Michelle Lynn Dinh – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:00:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/05/en_rocket_1024.png?w=32 Michelle Lynn Dinh – SoraNews24 —Japan News— https://soranews24.com 32 32 176746664 Six outdoor Japanese hot springs you can visit right now (with Google Street View) https://soranews24.com/2015/03/05/six-outdoor-japanese-hot-springs-you-can-visit-right-now-with-google-street-view/ https://soranews24.com/2015/03/05/six-outdoor-japanese-hot-springs-you-can-visit-right-now-with-google-street-view/#comments Thu, 05 Mar 2015 14:00:14 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=223838 
Almost everyone loves soaking in an outdoor hot spring bath, called rotenburo in Japanese. The combination of soothing natural mineral water and being buck naked outside is enough to wash all your stress away. Just look at those little capybara in the photo above. Don’t they look so relaxed?
If you ever have the chance to visit Japan, we highly recommend you take a dip in a rotenburo. But if you aren’t able to make the long journey over to this wonderful country right away, might we suggest taking a virtual tour of six outdoor hot springs in Japan?
Our first stop is Fukiage Onsen Rotenburo in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost prefecture. Just look at all that snow ringing each hot spring. It would be so magical to soak in the hot water while snowflakes fall all around.
Next, let’s go to Kita Onsen Oyogiyu in Tochigi Prefecture. Another snowy locale during the winter, guests are sure to be impressed with the dichotomy of white and black all around.
Yubara Hot Spring in Okayama is renowned for it’s Bijin-no-yu, or “beauty water,” that promises to rejuvenate even the driest of skin.
Ashitsuke Hot Spring is located right next to the shoreline on Shikine Island in what is technically Tokyo Prefecture. You can sit back and relax in the rotenburo while watching the waves go in and out on the nearby shore.
Of course, if we’re talking about outdoor onsen, we can’t leave out the bathing capybaras at Izu Shaboten Park who are treated to a specially prepared hot spring bath every winter.
And just to give you a double dose of “awww,” here’s another virtual tour featuring capybara cuddling up in their own private hot spring at the Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi Prefecture. So cute! (Have a triple dose of capybara, or even a quadruple one, if you’re so inclined).
Didn’t quite feel like you were there while going through the virtual tours? Next time try soaking in your bathtub at home while you go on your Google Maps journey. Be sure to throw in a capybara for good measure!
Source: Google Japan Blog
Featured Image: Google Maps
]]> https://soranews24.com/2015/03/05/six-outdoor-japanese-hot-springs-you-can-visit-right-now-with-google-street-view/feed/ 1 223838 Screen Shot 2015-03-04 at 4.00.12 PM Screen Shot 2015-03-04 at 4.00.12 PM Say “I love you” with seaweed: Message kombu is the tastiest way to tell her you care https://soranews24.com/2015/02/10/say-i-love-you-with-seaweed-message-kombu-is-the-tastiest-way-to-tell-her-you-care/ https://soranews24.com/2015/02/10/say-i-love-you-with-seaweed-message-kombu-is-the-tastiest-way-to-tell-her-you-care/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2015 14:00:46 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=217417 
As you may have noticed, Japan has pretty much mastered the art of sprucing up food. We’ve already seen a plethora of tools to create bear-shaped rice or smiley face sausages, but we’re particularly excited about a certain product we just discovered up north in Hokkaido. They’re called “message kombu” and the heartfelt messages made out of seaweed are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
▼ Yep, that’s seaweed.
The product’s name in Japanese is actually “messe-ji konbu,” a play on words combining the Japanese word for message (messeji) and the word for written character (字 [ji]). The latter half of the product name, kombu, of course refers to a popular type of seaweed used in many Japanese dishes.
So now that the cleverness of the name has been sorted out, let’s get a closer look at this unique garnish. The manufacturer, Kotobuki Konbu, actually makes six different kinds of fancy seaweed, but our writer only picked up the one variety.
▼ Here we have 愛している (I love you), ありがとう (thank you), and ごめんね (sorry ’bout that).
Opening each package reveals a tangled web of seaweed inside clear plastic wrappers.
Taking the message kombu out of the package and placing it in a bowl results in a somewhat underwhelming scene:
It just looks like dried kombu with maybe a little heart somewhere in the mix. Our reporter timidly poured hot water over the tangled mess and every so slowly things started to take shape as the seaweed soaked up the boiling water.
Okay, looking better! Now to just unscramble these messages…
They’re beautiful! The writing is so elaborate and delicate; it’s amazing each character stays stuck together. However, after our reporter’s initial excitement, he couldn’t quite figure out how he’d use this stylish seaweed.
▼ Here we have ごめんね (sorry) accompanied by a heart. 
Delicious food has always stood as something of a universal language, but why not add a sincere “sorry” to the meal you make to apologize after that big fight with your spouse. You can even throw in a heartfelt 愛してる (I love you) for good measure.
▼ The “I love you” seaweed comes with two hearts! She can’t stay mad at you after seeing that floating at the bottom of the “miso sorry soup” you lovingly made for her.
