
Happy holidays to our readers in Japan and around the world!
After a crazy year when masks became a hot commodity and avoiding crowds became such a big part of the new normal it contributed to the Kanji of the Year, congratulations everyone — we’ve finally made it to Christmas.
That means we can do our best to forget about the “C” word that dominated so much of 2020 to concentrate on other, more pleasant “C” words like “Christmas“, “Cheers” and “Candy“. And maybe “chips” because we still can’t stop thinking about the chip butty that Burger King brought us back in October.
It’s certainly a different type of holiday season for a lot of us around the world this year, so wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, we’d like to send you a virtual hug from our team here in Japan. Over here, we’ll be taking the day off to grab the last of the festive Frappuccinos, stuff our faces with anime-style cakes and make KFC soup from our fried chicken leftovers.
Because if Japan has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate the holidays.
So whether you’re spending time with your bubble, a bucket of KFC chicken, or your favourite movies and TV shows, all of us here at SoraNews24 are sending you our very best wishes. We’ll be back to share more news from Japan with you first thing tomorrow, so until then, feel free to kick back and enjoy these videos of capybaras soaking in hot spring waters. You deserve it.
Top image: Pakutaso (edited by SoraNews24)
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
7-Eleven Japan reinvents convenience store fruit sandwiches with new salty pink sakura peach variety
Trigun Legacy Cafe coming to two Japanese cities this summer to salute series’ original form
Starbucks adds new Fruit Gummy sweets to stores in Japan
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan releases a chocolate chip sandwich… that tastes like ice cream
Pump yourself up with Yokohama’s new extravagant Cool Fuel ice cream
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
New Tokyo sweets shop offers 648 different mochi ice cream dumpling combinations
Colour Hunting: The hot new street photography trend changing how we see Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from the SoraNews24 team!
Merry Christmas from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from everyone at RocketNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from RocketNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from RocketNews24!
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Merry Christmas from the RocketNews24 team!
KFC Japan earned 6 billion yen over Christmas weekend, proving that Japan loves Christmas chicken
In Japan, nothing says “Merry Christmas, Baby” like greasy convenience store chicken
Get your Christmas caramel toffee fix with sweet Starbucks Japan holiday drinks and goodies