Master Blaster
Writer / Translator
Master Blaster is the two-man translating team of Canada’s Steven Le Blanc and Japan’s Masami M, a pair who in addition to writing work are in English education and created the StudyNow app for Japanese students of English.
Together they have written somewhere around 1,500 articles for RocketNews24 covering such diverse topics as Chinese men selling sanitary napkins to each other and a Japanese guy dragging an ear of corn around the Tokyo train system. A few of these were actually good, but don’t take our word for it! Here’s what our beloved readers had to say:
“One isn't always in the mood for bold tastes. But when I'm in the mood for bold flavor I turn to you.”
“Stupid article. Who cares what the Japanese think it's cool. You don't call a monkey, "gorilla".”
“You know, this is about the most cogent explanation of how a turbocharger works that I have ever seen in the non-motorsports world.”
“Thanks for the article peter!”
“It's people like you who make exploitation possible.”
“It looks yummy and the story was great. Thank you for the smile.”
StudyNow App
Posted by Master Blaster (Page 121)
Known traditionally as “Pocky Day” in Japan, 11 November may become “Good Shopping Day” before long.
This Culture Day, our reporter Yuichiro Wasai went straight to Fuchu Prison. He did not pass Go. He did not collect 200 dollars.
Seiji Nakazawa has trouble keeping his continence in check as he strums on a guitar worth more than some people make in a year.
The forgotten tactile pleasure of turning a clicky dial to change the television channel can be had again!
Our writer Yuichiro Wasai recently had a life-changing experience regarding the way he poops and now he wants to share it with the world.
One of the gangsters reportedly admitted, “I have never met anyone as tough as those deliverymen.”
In need of an inspiration boost? Come browse the zany yet brilliant ideas of artist Neji Sato in his website Prototype 1000.
While the widespread presence of public toilets in convenience stores is great, it is also fraught with ambiguous customs and could, technically, even lead to criminal charges.
Not only do you get a 500 yen per night discount, but it promises to be one of the more emotional check-ins you’ll ever experience.
In late November a four-day festival of music, food, fashion, and culture will be held, and anyone with a foreign passport will get some VIP treatment.
Trapped and with his life hanging in the balance, this calm-and-collected Chinese student took the opportunity to get his math drills done.
We investigate this creepy looking candy store only to find that it might just be the sweetest place in all of Tokyo.
Rather than some social program saying farming is good for “troubled youth,” Vegefru Farms says “troubled youth” are the answer to farming’s prayers.
Once again, our Japanese-language reporters ride along a razor-thin line of reasoning and derail right into a valuable life lesson.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Tokyo bus line praised for handling of driver’s mental health
20 Guilt Free Snacks With Only A Hundred Calories
Japan asked to vote on what to officially call insanely hot days
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro pouches to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Inflation making penguins in Japan unhappy with aquarium’s switch to cheaper fish
Weekly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Monthly
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Yearly
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Tokyo bus line praised for handling of driver’s mental health
20 Guilt Free Snacks With Only A Hundred Calories
Japan asked to vote on what to officially call insanely hot days
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro pouches to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Inflation making penguins in Japan unhappy with aquarium’s switch to cheaper fish
Beyond sakura: How to tell a cherry blossom from a plum or peach flower
Japan’s train travel soundscape faces sad change as JR East axes special station departure melodies
Rice-flavored ice cream: You knew it had to be in Japan somewhere
Studio Ghibli releases Japanese-style My Neighbour Totoro bags and pouches in Japan
Room 404: What happened when we stayed in an unlucky hotel room in Japan
Old Japanese man fends off bear attack with his impressive karate skills
Latest Japan cherry blossom forecast pushes Tokyo date back, sakura now expected first elsewhere
-
