Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Oct 17, 2020

Kirin’s Ichibanshibori beer goes zero-carb

Kirin Brewery Co. appeals to Japan’s health-conscious consumers in hopes its new drink helps it "find new beer fans."

National / Media | Japan Pulse Oct 10, 2020

Virtual YouTubers get caught in the middle of a diplomatic spat

It’s relatively easy for those involved in the entertainment industry in Asia to get caught up in geopolitical scuffles, with social media accelerating and magnifying any faux pas. Put on an ill-advised shirt or get the wrong tattoo and suddenly you’ve raised diplomatic tensions ...

Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Oct 10, 2020

The many layers of Cheese Dish Factory’s towering Mont Blanc parfaits

This autumn-appropriate sweet comes in four varieties — marron and tiramisu, berry and berry, fromage and rare cheese, and green tea and black kinako.

Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Oct 3, 2020

Celebrating Japan’s sweets in ice cream form

Haagen-Dazs’ Hanamochi ice cream pops up in freezers every so often, and the current autumn offerings are its best nod to traditional flavors so far.

Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Sep 26, 2020

Caramel-drizzled sweets hit the streets of Kichijoji

Although Caramel Ghost House has a befittingly Halloween name, the sweets store has managed to become a year-round player in Tokyo's dessert scene.

Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Sep 19, 2020

Seven-Eleven’s new muffin sandwich experiment is a dense, doughy eat

Debating if you should try one of Seven-Eleven’s muffin sandwiches? Take our word for it and just stick to the iconic, triangle-cut sandwich.

Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Sep 12, 2020

Say farewell to citrus, and hello to sweet potato

Mister Donut is pumping up the potato flavor in this year’s fall Satsumaimodo lineup.

Food & Drink | KONBINI WATCH Sep 5, 2020

If you can’t decide between sweet or savory, why not get both to go?

Lawson has gone cup crazy with new Cupke desserts and skewers in portable packaging.

Music Sep 4, 2020

‘Aggretsuko’ brings her rage to the world of idol pop

The third season of Netflix’s “Aggretsuko” shifts its focus from everyday drudgery to the music industry and offers a nuanced take on idol fandoms.

Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Aug 29, 2020

Sweet, fruit-filled and ... vegan?! This shortcake is a dream come true

Satisfying your sweet tooth as a vegan can be a challenge in Tokyo. Hal Okada Vegan Sweets Lab is a welcome arrival.