Food is a major part of Japanese culture. Even on dating apps, you’re more likely to find profiles seeking a drinking buddy or a スイーツ巡り(sweets meguri; “sweets tour”) partner than anything else. If food is the way to the Japanese heart, then B-kyu gurume is the comfort food that everyone should know and love.

What Is B-Kyu Gurume?

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B級グルメ (B-kyu gurume) literally means “B rank food”. It refers to cuisines that are popular with the masses, made with less ‘fancy’ ingredients. They are often quickly and easily served and eaten. Most B-kyu gurume can easily be replicated at home, so it’s also got the added home cooking, “made with love” factor to it as well.

These Japanese comfort foods are also known as ご当地グルメ (gotochi gurume)—or “local dishes”—because they feature local ingredients. What counts as B-kyu gurume in Osaka is completely different from what is comfort food in Sapporo. Even within a given city, there can be vastly different ideas of soul food depending on the area’s history.

If you’re looking for healthy Japanese fare, B-kyu gurume is probably not going to work for you. However, if you’re looking for something different for a treat, then it’s sure to hit the spot. Just be aware of any potential food allergies, as hidden ingredients can sometimes be unexpected.

Basically, B-kyu gurume is the gourmand’s equivalent of your family’s secret recipe handed down for generations. It’s often made with full-fat and sugar, but available for a cheap price and made to order.

Japanese vs Internationally Influenced

As with food cultures around the world, there are both those that are domestic and those that grew from international influences. B-kyu gurume offers a mix of classically Japanese dishes and “Japanified” foreign varieties.

The Japanese-Style Classics

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One of the oldest and most well-known Japanese B-kyu gurume is おにぎり (onigiri; “rice balls”). These glutinous delights tend to be topped or filled with anything from flaked salmon, wasabi greens, soft-boiled eggs or pickled plums. They may be wrapped with a sheet of roasted nori seaweed as well. There are shelves of these in every supermarket, convenience store and even take-out bento shops in Japan—that’s how common they are.

Another rice-based comfort food is 卵かけごはん (tamago kake gohan). Basically, you crack a raw egg over some plain white rice and add a dash or two of soy sauce for flavor. That’s it. Of course, you can liven it up with some furikake seasoning, too, or purchase gourmet eggs specially bred for their tastiness (or whatever the technical term may be!), but even the most basic of ingredients will give you classic Japanese comfort food.

International Twists

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Two international dishes, according to my friends, are considered must-have foodstuffs: curry rice and spaghetti Napolitano.

Curry rice is typically made with Japanese curry roux (prepared with beef or pork, potatoes, carrots and onions), accompanied by rice (white, turmeric-seasoned, or with garlic and butter). It can also be topped with a slab of とんかつ (tonkatsu; “pork cutlet”) or 牛カツ (gyukatsu; “beef cutlet”). It’s not spicy at all, very hearty and something that most Japanese people eat at least once a week.

Spaghetti Napolitan was invented in Yokohama by Chef Shigetada Irie of Hotel New Grand during the postwar period. It consists of well-cooked pasta (no al dente here), with a sauce made from onions, green peppers, bacon or ham and… ketchup. Yes, the sauce is made almost entirely from Japanese ketchup (some add tomato paste to thicken it). You can also add a dash of Tabasco sauce to liven it up, but otherwise, it’s a very kid-friendly comfort food.

Where Can I Find B-Kyu Gurume?

Another one of the perks of B-kyu gurume is that it is everywhere. Technically speaking, you can find it in your closest convenience store or supermarket. If you’re looking to try something different, then take a look at Uber Eats or your preferred food delivery app for B-kyu gurume in your area.

You can also look at B-Lunch, a popular blog run by a Japanese foodie that focuses on B-kyu gurume lunch spots around the country.

The B-1 Grand Prix is a food festival and contest held across Japan where local cuisines compete to be that year’s top comfort food. Some winners of that competition later go on to have their products turned into limited-edition foods sold in convenience stores and supermarkets as well.

Mini versions of these festivals or celebrations of their wins are also often held in parking areas. Heading out on a road trip might just reveal the best comfort foods your region or destination has to offer.

Must-Try Japanese Comfort Food

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Here’s a list of classic Japanese comfort food that you have to try at least once in your life (some we’ve already mentioned):

• Tonkatsu: Deep-fried pork cutlet eaten with shredded cabbage.
• Katsu Curry: Curry rice topped with a crunchy tonkatsu cutlet.
• Naporitan: The retro Japanese spaghetti with ketchup-based sauce, sausage, onions and peppers.
• Yakisoba: Wok-fried noodles with pork, cabbage and sweet-savory sauce.
• Karaage: Japanese fried chicken with a garlic, ginger and soy marinade.
• Korokke: Potato-and-meat croquettes with panko crust, eaten with tonkatsu sauce.
• Hambāgu (Hamburg Steak): Soft ground beef patty with demi-glace or wafu (Japanese-style) sauce.
• Tachigui Soba/Udon: Cheap, fast “stand-and-eat” noodles, usually found in stations.
• Omurice: Ketchup fried rice wrapped in a fluffy omelette, topped with demi-glace or ketchup.
• Horumon-yaki: Grilled offal (intestines) barbecue.
• Kaki-furai: Deep-fried oysters.

As mentioned earlier, regions throughout Japan have their own unique versions of comfort foods too. While many of them are available nationwide these days, you are guaranteed to have the best and most authentic version of it in each of their originating regions:

• Okonomiyaki (Osaka/Hiroshima): Savory cabbage pancake loaded with pork, seafood, noodles (Hiroshima-style) and sweet-salty sauce.
• Takoyaki (Osaka): Crispy–soft octopus balls drizzled with mayo, sauce and bonito flakes.
• Ika-yaki (Osaka): Grilled whole squid glazed in soy sauce.
• Monjayaki (Tokyo): A runnier cousin of okonomiyaki, cooked on a griddle and eaten right off the spatula.
• Gyoza (Utsunomiya): Pan-fried crispy dumplings with a juicy meat filling.
• Motsunabe (Fukuoka): Offal nabe (hot pot) with cabbage, chives and soy-miso broth.
• Buta-don (Hokkaido): Char-grilled pork slices over rice, sweet-savory and smoky.
• Zangi (Hokkaido): Hokkaido-style karaage with a punchier seasoning.

Special Mentions

If you’ve already tried the dishes mentioned above, I highly recommend two others I personally like. Full disclosure, though, these are definitely high-calorie, high-carb meals in the making.

Fujinomiya Yakisoba

Fujinomiya yakisoba (富士宮やきそば) originates from Fujinomiya in Shizuoka Prefecture and is regarded by many as a local success story. Three-time winner of the B-1 Grand Prix, Fujinomiya yakisoba is responsible for the tourism renaissance that its hometown underwent. Now, there’s even a Fujinomiya Yakisoba Society that promotes authentic versions of this dish around Japan.

While yakisoba itself is a B-kyu gurume, what sets Fujinomiya yakisoba apart is that the yakisoba noodles, cabbage and meat are then topped with sardine powder (as opposed to straight-up bonito flakes), sauce and pickled ginger. The noodles are also made with less water, resulting in a firmer texture than other types.

Sanuki Udon Burger

The second dish is one that carb-lovers will really enjoy. The Sanuki udon burger (讃岐うどんバーガー) originates from Kagawa Prefecture, the smallest prefecture in Japan. Kagawa is also aptly nicknamed the ‘udon prefecture’ as it’s home to Sanuki udon. Several hundred udon shops, each with their own take on this classic dish.

Udon noodles are thick and very filling on their own, but when fried and piled high on a burger (with or without a patty or two), they become a delicious yet unhealthy regional delight. There are many varieties of Sanuki udon burgers available. Personally, I find the best one to be without a patty and topped with a fried egg. Then you can really enjoy the taste of the noodles and sauce.

If you’re looking for ways to help your local businesses and change up your at-home dining menu, why not check out the regional cuisines in your area? And, if you’re suddenly craving comfort foods from back home, here are the best pizza, burger and Chinese food places you can find in Tokyo instead.

