We posted a silly video of baby ducks on our site last Monday, hoping to cheer up any of our readers who were going through a tough first day back at work. Two days later, we received the following comment on the video (thank you J.R.!): “No matter how bad your day was, remember that this video is waiting for you….”
This got us thinking…why not try to cure our readers’ Monday blues every Monday!? So may we humbly present to you the first video in our weekly series, “Monday Kickstart.” You won’t find explanations about Japanese culture or deep, enlightening thoughts, just something to make you smile as you begin your long haul into the week.
So happy Monday from the folks at RocketNews24! We hope we were able to brighten your day at least a tiny bit.
【Monday Kickstart】Doggy massage
【Monday Kickstart】Lion Kitty is not pleased
【Monday Kickstart】Corgi gets his groove on
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty meets cat in a box
【Monday Kickstart】”Wow, what a huge double bed!”
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
Tokyo revises accommodation tax amidst tourism boom, Airbnb rentals now included
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
Famous sweets store in Ameyoko fills a bag with sweets and a show, but is it still worth it?
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Coffee and cats are the perfect combo to help you face the week【Monday Kickstart】
Banish the Monday blues with bunnies! 【Monday Kickstart】
Gorgeous snow-white cat is effortlessly adorable as he keeps warm this winter【Monday Kickstart】
【Bonus Monday Kickstart】Maru up to usual adorable antics, now featuring window blinds
Monday Kickstart: Laugh at these bewildering photos of cats standing in their litter boxes【Pics】
Monday Kickstart: No one loves their job quite like this dancing traffic director【Video】
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty defends tissues【Video】
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable dog’s frustrated attempts to get a shower are too cute to ignore!
【Monday Kickstart】Who can stay mad with squeaky shoes? Pouting toddler steals our hearts
Tokyo cafe doesn’t bat an eye at “obstruction of business” kitties【Monday Kickstart】
Queer Japan documentary Kickstarter reaches goal
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable kitten cosplays as Japanese swordsman from popular game Touken Ranbu
Anticipated anime, Little Witch Academia 2, blows by its $150,000 goal after one day on Kickstarter
UPDATED【Monday Kickstart】Rich hamster spotted driving expensive Nissan GT-R sports car
Hamster, you may be angry, but we just can’t take you seriously