Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
snow sculptures
Every February brings another amazing display of artful snow and ice carvings, and RocketNews24 loves to bring you the details for those who aren’t able to make the trip up to Hokkaido. While we weren’t able be there ourselves last year, we are pleased to bring you the firsthand account of the 66th annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and join us for a photo tour!
It snows a lot in Hokkaido. Like, a lot. No seriously, they have a hotel made out of ice and snow and just take a look at this poor Lawson convenience store that was devoured by snowfall.
So with all that snow around you can either grumble as you shovel your driveway for the third time that day, or you can make the best of it. One police officer in Hokkaido did just that, creating an amazing snow-sculpture of a Japanese police car right outside the station.
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Former employee shows us why a Starbucks “Tall Latte” is a sucker bet
Changes to Japan rail pass make it fall out of favour with travellers
Full-color anime art wall appears in Tokyo station as Jujutsu Kaisen returns to Shibuya【Photos】
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Nara deer shikadamari phenomenon continues to baffle visitors at Nara park
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesDisillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in TokyoStarbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed areaTokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
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
Full-color anime art wall appears in Tokyo station as Jujutsu Kaisen returns to Shibuya【Photos】
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Nara deer shikadamari phenomenon continues to baffle visitors at Nara park
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options
Shikadamari: The Nara deer summer gathering phenomenon that baffles visitors every year
Godiva releases first-ever yokan to celebrate 50th anniversary in Japan
How to turn your leftover instant ramen broth into delicious chawanmushi Japanese egg custard
Style your hair like an old-school Japanese beauty with the marumage hair kit【Video】