It’s been one month since Nakazawa, who’s also a guitarist for two bands, joined the Japanese RocketNews24 team. On a recent day, our veteran reporter Mr. Sato told Nakazawa to follow him as he ventured into the outside world. When Nakazawa asked where they were going, Mr. Sato coolly replied: “To a good place. I’m going to make you happy.”
Not one to argue with a perpetual fan-favorite reporter, especially as a new recruit, Nakazawa obediently agreed.
Two short train rides later, our two adventurers finally arrived at their destination: a collection of bars and other late-night eateries near Tokyo’s Kita-Senju Station. Nakazawa followed Mr. Sato silently until the expert reporter suddenly stopped in his tracks. “We’re here,” Mr. Sato announced. Nakazawa looked up and was shocked to discover that they were standing in front of what looked like a hotel—and not just any hotel, but a LOVE hotel!

Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Mr. Sato eats banana flower, still isn’t sure what it tastes like, loves it anyway【SoraKitchen】
Tokyo restaurant with two-year wait now offers random meat packs from vending machine【Taste test】
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood joint in Otaru!”
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Japanese police are not messing around, with Patlabor robot mecha out on display 【Video】
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best seafood joint in Otaru!”
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Japanese police are not messing around, with Patlabor robot mecha out on display 【Video】
Japanese jam jar lids close on their own, as if by magic
Tokyo’s super-secret-location sushi restaurant has a stand-up sister shop that’s open to all
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain is now closed
Kanna Hashimoto wins Guinness World Record for getting tissues really fast
Japanese KitKat gets a new look as a lucky Pizza Hut Melt in Japan
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Illustrations show how Japanese makeup trends changed in the last 25 years, and what’s coming next
Japanese custom of bowing to cars at crosswalks keeps locals safe, warms Internet’s hearts【Video】
First live-action Spy x Family stage play video previews more in-costume cast members【Video】