Is there a particular Japanese comfort food that you’ve fallen in love with in Japan?

With various online publications touting the next-best Tokyo event and influencers on TikTok and Instagram sharing trending cafes and restaurants, the freedom to explore the city’s many highlights has never been easier. While general gatherings are a great way to socialize and network, finding art or creator-focused activities in Tokyo has proved to be more difficult.

Luckily, this writer and artist has scoured the streets of Tokyo in search of the best activities and resources to pull inspiration from for your next artistic endeavor, whatever that may be.

1. Shop For Art Supplies

© Photo by Michele Tanabe

Prior to moving to Tokyo, I heavily relied on ordering art supplies from Amazon or making rare trips back home during the holidays to pick up colored pencils and markers. It wasn’t until I ventured out to Shinjuku in search of a proper watercolor sketchbook that I found Sekaido.

Sekaido is truly Tokyo’s mecca of art supply shops. Shinjuku’s flagship multi-story store is dedicated to serving artists at all levels of their creative careers.  Each floor is dedicated to a specific type of art or craft, and one can spend hours browsing through their massive selection.

At Sekaido, you’ll find items such as: 

• Acrylic, oil and gouache paints
• Watercolor paper, paints and pencils
• Paint brushes of all types, including Japanese calligraphy brushes
• Pre-stretched and primed canvas in varying sizes 
• Assorted sketchbooks and paper types
• Pencils, charcoal, erasers, sharpeners and shading products
• Manga and comic inking supplies
• Markers, soft pastels, chalk pastels, crayons and crafting clay

For artists who aren’t fussed over specific supplies and are looking for something basic, I recommend stationery staples like Muji, Loft or Tokyu Hands. These shops make it easy to find grab-and-go products such as markers, notebooks, craft paper and other basic art supplies. For an extended list of places to check out, see our article Where To Find Art Supplies in Tokyo.

2. Take A Trip To An Art Exhibition

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One of the best ways to get the ballpoint pen rolling is to venture into urban Tokyo and visit an art exhibition. I often enjoy taking a solo trip when I’m stuck on a concept for a painting or drawing.

One spot I frequent is the National Art Center, Tokyo or NACT.  Here you’ll find a fast-rotating schedule of art installations surrounded by dreamy architecture that one can’t help but pull inspiration from. Currently, two special exhibitions are on display at NACT, available for viewing until mid-December:

• Prism of the Real: Making Art in Japan 1989-2010: Until Mon, Dec. 8, 2025
• ​​Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts: Until Mon, Dec. 15, 2025

With exhibitions like these, and many more shared in Savvy’s very own Tokyo Art Scene articles, you’ll be filled to the brim with ideas for your next project. If you want an extended list of places to frequent, check out our list of Tokyo’s Top 10 Art Museums, Tokyo’s Top 10 Offbeat Museums, 10 Interactive Art Museums To Visit In & Around Tokyo, and 7 Free Art Galleries in Ginza.

3. Share Your Work Through Competitions

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Although somewhat intimidating, sharing your work is a great way to showcase your art while connecting with others who share the same interests. If you’re a competitive person and eager to showcase your creations, I suggest exploring the numerous competitions available both in Japan and internationally.

Listed below are a few contests and events you can submit your work to:

• Kyoto Writing Competition (English Application)
• Tokyo Midtown Award Art Competition (Japanese Application)
• Canon Graphgate Photo Contest (Japanese Application)
• Boit! International Illustration Contest (English Application)
• Ploughshares Emerging Writers Contest (English Application)

Our friends at GaijinPot also host an art/photo contest at their annual GaijinPot Expo, offering cash prizes to the winners. Anyone in any Japanese prefecture can apply, so keep an eye out for the next submission period to open.

4. Attend An Art Event Or Sketch Meetup

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If a competition isn’t up your alley but you still want to share your work, an art event or sketch meetup is a great way to collaborate, create and socialize!

I recently attended a live sketching event through a Meetup group called Art Jammers. At their most recent event, I had the opportunity to sketch the surrounding nature and city architecture while making friends with people who share my interest in drawing. At the end of our session, we shared our work and highlighted things we liked in each other’s pieces.

© Photo by Michele Tanabe

I walked away from that event with newfound motivation and even pocketed useful tips from experienced sketchers to help improve my drawing skills!

Artedly Tokyo‘s monthly meetups are also a great resource for those looking to connect with Tokyo’s creatives in a more casual setting. Not only that, but Artdely helps connect artists and photographers with cafe exhibitions at a low cost. If you’re looking for a way to display your art, this is definitely worth considering.

5. Participate In An Art Class

© Photo by Art Bar

Classes are ideal for budding artists who prefer learning under the guidance of an instructor. Even advanced artists can benefit from classes when learning a new medium, say, transitioning from acrylic to oil paints. Add a little alcohol to the mix, and you’ve got ArtBar.  

Artbar is Tokyo’s first “paint & sip” studio that offers classes on varying styles, such as paint pouring, gold accents, impressionism and recreating famous works of art like Monet’s famous water lilies. Many of Artbar’s instructors are also fluent in English and classes are offered frequently for those with busy schedules.

For those interested in delving into figure drawing with a live model, consider attending the Wednesday Night Sketch Club hosted at the BnA Hotel in Nihonbashi. Co-founder Keigo Fukugaki is fully bilingual and welcomes artists from all walks of life and levels. Ticket prices include a drink, supplies and model fees.

Tokyo might initially shy away from showcasing its artistic side, but those who seek it will eventually find their way into the creative world when they are ready and willing.

What can’t smartphones do? You can take gorgeous photos, shop, study a language and even get your air conditioner cleaned. Of course, you can also use it to find people—actual people—with dating apps, but what if you’re after something to level up your love life without having to endure endless entries of self-absorbed abs selfies? Well, (voice lowered), ladies, there is a way. Japan’s otome games are here to level up your love life and they are totally addictive.

What’s An ‘Otome Game’?

Otome games are story-based video games that feature a leading character (usually the user) who interacts with and eventually dates (or marries!) one of several characters in the game world. The games are first-person and usually written in conversational dialogue.

The player (you) is presented with a situation or question from characters in the game. There are multiple possible replies to choose from in order to continue the game. The reply that you choose will affect how the character replies and will ultimately determine the outcome of that chapter in the story.

Otome games typically have several chapters or seasons for each character within a given game title. You can replay chapters over again with different answers, and see different versions of the story ending, too. They are like romance-based “choose your own adventure” books.

What’s even better is that several Japanese companies, like Voltage, Inc. and Cybird, also produce localized English versions of their most popular games. This means that overseas-based users can play them without having to speak Japanese (while technically dating a Japanese virtual guy!)

Why Are Otome Games So Appealing?

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There are several reasons for the games’ sustained and growing popularity. For starters, being romanced in a fairytale fashion is something that many women dream about. Women of all ages can go out and date in the real world, but many choose not to. I talked to friends who play the games as well as people I’ve met via game discussions to get some insight into their appeal.

“I don’t have time for a serious boyfriend, so I have a friend with benefits. But when I feel romantic, I play my favorite game. That’s enough for me,” says 31-year-old Mayu.

Many Japanese women are also facing the issue of partially (or, depending on the case, entirely) losing the romance with their partners once they’ve become wives, and especially, mothers. For many, marriage and motherhood mean becoming known as okaasan (mom) and with it, anything romantic (and quite often, sexual) in their lives begins to fade away. If you’re looking for proof of this, log in to any mom chat board. You’ll see hundreds of concerned posts about that.

“I’m glad that I got married and had children, but being ‘just’ a mother hurts. My husband used to be so sweet to me when we first got married. I don’t remember the last time he even gave me a kiss on the cheek.” (Yuuko, Japanese, 59).

Otome games are filled with idealized outings with your partner, elaborate weddings that not many could ever afford in their real lives and romantic gestures that continue well after the characters get married and have children.

