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)
Serendipity has given RocketNews24 an inside look at the controversial religion currently making headlines: Happy Science.
Having trouble looking for the perfect romantic partner? Maybe that’s your problem…the “looking” part I mean.
It’s unclear if this rogue group of city workers were fully aware of the acronym they made for themselves or not.
To celebrate Manga Day in Japan, RocketNews24’s best artist has some tips to help add some flare to an average Joe’s drawing.
Our reporter tried to uncover the truth behind “AKB48 Non Yuu” and their mysterious phone number.
The following story is an important example of how one person’s holiday cheer can be another’s form of abuse in the workplace.
Although they are stopping just short of calling it an actual “health cola,” Coca-Cola Plus is the latest addition to the health-oriented cola war in Japan.
It was also probably the slowest lap ever recorded on the notorious race track, but that’s understandable.
One of Japan’s premier names in rock music, Guitar Wolf, is looking for a new bassist, and our reporter Seiji Nakazawa has filled out his resume.
One quaint little town calling themselves “Japan’s USA” unexpectedly found themselves in hot water for celebrating the new American president.
Six-year-old Ai-chan is getting the full idol experience at a young age: the singing, dancing, meeting fans, and even the occasional hatchet-job by the media.
Piko Taro is the creation of a real musician with real talent named Kosaka Daimao, but unfortunately for him, Piko will be the one playing the Budokan this March.
For some people, living an idyllic life of apples and cake is hard to relate to. For those people the makers of Hello Kitty bring you Aggretsuko.
The debate continues over whether plying a carp with booze is inhumane treatment of animals or a treasured part of Japan’s cultural heritage.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
TeamLab is building a new Tokyo museum, and it’s the digital art group’s biggest ever
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Ghibli’s Toshio Suzuki not impressed by generative AI images, Hayao Miyazaki thinks even less of them
Japanese mayors challenge each other to nighttime ninja battle, now recruiting participants
Roaming rubbish bin robot at Shinjuku Station solves the problem of where to put your trash
Ghibli store Donguri Kyowakoku now has special frames to protect your anime art Paper Theater kits
Weekly
- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
- How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor- Two American women attempt to smuggle US$1 million worth of cannabis into Tokyo for a free trip to Japan
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals- New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst- Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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New Shinkansen platform vending machine sells local-flavor treats from 127-year-old snack maker
Ghibli’s Toshio Suzuki not impressed by generative AI images, Hayao Miyazaki thinks even less of them
Japanese mayors challenge each other to nighttime ninja battle, now recruiting participants
Roaming rubbish bin robot at Shinjuku Station solves the problem of where to put your trash
Ghibli store Donguri Kyowakoku now has special frames to protect your anime art Paper Theater kits
Don Quijote ear cleaner sucks, and was criticised by customers, but is the new version any better?
Tokyo’s Shibuya puts up new posters asking visitors to use recycle boxes properly
New Gundam megastore announced for one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist neighborhoods
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Eel sauce is our new favorite cooking hack for making any dish sweet and savory with zero hassle
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
Real-world Zelda Master Sword on the way from American toymaker, plays game music and sounds
Japanese restaurant chain offering free food for a year if you beat massive meat bowl challenge
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