Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Michelle Lynn Dinh
Dec 2, 2013
It’s Monday again and you know what that means! Your Monday Kickstart video is here to get you going through another week.
Couldn’t quite relax over the weekend? Maybe you should train your dog to give you a back rub just like this little Shiba Inu.
Happy Monday from RocketNews24!
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?Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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 viewsA visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
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 abroadSalomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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 styleJapan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
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 itJapan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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]Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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
Banish the Monday blues with bunnies! 【Monday Kickstart】
Coffee and cats are the perfect combo to help you face the week【Monday Kickstart】
Monday Kickstart: Laugh at these bewildering photos of cats standing in their litter boxes【Pics】
Adorable Shiba Inu melts into puddle of doggy bliss when her head is rubbed 【Videos】
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】Adorable dog’s frustrated attempts to get a shower are too cute to ignore!
Monday Kickstart: No one loves their job quite like this dancing traffic director【Video】
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable kitten cosplays as Japanese swordsman from popular game Touken Ranbu
Popular cosplaying Shiba Inu H-chan begs for a snack, gets a bowlful of regret instead
【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】
Peek-a-boo Shiba Inu towels from Japan celebrate their best trick: Getting stuck in silly places
Japanese company creates scratch and sniff cards that smell like the bellies of cats and dogs
Honda releases official doggy wheel accessories, Shiba Inu shift selectors for your car【Photos】
【Monday Kickstart】Corgi gets his groove on
【Monday Kickstart】Lion Kitty is not pleased
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty meets cat in a box
【Monday Kickstart】Hamsters just wanna have fun
【Monday Kickstart】”Wow, what a huge double bed!”