Starting this week, RocketNews24 will feature blogs written by people living in Asia who we hope can offer a unique glimpse at the country they call home. The first of these is You, Me, And a Tanuki by one of our own writers, Michelle. Originally from California, Michille is currently one of only two foreigners living in a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. We’re still looking for more unique and interesting stories from Asia to share with the world, so drop us a line if you’d like to have your own blog featured on RocketNews24.
The Oki Islands, nestled in the Sea of Japan, have a tumultuous history. Once used as a place of exile for fallen emperors, the islands have been shaped by its unique past and transformed into an area rich in traditional culture and events. One such event is ushi-tsuki, or bull sumo. Used as a form of entertainment for the exiled Emperor Gotoba and dating back to 1221, the tradition of bull sumo is still proudly preserved by the local people of Oki.
Unlike the famous “man vs. beast” bull fighting of Spain, Oki’s bull fighting pits bull against bull in a fair battle of brute bovine strength. The match is over when one bull gives up and runs away and neither bull is injured in the ring. There are even weight classes and bulls of comparable weight fight against each other. Humans are present in the ring, but only play a supporting role facilitating the fight.
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese cat island reveals all its cats will soon be gone
Poképark Pokémon theme park area announced for Japan’s real-world Kanto region
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japanese cat island reveals all its cats will soon be gone
Poképark Pokémon theme park area announced for Japan’s real-world Kanto region
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Cast of this summer’s live-action Naruto stage play looks more awesome than ever in new photos
New Japanese sake miniatures teach us about drinking culture in Japan
Japanese man deported for eating cats
Lawson’s exclusive sparkling sake in a can is filled with surprises
Mt Fuji climbers will now be refused entry if they don’t wear proper clothing
Number of foreigners studying Japanese in Japan hits record high, but are there enough teachers?
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese