LEARN JAPAN View More
Godzilla Is Coming to Dodger Stadium: Bobbleheads for 40,000, a Kaiju Drone Show, and Everything to Know About Minus Zero Night (9/24)
Los Angeles baseball and Japanese monsters have flirted for decades, but on Thursday, September 24, they make it official. The Dodgers and TOHO are throwing Godzilla Minus Zero Night at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium for the regular-season home finale against the San Diego Padres, and the headliners are worth planning an evening around: an exclusive Godzilla bobblehead for the first 40,000 fans, and a Godzilla-themed drone show lighting up the sky over Chavez Ravine after the final out. Quick Answer: Godzilla Minus Zero Night takes place Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Dodger Stadium (Dodgers vs. Padres, 7:10 PM). The…
Japan Now! Doraemon Is Taking a Steam Train to Victorian London. Japan’s Biggest Movie Franchise You’ve Never Seen in a US Theater (9/14)
Every March, one movie tops the Japanese box office so reliably that families plan spring break around it. However, most Americans have never bought a ticket to a single installment. It is the Doraemon movie series, 46 films deep, and today in Japan the next one showed its cards: “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Steam Time Locomotive” (our provisional translation) opens March 5, 2027, sending the robot cat and friends hurtling from 21st-century Japan to 19th-century London aboard a steam locomotive that travels through time. The first teaser footage dropped today, and it is exactly as charming as that sentence suggests.…
Pokemon Worlds Takes Over San Francisco, and We Got Inside the Pokemon Center Everyone’s Talking About
For one weekend a year, one city becomes the capital of the Pokemon world. However, this year that city is a two-hour flight from LA, and the scale is unprecedented: starting tomorrow, August 28, more than 50,000 trainers descend on San Francisco’s Moscone Center for the Pokemon World Championships 2026, running through Sunday, when, for the first time in the event’s history, the finals move into Chase Center, the NBA arena where the Golden State Warriors play. A card game born in Japan in 1996 will crown its world champions on an American basketball court. Our team is on the…
Japan Now! She Said Yes. Olympic Champions Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara Are Engaged, and the Proposal Happened on the Ice (8/24)
Olympic fairy tales are supposed to end on the medal podium. However, Japan’s beloved “Rikuryu” pair apparently read the script and decided it needed one more chapter. On August 23, figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, who won Japan’s first-ever Olympic pairs gold medal in Milan this February, announced their engagement, and the proposal photos stopped Japanese social media cold: Kihara on one knee on the ice, ring in hand, both of them wearing the very costumes from their gold medal free skate. Quick Answer: Riku Miura (24) and Ryuichi Kihara (34), the pair known as “Rikuryu,” announced their…
Japan Now! The Spear Won. Chiben Wakayama Takes Koshien in a Final That Answered a 2,300-Year-Old Question (With a Twist) (8/21)
Two days ago, we framed this final as the oldest paradox in the Japanese language: the all-piercing spear of Chiben Wakayama’s offense against the all-stopping shield of Kendai Takasaki’s defense. However, when the answer finally came on Saturday in Japan, it arrived with a twist worthy of 2,300 years of waiting. Chiben Wakayama won 4-3, seizing its fourth national title in a seesaw masterpiece decided in the eighth inning, and the tournament’s most feared lineup claimed the crown without its tying or winning run ever touching a bat’s sweet spot. The spear pierced the shield, yes. But with its handle.…
Japan Now! Japan Answered. The Monster Falls, and the Koshien Final Is the Oldest Paradox in the Language (8/20)
Two days ago, we relayed the question consuming Japanese baseball media: can anyone stop Yokohama? However, Koshien never lets a narrative harden into fact. On Thursday, Chiben Wakayama answered in the span of three innings, knocking record-setting ace Shoki Oda out of the game with a four-run third capped by a majestic three-run homer, and rolling to a 7-1 win. Hours later, Kendai Takasaki suffocated Tenri 1-0 to reach its first summer final in school history. Saturday’s championship game is now set, and it is the purest stylistic collision this tournament can produce: the best offense in the field against…
Japan Now! The Final Four Is Set. Ariake’s Miracle Ends at Eight, and the Monster Threw 97 MPH Seven Times (8/18)
Three weeks ago, 49 teams arrived at Koshien. However, after Tuesday’s quarterfinals, four remain, and the day that decided them contained everything this tournament does best: a 154-pitch shutout, an 18-hit demolition, a record-breaker somehow raising his own bar, and a first-time qualifier from earthquake-hit Kumamoto taking its fairy tale into extra innings before falling by a single run. The semifinals are set for August 20 in Japan: Chiben Wakayama vs Yokohama, and Tenri vs Kendai Takasaki. For LA readers, that translates to prime viewing hours on the afternoon and evening of the 19th, Pacific time. Quick Answer: The Koshien…
