Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Michelle Lynn Dinh
Dec 16, 2013
It’s Monday again and you know what that means! Your Monday Kickstart video is here to get you going through another week.
This week, we found a cute cat that seems more interested in lounging around being a kitty than living up to his bushy lion mane.
Happy Monday from RocketNews24!
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
Okinawa man convinced he won 700 million yen by scammers, saved by convenience store staff
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Shinto shrine gate parfaits that tell your fortune now being served in Tokyo
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Studio Ghibli adds new finger puppets to its anime merchandise collection in JapanKyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimonoLego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Japan 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
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Coffee and cats are the perfect combo to help you face the week【Monday Kickstart】
【Monday Kickstart】”Wow, what a huge double bed!”
Banish the Monday blues with bunnies! 【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】
Gorgeous snow-white cat is effortlessly adorable as he keeps warm this winter【Monday Kickstart】
Tokyo cafe doesn’t bat an eye at “obstruction of business” kitties【Monday Kickstart】
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty defends tissues【Video】
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable kitten cosplays as Japanese swordsman from popular game Touken Ranbu
【Monday Kickstart】Who can stay mad with squeaky shoes? Pouting toddler steals our hearts
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable dog’s frustrated attempts to get a shower are too cute to ignore!
【Monday Kickstart】Care for a spin? Silly kitty randomness to start off your week
Lifelike lion and tiger backpacks from Japan will make everyone who sees you say, “Oh my!”
【Monday Kickstart】Kitty meets cat in a box
Japanese Twitter trend of the week: Outfitting your cat with a regal boot-cover mane
【Monday Kickstart】Doggy massage
【Monday Kickstart】Corgi gets his groove on
【Monday Kickstart】Hamsters just wanna have fun