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Juju Fes 2026 Jujutsu Kaisen event K-Arena Yokohama
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Japan Now! Juju Fes 2026! Jujutsu Kaisen Is Throwing an Arena Festival, and Yokohama Is Coming With It (8/10)

japanup_akane 08/10/2026

For American anime fans, a big Jujutsu Kaisen event means a packed convention panel and maybe a trailer drop. However, Japan operates on a different scale entirely. On August 29 and 30, Jujutsu Kaisen will fill K-Arena Yokohama, one of the world’s largest music-dedicated arenas, for Juju Fes 2026, a two-day festival closing out the anime’s fifth anniversary with live-dubbing performances by the full voice cast, a live band playing the series score, and concerts by its opening and ending theme artists. And here is the part worth reading twice: tickets for Day 2 are still on sale, and the…

Ariake Koshien comeback win Kumamoto ninth inning miracle
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Japan Now! One Out From the End, Kumamoto’s Team Refused. Ariake’s Koshien Miracle, Explained (8/7)

japanup_akane 08/07/2026

For the past week, we have been telling you about Ariake, the first-time qualifier carrying earthquake-hit Kumamoto to Koshien, led by a captain who survived the 2016 quake as a seven-year-old. However, no preview could have scripted what happened today. Trailing by a run in the ninth inning of their first Koshien game in school history, down to their final out with the season one strike from ending, Ariake loaded the bases and hit a three-run double. Final score: Ariake 6, Ritsumeikan Uji 3. Ten days after their prefecture shook, Kumamoto’s team delivered the win they promised. Quick Answer: In…

Black Thunder Royal Milk Tea Thunder new flavor Japan
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Japan Now! Black Thunder Goes Royal Milk Tea, and Yes, “Royal Milk Tea” Is a Japanese Invention (8/6)

japanup_akane 08/06/2026

For American snack hunters, Black Thunder needs little introduction: it is one of the few Japanese candy bars you can actually grab in LA, stacked at Daiso and Japanese markets for pocket change. However, Japan just gave the cult chocolate bar its most elegant costume yet. Starting August 25, convenience stores nationwide get the Royal Milk Tea Thunder, a purple-wrapped newcomer built on real Uva and Assam tea, and its name smuggles in one of Japan’s best-kept linguistic secrets: “royal milk tea” is not British at all. Quick Answer: The Royal Milk Tea Thunder launches August 25, 2026 at Japanese…

Fatburger Japan Okinawa store exterior in Kadena Town
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Why Did Fatburger Skip Tokyo and Reopen in Okinawa?

japanup_akane 08/05/2026

For decades, the playbook for an American restaurant brand entering Japan has been almost boringly consistent: land in Tokyo, ideally in Shibuya, ideally somewhere a teenager will photograph. Fatburger followed that playbook once, in 2018. It did not end well. So when the Los Angeles institution came back to Japan, it did something nobody expected. It skipped Tokyo entirely. Quick Answer: Fatburger Japan is back, and this time it is in Okinawa. The Kadena store opened on January 7, 2026, as the first of four locations planned over five years. The company pointed to Okinawa’s tourism and the steady foot…

Koshien 2026 schedule opening day bracket must-see games
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Japan Now! Koshien Opens Tomorrow. Here Are the Games Worth Losing Sleep Over (8/4)

japanup_akane 08/04/2026

For the past week, 49 high school baseball teams across Japan have been packing buses, and tomorrow the country stops to watch them arrive. However, this year’s Koshien did not wait for the first pitch to deliver drama: the bracket draw, held online on August 1, produced an opening game between two northern powerhouses and, buried in Day 6, a first-round collision so big that Japanese media are already calling it a final arriving eleven days early. As we covered last week, Koshien is Japan’s most beloved sporting event. This is your guide to the Koshien 2026 schedule, which opens…

