
Lotteria Japan Stores Closing!
All Lotteria fast food restaurants in Japan will close by the end of March, rebranding as Zetteria. Travelers may notice the change, but the menu will largely remain the same.

All Lotteria fast food restaurants in Japan will close by the end of March, rebranding as Zetteria. Travelers may notice the change, but the menu will largely remain the same.

Japan's first permanent Pokémon theme park zone, Poképark Kanto, is launching with a Snorlax-themed popcorn bucket. The park, located within Yomiuriland in Tokyo, features both sweet and savory popcorn options in adorable containers.

Mister Donut Japan is releasing a secret Godiva doughnut, the Trio Heart Chocolate & Praline, to celebrate its 55th birthday. This decadent treat, featuring four doughnuts in one, is only available via online or app pre-order for takeout from February 4-28.

A Tokyo pub, Tori Yaro, is explicitly soft-banning customers over 39 to cater to a younger crowd, citing noise complaints from older patrons. Another Shibuya restaurant, Yaoya Ba, only welcomes customers age 25 and up.

Studio Ghibli releases new "Komorebi" plush toys featuring characters from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Available at Donguri Kyowakoku, these dappled sunlight-inspired plushies bring a touch of Ghibli magic to your home.

Unboxing the final Village Vanguard lucky bag of 2026 reveals a magical girl theme. Find out if this 3,850 yen (US$24) bag is a hit or miss for travelers seeking unique souvenirs.

Marukome's heartwarming anime video showcases the bond between a Tokyo worker and her grandmother in Hokkaido. The short film highlights the comforting role of miso soup in their relationship, offering a glimpse into rural Japanese life.

A British man was arrested in Kobe for biting a police officer during a 'shokumu shitsumon' (questioning). This incident highlights the complexities of interacting with Japanese law enforcement.

Denny's Japan introduces the Split-in-Half Parfait, designed for perfect social media snapshots. This visually stunning dessert uses a unique glass to keep ingredients neatly arranged, ensuring Instagram-worthy photos even after you start eating.

Ishinomaki, Japan will deploy anti-bear drones equipped with pepper spray. This innovative approach aims to protect residents and tourists from bear encounters as they become more frequent.

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