Welcome To Fantasy Land

There is also the element of escapism and acting out on your fantasies—without ever having to suffer the consequences. With your game in hand, you can leap out and enjoy a weekend with a handsome man and never worry about a thing. The ability to indulge in something risque without any real-world consequences is thrilling.

For many Japanese women, the escapism that these games offer is more satisfying than a novel or movie-based romance. “I’ve played the same game for three years, and I don’t get tired of it. Movies can’t do that,” says Mika, a 32-year-old Japanese woman, and a frequent otome games user.

“I play four (Otome) games. Four different guys, all with different personality types. I can match what game I play to my mood that day. It gives me comfort that real men often won’t offer.” (Karen, Japanese, 24).

Others cite the freedom the games give them.

There’s no judgment, no slut-shaming—it’s just a game.

“I can choose who I want to date, or I can date all of them at once. I don’t have to worry about what people think. There’s no judgment, no slut-shaming—it’s just a game,” says Rio, 25.

Another user, Emi, in her early 30s, also enjoys virtual intimacy:

“My ex was terrible in bed. With these games, I know the sex isn’t real, but the care they [the characters] put into the act is more than my ex could manage.”

Understanding The Japanese Dating Scene Via Otome Games

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Otome games are also popular with foreign women. The games aren’t the reality of dating in Japan. However, they contain enough grains of that reality to appeal to an audience that hasn’t experienced it for themselves. So, if you’re trying to figure out what the dating scene and the Japanese image of romance are, a reality-based otome game is a great place to start.

For example, going strawberry picking together. To many foreigners, this doesn’t sound very romantic as it conjures up images of school field trips or manual labor. In Japan, however, the idea of going together to a hothouse farm and finding the perfect strawberries, then enjoying desserts (made from your fresh-picked strawberries) is a popular example of a cute winter date.

Dating Advice Offerings

Things like the ideal Christmas date are also heavily featured. According to some foreign players, this made it easier to understand what their boyfriends were after offline, too.

“He had this image of Christmas I couldn’t get. The game I was playing had a Christmas story, so I played it and got some useful tips on where to go and what to do for our date.” (Carrie, Australian, 28).

“My image of romance was very Hollywood—grand gestures, dramatic displays of passion… My Japanese boyfriend was not like that, and I thought he was a cold fish at first. Then I started to see all the little things he was doing. Those were worth more than any flash mob proposal could ever be.” (Sarah, Canadian, 34).

In many otome games, the localization is such that cultural clues are explained in the conversations between the characters. Which means, technically speaking, you’re learning about life in Japan as you play. Furthermore, you can be practically anyone and meet men from all different generations, classes and styles.

Find A Game Based On Your Own Hobbies/Interests

If you’re interested in history, there are Sengoku era games where you can marry your favorite daimyo (general). There are stories of wooing anime versions of Renaissance artists, modern games featuring soccer players and IT start-up hotshots, and some LGBT characters, too.

Otome games meet a particular market need that mainstream media can’t. They provide quick and easy access to romance in the palm of your hand, with situations, characters and scenarios that adapt and change as you play them. They are the perfect, relatively inexpensive indulgence—for Japanese women, it can be an escape from their everyday life, and for foreign women, it’s a chance to see what dating in Japan is (ideally) like. Did we get you hooked up already?

Recommended Otome Games & How To Get Them 

As mentioned earlier, Voltage Inc. and Cybird are some of the major makers with English versions of otome games. Other popular brands are Ntt Solmare, Arithmetic and Okko. Here are some of the most popular games over the years available in English and Japanese-only:

Popular Games Available in English (as of 2025)

• Hakuoki: A romance set in Bakumatsu-era Kyoto where you join the Shinsengumi and uncover supernatural secrets. Available on: Switch, Steam (PC), iOS/Android.
• Code: Realize (Guardian of Rebirth): Steampunk London adventure with literary legends as love interests. You play as Cardia, cursed with poisonous skin. Available on: Switch, PS4, PC (Steam).
• Amnesia: Memories: The heroine wakes up without memories, each route unlocking a parallel romance and mystery. Available on: Switch, PC (Steam), iOS/Android.
• Mystic Messenger: A mobile-only otome where you chat in real-time with mysterious characters. It has thriller undertones. Available on: iOS/Android.
• Ikemen Series (Ikemen Sengoku, Ikemen Vampire, Ikemen Revolution, etc.): Cybird’s flagship mobile titles with time-travel, fantasy and reimagined historical figures. Available on: iOS/Android
• Collar x Malice: A suspenseful story about a young police officer caught in a deadly conspiracy in Shinjuku. Available on: Switch, PS Vita, Steam.
• Tears of Themis: Detective-romance hybrid from miHoYo where you solve mysteries while falling in love with four leads. Available on: iOS/Android.

Popular Japanese-Only Games (as of 2025)

• Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side: The classic high school dating sim where you balance school life and romance. Available on: DS, PSP, Switch remakes.
• Diabolik Lovers: Dark romance with vampire brothers in a gothic mansion. Intense and twisted routes. Available on: Switch, PC.
• Uta no Prince-sama (UtaPri): An idol romance where you play as a composer working with aspiring idols at a prestigious academy. Available on: PSP, Vita, Switch.

My Personal Recommendation

I’ve played Samurai Love Ballad, a game by Voltage Inc., a few times and really recommend it for Japanese history buffs. It’s set in the Sengoku era and features characters based on (much more handsome) versions of famous warlords of the time.

What appeals to me about this game is not just the art but also the fact that historical details about the personalities of the characters have been included—like aversions to certain foods, health issues and so on. It makes playing the game all the more fun.

Check it out for yourself on iTunes or Google Play Store and let the romance begin!

This article has been updated with the latest information for 2025.

Every September, as Japan celebrates tsukimi (moon-viewing) season, fast-food chains release their highly anticipated limited-edition menus. The headline act is always the tsukimi burger—a fried egg perched on top of a patty, meant to resemble the full harvest moon. McDonald’s, KFC, MOS Burger and even Wendy’s all compete to put their own spin on this autumn classic, making it the perfect time to explore where to try Tsukimi burgers in Japan.

Although I’ve lived in Japan for two years, I’d never actually tried a tsukimi burger until now. Growing up in New Zealand, my benchmark was the McDonald’s Kiwi Burger: a time-limited classic stacked with beef, egg, beetroot, tomato, lettuce and cheese. With fried eggs already a familiar part of burgers back home, Japan’s version never struck me as particularly exciting. This year, curiosity won and I finally tried a couple of tsukimi burgers in Japan. Here are my thoughts…

Taste Testing Tsukimi Burgers

McDonald’s

© Photo by Kerri King

At McDonald’s, I started with the classic Cheese Tsukimi Burger (¥470), which comes with a beef patty, fried egg, bacon, cheese and creamy sauce. It’s basically identical to their Tsukimi Muffin (¥400), just swapping the sausage and English muffin for a regular burger patty and buns. Unfortunately, my first tsukimi burger was very disappointing. It was bland, unexciting and I wouldn’t order it again.

© Photo by Kerri King

The seasonal pie was equally underwhelming. The An Butter Omochi Tsukimi Pie (¥190) might appeal to anko (red bean paste) and mochi lovers, but I found it very dry and certainly no comparison to other limited-edition McDonald’s pies like the Ichigo Daifuku version I tried last spring.

The one tsukimi item I did enjoy was the Shine Muscat McShake (¥190 small). I wasn’t convinced that grape and vanilla ice cream would work together, but the muscat flavor was subtle and refreshing, and it ended up being my favorite item of the lot.

Other McDonald’s seasonal offerings this year include:

• Tsukimi Burger (from ¥440)
• Torouma Sukiyaki Tsukimi (¥540)
• Triple Beef Torouma Sukiyaki Tsukimi (¥780)
• Tsukimi Muffin (¥400)

KFC

© Photo by Kerri King

Over at KFC, the Tsukimi Cheese Filet Burger (¥540) was much more enjoyable. The crispy chicken filet worked better with the egg than McDonald’s bacon-and-beef combo, though the runny yolk may be hit-or-miss depending on how you like your eggs. For dessert, the Omochi Custard Tsukimi Pie (¥300) was ten times better than McDonald’s attempt, though the mochi itself wasn’t great.

Other KFC tsukimi options this year include:

• Tsukimi Twister (¥480)
• Triple Tsukimi Burger (¥990)

Who Else Is Serving Tsukimi?

© Photo by Lotteria

MOS Burger

• Tsukimi Focaccia (¥590)
• Minced Meat Cutlet Cheeseburger (¥480)
• Mixed Shake Sweet Potato (¥350/¥430)
• Hot Sweet Potato Balls (¥280)

Wendy’s x First Kitchen Japan

• Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥950)
• Truffle Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥1,250)
• Tsukimi Mochi Burger Baconator (¥1,190)
• Truffle Tsukimi Mochi Burger Baconator (¥1,450)
• Jr. Tsukimi Mochi Burger (¥650)

Lotteria

• Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Zeppin Cheeseburger (¥590)
• Truffle-Scented Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Zeppin Cheeseburger (¥590)
• Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Shrimp Burger (¥590)
• Japanese-style Soft-Boiled Tsukimi Teriyaki Burger (¥520)

Are They Really Worth the Hype?

© Photo by Kerri King

So, are Tsukimi Burgers really worth all the attention and hype? For me, not really. Actually, not even close. I love seasonal menus, and McDonald’s Japan usually delivers on fun, delicious menus, but these just felt like standard burgers with a fried egg thrown in. If you’re in Japan during autumn, I wouldn’t be rushing to try these, and personally, I’ll be sticking to my nostalgic Kiwi Burger whenever I get the chance.

Have you ever tried any of the Tsukimi Burgers in Japan? Which seasonal fast-food item is your favorite?

Japan’s a treasure trove of musical talent, with numerous all-female and female-led bands spanning diverse genres. While it’s impossible to compile an exhaustive list, we invite readers to begin exploring, as there’s plenty to discover.

1. The Jazz Avengers

With heroic solos, funky rhythms and chic feminine attire, The Jazz Avengers harness the language of jazz and womanly power. This up-and-coming all-female Japanese ensemble is led by award-winning drummer Senri Kawaguchi. The Jazz Avengers features a quartet of highly skilled saxophonists: Miku Yonezawa, Miho Terachi, WaKaNa and Ami Nakazon.

Joining forces with Chizuru Segawa on guitar, Marie Takeda on keyboard and Juna Serita on bass, the group creates upbeat compositions that blend jazz fusion with pop sensibilities, opening up the world of jazz to a broader audience.

As The Jazz Avengers prepare for their next release, new listeners can grab tickets to an upcoming show or get acquainted with their self-titled debut album, The Jazz Avengers, or their second album, 8 Steps.

2. OOIOO

At times meditative, other times wonderfully chaotic, OOIOO is an all-female Japanese rock band that invites you into a world of sonic experimentation. The group is led by multifaceted musician and composer YoshimiO, also known as Yoshimi P-We from Boredoms—an infamous Japanese rock group that collaborated with some of America’s big hit-making rock groups such as Nirvana and The Flaming Lips.

OOIOO’s avant-garde approach to music has been a source of fascination since their inception in 1995. They ventured into uncharted territories, combining elements of psychedelia, tribal rhythms and noise into their sound, often experimenting with their recording and performance style. The current lineup includes YoshimiO on vocals and guitar, AYA on bass, Mishina on drums, and kAyAn on guitar, vocals and keyboard.

Their upcoming concerts at Shindaita Fever (Sep. 17, 2025) and Shibuya Club Quattro (Oct. 7, 2025) promise an exhilarating experience.

3. 12 Violinists

Jump roping, riding a unicycle and playing kendama (a Japanese skill toy/game)—while playing the violin? 12 Violinists, an all-female Japanese ensemble, has made it their mission to challenge the conventional perception of highbrow classical violin performances.

Founded by the talented Chisako Takashima, a distinguished musician from Yale University’s Department of Music and former member of the New World Symphony orchestra in Miami, this twelve-piece ensemble merges virtuosity with light-hearted entertainment. The group’s dedication to making classical music more accessible and enjoyable is evident in their televised performances on Nippon TV, Fuji TV, TV Asahi and many others, breaking formalities while maintaining masterful technique.

Their 2025 to 2026 concert tour across Japan promises to entertain and share the joy of playing violin with a growing audience.

4. Perfume

With vibrant colors, futuristic fashion, and an elegant aesthetic, it’s no wonder that the Japanese girl group Perfume has been dazzling audiences with their music videos and live performances. The voices of Ayaka “A-chan” Nishiwaki, Ayano “Nocchi” Omoto and Yuka “Kashiyuka” Kashinois make up this sweet-scented trio.

Perfume is known for infusing electronic and techno elements with J-pop. At times bursting with high energy, and other times embracing a more nostalgic and mellow sound, they know how to keep their audience engaged and eager for what’s next.

With the release of their new album for “Nebula Romance Part 2” in September 2025, Perfume continues to capture hearts with their simple yet celestial air.

5. Rin’

It’s not every day that you hear traditional Japanese instruments like the koto, shamisen, biwa and shakuhachi in contemporary music. Rin’ has set out to change that. Comprising talented female alumni from the Tokyo University of the Arts, Rin’ seamlessly blends traditional Japanese music with modern influences such as pop and rock.

The ensemble consists of three vocalists, Mana Yoshinaga, Chie Arai and Tomoka Nagasu, who interchangeably play the koto, sangen, jushichigen, biwa, shamisen and shakuhachi. After a 10-year hiatus, the trio reunited with a renewed energy and creative vision, collaborating with dancers, digital artists and kimono designers.

Moreover, they traveled to historic locations, including Nakagusuku Castle and Tsuruga Castle ruins, where they performed and recorded stunning music videos that showcased the cultural heritage and beauty of Japanese landscapes.

Although no new albums have been released since June 2023, you can still attend concerts by the three performers, whether together or in special solo concerts. The next upcoming performance is one by Tomoka Nagasu. She will hold two solo concerts, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, on October 21, 2025, at Meguro Blues Alley, Japan.

These five groups are just a small glimpse into the expansive world of female bands and ensembles in Japan. Whether you’re drawn to jazz, rock, classical, pop, traditional Japanese music, or, of course, the catchy tunes of anime, Japan’s all-female musical ensembles have a lot to offer. Their diverse musical styles, blending the old with the new and pushing musical limits in their own unique ways, inspire us to explore further.

Know more about Japan’s all-female bands or ensembles? Let us know your favorite in a comment down below!

Beyond the usual apartments, cars or party venues, there’s a whole world of rental services that range from practical to downright surprising. Curious about what’s possible? Here are 10 unusual things you can rent in Japan that you probably never thought of before.

1. Suitcase Rental

© Photo by iStock: Prostock-Studio

Perfect for infrequent travelers who don’t want to waste limited storage space in their Tokyo apartment. Choose from a range of suitcase sizes, styles, and brands. Select your preference and required dates, and the case will be delivered straight to your door.

Price: From ¥3,780〜

2. Middle-Aged Man Rental

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Yes, you read that right. For just ¥1,000, you can hire a man between the ages of 45 and 55 for almost any purpose. Previous requests have included chatting, listening to complaints, filling in as a sports buddy and even being a camping companion

Price: ¥1,000 per hour

3. Christmas Tree Rental

© Photo by iStock: DmitriiSimakov

Want to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo without worrying about storage? You can rent a fully decorated artificial tree, complete with ornaments and LED lights. It’s delivered to your door, shipping included and collected after the season is over.

Price: From ¥15,000〜

4. Apology Service

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Need to say “I’m sorry” but can’t quite face it yourself? In Japan, you can actually rent a professional to apologize on your behalf. Services range from face-to-face meetings to phone calls and even heartfelt letters—whether it’s for a customer, a neighbor or even an ex.

Price: ¥10,000–¥20,000

5. Baby Goods Rental

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Babies grow quickly, and their needs change just as fast. Instead of buying new gear every few months, parents in Japan can rent cribs, high chairs, strollers and even baby monitors. Many services include delivery and assembly too.