Pink's Hot Dogs Japan Tokyo opening La Brea Los Angeles landmark
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Japan Now! Tokyo Is Getting Pink’s Hot Dogs. Yes, THAT Pink’s. Yes, Really (7/31)

japanup_akane 07/31/2026

For decades, the food traffic between Los Angeles and Japan has flowed one way: ramen shops, onigiri counters, and izakaya crossing the Pacific to feed LA. However, this week the current officially reversed. Pink’s Hot Dogs, the pink-awning institution that has anchored La Brea Avenue since before World War II, announced it is opening in Japan, with a Tokyo flagship planned by the end of 2026 and twenty stores across the capital region by 2030. If you have ever stood in the 40-minute line at 1 AM, you understand what Tokyo is about to learn. The Pink’s Hot Dogs Japan…

Jagariko Maji Calpas FamilyMart limited Japanese snack
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Japan Now! Jagariko x Calpas? Japan’s Beloved Potato Snack Just Went “Seriously” Meaty (FamilyMart Only) (7/31)

japanup_akane 07/31/2026

For American snack fans, the cruelest phrase in the Japanese language might be “convenience store exclusive.” However, Japan keeps producing reasons to learn it. Starting Tuesday, August 4, FamilyMart stores nationwide will carry a new limited Jagariko flavor: “Maji Calpas Aji bits,” a short-stick version of Japan’s iconic potato snack seasoned like calpas, the peppery mini salami that generations of Japanese kids grew up buying for pocket change. And the name contains a joke worth unpacking. Quick Answer: Jagariko Maji Calpas Aji bits launches August 4, 2026, exclusively at FamilyMart in Japan. It combines Jagariko’s famous “crisp at first, then…

puroresu Japan pro wrestling day Rikidozan history
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Japan Now! Happy Puroresu Day! Why Japan Treats Pro Wrestling as a National Art Form (7/30)

japanup_akane 07/30/2026

For Americans, pro wrestling means WWE: pyro, promos, and sports entertainment. However, Japan took the same raw material and built something closer to a martial religion, and today is its official birthday. July 30 is Pro Wrestling Day (Puroresu Kinenbi) in Japan, marking the day in 1953 when a former sumo wrestler named Rikidozan founded the Japan Pro Wrestling Alliance and accidentally created modern Japanese television, a national mythology, and the puroresu fighting style your favorite WWE and AEW stars grew up on. Quick Answer: Pro Wrestling Day commemorates July 30, 1953, when Rikidozan, the “father of Japanese pro wrestling,”…

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EVENT IN LOS ANGELES WHAT’S HOT

Nourish Your Gut & Elevate Your Meals with Eden Organic Sauerkraut! ✨

Hiratsuka 08/10/2026

Did you know that Sauerkraut has been a trusted super food for eons? Eden Organic Sauerkraut isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with potent health benefits designed to support your gut biome, digestion, and overall immune health. 🌿💪 Why Your Body Will Thank You: -Gut & Immune Support: Packed with organic acids, active enzymes, and prebiotic bacteria that naturally boost gut health and immunity. -Antioxidant Powerhouse: The natural fermentation process creates isothiocyanates—the same powerful antioxidants found in wasabi, radishes, and watercress—which make digestion smoother and easier. -Pure & Organic: Crafted with care to deliver a crisp, refreshing texture and authentic flavor in…

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[GIVEAWAY] Win a Pair of Tickets to Yuki Saori’s Concert! 🎁 Saturday, August 22

japanup_akane 07/30/2026

YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~8/22(sat) in Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~ Concert tickets are now on sale and receiving great attention 🎙️‼️ After achieving a worldwide hit through her collaboration with Pink Martini, Saori Yuki has captivated audiences around the globe with her timeless and enchanting voice. This will be her first U.S. performance in approximately nine years — a special opportunity you won’t want to miss. 🗓 Saturday, August 22, 2026　3:00 PM — Doors Open　4:00 PM — Concert Begins 📍 Redondo Beach Performing Arts…

JINS Golden Ratio™
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A Face-Balancing Effect Created by JINS Golden Ratio™｜JINS

Hiratsuka 07/28/2026

. 　Bring Harmony and Beauty to Your Look Just by Wearing Them. Born from JINS’ proprietary technology, the “JINS COMBINATION TITANIUM” features a Golden Ratio design. Delicate, neutral lines highlight the natural beauty of your features, bringing balance to your overall look simply by putting them on. 3 Reasons to Choose JINS Golden Ratio™ ◆LOOKS | Enhance Your Features for a Beautiful Impression Delicate frame lines and softly blending colors naturally emphasize the charm of your bare face. ◆COMFORT | Premium β-Titanium for a Flexible, Perfect Fit Made with ultra-lightweight β-titanium, they provide a supreme fit without any feeling of…

