
Brand-new name, same great news from Japan and Asia!
Ten years ago, RocketNews24 published its first Japanese-language article, and two years later we welcomed a new addition to the family. When our English website launched in 2009, it existed exclusively to translate articles from our Japanese sister site, but over time we’ve expanded the amount of English-language content we produce while maintaining a focus on fun, weird, and intriguing news from Asia, particularly Japan (where our English-language site is based).
Because of that, we’ve decided to give the English-language RocketNews24 a very special eighth-birthday gift: the new name of SoraNews24.
Sora is the Japanese word for “sky,” representing our commitment to bringing coverage of modern and traditional culture from Japan and Asia to people around the world, no matter which part of the sky we share that you happen to be living under.
As we put the final touches on our new site, you might see remnants of our old name, RocketNews24, here and there, but we’re gradually sweeping the corners and dusting off the cobwebs to bring SoraNews24 to you as smoothly as possible.
A great writer (we think it might have been Mr. Sato) once said that “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” so while we may have a new name, rest assured that our content will remain as pleasingly fragrant as ever. Thank you all for reading RocketNews24, and welcome to SoraNews24!

Merry Christmas from everyone at RocketNews24!
Merry Christmas from RocketNews24!
SoraNews24 is looking for a new writer, and it could be you!
RocketNews24: The Book hits shelves on 25 March, Amazon pre-orders already open!
SoraNews24 is looking for a new writer, and it could be you!
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
Mr. Sato discovers his inner beaver with a 16-inch chocolate “twig” at Tokyo Station
Which Pokémon are you? Official quiz reveals your Poké-personality, and how to take it in English
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Mt. Fuji climbing reservation website is now open, and here’s how to reserve your spot
7-Eleven Japan’s latest spicy curry promises to take our voice away, but does it deliver?
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Japanese politician arrested on charges of accepting bribes to reduce number of monkeys in park
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
SoraNews24 is looking for a new writer, and it could be you!
The leaves are changing, and SoraNews24 is looking for a new writer!
How can we improve RocketNews24?【Survey now closed – thanks for your input!】
Merry Christmas from the SoraNews24 team!
Happy New Year from the RocketNews24 Team!
2022’s top stories in food and cooking news 【SoraNews24 Year in Review】
RocketNews24: The Album release date set!
2022’s top stories in games and tech 【SoraNews24 Year in Review】
【Partner applications now open】Want to publish your site’s content on RocketNews24?
Merry Christmas from the RocketNews24 team!
SoraNews24 quiz: How men deal with unexpected urine leaks determines their personality
RocketNews24’s debut single “RocketMan” now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and more!
Quiz of the Week: Round 7 (Because what else are you gonna do? Go outside like a weirdo!?)
Happy New Year from RocketNews24!