Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s December 25, and that can mean only one thing: we’re currently either lying on our couches watching Die Hard on loop or are slumped over a table somewhere, breathing heavily and sweating a combination of chocolate Santas and Colonel Sanders’ secret mix of 11 herbs and spices.
We’ll be slowing things down a little over the next for days to get in some much-needed R&R, but rest assured there will still be plenty of Japan and Asia-related news, weirdness, cats and hamster bottoms to keep you going over the year-end break, so be sure to check back soon!
So from me and all of our sexy, hard-working writers here at RocketNews24, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Fantastic Festivus, or whatever else you want to call this time of year. Thank you, as ever, for stopping by our site. Now go and spend some time with the people you love or, failing that, eat some more fried chicken.
RocketNews24
xxx

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
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Self-proclaimed Americans arrested for breaking into Punch the monkey’s Japanese zoo habitat
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
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
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
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
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
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
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
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
Studio Ghibli adds mini pillows and massive mats to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Mister Donut’s beyond super soft and chewy beyond mochi mochi donuts have returned
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
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
The Mandalorian and Grogu film inspires a new set of Ginza Cozy Corner mini cakes and more
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup