Metropolis Japan

30/04/2026

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Anime character polls pull in tens of thousands of votes every season, but this list isn’t just about who looks good. This is about who collectively hijacked the internet, destabilized group chats, and left viewers staring at their ceiling at 2 a.m. questioning everything because they are, quite simply, hot.

Compiled through research across Reddit debates, Anime Trending, MyAnimeList, and editorial opinion, this ranking recognizes that hotness can mean many things: breathtaking visuals, innocence, adventurous personality, emotional stability, or that impossible-to-define energy that lingers long after the series ends.

This is just a partial list. For the full ranking, in-depth analysis, and complete breakdown of every pick, check the article.

Do you agree? How would you have ranked them, and who’s missing from the list?



✨Do you agree?

22/04/2026

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【Emergency Evacuation Backpack List】

*Read the full article for a detailed breakdown of why each item matters, what to look for when choosing them, key cautions and practical tips for realistic preparation.

Emergencies don’t often occur at a convenient time. In the case of some (earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain and flooding, etc.), it may be necessary to leave home in a hurry without much time to think about what to take or not take. It is also very possible that returning home may take more time—days, weeks, or even months—than expected. With that in mind, prepare an emergency evacuation bag and keep it near the exit of your home.

While many evacuation centers at parks and schools in Japan have emergency food, water, and shelter supplies, it’s important to remember that the weather may be cold, windy, rainy or extremely hot depending on the season. It will be very important to stay safe, warm, dry and hydrated. Keep this in mind when preparing an earthquake kit; depending on your comfort level, you have to decide which supplies you think you will need or want, especially if you have children or older folks in tow.

Many department stores, home centers and online retailers sell earthquake/emergency supplies along with complete kits. Check these out to see which supplies might best fit your situation. Building a tailor-made kit may take time, but it will be well worth the effort if you need it.

Following is a basic checklist of things to include along with why they might be handy. You can find most of these items at 100-yen stores or for a low cost. Check, use and replace perishable items every six months to one year. Use this list as a starting point. Sit down with your family or housemates and talk about what you might need, the best places to keep it, and a plan for where to meet if something happens. You may never need to use these items, but preparing now can make all the difference.

You can also refer to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s disaster preparedness guide for a more detailed breakdown of recommended emergency supplies.

21/04/2026

【Food Fantasies: Japanese Aphrodisiacs】

The exotic and erotic foods of Japan to titillate your taste buds, and more

We all know oysters and chocolate are aphrodisiacs. Japanese aphrodisiacs range from erotic foods like pufferfish to eel and more.

16/04/2026

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Japan Now Allows Joint Custody After Divorce—Here’s What Actually Changed

A landmark revision to Japan’s Civil Code took effect April 1, 2026, ending a sole-custody system that had been in place for over a century.

Japan’s new joint custody law is not just about parental rights. It is also about reducing the disputes that children are caught in the middle of.

The reform was delayed for years, largely due to concerns about domestic violence—a legitimate fear.

The hope is that by giving both parents a legally equal footing, fewer cases end up in drawn-out battles, and fewer children grow up watching their parents fight over them.

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, we recommend reading our full article at the link in bio, and consulting a qualified legal professional or official government sources.

07/04/2026

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10 Must-Read Japanese Novels Set for Release in 2026

From noir crime and speculative fantasy to quiet literary meditations and rediscovered classics, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Japanese fiction in translation. Some of the titles below are brand-new releases in Japan, while others are long-revered works finally receiving fresh English translations.

Here are 10 books across genres to watch out for in 2026.

By Tamaki Hoshi .hoshi

02/04/2026

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After a longer-than-expected four-year renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum reopened in Ryogoku.

Known for its large-scale reconstructions and immersive displays, the museum traces the history of the city, from a fishing village to the samurai capital of Edo to the megacity Tokyo.

The renovation coincides with a calendar of special exhibitions. “In Praise of Great Edo,” a celebration of Edo’s urban culture, runs April 25 through May 24, followed by a show on Meiji-era Western-style architecture opening June 23.

【Admission Fees】
• General: 800 yen
• Seniors (65 and over): 400 yen
• University and vocational school students: 480 yen
• High school students: 300 yen
• Junior high school students and younger: Free

As of now, there is no Tokyo resident discount, except on Tokyo Citizens’ Day (October 1), despite the museum being, at its core, about Tokyoites.

26/03/2026

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What J-beauty items do international and Japanese makeup artists use?

Japanese makeup led the beauty scene in the 80s and 90s, before “J-beauty” was even a term.

When Asian beauty was not a category as it is today, Shiseido was already behind department store counters in Paris and New York by the 80s, Shu Uemura had become a professional standard in fashion capitals, and Inoui was appearing on runway faces during the era of Linda Evangelista in the 90s.

From Hollywood to K-pop, these are the products that continue to show up in their kits.

We look to artists like Lisa Eldridge and Pati Dubroff, as well as Maeng, known for her work with Blackpink, Lee Nakyeum, who has worked with NewJeans, and Hiro Odagiri.

Here are 10 Japanese makeup products worth checking out.

19/03/2026

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Our Metropolis Spring 2026 Issue is out now and the theme is “Drama”！

This spring, we turn the spotlight on drama in all its forms. From the stage to the street, from ancient wooden theaters to late-night comedy clubs, drama shapes how Japan tells its stories and how we tell our own. In this issue, we explore the full spectrum of performance and emotion that defines the season.

We sit down with comedian Yurié Collins to talk timing, truth and what it means to build a voice across cultures. Plus, step into the world of Kabuki and Noh theater, peek into the real drama and dilemmas from Metropolis readers in our agony aunt feature, and see your fresh lineup of events, festivals and performances across Tokyo and beyond.

We showcase local businesses to help international residents, top spots for tourists to visit, trendsetters in the spotlight and much, much more in Metropolis Spring 2026.

Whether you’re a new reader or you’ve been picking up Metropolis since we first launched, we wish you a warm welcome to our Spring Issue.

Read this issue’s stories by picking up a magazine copy around Tokyo or online.

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【Cover】
Model: Yurié Collins
Photography: Alex T Thomas

17/03/2026

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are the most celebrated flowers in Japan.

Traditionally, spring unfolds with plum blossoms, then peach blossoms, followed by the most anticipated bloom of all: cherry blossoms.

The word “sakura” usually refers to Somei Yoshino, the iconic variety developed in Japan, during the Edo period. Its pale pink flowers bloom en masse, creating cloud-like clusters that cover the branches before the leaves appear.

With the early Kawazu-zakura now past, and the Hikan-zakura of Okinawa long gone, the main hanami season is approaching.

For centuries, the Japanese have celebrated this brief bloom through hanami, the tradition of gathering beneath sakura trees with friends, food and drinks to admire the blossoms.

The sakura’s fleeting bloom, often compared to that of human life, encourages a sense of future nostalgia and reminds us to savour the present moment.

To help you do just that, we have selected some of the best spots for hanami in the Greater Tokyo, from famous landmarks to lesser-known corners of the city.

Be sure to check the sakura forecast regularly, as blooming periods can be unpredictable.

16/03/2026

From relaxed oversized knit sweaters to denim cargos, this year’s spring trends in Tokyo are all about trying new forms while wearing a comfortably warm fit in the aftermath of winter. ⚡️🌸🗼

Read the full article at the link in bio.

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