
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!
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japanese grade students make working game consoles entirely out of cardboard for their summer homework
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks releases a colour-changing Frappuccino in Japan
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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!
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