
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!
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
If you love Pokémon and cats, you’ll love Japan’s cat Pokémon cat toys and feeding dishes[Photos]
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see 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
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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!
RocketNews24: The Album release date set!
2022’s top stories in food and cooking news 【SoraNews24 Year in Review】
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!
Share your photos with us! RocketNews24 is now accepting submissions for Pic of the Week