Koshien 2026 Japan high school baseball championship stadium
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Japan Now! Koshien Is Coming. Japan’s Legendary High School Baseball Tournament Starts August 5 (7/28)

japanup_akane 07/28/2026

For Americans, the gold standard of sports drama is March Madness. However, Japan runs a tournament every August that makes March Madness look forgiving, and if you have ever watched a sports anime, you already know its name. It is Koshien, the national high school baseball championship, and as of today all 49 teams for the 108th edition are set. Thousands of schools entered regional qualifiers this summer. Forty-nine survived. Starting August 5, one loss sends anyone home. Quick Answer: Koshien, officially the National High School Baseball Championship, runs August 5 to 22 at Hanshin Koshien Stadium near Osaka. The…

Saori Yuki concert in Los Angeles 2026 at Redondo Beach
EVENT IN LOS ANGELES PLACES TO GO POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

YUKI SAORI in LOS ANGELES ~From 1969 to the Future~ ★On Sale!★

Hiratsuka 07/16/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated Los Angeles-area concert by internationally acclaimed singer Saori Yuki. Saori Yuki first captured the attention of American audiences through her celebrated collaboration with Pink Martini, which led to nationwide recognition in the United States and introduced her timeless voice to music lovers around the world. Now, after approximately nine years, she is returning to the United States for a special live performance. On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Saori Yuki will take the stage in Redondo Beach, California, for an evening showcasing her signature elegance, emotional depth, and unforgettable vocals. Whether you…

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FOOD LEARNJAPAN MONTHLY POPULAR TRADITIONAL CULTURE

Shochu 101: From Classic Sips to Modern Cocktails

yuka 10/30/2025

What is Shochu? Shochu is a spirit that features a variety of traditional ingredients drawn from Japan’s long history, offering a wide range of appealing aromas and flavors. There are two main types of Shochu: authentic Honkaku Shochu (single-distilled) and the more neutral-tasting Korui Shochu (multiple-distilled). Honkaku Shochu is crafted from a diverse array of raw, flavorful ingredients. Its alcohol by volume (ABV) typically ranges from 20% to 30%, which is lower than that of many other spirits worldwide. However, the aromas produced by different ingredients and distillation methods give Honkaku Shochu a truly memorable character. Let’s explore some of…

CUISINE FOOD LEARNJAPAN MONTHLY POPULAR

YUZU – Japan’s Citrus Star Taking Over Global Cuisine

yuka 07/07/2025

Yuzu is a small, highly aromatic citrus fruit native to East Asia, and it has been treasured in Japan for centuries. In modern times, it remains deeply rooted in Japan’s food culture and traditional customs. The fruit is roughly the size of a small grapefruit, with a rough, bumpy skin. As it ripens, its skin turns a vibrant yellow, releasing a powerful fragrance that can fill an entire room with just a single piece. The flavor of yuzu is uniquely complex, blending the sharp acidity of lemon, the gentle sweetness of mandarin orange, and a slight bitterness reminiscent of grapefruit.…

INTERVIEW View More

Carine Lantignac, a French artist living in Japan as a foreigner
I LIVE IN JAPAN INTERVIEW POPULAR

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Carine Lantignac / Artist and Cultural consultant

japanup_akane 07/02/2026

Jun 2026 (VOL.224) Carine Lantignac What is it really like to live in Japan as a foreign artist? In this I Live in Japan interview, French artist and cultural consultant Carine Lantignac shares 13 years of life in Tokyo, raising three children and building Mapponica, her art maps made from traditional Japanese paper. What do you do in Japan? I have been going through different phases of adaptations following my family needs, being the prime physical carer of my children I had to constantly find the most suitable solution. I have three children and a Japanese husband, so caring. My…

