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.

















Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japan’s cafe that won’t let you go home until you solve a puzzle is opening in Osaka’s canal district
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Japan’s instant ramen snack theme park features an athletic course even adults can enjoy
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
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
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]
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japan’s cafe that won’t let you go home until you solve a puzzle is opening in Osaka’s canal district
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Same name tops lists of most popular dog and cat names in Japan, and there’s probably a reason why
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases special pen that you can also use to buy coffee
Tokyo restaurant offers lunches for less than 1 U.S. cent…if you’re good enough at rock-paper-scissors
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
Nendroid Face Maker lets you custom design faces for Japan’s most popular anime figure line