The Japanese artist known for his distinctive anime-style illustrations of children expressed surprise at this turn of events.
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.
We’re not sure if we should thank Santa or Pikachu, but when we woke up this morning, our homes were filled with presents!
Christmas might work a little differently in Japan, but it’s still an occasion for sharing time and joy with loved ones, so you might be hearing from us a little less frequently over the next few days. Rest assured, though, that you’re all in our thoughts and we’ll be back to full speed shortly covering all things weird and wonderful from Japan and Asia.
In the meantime, whether this holiday season has brought you an eye-opening calendar, some captivating reading material, a chance at romance, or even just some nice, practical coal, all of us here at RocketNews24 wish you and yours the very best.
Ninjas are known for their stealth, but there’s nothing stealthy about these eye-catching stockings!
Who knew that rubber chickens and exhaust pipes were the ingredients needed to summon a howling demon?
Gojyo Taxi is hoping that the ability to evolve pig-tailed magic girls in their cars will boost usage, and “hope” is a wonderful thing.
Warm, cute and delicious – this is the type of Pokémon everyone in Japan wants to catch right now.
No Christmas date? No problem! We’ve found one of Japan’s cheapest Christmas dinners at Italian chain, Saizeriya.
VoxelKei has been working to create the ultimate VR map of Japan, allowing people the chance to explore an extremely detailed rendering of the entire country. Oh, and also fire massive death rays at it.
Now you can explore the world of virtual reality while stroking the soft body of your favourite character at the same time.
When they’re done holding your keys, let your anime keychains start a second career decorating your home.
Ain’t no party like a RocketNews24 Christmas party because a RocketNews24 Christmas party don’t stop…even if you pray it does.
Because nothing says “high-class” more than the company of cats.
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This beloved sleeper train might be off the rails now but it’s still bringing joy to guests from all around the world.
Even with three station attendants shoving passengers in to pack them like sardines, this guy remains cool as a cucumber.
Amazon lists release date for hit Makoto Shinkai movie.
Sure, frosting and strawberries are great, but today we’re chowing down on a “cake” topped with premium tuna and actual gold.
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Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
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One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
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Weekly
- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates- Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio- Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan- Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
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]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
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]
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Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
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Krispy Kreme Japan adds two cute limited-edition doughnuts to its summer menu
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]
Studio Ghibli film towels with English dialogue lines are cinematically cool and cute[Photos]
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