-the-best-of-both-worlds-when-visiting-the-prefecture-pics/feed/ 0 741554 1_af0912 Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/shinto-shrine-in-downtown-tokyo-announces-cosplay-ban/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/shinto-shrine-in-downtown-tokyo-announces-cosplay-ban/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:30:25 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741621

No more cosplaying on shrine grounds, please, says Yasukuni.

There’s more to consider than just costuming, makeup, and posing when taking cosplay photos. If you want a really convincing shot, you’re going to need a good background too. Thankfully, for those cosplaying as characters whose outfits draw inspiration from samurai, ninja, yokai, or other symbols of traditional Japanese folklore, there are plenty of places in Japan with classical aesthetics. However, one of Tokyo’s most prominent Shinto shrines, Yasukuni Shrine, has updated its visitor policies and now expressly bans cosplaying on its premises.

According to the statement posted to Yasukuni’s official website on August 7, the cosplay ban is being put into place to help maintain the “solemn” and “sacred” atmosphere of the shrine grounds. That might sound heavy-handed in contrast to the generally casual vibe at many other shrines in Japan, but Yasukuni is in a uniquely complex position because of the shrine’s purpose.

Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 to enshrine members of Japan’s modern (i.e. post-feudal era) armed forces. This now includes many members of the Japanese Imperial Army and Navy who fought in World War II. As such, Yasukuni often finds itself at the center of controversies if politicians, celebrities, or other prominent figures visit the shrine, with especially strong criticism coming from China, Korea, or other victims of Japanese aggression in World War II. Meanwhile, pointedly or explicitly avoiding visiting Yasukuni can be seen by some as disrespectful to those who gave their lives in service of the country. Further complicating the situation is that Yasukuni enshrines some 2.4 million souls, of which 1,066 are convicted war criminals, but casting them out would be incongruent with the shrine’s intended purpose of spiritual salvation.

All of which is to say that it’s understandable that Yasukuni probably doesn’t want to be seen as doing anything to cultivate an image that it’s a “cool” or “fun” place, and would prefer to maintain an atmosphere with a seriousness befitting the weight of the shrine’s purpose, which brings us back to the statement posted to its website.

Requests regarding attire on the shrine grounds

Yasukuni Shrine is a solemn and sacred site that exists to comfort and enshrine the souls of the war dead who gave their precious lives for Japan. So that all visitors may offer their sincere prayers in a tranquil environment, we ask for your cooperation with the following:

● The wearing of cosplay outfits on shrine grounds is prohibited.
● The wearing of military uniforms (military attire, military equipment, etc.) on shrine grounds is prohibited.

The mention of “military uniforms” adds another layer to the new policy, and the exact terminology is especially significant. Yasukuni Shrine’s statement refers to gunsou and gunpuku, which translate literally to “military outfits” and “military clothing.” However, the Japan Self-Defense Forces do not use either word to refer to the official attire of JSDF personnel, and instead use seifuku, which simply means “uniform,” with no military-related linguistic connotation. As a result, the words gunsou and gunpuku usually evoke thoughts of Japanese military uniforms from before the JSDF’s founding.

Taking all of that into account, it would seem that Yasukuni Shrine’s new policy does not prohibit members of the JSDF from visiting the shrine in dress uniform. However, the explicit gunsou/gunpuku ban does prohibit someone from visiting while dressed in an Imperial Japanese Army or Navy uniform, and it would apply both to cosplayers trying to exploit a loophole by trying to argue that a uniform is not a costume as well as far-right wingers trying to use the shrine as a stage to trumpet their nostalgia for Japan’s aggressively militaristic past.

This is also a good opportunity to remember that cosplaying rules can vary widely from shrine to shrine, and on the opposite end of the spectrum from Yasukuni are shrines that have hosted official cosplay events. At all times, though, it’s important to remember that these are first and foremost places of religious and cultural importance, and so if you are hoping to cosplay at a shrine, it’s probably best to check their website or contact the shrine ahead of time to confirm what their policy is.

Source: Yasukuni Shrine via Sponichi Annex via Yahoo! Japan News, Ministry of Defense
Top image: Wikipedia/Kakidai
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/shinto-shrine-in-downtown-tokyo-announces-cosplay-ban/feed/ 0 741621 1_bf250c Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/tokyo-sweets-store-has-a-350-pudding-soft-serve-and-people-are-going-wild-for-it/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/tokyo-sweets-store-has-a-350-pudding-soft-serve-and-people-are-going-wild-for-it/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:00:31 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741496

Is this ice cream dessert worth the hype?