But even if you didn’t do something horribly wrong and need a way to make up for it, there’s always the ありがとう (thank you) seaweed to show your appreciation any day of the week.
▼ No hearts here, but still a nice message of thanks.
If you’d like to get your own pack of message kombu, you can find them online at the Kotobuki Konbu homepage or, if you happen to be traveling, at the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. A package of three of the same message sells for 378 yen (US$3.17). Just don’t forget that you have to rehydrate the seaweed for the message to be revealed!
Reference: Kotobuki Konbu
Photos © RocketNews24
]]> https://soranews24.com/2015/02/10/say-i-love-you-with-seaweed-message-kombu-is-the-tastiest-way-to-tell-her-you-care/feed/ 1 217417 img_1901 img_1915 img_1836 img_1866 img_1870 img_1875 img_19151 img_1882 img_1901 (1) img_1888 Hawaiian-inspired loco moco and kalua pork burgers coming to McDonald’s Japan https://soranews24.com/2015/02/05/hawaiian-inspired-loco-moco-and-kalua-pork-burgers-coming-to-mcdonalds-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2015/02/05/hawaiian-inspired-loco-moco-and-kalua-pork-burgers-coming-to-mcdonalds-japan/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:00:48 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=215628 
As part of their World Mac Hawaii campaign, McDonald’s Japan will be serving up island-inspired burgers and desserts starting February 10. With flavors taking a cue from popular Hawaiian main dishes such as kalua pork and the famous loco moco, and desserts featuring a tropical flare, these new menu items are sure to put a little sunshine in your cold, snowy Japanese winter.
Let’s take a closer look at the World Mac Hawaii lineup:
- Hawaiian Barbecue Pork
Inspired by kalua pork, a traditional Hawaiian dish cooked in an underground oven, the Hawaiian Barbecue Pork burger features slow-cooked pork, a spicy pork patty, pineapple barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and pickles. Get the taste of a luau in a burger starting February 10.
- Loco Moco Burger
McDonald’s Japan has taken the flavors of loco moco and put it on a bun. The Loco Moco burger consists of two beef patties, a fried egg, cheese, lettuce, and powdered cheese. And what would loco moco be without the gravy sauce? They’ve added plenty on top to give it that authentic Hawaiian flavor! Get yours at the beginning of March!
- Hawaiian Pancakes
We’re not sure how authentic these “Hawaiian Pancakes” are, but the mixed-berry-topped flapjacks are accompanied by vanilla soft serve ice cream with macadamia nuts sprinkled on top…so maybe they are Hawaiian after all? At any rate, you’ll be able to give them a taste on February 10 at McDonald’s locations around Japan.
- Pineapple Pie & McShake Banana
The new Pineapple Pie is just like the famous warm and flaky Apple Pie from McDonald’s, except it’s filled with chunks of, you guessed it, pineapple. The McShake Banana is said to have a creamy texture that’s positively bursting with the flavor of bananas. Both of these items are just 100 yen (US$0.85), so even if you’re not digging the island flavors, you won’t be out a lot of mula.
This isn’t McDonald’s Japan’s first attempt at recreating the flavors of US states. We’ve already experienced the Texas and Idaho burger from McDonald’s Japan just two years ago. So what do you think, Hawaiian natives? How authentic do these “Hawaiian” burgers look to you?
Source: NariNari
Images: McDonald’s Japan
]]> https://soranews24.com/2015/02/05/hawaiian-inspired-loco-moco-and-kalua-pork-burgers-coming-to-mcdonalds-japan/feed/ 0 215628 main01 main01 Screen Shot 2015-02-03 at 9.21.46 AM img_commodity01 img_commodity02 img_commodity03 img_commodity05 Diamond Fuji: One of the most beautiful views of Japan’s iconic mountain https://soranews24.com/2015/01/10/diamond-fuji-one-of-the-most-beautiful-views-of-japans-iconic-mountain/ https://soranews24.com/2015/01/10/diamond-fuji-one-of-the-most-beautiful-views-of-japans-iconic-mountain/#comments Sat, 10 Jan 2015 05:00:06 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=208591 
Every year at the end of December, something magical happens to Japan’s tallest mountain. As the sun descends in the sky bringing a close to another day, it meets with the summit of Mount Fuji for a few brief moments, making it appear as if the peak is topped with a glistening diamond. Thousands of people flock to vantage points around the area for a chance to see this special phenomenon, dubbed “Diamond Fuji.”