Julie Mitrovic, a French coach living in Japan as a foreigner
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I LIVE IN JAPAN / Julie Mitrovic / Coach & Facilitator

japanup_akane 06/30/2026

May 2026 (VOL.223) Julie Mitrovic What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m a coach and facilitator working with women navigating major life or career transitions. I help them reconnect with themselves and move forward with clarity and confidence, using a blend of somatic coaching and Positive Psychology. I support them in those in-between moments where the old version no longer fits, but the new one hasn’t fully emerged yet. After 10 years working in Admin and HR, I wanted to deepen my impact, so I started a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology…

ANIME EXPO EVENT EVENT IN LOS ANGELES INTERVIEW LEARNJAPAN POPULAR

The Front Line of Anime Music “Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno” Special Interview

miwako3 06/28/2026

Anime Expo 2026 Special Feature The Front Line of Anime Music Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno Special Interview Anime Expo 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, will take place in Los Angeles from July 2 to 6. Among its most anticipated stages is J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, where acclaimed Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi and celebrated composer Yoko Kanno will appear. Yoko Takahashi continues to captivate fans around the world with “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the iconic theme song from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Yoko Kanno, meanwhile, is the composer behind the music of landmark anime works such as Cowboy Bebop…

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I LIVE IN JAPAN / Mathilde DUBOIIS / Co-founder of tokimeki LLC

japanup_akane 06/25/2026

April 2026 (VOL.222) Mathilde DUBOIIS What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I co-founded tokimeki LLC with Alice Agnellet. We support foreign entities’ operations in Japan, mostly events-related. We do language and cultural support, and action our networks to best support our clients’ needs.  Some of our main projects include : international competitions pre-camp (Olympics, World Aquatics), product launch on-trade dinners (Baron Philippe de Rothschild), Project Management (Cezars Kitchen for Osaka EXPO)… Before tokimeki, I worked for Kanazawa City as a Coordinator for International Relations for 7 years which forged most of my…

I LIVE IN JAPAN INTERVIEW POPULAR

I LIVE IN JAPAN / Bernard McEntee / Teacher

japanup_akane 06/23/2026

March 2026 (VOL.221) Bernard McEntee What do you do in Japan? Can you talk about your job in Japan? I’m recently became a licensed teacher in Hokkaido, Japan. Before that I was a JET ALT for 4 years and was the prefectural advisor to the 5th largest city (Sapporo) for my last year as a JET.  What do you find different about living in Japan over the term compared when you first arrived or come as a tourist? So some really important advice if you come here to actually live is to know how to seek out help. Especially your…

TRAVEL View More

One's Rent-A-Car special plan for Dodgers games in Los Angeles, with car, tickets, and parking
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One’s Rent-A-Car Brings Japanese-Quality Service to Dodgers Game Days

japanup_akane 07/28/2026

One’s Rent-A-Car is now offering a special plan for fans heading to a Dodgers game, and it comes with something the big American rental chains do not: the attentive, Japanese-style service you would expect back home. The plan bundles a rental car with game tickets and stadium parking in one deal, and every location is staffed by Japanese-speaking team members, so booking, pickup, and any questions along the way all happen in your language. Why Rent from One’s Rent-A-Car For anyone who misses the reliability and thoughtful touches of renting a car in Japan, this is the closest thing in…

Kumamoto earthquake 2026 magnitude 7.1 Kyushu Japan safety information
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Japan Now! Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto. What Travelers in Kyushu Need to Know Now (7/28)

japanup_akane 07/28/2026

For anyone following Japan today, the news is serious. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan at 4:27 PM local time on July 28, registering the maximum intensity of 7 on Japan’s seismic scale, the first quake to hit that level since the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. Rescue operations are underway tonight, including at a shopping mall where an explosion followed the quake. This article covers what is confirmed so far, the essential context, and, most importantly, what to do if you or someone you know is traveling in Kyushu right now. The Kumamoto earthquake 2026 is…

New Gardena Hotel, offering a long-term stay in Gardena with utilities included
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New Gardena Hotel’s New Long-Term Stay Plan, Ideal for Business Trips

japanup_akane 07/27/2026

A long-term stay in Gardena just got easier. New Gardena Hotel, winner of the Rakuten Travel Gold Award 2025, now offers a new extended-stay plan built for comfortable long-term living. The plan runs $1,800 per month, with water and utilities included. What the Long-Term Stay in Gardena Includes The plan comes with the amenities you want for a longer stay, including high-speed internet, TV, washlet bidet toilets, and covered parking. It is a practical base for a business trip or a temporary home while you are between places. The hotel sits about 15 minutes from LAX, with Japanese, Korean, and…