Price: From ¥5,000〜

6. Wedding Dress Rental

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Why buy an expensive gown you’ll only wear once? In Japan, renting a wedding dress is a popular, eco-friendly option. Dresses are professionally cleaned and ready for another bride to love. Shoes and accessories can also be added to the package.

Price: ¥33,000–¥400,000

7. Furniture Rental

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Moving into a new apartment or staying short-term in Tokyo? Renting furniture can be far more affordable than buying everything new. From complete room packages to individual items like beds and cushions, you can even buy the pieces later at a reduced price if you fall in love with them.

Price: Packages from ¥5,000–¥90,000

8. DIY Tool Rental

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Do you have a project in mind, but don’t have the tools? Stores like Kohnan offer tool rental with interchangeable heads, including drill drivers, saws and vibration drills. With 30 stores across Tokyo, it’s a budget-friendly way to get the job done.

Price: ¥330–¥1,320

9. Allotment Garden Rental

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For city dwellers craving a bit of green, joining a community garden with allotment rentals is a fantastic escape. Share Batake sites provide seeds, fertilizers and tools, so you can just show up and start planting. This is a perfect hobby for Tokyoites missing the countryside.

Price: ¥6,000–¥9,000

10. Wedding Guest Rental

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Worried your side of the wedding hall will look a little empty? You can actually rent wedding guests in Japan! They’ll attend, smile and even give a heartfelt speech for an additional fee. A very Japanese twist on ensuring your big day looks picture-perfect.

Price: ¥20,000–¥30,000

Japan’s unique approach to problem-solving: why buy when you can borrow? If you’re living in Japan or just visiting, keep these unusual rentals in mind—you never know when you might need them.

Finding a safe, well-maintained, and reasonably priced home in Japan takes a lot of work. The more things you need an apartment to have, the more likely you are to run into trouble of one sort or another. So when you find an apartment that has a lot of amenities but a very cheap price tag, that instantly raises the question: Why? Nine times out of 10, the reason for the location’s low price tag is that it is a jiko bukken.

What Is A Jiko Bukken?

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A jiko bukken (事故物件) is known in English as a stigmatized property. It may also be referred to as a shinriteki kashi bukken (心理的瑕疵物件) or “property that may cause psychological harm.” Generally speaking, what this means is that, while there is nothing currently wrong with the apartment/location physically, there is something “off” about it that could make living there less than ideal.

Right away, most people assume that there was a death in the house, be that by suicide, murder, accident or natural causes, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Other more common reasons for a property being listed as a jiko bukken include:

• Damage: Any building that has a history of fires, flooding or asbestos removal. It may also have had gas leaks, mold or animal infestations.
• Location: Constructed over an old well or spring. Located near a waste treatment facility, chemical plant or tourist destination with noise issues. It could also be close to graveyards, crematoriums or high-traffic accident areas.
• Criminal Involvement: It has been owned by or located near known criminal gangs. It may have been used as a brothel, drug den or phishing scam office.
• Human Issues: May have been owned by a cult. Could have had ownership problems or inheritance disputes and possibly owned by a stalking victim or someone with substantial debt.
• Fame/Infamy: Properties used in popular media, such as the Juon house. It may have been owned by someone famous or infamous. It is recognizable to the public as “that building or apartment.”

A Psychological Harm Causing Property

Going back to the term shinriteki kashi bukken or “psychological harm causing property.” This is used when a property may harm the occupant’s mental health. It could be due to someone else living there. It may also be because of hauntings or particularly gruesome deaths. Hidden damage causing health problems is another reason. Examples include intermittent carbon monoxide leaks and recurrent toxic molds.

Wait A Minute—Hauntings?

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Hauntings are a valid reason for a property to be listed as a jiko bukken. Whether or not you believe in ghosts doesn’t matter legally. If previous tenants report paranormal activity, the property must be disclosed as such. The same rule applies when there’s been a death on the premises. While real estate agents can’t control what tenants experience, they are legally required to share any information tenants provide about the property.

The majority of Japanese do not follow any form of organized religion. However, they do hold their own spiritual beliefs, which often include beliefs about ghosts or spirits. As a realtor told me, “No matter what you believe, you know when something is different or not comfortable about a place—what reason you give for that feeling is entirely up to you, but we have to share it with future tenants.”

Some older real estate agencies also list apartments with the number four as potential jiko bukken listings. This association stems from the Japanese word for four, shi (四), and death (死 shi), but it has been waning in recent years.

The Legalities Of Renting A Jiko Bukken

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Anyone who rents anywhere in Japan is given a disclosure document known as a 重要事項説明書 (Jyuyojiko Setsumeisho; “Explanation of Important Matters”) form. This document must be provided on paper and explained in person to the renter. It sets out all the details of the rental agreement process.

Within that document, there is a section that will mention if there is anything you need to know about—告知事項あり (kokuchi jiko ari; “item of note”). This is where they are legally obligated to tell you that what you are about to rent is a jiko bukken. However, there are a lot of grey areas with this.

What? When? How?

While they technically have to inform the renter of any issues/stigma surrounding the property, whether to declare something as such is largely left up to the realtor’s discretion. Not only that, but the timing of the “incident” is a factor as well.

No matter what happened in a given location, realtors are obliged to tell successive potential tenants that it occurred. From my own apartment hunting experiences, realtors tend to mention:

• Buildings with location or damage issues for up to 10 years
• Crime or human-related issues tend to stop being mentioned after about five years
• For deaths, it comes down to what the manner of death was (they won’t share any grisly details, of course). It ranges from two to 10 years.
• Famous buildings or those involved in particularly heinous events will be mentioned so long as the location is rentable.

Note that I said obliged to tell successive tenants, not legally obligated. There is nothing to stop a landlord or realtor from renting an apartment to an individual for a month or two, or even “renting” it to themselves, to circumvent the need to notify successive tenants of a location’s jiko bukken status.

This isn’t technically illegal, but it isn’t very nice and has gotten some realtors caught up in civil court battles. One of the most important things to remember when renting is to ask about the history of the location and whether anything has happened there.

How Cheap Are Jiko Bukken?

© Photo by iStock: miura-makoto

A friend of mine, when renting an apartment 30 years ago in downtown Tokyo, got a steal on the rent. He rented apartment #404 on the fourth floor of a nice building, which just so happened to be where a suicide took place. Not in the apartment, though—the previous tenant had jumped from their balcony.

There was nothing wrong with the apartment. However, the combination of the suicide and room number earned him a ¥90,000 discount compared to his neighbors. He lived there for decades and saved a fortune, all the while living within the Yamanote line area.

Nowadays, though, there aren’t any hard and fast rules for what sort of discount a given type of jiko bukken warrants. From looking at different realtors’ websites and talking to agents, it seems that you can save anywhere from 15 to 30 percent off the average rent for a given area or building—the higher the discount, the “worse” the stigma is heavily implied.

The Jiko Bukken Boom

© Photo by iStock: kyonntra

Finding a cheap place to rent while you save up money for a more permanent home elsewhere can make life a lot easier. If that apartment is stigmatized, then there’s probably less competition for it, right?

Not necessarily. With the influx of people moving into Tokyo and other major cities, the number of elderly people dying alone in apartments (creating jiko bukken), and the high cost of rent, the practical and non-superstitious are snapping up jiko bukken almost as soon as they come on the market.

There are even real estate agents who specialize in listing Jiko Bukken. So, if you’re in the market for a new home and don’t mind it being a stigmatized property, companies like Jobutsu Estate or Okomari Fudousan Kaiketsu Honpo are happy to assist.

Curious as to whether you already live in a jiko bukken and just don’t know it yet? The website Oshimateru is a jiko bukken, ghost hunter or crime buff’s dream come true. Although available in English as well, the Japanese site is updated far more frequently by users. It is considered very credible by casual and serious jiko bukken and true crime fans alike.

So, the question remains: Would you live in a stigmatized property?

