All About Japan

SoraNews24

SoraNews24

All About SoraNews24
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SoraNews24 is a bilingual news blog. Since our humble launch in 2008 we’ve built a massive fan base by reporting the interesting, strange and random.
This Cosplayer Will Give You Nightmares

This Cosplayer Will Give You Nightmares

Cosplayers have been known to dress up in outfits that will scary the socks off of anyone, but this cosplayer takes things one step further.

This Creepy Demon Could Be Behind Your Mirror!

This Creepy Demon Could Be Behind Your Mirror!

What could be scarier than looking up and not seeing your refection? How about seeing a ghostly ghoul instead?

Become an Izakaya Guru with These 6 Videos

Become an Izakaya Guru with These 6 Videos

Impress your friends with your knowledge of the ins and outs of Japanese pubs and the drinks and food served at them!

Enjoy an Aomori Izakaya in Tokyo

Enjoy an Aomori Izakaya in Tokyo

If you are only in Japan for a limited amount of time and you can't head up to Aomori Prefecture, but are dying for a taste of the region's music and food, then head over to Haneto Izakaya in Tokyo!

Otoshi: Izakaya's Compulsory Appetizer

Otoshi: Izakaya's Compulsory Appetizer

Before heading out to an Japanese pub, you might want to read up on the infamous 'otoshi.'

12 Vegetarian Dishes Served at Most 'Izakaya'

12 Vegetarian Dishes Served at Most 'Izakaya'

For vegetarians, finding a meatless meal when dinning may seem tough, but these 12 dishes are so common that they are served at almost any Japanese pub!

Book an Island for an Overnight Stay

Book an Island for an Overnight Stay

Sleep in a traditional Japanese house while surrounded by rice paddies, beaches, tree-houses, zip lines and a lighthouse on your very own private island.

Modern Shops with a Traditional Twist

Modern Shops with a Traditional Twist

These shops near one of Shinto’s holiest shrines will make you feel as though you have slipped back into the feudal period.

10 of the Best Gift Shops in Kyoto

10 of the Best Gift Shops in Kyoto

Kyoto is a great city to look for souvenirs, but personally, we think these 10 shops in Kyoto take the cake when it comes to bringing back a bit of Japan back home with you.

Top 10 Japanese Companies Over 800 Years Old

Top 10 Japanese Companies Over 800 Years Old

Just how old is the oldest Japanese company? You might be surprised to learn that most of the companies on our list date back centuries before the Black Plague!

Kirby Makes His Way onto Dishes

Kirby Makes His Way onto Dishes

Although you might not gain any powers, after inhaling these Kirby inspired dishes, they'll certainly fuel you with energy!

The History Behind Japan's 'Janken' Game

The History Behind Japan's 'Janken' Game

Whether resolving a dispute, deciding who pays the check for lunch, or simply passing the time, Japan’s “rock-paper-scissors” culture is simple, and a lot of fun.

Gotta Catch'em All... at McDonald's?!

Gotta Catch'em All... at McDonald's?!

Pokémon Go has officially launched in Japan along with the announcement that 'Pokéstops' and 'gyms' are now located in the nearly 3,000 McDonald’s stores around Japan.

Spinning into our Hearts

Spinning into our Hearts

80-year-old Masaaki Hiroi has dedicated his life to handcrafting gorgeous wooden toys the old-fashioned way.

How to Start with Pikachu in Pokémon Go

How to Start with Pikachu in Pokémon Go

Now that Pokémon Go has finally hit Japan, be sure to start right. Here's the secret technique for getting your very own Pikachu right from the beginning!

An Old Spin on Some Modern Characters

An Old Spin on Some Modern Characters

From Disney's Frozen to One Piece, these animated classics are getting an 'ukiyo-e'-style makeover!

Wear a Necklace Made from a Japanese Sword

Wear a Necklace Made from a Japanese Sword

These forged steel accessories are taken from various parts of a blade created by a master swordsmith.

Cheap & Lazy Hack for Pokémon Go

Cheap & Lazy Hack for Pokémon Go

For one creative Twitter user, walking around isn't the only way to hatch Pokémon Go eggs.

Magikarp Appears in Undignified Places

Magikarp Appears in Undignified Places

The pitifully weak Pokémon has been showing up in some embarrassing places, including one that shows a preference for a rival company’s video games.

Summer Doesn't Have to be the Pits

Summer Doesn't Have to be the Pits

Stay cool during the summer with an electric fan that circulates cool air right into your armpit!

know-before-you-go