Japan Now! It’s Rice Day in Japan, So Dragon Quest Made a Rice Ball Monster. Meet the Onigiri Slime (8/17)
For American gamers, video game marketing means trailers and release dates. However, Japan’s most beloved RPG series operates on a different calendar entirely: the national food calendar. In Japan, August 18 is Rice Day, and Dragon Quest’s official account marked it by unveiling a new monster for the upcoming Dragon Quest Monsters 4: the Onigiri Slime, a trio of grinning rice balls wrapped in nori, with the teasing promise that “other filling variations” lurk somewhere in the game. It is peak Japan in a single post: a 40-year-old gaming institution, a holiday dedicated to rice, and a monster you want…
EVENT View More
Godzilla Is Coming to Dodger Stadium: Bobbleheads for 40,000, a Kaiju Drone Show, and Everything to Know About Minus Zero Night (9/24)
Los Angeles baseball and Japanese monsters have flirted for decades, but on Thursday, September 24, they make it official. The Dodgers and TOHO are throwing Godzilla Minus Zero Night at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium for the regular-season home finale against the San Diego Padres, and the headliners are worth planning an evening around: an exclusive Godzilla bobblehead for the first 40,000 fans, and a Godzilla-themed drone show lighting up the sky over Chavez Ravine after the final out. Quick Answer: Godzilla Minus Zero Night takes place Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Dodger Stadium (Dodgers vs. Padres, 7:10 PM). The…
Discover the Latest JINS TODAY Collection｜JINS
. BThis season, JINS invites you to embrace effortless sophistication with our newest collection, themed around a “Noble and Clean” aesthetic. Designed for seamless everyday wear, these frames blend minimal lines, neutral tones, and intelligent detailing to bring a playful yet refined edge to your seasonal wardrobe. ▼Seasonal Items #1 Featuring light-toned, clear, and double-bridge metal frames, these versatile designs offer an airy, weightless look that effortlessly pairs with warm nude makeup, soft natural bangs, and relaxed, wavy hairstyle looks. ▼Seasonal Items #2 Highlighting sharp horizontal ovals and modern rimless silhouettes, these frames bring a sculpted edge to any look…
Pokemon Worlds Takes Over San Francisco, and We Got Inside the Pokemon Center Everyone’s Talking About
For one weekend a year, one city becomes the capital of the Pokemon world. However, this year that city is a two-hour flight from LA, and the scale is unprecedented: starting tomorrow, August 28, more than 50,000 trainers descend on San Francisco’s Moscone Center for the Pokemon World Championships 2026, running through Sunday, when, for the first time in the event’s history, the finals move into Chase Center, the NBA arena where the Golden State Warriors play. A card game born in Japan in 1996 will crown its world champions on an American basketball court. Our team is on the…
[Exclusive B2B Event | First 40 Free] “FRESH FISH EXPRESS” LA Tasting Event!
. Bringing Japanese Seafood to LA Kitchens 🐟 A special tasting event for restaurant and foodservice professionals will be held in Los Angeles, featuring “FRESH FISH EXPRESS,” a new distribution model that brings Japanese seafood to the U.S. via sea freight. As a participant bonus, each attendee will receive $100 worth of “FRESH FISH EXPRESS” frozen fish! Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to experience everything firsthand, from live demonstrations of thawing, preparation, and cooking to actual tasting. Why Chefs and Owners Choose Us 🌟 ✅ Safe and secure with an effective Anisakis preventive measure ✅ Stable supply of high-quality seafood at…
[Exclusive B2B Event] Showcased by a Michelin Chef! JAPAN SCALLOP Showcase
. Exclusive to the food and beverage industry! JAPAN SCALLOP Showcase where you can experience the charm of Japanese scallops, elevating your daily menu to the next level, will be held ✨ Featuring Chef Kevin Meehan, Owner and Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred KALI Restaurant as a guest chef, we will introduce approaches that bring out the full potential of Japanese scallops. ✅ Demonstration & Proposal by a Michelin Chef Chef Kevin Meehan will demonstrate and explain the versatility and appeal of Japanese scallops, which can be utilized across a wide variety of culinary genres. ✅ Exhibitions by Japanese Scallop…
MONTHLY FEATURE View More
A Short Ride, a Whole New Japan: Discover Tochigi Prefecture
About two hours away by train, Tochigi Prefecture invites visitors to discover a captivating mix of historic treasures, immersive culture, and scenic landscapes—an easy escape for those seeking authenticity beyond the capital.
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Step Into the Action: Japan’s Ultimate Pro Wrestling Experience
Sportiva Arena Offers Unforgettable Ways to Live Your Pro-wrestling Fandom Dreams!
Shochu 101: From Classic Sips to Modern Cocktails
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…
YUZU – Japan’s Citrus Star Taking Over Global Cuisine
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.…
Quick & Easy: The Rise of Japan’s Frozen and Instant Foods
Shimokitazawa in Tokyo’s Setagaya City. Unique shops come together in this town that fosters a culture of originality.