Ornate wooden floats on parade, the highlight of the Takayama Festival tour in October
EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

Japan Deluxe Tours Is Now Booking Its Takayama Festival Tour

japanup_akane 07/23/2026

A Takayama Festival tour is now available from Japan Deluxe Tours, built around one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Travelers get an up-close look at the lavishly decorated floats and the karakuri puppet dedication, along with the lively traditional performances that fill the streets during the celebration. What the Takayama Festival Tour Includes The next departure runs from October 5 to 14, with an itinerary that travels through Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. Check the link below for full details. About the Tour Operator Japan Deluxe Tours ・Website: japandeluxetours.com Related ArticlesJapan Now! The Three Views of Japan, a…

ANA aircraft, marking 40 years of the ANA Los Angeles route since 1986
EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

ANA Los Angeles Route Marks 40 Years With a Commemorative Ceremony

japanup_akane 07/23/2026

The ANA Los Angeles route has reached its 40th anniversary, and the airline marked the milestone with a commemorative ceremony at Los Angeles International Airport that opened with a taiko drum performance. General Manager Yoshiyuki Hirooka took the stage to express his gratitude and to reaffirm the airline’s commitment to safe operations. Four Decades of the ANA Los Angeles Route ANA launched international service in 1986, and the Los Angeles route took off on July 16 of that same year. Today, counting flights out of Haneda, three daily flights connect Tokyo and Los Angeles. About the Airline ANA (All Nippon…

Japanese fireworks festivals hanabi taikai summer night sky Japan
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Japan Now! Japan’s Fireworks Season Is 900 Festivals Long (Yes, Nine Hundred)(7/14)

japanup_akane 07/14/2026

For most Angelenos, fireworks mean exactly one night a year. Consumer fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, so the Fourth of July show is it: one evening of color, then eleven months of waiting. However, in Japan, fireworks season is just getting started in mid-July, and it will not stop until November. This year roughly 900 fireworks festivals, called hanabi taikai, will light up the country, and a single viral post listing this summer’s schedule has racked up over 3.4 million views. Quick Answer: Japan holds hundreds of major fireworks festivals every summer, with the biggest concentrated…

Bon Odori dancers circle yagura Shibuya summer festival Japan
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Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)

japanup_akane 07/13/2026

For decades, Shibuya has been shorthand for everything new in Japan: the scramble crossing, youth fashion, neon-soaked nightlife. However, on the evening of August 8, the district will do something radically old. The streets around SHIBUYA109 will close to traffic, a wooden yagura tower will rise in the middle of the road, and thousands of people in yukata will dance in circles to songs their great-grandparents knew. This is Bon Odori, and it is one of Japan’s oldest living traditions. Quick Answer: Bon Odori is the traditional circle dance of Obon, Japan’s midsummer festival honoring ancestral spirits. Shibuya Bon Odori…

Red Brick Sunset 2026 Santa Monica theme Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
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Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)

japanup_akane 07/10/2026

For years, Japanese pop culture fans in America have recreated a little piece of Japan at home, from ramen nights to anime conventions. However, this summer the tables have turned completely: Japan is building a full-scale replica of Santa Monica, palm trees, pier, white sand and all, right on the Yokohama waterfront. It is called Red Brick Sunset 2026, and it might be Japan’s most American event ever. Quick Answer: Red Brick Sunset 2026 runs August 1 to 30 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Japan’s most popular waterfront venues. This year’s theme is Santa Monica, complete with a…

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Black Thunder Royal Milk Tea Thunder new flavor Japan
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Japan Now! Black Thunder Goes Royal Milk Tea, and Yes, “Royal Milk Tea” Is a Japanese Invention (8/6)

japanup_akane 08/06/2026

For American snack hunters, Black Thunder needs little introduction: it is one of the few Japanese candy bars you can actually grab in LA, stacked at Daiso and Japanese markets for pocket change. However, Japan just gave the cult chocolate bar its most elegant costume yet. Starting August 25, convenience stores nationwide get the Royal Milk Tea Thunder, a purple-wrapped newcomer built on real Uva and Assam tea, and its name smuggles in one of Japan’s best-kept linguistic secrets: “royal milk tea” is not British at all. Quick Answer: The Royal Milk Tea Thunder launches August 25, 2026 at Japanese…