A little way out from central Tokyo, off the Hanzōmon Line, you can find yourself in a place known as Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Over the years, the neighborhood has developed a name for itself as the “Coffee Town” of Tokyo. The name has only become more of a reality as more shops open up.

While many people recognize Shimokitazawa in Setagaya-ku as the trendiest, hipster place in Tokyo, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa is rising in popularity with some of the best coffee you can find. The area is visited by a heterogeneous crowd, from families out on a bike ride together to young couples out for a casual lunch. You’ll find a variety of people living here as it’s one of the more affordable places to live within Tokyo.

If you’re a big coffee drinker or cafe enthusiast, then this is your area of Tokyo.

Cafe Culture in Japan

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As you explore Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, you’ll quickly notice just how deeply rooted cafe culture has become in Japan. Over the past decade, coffee has transformed from a simple drink into a whole experience. It revolves around atmosphere, design and slow moments. Many people head to cafes not necessarily for the taste of coffee itself but to enjoy a calm, cozy space where they can read, reflect or even get some work done.

That said, Japan’s love of cafes isn’t entirely new. Long before the rise of modern espresso bars and trendy micro-roasters, there were 喫茶店 (kissaten)—traditional Japanese-style coffee shops dating back to the Showa era. These retro spots often feature dim lighting, leather booths and handwritten menus. They serve nostalgic classics like siphon coffee and pudding with a cherry on top.

The Western Influence

Many of the newer cafes in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa are clearly influenced by Western culture. These spots often strive to recreate the relaxed atmosphere that European cafes are famous for. Think sleek, minimalist interiors, expertly crafted coffee and gentle background music that helps clear your mind.

It’s common to see people working on laptops in cafes, as shared workspaces and remote work have become more widespread. Similar to Parisian teahouses, many newer cafes also serve pastries like cakes and macarons. You might also notice more English on menus and signage. These points reflect the international vibe and the fact that cafes are still somewhat of a non-traditional space in Japan.

While modern cafes in Japan—usually just known as カフェ (kafe)—are inspired by Western styles, the traditional kissaten remain distinct. Although the distinction between the two is blurring, you’d never call a trendy modern cafe a kissaten. The term is reserved for those nostalgic Showa-era spots that come with a very different kind of charm.

My Go-To Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Coffee Spots

In Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, dozens of stylish cafes and independent roasters have opened in recent years, many just steps from one another. It’s a great place to have a cafe crawl, with some offering a kissaten-like nostalgia and others a more modern feel. If you’re not a coffee expert, no worries—just ask for the house blend to get a taste of what each cafe is all about.

Western Style: Blue Bottle Coffee Company

Blue Bottle Coffee Company is a well-known coffee shop and roastery in the U.S. With the first Japanese branch located here in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, it’s no surprise that it’s popular with locals and foreigners alike. The shop has a warehouse feel, with high ceilings and an industrial interior from the metal accents. Although the inside is quite wide, it gets extremely packed on weekends around lunchtime.

After visiting on a Saturday afternoon, I soon realized I wouldn’t be getting a seat anytime soon, as the line wrapped around the building. It just goes to show how trendy this small part of Tokyo and cafes are becoming. Despite not being able to enter at that time, I did indeed stop by again to grab a morning coffee. The waffle and latte art were made for a photo op, and this is the perfect place to snap a picture for the ‘Gram.

For those who want to recreate the same taste at home, this particular branch is a roastery in addition to a cafe. You can buy coffee beans and take them back with you. They even offer instant coffee packages for those without the fancy equipment.

Modern Kissaten Style: Fukadaso Cafe

© Photo by Fukadaso Cafe

When looking for a kissaten, you want to be able to enjoy that unmistakable Showa-era charm. Fukadaso Cafe is housed in a renovated 50-year-old apartment building that was once on the verge of demolition. Rather than erasing its history, the owner lovingly preserved its retro character with minimal interference.

The idea was to revive the space while continuing the warm, everyday habits of neighborly connection that used to be the norm. Today, it’s become a casual gathering spot for locals. It’s a place where you can drop by for a breather and find familiar faces. Inside, you’ll find vintage furniture, art-filled walls and a relaxed, airy layout.

© Photo by Fukadaso Cafe

Their blend coffee, made with beans from the nearby Arise Coffee Roasters, is sweet, balanced and neither too dark nor acidic. It perfectly complements their house-made cheesecake or the cherry-topped firm pudding—a classic kissaten dessert that often sells out on weekends.

Arise Coffee Roasters

While it’s a much smaller shop, only equipped with stools, you can also stop by Arise Coffee Roasters to get some black coffee and pick from their selection of different beans. It has a vastly different vibe from your typical cafe atmosphere and more of a grunge look.

Cafes To Eat At

Many cafes in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa are becoming increasingly food-focused, offering carefully crafted menus that go beyond just coffee. This focus on food complements the coffee experience, making the area a destination not just for caffeine lovers but also for foodies.

Cafe Ginger Tokyo

This cafe is tucked away in the older parts of Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Located on the second floor of a narrow building is a shop called Cafe Ginger Tokyo. You can hear vintage music playing the moment you step in.

By the entrance, there is a large shelf with records lined up from top to bottom. The shop seemed to be divided into two parts: one side filled with books, which evokes a cafe, and the other by the kitchen, which sets up the bar vibe. Despite this, the general atmosphere is very peaceful, and you won’t have to worry about any bothersome customers.

They have a wide variety of drinks and meals on the menu and offer lunch and dinner specials. While a typical cafe may have sandwiches and salads, I was surprised to see that this cafe was offering curry. With Indian style curry, their featured item on the menu was a “Butter Chicken Curry”.

Along with coffee, they had other soft drinks and a surprisingly wide selection of beer. They also had specialty drinks, such as “Coconut Azuki Milk.” Unfortunately, I decided not to get it this time, but it gives me an excuse to go back!

Dreadnought Books & Cafe

© Photo by Dreadnought Books & Cafe

If you’re looking for a similar atmosphere to sit down and enjoy quiet time, try visiting Dreadnought Books & Cafe. It’s located about a 10-minute walk away from Cafe Ginger Tokyo. The name says it all; it’s the perfect place to plop down with your favorite book and get reading.

The food menu here is very kissaten-inspired, with thick cuts of toast and various nostalgic desserts. Main meal offerings include omurice with demiglace sauce and other rice plates like curry and Hayashi rice. If you’re looking for a more savory snack, they also offer various kinds of toasties with cheese and bacon or corn beef.

Sometimes, it really helps to get away from the familiar setting of your own home. I find myself focusing better on what I’m reading when I’m in a cafe. Here, you can do the same while enjoying a cup of coffee and a kissaten-style feed.

We are always looking for new places to try, and our Kiyosumi-Shirakawa coffee stop selection is only the beginning! Let us know about your recommendations!

In the past, I’ve covered the eight types of men you’ll meet on dating apps in Japan. This time, we head offline to discover an even broader spectrum of guys—men you might encounter in the Japanese dating landscape. Typical for Japan, these types of men have been labeled under some category over the years, depending on their characteristics. In this article, I take a look at those trends, introducing the five most common types of men (and their sub-trends) you’re likely to meet in Japan. Know the signs before it’s too late!

1. Nikushoku-kei: The “Hunter”

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肉食系男子 (Nikushoku-kei danshi; “carnivore man”) is a term that refers to a man who is traditionally “masculine” in nature. He may also be described as:

• A flirt
• Sexually driven
• Very confident
• A “hunter” by nature

He usually has quite the experience with the ladies and knows how to sweet-talk someone. However, he is also considered likely to cheat, be emotionally unavailable and not be able to have a steady or serious relationship.

Within this type, you’re likely to meet guys who consider themselves to be:

• がっしり系 (gasshiri-kei; “well-muscled or stocky body types”)
• 細マッチョ (hosomacho-kei; “thin but well-muscled body types”)

Men who work in high-powered, aggressive fields such as construction, sales and PR, for example, often consider themselves nikushoku men. They can be fun to date, and not all of them are cheaters. However, because they tend to work in very driven industries, you might not get to see them that often. If you’re looking for someone to see on a regular basis, you might want to steer clear of nikushoku-kei men.

