artwork
Don’t sweat it if you find yourself tearing up at this simple but sweet gesture to get an obaachan the recognition she deserves.
How do you reply to a friend’s wedding invitation: with a simple check mark in a box, or a thoughtful work of art?
It’s hard to believe that One Piece, Japan’s best-selling manga series in history, will be celebrating its 18th anniversary this July. With 76 collected volumes of manga, a mega-popular anime television adaptation, an upcoming theme park, and hordes of international fans, the series is stronger than ever after almost two decades.
A recent post by a Japanese internet forum user showed the evolution of series’ creator Eiichiro Oda’s artwork by comparing older pictures of the Straw Hat Pirates with more recent ones side-by-side. While most of the changes are fairly subtle, the slight differences were still enough to spark an online debate about which of the two drawing styles is better. Which is your personal preference?
As we speak, scientists in Japan are hard at work on inventing a myriad of robots whose sole raison d’être is to improve quality of life for humans. Whether it’s shoveling snow, helping people to walk, or generally spreading cheer through unbelievable cuteness and dexterity (we’re talking about you, Asimo!) it’s clear to see that robots are going to feature big in our lives during the years to come. But when a drawing contest was held in Japan for elementary school students to submit their impressions of a robot-filled future, one particular entry started to gain a lot of attention on twitter for being extremely creepy in an oddly knowing way…
While we here at RocketNews24 often feature articles relating to Japan’s beloved Studio Ghibli, it’s no secret that we also have a soft spot for good old Disney animated films. Of course, the hallmark of Disney is its Disney Princess franchise, and we never shy away from sharing any interesting princess-related news that we find floating around the web.
This time around, we’ve stumbled across some absolutely gorgeous Disney character-inspired paintings by oil artist Heather Theurer. If you’ve got a love for Disney girls and are looking to spruce up your walls, then bibbidi-bobbidi-boo, these prints could be the perfect solution for you!
This summer, Japanese gaming site Dengeki Online invites you to vote for the No. 1 beautiful girl game app character in a swimsuit!
There are 85 entries in all, from a total of 35 games and 22 companies. We’ve got beach cuties, busty babes, and goddess types, all waiting for your viewing pleasure. Even if you don’t have a thing for anime-style girls, you can at least admire the gorgeous artwork! Which character do you think looks the cutest in a swimsuit?







Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
10 awesome Tokyo cherry blossom festivals and experiences for this year’s sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
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
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Peko-chan Milky Time Cafe opens in Chiba and we go to check out all of the pastries and merch
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Hatsune Miku-inspired figure has no need for pants or panties 【Photos】
Hachiko’s new statue is now open to the public, and we’ve got pictures and video from our visit
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Japanese government says country needs more women’s room toilets to meet modern society’s needs
Drift ice in Japan is a disappearing winter miracle you need to see now
Monster girl brothel anime finally makes a friend as it finds new broadcast partner in Japan
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
How well do you know your Japanese vending machines?【Quiz】