
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!
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Convenience store robot pilots wanted, wages start at 1,450 yen per hour
Join the hordes of net users giggling at GIFs of sumo wrestlers performing comedic moves【Videos】
Giant Chiikawa statues appear in one of Tokyo’s most confusing train stations【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
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!
Happy New Year from RocketNews24!
Quiz of the Week: Round 7 (Because what else are you gonna do? Go outside like a weirdo!?)
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