If you’re looking for an area of Tokyo where you can enjoy a wide variety of fancy sweets, then Ginza needs to be on your list. Right now there’s even more reason to visit the ritzy neighbourhood, because sweet tooths on social media in Japan have been raving about something called the “350% Pudding Soft Serve”.

Pudding, or “purin” as it’s known in Japanese, is like a Japanese custard pudding or creme caramel. Though it sometimes makes an appearance as a soft serve ice cream flavour, we’d never heard of a “350% Pudding Soft Serve” before, so we took the train to Ginza to find out what it was all about.

Located on the first floor of Exitmelsa, not far from the Ginza 4-chome intersection, we found the viral dessert at Purin Kenkyujo (“Pudding Lab“).

Purin Kenkyujo describes itself as a high-end pudding specialty shop that uses quality ingredients for premium flavour. It operates primarily as an online business, with products made to order, but it has one physical store, here in Ginza.

At this store, you can find three types of purin soft serve, or “soft cream”, on the menu: “100%”, “150%”, and “350%”.

▼ Percentages are an unusual way to sell a dessert.

Looking at the descriptions for each, we discovered that the 100% Pudding Soft Serve (1,080 yen [US$6.82]) was described as “a sweet made by squeezing pudding that has been frozen at minus-eight degrees Celsius (minus-17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) into the form of soft-serve ice cream.”

The 150% is the “100% Pudding Soft Serve” with one pudding added as a topping (1,296 yen), while the “350%” contains the “100% Pudding Soft Serve” with a whopping five additional puddings. The price for the 350% is 1,836 yen (US$11.60).

▼ Naturally, we went for the “350% Pudding Soft-Serve”, which staff prepared right in front of us.

▼ It looked adorable, with its cluster of small puddings sitting on top.

▼ You can choose two caramel sauces with your order, and the bitter one was particularly delicious.

The purin were delectably soft and jiggly, filled with the rich custard flavour that makes the dessert so popular. In between bites of purin, we were able to enjoy spoonfuls of purin-flavoured soft serve, giving us two ways to enjoy the sweet treat.

Though this dessert sits on the pricey end of the purin spectrum, considering that Ginza is one of the poshest districts in all of Tokyo, with prices to match, and Purin Kenkyujo sells puddings that can cost up to 5,400 yen ($34.12), this isn’t a bad deal for a quality sweet in Tokyo.

Is it worth the hype and calories? Well, for dessert lovers, absolutely. It’s moreish, decadent, and a delicious way to overload on pudding. If you’re simply in it for the ‘Gram, then it’ll definitely get you noticed on social media, so in our opinion it’s a win-win for all types of sweet tooths, and worth the trip to Ginza to try it.

Store information
Purin Kenkyujo / プリン研究所
Address: Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-7-10, EXITMELSA 1F
東京都中央区銀座5-7-10 イグジットメルサ1F
Open: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Closed: According to the operating days of the facility

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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/13/tokyo-sweets-store-has-a-350-pudding-soft-serve-and-people-are-going-wild-for-it/feed/ 0 741496 350% Pudding Soft Serve Ginza Japanese sweets store Purin Kenkyujo dessert ice cream shop Tokyo news (5) Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics] https://soranews24.com/2026/08/12/japanese-figure-skating-star-yuzuru-hanyu-and-winne-the-pooh-announce-crossover-merch-line-pics/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/12/japanese-figure-skating-star-yuzuru-hanyu-and-winne-the-pooh-announce-crossover-merch-line-pics/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:16 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741642

Pooh Shower tradition inspires over 100 crossover items.

Japan has tons of cool character merch, and the fun gets doubled when its part of a crossover, like when Hello Kitty teams up with the cast of Sesame Street, Yu-Gi-Oh, or Evangelion. Japan’s newest collaboration, though, isn’t between two fictional characters, but between one of Disney’s most beloved icons and one of the country’s biggest sports heroes.

Yuzuru Hanyu secured his status as Japan’s most celebrated male figure skater with back-to-back gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Olympics. Before he was associated with the shine of Olympic gold, though, he was connected to bright yellow bear Winnie-the-Pooh. As far back as 2010, people started noticing that Hanyu had a Winnie-the-Pooh plushie-style tissue box rinkside during practices and competitions, and it became tradition for fans to shower the ice with stuffed animals of the character following his performances.

This October 14 will be the 100th anniversary of the release of the original Winnie-the-Pooh children’s book, and to celebrate, a series of Yuzuru Hanyu/Winnie-the-Pooh popup shops will be offering crossover merch of the pair.

Called Shower of Heart, evoking thoughts of the “Pooh Shower,” as fans have come to call the after-skate showering of gifts onto the ice, the merchandise line will consist of over 100 exclusive items. So far, the organizers have revealed that there’ll be acrylic standees…

…key holders/bag straps…

…and a special Winnie-the-Pooh plushie with an extra-classy shimmery-fabric shirt.

▼ Pooh Bear is, however, apparently still saying “Nah, I’m good” regarding pants.

The Shower of Heart popup store tour starts in Tokyo at Shibuya Tsutaya from October 2 to 30, then heads to Kyoto’s Takashimaya S.C. (November 3-15), Nagoya’s JR Nagoya Takashimaya (November 18-29), Okayama’s Okayama Takashimaya (January 8-19), Fukuoka’s Hakata Hankyu (April 21-May 10), and, finally Sendai’s Fujisaki department store (May 27-June 8).

Related: Shower of Heart official website
Source: PR Times
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: Shower of Heart official website, PR Times
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]]> https://soranews24.com/2026/08/12/japanese-figure-skating-star-yuzuru-hanyu-and-winne-the-pooh-announce-crossover-merch-line-pics/feed/ 0 741642 1_1a7b8e Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting https://soranews24.com/2026/08/12/beautiful-off-the-beaten-path-spot-near-samurai-castle-in-rural-japan-looks-like-a-monet-painting/ https://soranews24.com/2026/08/12/beautiful-off-the-beaten-path-spot-near-samurai-castle-in-rural-japan-looks-like-a-monet-painting/#comments Wed, 12 Aug 2026 05:00:50 +0000 https://soranews24.com/?p=741523

Here’s today’s reason not to skip Gifu in your Japan travel plans.

As Japan becomes an increasingly popular destination for international travelers, there’s also a growing sense that some of the country’s most famous prefectures are becoming so crowded that their appeal is starting to fade. At the same time, this means there’s value in taking the time to search for cool places that aren’t on the typical Japan travel itinerary, and doing that today once again brings us to Gifu Prefecture.

We recently visited the Enbaragawa River, a beautiful waterway in Gifu’s Yamagata City. Today, we’re heading further south in Gifu, closer to the border with Aichi Prefecture, for a stop in the town of Kakamigahara.

As with the Enbaragawa River, we’re not here for a glitzy luxury travel hot spot, but a quiet place of tranquil beauty. And while it might not immediately seem like there’s such a place to be found on this narrow strip of rural backroad, right about where you spot this vinyl-sided greenhouse…

…if you cross over to the other side of the street you’ll find a crystalline waterway that’s beautiful enough to be a painting.

We’re not the only ones who feel that way, either. Among those who know about this place, it’s often referred to as being a real-life Monet pond because of how much it looks like it could be one of the works of the Impressionist artist.

The water here is so clear that you can see down to every little pebble at the bottom, and when fish swim, it can play tricks on your eyes and make you think for a second that they’re floating in the air.

This stream is actually part of the Hashima Irrigation Canal, and it owes its clarity in part to an annual dose of oyster shells placed in it to naturally absorb and filter out impurities from the water.

As a result, the koi that live in the canal looked very happy on the day we visited, and presented us with a parade of fish in dazzling gold, bright white, and sleek black.

We were especially impressed when this aquatic quintet came swimming by in formation, as if they were showing off since they saw we had our camera out.

Since it’s an irrigation canal, the water here is always gently flowing, and not only does this create a gently soothing vibe, it also means that the way the light plays off the water is always subtly shifting. This means that every picture you snap is going to have its own unique feel to it, and even just sitting on the nearby bench and watching the canal is a unique mix of stimulation and relaxation.

▼ The section of the canal we visited

The town of Kakamigahara itself isn’t exactly bursting with other sightseeing spots, but the canal isn’t too far from the Kisogawa Lookout Point, which has nice views of the surrounding area…

▼ Route from Hashima Irrigation Canal to Kisogawa Lookout Point

…and it’s also just a quick hop across the river to Inuyama Castle, which features one of Japan’s oldest original samurai stronghold towers.

▼ Route from Hashima Irrigation Canal to Inuyama Castle

So yes, even if you missed out on this year’s Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball tournament, Gifu is still worth a visit.

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