Fatburger Japan Okinawa store exterior in Kadena Town
FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR RESTAURANTS

Why Did Fatburger Skip Tokyo and Reopen in Okinawa?

japanup_akane 08/05/2026

For decades, the playbook for an American restaurant brand entering Japan has been almost boringly consistent: land in Tokyo, ideally in Shibuya, ideally somewhere a teenager will photograph. Fatburger followed that playbook once, in 2018. It did not end well. So when the Los Angeles institution came back to Japan, it did something nobody expected. It skipped Tokyo entirely. Quick Answer: Fatburger Japan is back, and this time it is in Okinawa. The Kadena store opened on January 7, 2026, as the first of four locations planned over five years. The company pointed to Okinawa’s tourism and the steady foot…

Pink's Hot Dogs Japan Tokyo opening La Brea Los Angeles landmark
FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR RESTAURANTS

Japan Now! Tokyo Is Getting Pink’s Hot Dogs. Yes, THAT Pink’s. Yes, Really (7/31)

japanup_akane 07/31/2026

For decades, the food traffic between Los Angeles and Japan has flowed one way: ramen shops, onigiri counters, and izakaya crossing the Pacific to feed LA. However, this week the current officially reversed. Pink’s Hot Dogs, the pink-awning institution that has anchored La Brea Avenue since before World War II, announced it is opening in Japan, with a Tokyo flagship planned by the end of 2026 and twenty stores across the capital region by 2030. If you have ever stood in the 40-minute line at 1 AM, you understand what Tokyo is about to learn. The Pink’s Hot Dogs Japan…

Jagariko Maji Calpas FamilyMart limited Japanese snack
FOOD Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR SNACKS

Japan Now! Jagariko x Calpas? Japan’s Beloved Potato Snack Just Went “Seriously” Meaty (FamilyMart Only) (7/31)

japanup_akane 07/31/2026

For American snack fans, the cruelest phrase in the Japanese language might be “convenience store exclusive.” However, Japan keeps producing reasons to learn it. Starting Tuesday, August 4, FamilyMart stores nationwide will carry a new limited Jagariko flavor: “Maji Calpas Aji bits,” a short-stick version of Japan’s iconic potato snack seasoned like calpas, the peppery mini salami that generations of Japanese kids grew up buying for pocket change. And the name contains a joke worth unpacking. Quick Answer: Jagariko Maji Calpas Aji bits launches August 4, 2026, exclusively at FamilyMart in Japan. It combines Jagariko’s famous “crisp at first, then…

Jiro-style ramen with thick noodles and rich broth at Garlic High inside Tokyo Central
EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Jiro-Style Ramen, a NorCal Sensation, Has Landed in LA

japanup_akane 07/30/2026

Jiro-style ramen, the bowl taking Northern California by storm, has arrived in the LA area. Known for a rich broth simmered for 15 hours and thick, seriously satisfying noodles, this is the real-deal flavor that earned an overwhelming following up north. You can find it at Garlic High, operating inside the food courts at Tokyo Central Yorba Linda and Tokyo Central PCH in Torrance. Whether it is a treat on the way home from work or a weekend indulgence, come take on the one-of-a-kind volume and satisfaction. What Makes This Jiro-Style Ramen Special The broth is simmered for a full…

Exterior of the Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles in Little Tokyo
EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles Is Now Open in Little Tokyo

japanup_akane 07/29/2026

The Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles is open in Little Tokyo, the first permanent, officially licensed Square Enix cafe with a full menu in the United States. Inside, you will find official menu dishes, drinks, and desserts themed around popular games, along with official merchandise and cafe-exclusive novelty items. It is a destination where fans can soak in the worlds of Dragon Quest and other beloved titles while enjoying a special outing. What to Expect at the Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles The menu draws on franchises like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR:Automata, with themed food, drinks, and desserts…