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!


Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Secret tourist stop in Japan has a lift car that whisks you away to a mystery mountain destination
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional storehouse
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Does the maxixe live up to its promise of being a whole new flavor for our Japanese reporter?
Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony in a traditional storehouse
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Give a dog a meatball and he’ll be your wingman for life【Video】
Japanese military called in to deal with increasing bear attacks in rural prefectures
How to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on the overnight bus and not lose your sanity
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
Japan’s favorite anti-piracy ads are back with an action-packed reboot after six-year break
The world’s most expensive tissues? Might as well wipe your boogers on a $100 bill!
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start