Japan's women's national football team, Nadeshiko Japan, have claimed the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 title, defeating Australia 1-0 in the final held in Sydney today. Maika Hamano scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute to secure Japan's third Asian championship. https://www.jfa.jp/eng/nadeshikojapan/afc_womens_asiancup_2026/final/match_page/m27.html

"Kimo-kawaii" —"creepy and cute" is the Japanese aesthetic that finds charm in the unsettling. Japan has long had a soft spot for creatures that are a little bit wrong, yet impossible not to love. Kobito characters by Toshitaka Nabata are definitely among them.

"Utagawa Kuniyoshi: The Sorcery of an Eccentric Master" — an exhibition dedicated to the Edo-period woodblock print artist — runs April 24 through June 21 at the Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Nagoya, with approximately 400 works on display.

Roppongi Hills Arena, Tokyo — March 13 & 14. Doraemon invasion.

Pokémon Local Acts is a project where Pokemon serve as regional ambassadors, highlighting the charms of specific areas across Japan. Slowpoke represents Kagawa Prefecture — also known as "Udon Prefecture". In the Japanese version, Slowpoke is known as Yadon. Yadon, Udon 🤔

The Edo-Tokyo Museum reopens March 31 after four years of renovation. Its first special exhibition, "In Praise of Great Edo", runs April 25–May 24, exploring samurai culture, townspeople's entertainment, and the vibrant life of Edo's million-strong metropolis.

Japan's Three Great Cherry Trees: Yamataka Jindai Zakura (Yamanashi), Miharu Takizakura (Fukushima), and Usuzumi Zakura (Gifu). All three are ancient trees designated as National Natural Monuments, believed to be over 1,000 years old — the Yamataka Jindai Zakura said to be around 2,000 years old.

Ninja + Kabuki Tokyo is a nonverbal stage experience weaving ninja mythology, kabuki technique, and taiko drumming into a single 80-minute performance. No language required — the story unfolds entirely through music, movement, and visual staging. https://www.hey-japan.com/place/ninja-kabuki-tokyo

Awa Odori is one of Japan's most celebrated traditional dance festivals, originating in Tokushima Prefecture over 400 years ago. Dancers perform in traditional yukata and sedge hats to the rhythm of shamisen, taiko, and flute, welcoming visitors to join alongside performers.