phone
Is Japanese smartphone culture really so different from other countries? Foreigners weigh in…
Ever wondered what the classic Lupin III theme song would sound like played on a telephone? Neither have we, but the result is still spectacular!
Okay, we admit we never thought we would be genuinely impressed with how “cute” a mobile phone is, but there’s no denying it — toy maker Bandai and telecommunications companies Y!mobile and Willlcom Okinawa have collaborated to come up with what can only be described as an utterly adorable cell phone. Yes, it’s an eye-catching, bright red, heart-shaped phone called the Heart 401AB model, and what’s more, it comes in a special Sailor Moon edition that you can custom decorate!
While making a hobby out of adoring Japanese idols is a perfectly acceptable pastime, we here at RocketNews24 know that with so many ways to indulge, from plumbing to college courses to ramen, some idol enthusiasts may find themselves with a full-blown case of “idol addiction.” Luckily, there is a hotline for those wanting to find out how to enjoy their idol worship in moderation!
In recent years, Japan has been inundated with phone scams like one known as Ore Ore Sagi (“Hey it’s me!” Con). This involves a young man calling an elderly woman pretending to be her son. He then claims he was in some kind of trouble and asks her to send money via bank transfer.
In a completely new take on this well-known scam, Shigeyuki Goto was arrested on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion by phone. However, instead of the typical monetary gain he was hoping his victims could sing him a song.








China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
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Sexy new Japanese lingerie sets are inspired by 50-year-old horror anime【Photos】
Meet Asuna, the hyperreal android that will leave your jaw hanging 【Video】
Nintendo releases Metroid-shaped ice cube/cooking tray and Samus arm cannon pillow【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Bandai to release life-like posable plastic figures to help you draw “realistic” epic poses
Studio Ghibli’s truck from My Neighbour Totoro now available as die-cast Takara Tomy car
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first driving test a few more times
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
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Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
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
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Bandai to release life-like posable plastic figures to help you draw “realistic” epic poses
Studio Ghibli’s truck from My Neighbour Totoro now available as die-cast Takara Tomy car
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Getting a driver’s license in Japan the hard way: The first driving test a few more times
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japanese high school boys hold annual beauty pageant, look as cute as ever【Pics】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
All-you-can-eat oboro tofu restaurant in Kyoto is a guilt-free experience
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Former sushi chef serves onigiri rice balls for breakfast at new morning restaurant in Japan
We eat Japan’s oldest sweet, available at only one store in all of Japan
Virtual YouTubers in our world? Giant signs at Tokyo stations show Hololive talent and human fans
We deeply regret spending five hours on this artistic Japanese island (we should have spent more)