Conductor Miho Hazama probably wasn’t expecting such a jazzy greeting when she touched down in Copenhagen!
greeting
Well, folks, we’ve done it again. We’ve somehow survived yet another year without being wiped off the face of the planet or the interwebs, and I’m happy to report that our humble shrine to news, entertainment and general weirdness from Japan and Asia is now bigger, busier, and – dare I say it – slightly better looking than ever before.
Last year went by in a flash for us. Our team grew from 15 to 22, and we put out roughly twice the amount of content that we did in 2013. In return, we saw our readership positively explode, and now almost 190,000 of you kind souls allow our quirky news nuggets to appear alongside your friends’ tedious selfies and photos of their hideous children in your Facebook feed. It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but we really wouldn’t be here without you, and it’s only thanks to our readers that we’re able to keep on growing and can keep Mr Sato stocked with the Cuban cigars and exotic silk underwear he so voraciously consumes each day.
Despite our recent growth spurt, RocketNews24 is still staffed by a very close-knit team. Unlike some faceless media machine operated by corporate giants, we still get fuzzies when you like us and feel genuinely disappointed when you don’t. We read every single one of your comments (yes, even the long, ranting ones that make us want to double-check that the front door’s locked before heading to bed) and we take what you say to heart. We aim to make RocketNews24 a place that people like to come to for everything from commentary on recent news events and Japanese internet chatter to cooking tips and the latest from our Asian feline overlords, and it’s through your feedback that we know where and how we need to improve. So thank you. Your clicks and comments mean a lot.
Lest you worry that, what with all this back-patting and uncharacteristic seasonal cheer, we’re about to start slacking off, let me assure you that we have big plans for 2015. I won’t spoil any surprises, but I can say that we’ve already started work on a couple of projects that we think you’ll really like, and which – should the Internet gods be so kind as to shine their rays of benevolent fibre optic light on us – will soon become a regular part of RocketNews24. We’ll also be aiming to increase our output even further and will be striving to bring you not just better quality news and original content but to deliver it faster than ever before.
Once again, a genuine thank you from everyone here at RocketNews24 for all your support throughout 2014. No matter what your friends and colleagues may say behind your back, to us you are a vision of loveliness, and we don’t think you smell like turnips or wet suede shoes in the slightest.
Happy 2015! Here’s to a great Year of the Sheep!


Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
7-Eleven Japan’s sakura sweets season is underway right now!
We take a cat yoga class at a Japanese rescue cat cafe
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Beautiful blue apple jam is taking the Japanese internet’s breath away!
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
Japan’s Rabbit Island – Yes, it really does exist
Is a weekend trip to Korea possible with just 50,000 yen (US$350)? – Part 1【Extreme budget travel】
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Is Sapporio’s Snow Festival awesome enough to be worth visiting even if you hate the snow? [Pics]
Japan has trams that say “sorry” while they ride around town…but why?
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
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
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Beautiful blue apple jam is taking the Japanese internet’s breath away!
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
Japan’s Rabbit Island – Yes, it really does exist
Is a weekend trip to Korea possible with just 50,000 yen (US$350)? – Part 1【Extreme budget travel】
Hey, 2020s kids! The ’90s have a sticker picture message waiting for you in Tokyo
Enjoy a weekend trip to Thailand for less than $50? We show you how【Photos】
Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service returns to theaters with first-ever IMAX screenings and remaster
Starbucks Japan unveils new Sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2025
Extreme budget travel! Can you do a good weekend trip to Taiwan with 50,000 yen (US$370)? – Part 1
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Adorable Totoro acorn key holders come with a special guest hidden inside[Photos]
Renting a Girlfriend in Japan: Relationship goals or just plain awkward? 【Video】