For fans of the girlish hairstyle, it’s like Christmas in February, with twintail cosplay photos on the Internet taking the place of presents under the tree.
Internet (Page 17)
RocketNews24’s Mr. Sato went out for coffee, and somehow came back at the center of a political debate.
If Nintendo ever wants to “reboot” the franchise to be grittier, we hope it looks like this.
Mario can handle goombas and koopas, but what about cops and gangsters in the “real” world?
Big Boo doesn’t seem nearly as scary anymore.
Oh, hello there. What are you doing outside of the computer?
Ordinarily, Japan has no problem working itself to the bone. That’s not the case at the start of the year, though, as the nation pauses to catch its breath and charge up for the months to come by visiting relatives, leisurely reading New Year’s cards, eating osechi, and buying lucky bags.
While we at RocketNews24 like to think of ourselves as proficient multitaskers, even we’re not capable of getting much work done as we use both hands to stuff our faces with food or carry as many shopping bags as possible, and so we’ll be slowing down a bit as we take advantage of one of the few times Japan relaxes its hard-line stance against anything remotely resembling laziness. We hope you all get to do the same, regardless of where in the world you are.
Thanks for reading, and we hope to have even more great stuff for you whenever you visit our site in 2017!
Who knew Final Fantasy VII’s baddie would make such a gorgeous engagement ring? Takayas Custom Jewelry knew.
We look back on five cats who have contributed the most to shaping the world in 2016, and you can help us by submitting your vote for the top Cat Of The Year.

















Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
The amazing skills of World Karate Kata Champion Rika Usami 【Videos】
Tour our Japanese-language reporter’s apartment, a wonderland of 100-yen trinkets
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
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
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Tokyo store makes you to pass a quiz in order to buy Pokémon cards as part of anti-scalper policy
War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
The amazing skills of World Karate Kata Champion Rika Usami 【Videos】
Tour our Japanese-language reporter’s apartment, a wonderland of 100-yen trinkets
Hayao Miyazaki was offended by the idea that he should work in live-action, interview shows
Which of Japan’s big three beef bowl chains has the best tonjiru pork miso soup?【Taste test】
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
Make-them-yourself Pokémon frappes arrive at Japanese convenience stores, can be mixed at home too
Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Amazing winter photos of university on Japan’s northern island make us want to go back to school