2. Soshoku-kei: The Reserved Type

© Photo by iStock: Koji_Ishii

This term was coined back in 2006 when I arrived in Japan. I can vividly recall hearing it on TV for years afterward. Essentially, 草食系男子 (soshoku-kei danshi; “herbivore man”) refers to men who are generally quiet, not very experienced and lack an “aggressive manliness.” This category is now considered to be one of the widest in Japan simply because there are so many different ways in which they can present themselves.

Some subtrends are:

• ネット弁慶系 (nettobenkei-kei; “guys obsessed with the internet and social media”)
• サブカル系 (sabukaru-kei; “obsessed with some form of subculture”)
• オタク系 (otaku-kei; “extreme fans of anime or manga”)

Generally speaking, soshoku-kei men like to do indoor activities. They are big foodies or really into sweets, not all that interested in fashion or going out and spending money in general. They will also most likely still live at home, simply because it’s the easiest option for them.

Although they don’t have problems relating to or interacting with women, they are often not actively pursuing a relationship. Yet, due to their quiet nature, many women believe they are less likely to cheat and cause drama. They are also often the preferred “marriage material” type in Japan.

These types of men can be great friends and good people with whom to explore new bars or restaurants. However, if you’re looking for an adventure and like to have regular relationship sparks, you may find this type boring.

3. Combined Types: Chicken, Fish & Soy Milk

© Photo by iStock: west

After the above two types were first discussed, it wasn’t long before other combinations came out. In 2011-2013, three new kinds of guys became the talk of the town (these men are a combination of nikushoku-kei and soshoku-kei):

魚食系 (Uoshoku-kei; “Fish Type”)

Uoshoku-kei like to leave things to instinct and will approach someone when they feel the time is right (like a fish seizing bait). They might be your friend for a while and then suddenly confess their love for you, seemingly out of the blue.

鶏肉系 (Keiniku-kei; “Chicken Type”)

Keiniku-kei are slightly calmer and steadier in their approach, but they can be aggressive pursuers (just watch a chicken feeding video on YouTube, and it’ll make more sense). These guys act very casually and are a lot of fun to hang out with, and then they might try to sweep you off your feet on a special occasion.

豆乳系 (Tonyu-kei; “Soy Milk Type”)

Tonyu-kei are men who tend to act somewhat feminine (using beauty treatments, dieting, taking more care of their appearance than other men might) to attract women to them. They tend to be very fashionable and like fashionable women. Some might even come across as gay to casual observers, but these guys are very much interested in being part of a “beautiful heterosexual couple.”

4. Danjiki-kei: “Fasting” Men

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断食系 (Danjiki-kei; “fasting men”) are men who, while likely to date someone, aren’t all that interested in a physical relationship with them. This term came about in 2013, and basically means a guy that may have a girlfriend, but also goes out and spends time with his friends, has his own hobbies, and otherwise is quite content to do things on his own. In general, they aren’t that bothered with the standard course of dating someone or may not even be all that interested in the physical side of a relationship.

絶食系 (Zesshoku-kei; “extreme fasting men”) is an even deeper form of fasting men. The term came about in late 2016, early 2017, on social media. What the term basically means is that these guys are so uninterested in the opposite sex that they can’t even name a female celebrity that they like. Some may consider themselves to be asexual or aromantic.

This isn’t to say that you can’t date a fasting man—you just have to act like you have no interest whatsoever in him in terms of a relationship. Go in with zero expectations of him doing anything romantic or direct towards you.

Every now and then, they might (heavy emphasis on might!) ask you out on a more standard date, especially if you appeal to them in some regard. Just keep in mind that you’re more likely to be waiting for an eternity if you straight out expect romance.

5. Inu-kei: The “Will Boyfriend”

© Photo by iStock: BongkarnThanyakij

In mid-2015, the ウイル彼 (uiru kare; “Will Boyfriend”) came onto the scene. A Will Boyfriend is a guy that you like to spend time with and could potentially date in the future, but isn’t your boyfriend. Sounds confusing, doesn’t it? Basically, this is the Japanese version of the friend zone. A Will Boyfriend, however, has a better chance of escaping the friend zone as long as he doesn’t suddenly change his behavior or try to push a relationship on the lady in question.

This type overlaps with what other publications call the 犬系 (inu-kei; “dog type”) because he is loyal, trustworthy, friendly, will follow your lead and is overjoyed at any show of affection.

Will Boyfriends tend to also be within the chicken or fish subtype. They can technically belong to any of the categories mentioned, but it all comes down to how you act around him. It also depends on how you feel about him and whether or not he’s someone you’re interested in.

The only problem with a Will Boyfriend is that, if he’s good enough to be a Will Boyfriend to you, then someone else might think he’s good enough to make a serious boyfriend.

Bonus: The Unexpected Types

© Photo by iStock: mapo

As a bonus, two of my favorite terms that have been used to describe a type of Japanese man are:

• アスパラベーコン巻き系 (asupara bekon-maki kei; “asparagus wrapped in bacon type”)
• ロールキャベツ系 (ro-ru kyabetsu-kei; “meat rolled in cabbage type”)

They basically mean a guy who looks like a nikushoku-kei, but when you get to know him better, turns out to be a soshoku-kei, and vice versa. I think those are the two types I go for, or at least the types I attract.

How about you—who do you prefer out of these different types of men in Japan?

What started as a quirky TikTok account featuring Sylvanian Families dolls in creative, adult-themed comedy skits has now become the center of a high-profile international lawsuit. In April 2025, Japanese toy company Epoch Co., the creators of the beloved Sylvanian Families, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Irish content creator Thea Von Engelbrechten, better known as @Sylvanian Drama, alleging copyright infringement and false endorsement.

© Photo by Sylvanian Drama

© Photo by Sylvanian Drama

Von Engelbrechten’s viral skits parody the wholesome figurines in chaotic, adult-themed storylines. These involve love triangles, family drama and questionable parenting practices. With over 2.5 million followers on TikTok and collaborations with brands like Burberry, Sephora and Netflix, her content struck a chord with fans, but clearly not with Epoch. The company claims the videos could mislead consumers into thinking that these companies officially endorse Epoch, and are now seeking damages.

As of now, both parties are in settlement talks, with a pretrial conference set for August. Whether this case sets a precedent for fan content or simply highlights the growing clash between fandom and corporate control, one thing is clear: the Sylvanian Village has never seen this much real-world drama.

Fan-Made Content Under Fire: The Growing Tension Against Epoch Co.

© Photo by Sylvanian Drama

© Photo by Sylvanian Drama

While the lawsuit against Sylvanian Drama has made international headlines and sparked public outrage, longtime fans weren’t entirely surprised. Tensions between Epoch Co. and the global Sylvanian Families community have been simmering for years.

In 2024, Epoch issued an official notice in Japan banning the sale of handmade clothing for the dolls. The abrupt crackdown on passionate Japanese fans who crafted and sold miniature outfits online was met with swift backlash. A viral Reddit post titled “Sylvanian Families Does Not Value Its Community” captured the collective frustration. It points to repeated clampdowns on fan creativity.

© Photo by @forest_fr1ends

Back in 2016, a parody account on X (formerly Twitter) called @forest_fr1ends rose to popularity. Similarly to the Sylvanian Drama TikTok channel, it had satirical takes on Sylvanian life. After facing pressure from Epoch, the creator was forced to swap out the dolls for similar-looking characters.

In online discussions about the lawsuit, frustration has continued to grow among creators and collectors. On TikTok, @adventuresof_three called out, saying, “Epoch is not some small business that has been outdone by a creator… They are the third biggest toy company in Japan.” The comment sparked replies from fellow fans, with one pointing out, “Imagine if Barbie sued The Most Popular Girls in School,” referencing the internet-famous Barbie parody series that was widely embraced rather than shut down.

