energy
The Plasma Membrane Reactor can take a jug of ammonia and convert it into pure hydrogen cleanly and cheaply to power anything from portable generators to cars.
Whenever we see something that’s cute, huge and blows our minds, we generally look to Japan as the source behind the creation. While they’ve proved they can be design innovators in oversized sushi, and the creation of fluffy giant cats, there’s one area where Japan has a lot to learn from other countries, and its something that exists around the country in abundance: power lines.
Often seen towering over rice fields, propped up on the side of mountains and jutting out beyond the high rises, wouldn’t it be significantly more amazing if the ordinary-looking transmission tower had the occasional smiley face or pair of gigantic arms like a colossal Titan? We take a look at some amazing electricity pylon designs from around the world, in the hope that one day, Japan will turn its keen design eye in their direction.
We here at RocketNews24 are no strangers to finding new ways to both keep warm and save a few yen on our heating bill through the harsh winter months, but our friends in South Korea, encouraged by a recent unusually cold spurt, have found an ingenious way to lower their thermostat and stay toasty all night—indoor tents. And the tents are becoming so popular that some retailers are selling out!
Arrrrgh, it’s Monday again! I thought we’d all agreed to stop this madness ages ago!?
The weekend’s over, another long week lies ahead and we all trundle back to work knowing that the next weekend could not be any further away…
We need something to pick us up! Something to fill us with genki spirit and give us that energy boost we need to face the day!
We need… videos of cute girls dancing while wearing headphones!!!
Not seven days ago, netizens were chuckling away at the expense of electronics giant Sharp Corporation’s efforts to install anti-bacterial air purifiers on top of photocopiers, with many forecasting the end for one of Japan’s once greatest innovators.
But recent news of affordable, ultra-efficient and easy-to-install solar panels from the very same company has brought those fervently blogging fingers to a sudden halt.
Solar panels, while very effective in the right environment and conditions, are hardly the most reliable of energy sources. Add to this the cost involved to purchase and install the panels, as well as their less-than-appealing aesthetic design, and it’s little wonder that few people take the idea seriously or are willing to invest the capital to get their home hooked up.
Sharp, it seems, has come up with solutions to the majority of these problems, and have a few extra surprises for us… Read More
Idemitsu Kosan, INPEX and other energy corporations began speaking with locals on April 3 about building a geothermal power plant inside Bandai-Asahi National Park in Fukushima Prefecture. If locals agree with the plan, research would begin this year with operation commencing in about 10 years. The area is expected to produce 270,000 kilowatts of geothermal energy, higher than anywhere else in Japan.








7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
What does three months of Yoshinoya beef bowls do to your body? Medical study announces results
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Japan has a smartphone blanket so good it’s called the “blanket that ruins people”
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
What does three months of Yoshinoya beef bowls do to your body? Medical study announces results
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Japan has a smartphone blanket so good it’s called the “blanket that ruins people”
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
A close encounter with a dangerous criminal on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
We visit a Japanese cafe famous for John Lennon and epic pancakes
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Meet Hololive’s brand new adorable VTubers, designed to win you over with English
Heavyweight Japanese convenience store ramen festival! Three bowls of guilty pork pleasure
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace