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Japan’s Top Mascot for 2026 Has Been Crowned

Over 400 mascots competed in this year’s Yuru-Verse mascot championship, and over 2 million votes were cast. Here’s who made it to the top 10

Art & Culture

<img width="1600" height="1059" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/okinawa-us-military-history-001-1600x1059.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

A History of US Military Incidents in Okinawa: The Cases That Shaped Public Anger

News & Opinion

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Shibuya Takes Halloween Crackdown to a New Level in 2026

News & Opinion

Mohamedou Slahi visa rejection

<img width="1600" height="1200" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/visa-rejection-1600x1200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Mohamedou Slahi visa rejection" decoding="async" />

'Is Japan Still Welcoming?' Debate Over Tougher PR Rules | News Roundup

Japan Life

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Japan’s Animal Cafes Are Finally Under Scrutiny

Japan Life

<img width="1600" height="1059" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/okinawa-us-military-history-001-1600x1059.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

A History of US Military Incidents in Okinawa: The Cases That Shaped Public Anger

News & Opinion

<img width="1600" height="1059" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/shibuya-halloween-cancelled-2026-1600x1059.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

Shibuya Takes Halloween Crackdown to a New Level in 2026

News & Opinion

Mohamedou Slahi visa rejection

<img width="1600" height="1200" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/visa-rejection-1600x1200.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="Mohamedou Slahi visa rejection" decoding="async" />

'Is Japan Still Welcoming?' Debate Over Tougher PR Rules | News Roundup

Japan Life

<img width="1600" height="1059" src="https://www.tokyoweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/japan-pet-cafe-investigation-002-1600x1059.jpg" class="attachment-medium size-medium wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" />

Japan’s Animal Cafes Are Finally Under Scrutiny

Japan Life

Japanese Language

A Record 85,000 Students in Japan Need Help Learning Japanese

News & Opinion

JLPT exam eligibility japan

Japan Bans Tourists From Taking JLPT Exams

News & Opinion

Japan's Most Popular Baby Names for 2025 Prove Blue Is the New Black

Japanese Language

Japan's 2025 Buzzword of the Year Nominations

Japanese Language

News & Opinion

Why Yuko Fujigaki Was Chosen as Tokyo University’s Next President

Japan Life

plastic beauty netflix review

Plastic Beauty Review: What It Gets Right About Japan's Cosmetic Surgery Boom

Movies & TV

What Rui Takahashi’s Coming Out Means for Japanese Men’s Sports

News & Opinion

Lady Gaga Is FamilyMart’s Newest Employee

News & Opinion

Latest

jiro ramen women stickers

Japan's Most Intimidating Ramen Shop Is Using Stickers To Bring In Female Diners

Food & Drink

japan 3d bubble stickers

Puku Puku Mania: Where To Buy Japan's Viral 3D Bubble Stickers in Tokyo

Design

TW Vol.3 Out Now: Meeting Our Heroes & Exploring Japan’s Cultural Legacies

Japan Life

Shin Ohashi Is Japan’s New Swim Star | News Roundup

News & Opinion