Japan’s Sylvanian Collector Scene: A Hidden Driver Of Toy Tourism

© Photo by Sylvanian Families Park at Harvest Hill

Ironically, while Epoch enforces stricter control over its intellectual property, Sylvanian Families remains a powerful draw for inbound tourism. This year marks the franchise’s 40th anniversary. Fans from around the globe are travelling to Japan to visit the commemorative exhibitions and pop-up events.

International collectors frequently post “Japan haul” videos and unboxings, showcasing their purchases of Sylvanian Families products. Locations like the Sylvanian Families Park at Harvest Hill in Osaka have seen a surge in popularity, boosted by TikTok posts from influencers and Sylvanian fans. For many, Japan remains the ultimate destination for experiencing Sylvanian Families. While the online creative community faces new restrictions, real-world engagement with the brand has only grown stronger.

What’s your take on the Sylvanian Families drama? Is it fan creativity gone too far, or a classic case of corporate overreach? Let us know in the comments.

Walk into the manga section of your local Japanese bookstore. The overwhelming images you’ll see are wide-eyed girls with impossible melon breasts. Even before a single word or picture is written, the assumption is clear. Girls exist to titillate men—whether they are characters, readers or the wider patriarchal society as a whole.

Now head to the part of the manga section furthest from the entrance. Here, you’ll see softer images of romance with titles for elementary school girls. Then, right near that, you’ll find the glossy covers featuring pretty boys—some of them closing in for a kiss. This is “boys’ love” (BL), a Japanese genre of manga, novels, anime, movies and now computer games. It features love relationships between young men but, surprisingly, is not made for a gay audience.

For A Female Audience

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The boys’ love following in Japan is fierce but small. According to data from the Yano Research Institute, less than one percent of the population identifies themselves as BL fans, and the market earns only about one-twentieth of the overall domestic manga industry. Yet, despite being a minor one, the audience is solid.

Predominantly written by women, readers are also overwhelmingly female. BL is more than just double the eye candy, as these tales of romance between beautiful androgynous boys release women from a judgmental gaze and create a world that frees them from the constrictive social norms of reality.

Boys’ love is similar to the West’s slash fiction. Both depict homosexual relationships and emerged largely from amateur creations by fans. The majority of readers in both categories are women. However, most female fans of slash fiction identify as other than heterosexual.

In contrast, BL has some gay, bisexual and heterosexual male readers. Yet its fan base is predominantly heterosexual young women. Around 60 percent of them are aged between 15 and 29 years old.

Boy’s Love vs Yaoi

The Japanese genre is currently known by the katakana name ボーイズラブ (boizu rabu) or the abbreviation BL (ビー・エル). In the West however, it is still predominantly known by the older Japanese name of yaoi. This was the self-deprecating name that writers used back in the early days. It was derived from the initial sounds of the Japanese words “yamanashi ochinashi iminashi,” (山なし、落ちなし、意味なし), which means “no climax, no point, no meaning”—in other words, a really dull, dud of a manga.

Currently, in Japan, the two terms refer to different genres; boys’ love focuses on romance and is less extreme, while yaoi goes all the way with explicit sex scenes.

Breaking Into A Male World

The term “boys’ love” emerged in the early 1990s. However, the material began in the 1970s when female writers broke into the male-dominated world of manga for girls. Some started creating a genre of highly aesthetic depictions of relationships between boys. This was known as shonen ai, literally “boys’ love” in Japanese, and often referenced classical literature.

Amateur female writers then began creating subversive, sexualized parodies of mainstream anime and manga for boys. The male characters were recast as gay lovers.

“Rotten Girls”

As with many subcultures, a range of genre-specific words has developed. Key among boys’ love and yaoi is the word fujoshi (腐女子), used to describe female fans. This term takes the word for “women and girls” and changes the first kanji character to read as “rotten girls.”

The phrase emerged in the early 2000s among anime and gaming fans on the 2channel online community. At the time, 2channel was very popular in Japan. It was a self-deprecating label acknowledging how mainstream culture views women who enjoy imagining romantic relationships between men.

When discussing the coupling between characters, readers use specific terms. Uke (受け) means “to receive” and refers to the traditional female role, or “bottom” in modern English. Seme (攻め) means “to attack” and refers to the male role, or “top.”

Why Read BL?

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One Japanese female fan, a blogger who calls herself Ancha, says the greatest attraction of BL media is that readers can be part of a world that they can’t experience in real life and feel sensations that they wouldn’t otherwise feel. The obstacles to BL characters loving each other are much higher than in regular narratives. This makes the stories more romantic or “satisfyingly heartrending” for readers.

“For example,” Ancha writes on her webpage, “if the main character likes a boy but thinks he is straight, he will be fraught with doubt. He may wonder if it’s OK to like him or not. The greater difficulty for characters to get closer and reveal their feelings gives readers emotional excitement.”

Ancha began reading BL at about 12 years old and loved a BL version of Naruto. She says it is also exciting for women to read from the perspective of the seducer, or seme, as women are usually cast in the opposite role in real-world relationships. She also enjoys the absence of a female heroine in BL. In mainstream manga for girls, female characters are sometimes not relatable. The all-male lead cast of BL media makes it “stress-free,” she says.

It is stress-free reading because women don’t project themselves onto the male characters.

For characters to love each other despite heightened difficulty, including social resistance to homosexuality, inspires readers. Ancha describes this as “reverence for a pure love that ignores the judgments of others. BL is noble,” she says.

Beyond Judgment

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Being beyond judgment may be the ultimate attraction of BL. The way in which the genre developed shows professional female writers’ frustration with not being able to fully enter their chosen field, while fans’ creations show their thirst for boy-boy romance. Whether conscious or not, both reject the surrounding patriarchy in favor of a world of their own that they wish to enjoy uninterrupted by masculine demands and judgments.

Although the BL characters are men, the storylines are written according to women’s romantic desires and sensibilities. The characters have the heart of a girl in the body of a boy, which thoroughly removes any body shaming issues for readers.

Boy’s Love creates a world where women are not subjected to the judgments of men.

Beyond the pages, even, by labeling themselves “fujoshi,” BL fans prevent others from sticking a different label on them. With this subversive term, they voluntarily cut themselves off from the demands of the world of men, with “rotten” making it clear that they are no longer fit for male consumption.

Other Comments

A sub-genre of BL that depicts sexual relationships between older men and underage boys is commonly frowned upon, and gay rights activists have criticized BL for its inaccurate portrayals of homosexual men. Writers and fans, however, back up the genre by saying that the characters are not meant to represent real men anyway, and that separation—or escape—from reality is central to fans’ attraction to BL.

The academic world has also had much to say about boys’ love media, with most scholars praising it for aspects such as allowing readers to challenge fixed identities and explore alternative ways to navigate desire.

Rachel Matt Thorn, a cultural anthropologist at Kyoto Seika University, has described the appeal of BL among women of various industrialized nations as being based on “discontent with the standards of femininity to which they are expected to adhere, and a social environment that does not validate or sympathize with that discontent.” She sees its popularity as going hand in hand with the spread of “proto-feminist consciousness.”

Shared Goals

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Integral to Boy’s Love is its autonomy of female self-expression. (One manga writer has described the erotic yaoi media as providing a female alternative to conventional made-for-men pornography.) Freedom of female expression is an important step toward feminism. BL pushes that further by rejecting socially mandated gender roles. Its characters typically pursue shared goals in an equal partnership that breaks through the traditional male-female hierarchy.

BL media also offers a positive space for LGTBQ+ readers by creating fluidity in perceptions of gender and sexuality and resistance to the expectation of heterosexuality.

The genre, therefore, seems closely linked to two big social movements that have affected the world in the last few years—gender equality following the #MeToo movement and LGTBQ+ rights. But it is not wise to expect much social action from a subculture that revels in its separation from the real world and a readership characterized as tucking itself away in its bedroom to read.

It is reassuring, though, that when the petty ways of an unethical world get us down, Boy’s Love can perhaps help refresh our faith in the ideals of equality, mutual respect and freedom of identity. Sometimes, it may not be the Good Book that one needs, but a naughty one.

Have you read any Boy’s Love manga before? What did you think of it?

This article has been republished for 2024.