magic (Page 2)
This ornate teapot holds a dark secret—using it, you can either amaze your guests with excellent service, or murder them. Whichever floats your boat.
Snow White and the Wicked Queen cosplay is now complete with this specially grown black “poison apple”.
People in Nagano couldn’t believe their eyes when they spotted this man and his invisible dog going for a walk around town.
Whether it’s deserved or not, China has something of a reputation for producing convincing copies. Another thing the country is known for, however, is having authorities that do not suffer fools gladly…
If you’re a regular RocketNews24 reader, then chances are you’re already a fan of Japan and Japanese culture. But ask the average person on the street to tell you what they know about Japan, and most likely all you’ll hear are things like “geisha,” “sumo,” and “anime.”
With that in mind, today we’d like to share with you a selection of videos from our special website, “Another Side of Japan” from NHK World, which feature three of Japan’s little-known wonders and demonstrate the importance of perspective when looking at not just Japan but the world in general. The video tour starts after the jump!
If the first rule of magic is that the illusionist must never tell an audience how a trick is done, the second rule must be that you never interrupt a magician live on air to yell, “I’ve seen this one before! I’ll tell you how he’s doing it…”
Obviously, no one told studio guest Airi Taira that, because that’s exactly what she did during a live TV broadcast featuring Japanese-American magician Sero (セロ) on Tuesday night. Join us after the jump for one flying hoverboard, one defensive peeved magician and more awkward smiling than you can shake a stick at.
Buying in bulk and freezing some of your purchase to cook another day is a great way to save money. But the problem with freezing things is that then you have to unfreeze them. That’s right, my friend. We need to talk about defrosting.
If I told you there was a super-fast way to defrost meat that doesn’t require a heat source, a microwave, or even hot water, you’d probably think I’d been drinking too much Lemon Coke or something. But, dear reader, never again will you feel depressed about the single-person servings lined up neatly in your freezer. Never again will a good steak go to waste for want of an eater. Never again. And it’s all thanks to the magic of physics. Yes. Magic.
From now until October 6 at the Ueno Royal Museum, a very special art exhibit is on display called Trick of the Light『Magical Art Museum』~Art in Wonderland. This unique collection of modern art encourages participation from visitors, rather than mere observation, creating an individualized artistic experience for every person taking part.
The magical exhibit houses 19 installation art pieces put together by 11 very talented artists. Felix Sayaka, talented reporter for our Japanese sister site, Pouch, visited the museum to give us all an illuminated introduction to four of the exhibition’s stellar works.









Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
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
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Six towering historical warrior floats will grace Fukui’s Mikuni Festival for three days
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
Japanese samurai sword ice cream crafted by master swordsmith from famous katana town of Seki