In putting together an article for RocketNews24, I use just a laptop for the vast majority of the process. On rare occasions, though, it’s quicker or more convenient to grab a notebook and pen to jot down ideas or outline a story.
As much as I love writing, the physical act of putting pen to paper doesn’t really hold all that much mysticism to me. I’m not sure exactly why, but it might be because I’ve got terrible penmanship. In order to form letters that I’ll actually be able to go back and read later, I have to concentrate so intensely that I just don’t have the leftover mental capacity to get emotional about the subject at hand.
Soon, though, there’ll be a way for anybody to get misty-eyed, no matter how bad their chicken scratch, with a notebook that’s scientifically designed to make you cry when you write in it.

Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
The Starbucks tumbler limited to one place in the world: Haneda Airport
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
New Japanese “school swimsuits” for adult women are a stylish skirted take on one-piece swimwear
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Japanese gamer furniture company creates cabinets just for collectible trading card gamers【Pics】
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Straw Hat Brides – Official One Piece wedding dresses going on sale in Japan
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Japanese gamer furniture company creates cabinets just for collectible trading card gamers【Pics】
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Straw Hat Brides – Official One Piece wedding dresses going on sale in Japan
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba comes to Dodger Stadium for fan night, first pitch, and drone show
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building serves up an exclusive ramen
One Piece teaming up with 5 NCAA basketball teams
Family cheated out of 54 million yen by man impersonating Japanese rock star for three years