INTERVIEW View More
I LIVE IN JAPAN / Carine Lantignac / Artist and Cultural consultant
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…
I LIVE IN JAPAN / Julie Mitrovic / Coach & Facilitator
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…
The Front Line of Anime Music “Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno” Special Interview
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…
I LIVE IN JAPAN / Mathilde DUBOIIS / Co-founder of tokimeki LLC
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 / Bernard McEntee / Teacher
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 Brings Japanese-Quality Service to Dodgers Game Days
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…
Japan Now! Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Kumamoto. What Travelers in Kyushu Need to Know Now (7/28)
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’s New Long-Term Stay Plan, Ideal for Business Trips
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…
Japan Deluxe Tours Is Now Booking Its Takayama Festival Tour
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 Los Angeles Route Marks 40 Years With a Commemorative Ceremony
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…
Japan Now! Japan’s Fireworks Season Is 900 Festivals Long (Yes, Nine Hundred)(7/14)
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…
Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)
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…
Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)
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…
FOOD View More
Zespri Kiwifruit: A Sweet, Vitamin-C Boost for Fall
Zespri kiwifruit delivers a burst of sweetness and rich aroma in every bite, and it makes a perfect pick as the weather cools. In fact, a single Zespri SunGold kiwifruit provides all the vitamin C you need in a day. Delicious SunGold, Green, and Organic varieties are on sale now at supermarkets near you. Why Zespri Kiwifruit Is a Fall Favorite Beyond its naturally sweet flavor, kiwifruit is one of the most nutrient-dense fruits around, and the vitamin C in a Zespri SunGold makes it an easy way to support your immune system as the seasons change. The website is…
Enjoy Torikizoku’s “Toriki Summer Fest 2026”!
Why You Shouldn’t Miss “TORIKI SUMMER FEST 2026” Japan’s famous Yakitori Restaurant “Torikizoku” is hosting “TORIKI SUMMER FEST 2026” serving up an exclusive summer lineup that iconic Japanese street food! 🎆Toriki Dogs (Hot Dog Combos): -Yakisoba Dog: Japanese yakisoba noodles in a hot dog bun. -Yakitori Dog (Kizokuyaki Cheese/Chili Yakitori Dog): Toriki’s signature skewers served in a bun with melted cheese or chili. 🎆Toriki Rangers 5-Color JUMBO Floats: Nostalgic drink floats topped with ice cream and a cherry, available in five fun colors: Green Melon Soda, Blue Ramune, Red Watermelon, Black Cola, and Yellow Mango Peach. What is Torikizoku? Founded in Osaka in 1985, Torikizoku (Toriki) is one of…
Celebrating 25 Years: Ichiza Las Vegas Hosts an Anniversary Month This September!
Ichiza is celebrating its 25th anniversary! From flame-grilled yakitori skewers and fresh sashimi, Ichiza captures the ultimate spirit of Japanese pub culture. Every dish highlights their attention to detail, featuring carefully simmered broths, house-crafted sauces, and specialty desserts that bring out the true depth of authentic Japanese izakaya cuisine. To thank the community, Ichiza is filling the entire month with special menu weeks, unique pop-ups, and unforgettable cultural events. 25th anniversary Event Lineup – September 7–13: Wagyu Special Week Wagyu beef available for one week only. – September 10: The Official 25th Anniversary Day As a special thank-you to all guests, everyone…
Tomoki Kameda Battles Powerhouse Brandon Figueroa in WBA World Featherweight Championship🔥
On Saturday, October 17, 2026 (5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET), former two-division world champion Tomoki Kameda steps into the ring at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas to challenge reigning champion Brandon Figueroa for the WBA World Featherweight title. Presented by Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) and broadcast nationwide on TNT Sports and DAZN, this long-awaited showdown is drawing intense attention from boxing fans worldwide as Kameda fights to become a three-division world champion. A Living Legend in Japanese Boxing Tomoki is the youngest of Japan’s famous “Kameda Brothers”— one of the country’s most recognizable boxing families.…
Kimukatsu Yorba Linda: New Express Location Opens in September
Kimukatsu, already serving diners at the Tokyo Central PCH location, is opening a new spot in Yorba Linda. Starting in September, a takeout-focused express location opens inside the Tokyo Central Yorba Linda food court. Grab the katsu it is known for, from the mille-feuille katsu of 25 thin, stacked layers of pork to the cheese-filled katsu, as an easy pickup on your shopping run. Enjoy carefully prepared, Japanese-quality katsu right in Yorba Linda. What to Get at Kimukatsu Yorba Linda The signature draw is the mille-feuille katsu, made by layering 25 thin slices of pork into a single cutlet, fried…
Gaburi Chicken Opens Its Second US Location in Huntington Beach
Gaburi Chicken, the Japanese karaage (fried chicken) specialist, has opened its second US location in Huntington Beach. The menu centers on the shop’s signature karaage, crispy on the outside and juicy within, alongside other carefully crafted dishes. Open from 11:30am to 10pm, it serves hearty set meals by day and izakaya-style plates by night. Bring the family or a group of friends and give it a try. What to Expect at Gaburi Chicken Born in Nagoya and now with more than 70 locations across Japan, Gaburi Chicken made its US debut in Torrance in 2024, and this Huntington Beach opening…