The perfect alignment of the sun over Mount Fuji only happens during the days around the winter solstice in December, making Diamond Fuji an especially rare spectacle. Thanks to the internet, we don’t even have to brave the biting chill of a Japanese winter to see this special sight. Check out just a few photos posted on Twitter this past December:
遅くなってしまいましたが、2014年最後の撮り納め。
素晴らしい条件の中、見事なWダイヤモンド富士を撮影出来ました(^-^)♪
来年も今まで以上に頑張ります！#写真好きな人と繋がりたい #富士山 #2014年締め括り pic.twitter.com/wIIeycz8U8
— とにかく凄い富士山撮る人
橋向 真 (@MakotoHashimuki) December 31, 2014
お見事！2014年最後の日の出をダイヤモンド富士で締めくくりました(^^) pic.twitter.com/72APk4oePY
— 富士山情報 (@fujitomo_info) December 30, 2014
初日の出！！
富士山頂上から上る「ダイヤモンド富士」、感動の瞬間でした！
2015年も良い年になりますように…^ ^ pic.twitter.com/kHkFcFzukH— 夜王ソムリエ (@monblan_mokyu2) December 31, 2014
https://twitter.com/charomizu/status/550428483927568384
お見事！2014年最後の日の出をダイヤモンド富士で締めくくりました(^^) pic.twitter.com/72APk4oePY
— 富士山情報 (@fujitomo_info) December 30, 2014
ダイアモンド富士撮影できるかな？ pic.twitter.com/JVp8BI0Ngy
— えいぴあ@遥 瑞希推し (@appier0207) January 2, 2015
For an even better view of Diamond Fuji, check out the following timelapse video:
And if you’ve ever wanted to see this beautiful natural sight yourself, be sure to check out the following video created by Japanese vlogger Japanagos. Here, you’ll see a Diamond Fuji sunrise and learn exactly where to go to see it for yourself.
If you’re heading to Japan for the lights and sounds of the big cities, you might want to consider taking a break from the organized chaos and head to the hills. Japan’s countryside is filled with absolutely breathtaking natural wonders, and Diamond Fuji is just one of the many we highly recommend!
Source: The Huffington Post Japan
Featured image: Twitter (Hashimuki)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2015/01/10/diamond-fuji-one-of-the-most-beautiful-views-of-japans-iconic-mountain/feed/ 1 208591 B6J3CLBCEAIe5X2 B6J3CLBCEAIe5X2 Lucky Bag Roundup: Our reporters choose the best fukubukuro of 2015 https://soranews24.com/2015/01/08/lucky-bag-roundup-our-reporters-choose-the-best-fukubukuro-of-2015/ https://soranews24.com/2015/01/08/lucky-bag-roundup-our-reporters-choose-the-best-fukubukuro-of-2015/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2015 02:00:13 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=207920 
Japan has many wonderful New Year’s traditions, including visiting the local shrine, eating auspicious food, and sending postcards to all your friends. But one of the most exciting and potentially disappointing activities that occur on the first day of January is the purchasing of fukubukuro. Commonly referred to as “Lucky Bags” in English, fukubukoro are specially priced parcels of surplus items from popular stores across Japan that are usually valued well over the purchase price.
This year, we sent 10 of our Japanese reporters out on the streets early New Year’s morning to gather up the best Lucky Bags they could find. Some came back with somewhat useless products even Mr. Sato wouldn’t want. Other’s were pleasantly surprised to find rare and valuable items nestled in their bags. But despite deep discounts, Lucky Bags aren’t always worth the wait and price, so in order to save you time on next year’s Japanese New Year’s shopping adventures, each of our writers has chosen the best Lucky Bags this side of the Pacific.
Store: Okashi no Machioka
Reporter: P.K. Sanjun
As it turns out, our reporter P.K. Sanjun turned up with eight Lucky Bags this year, all of them food-related. His pick for the best food buy goes to candy store, Okashi no Machioka. Here’s what he had to say about his sweet purchase:
“The price was an easy-to-swallow 1,000 yen (US$8.37), and the bag contains so much candy that you’re sure to be genuinely delighted upon opening it up. All the candy was from famous confectionery makers and there was a lot of it! — it didn’t feel as if they just threw a bunch of leftover candy in a bag. I definitely recommend it for first-time Lucky Bag buyers!”
Store: LUSH
Reporter: DEBUNEKO
Collecting an impressive 10 Lucky Bags in a single day, our reporter DEBUNEKO was so enthusiastic about her task that our editing staff was a little worried she’d hyperventilate. As she excitedly unveiled all of her mystery items, we managed to calm her down long enough for her to tell us about her favorite Lucky Bag. It turns out she absolutely loved the cosmetics she got from LUSH Kitchen, especially the body soap with a real slice of lemon inside. Sorry DEBUNEKO, despite your immense love of Lucky Bags, you’re just going to have to wait an entire year to get some more.
Store: D.A.D
Reporter: Nakano
Always a fan of the luxurious, Nakano, our top batter during our Lucky Bag collecting efforts, came away with a grand total of nine fukubukuro. He refused to give us a reason for loving his D.A.D Lucky Bag the most, but he seems to think that it’s worth one million yen (roughly $8,000). Well, if he’s happy, we’re happy!
Store: Muji
Reporter: Sachi Ojiya
Invigorated by the Lucky Bag hunt, Sachi’s top purchase (out of a total of four bags) was from Muji, Japan’s favorite no-frills home goods store. (It turns out Muji was selling more of a “Fortune Can” than a Lucky Bag this year.)
“The great thing about the Muji Fortune Can is that there wasn’t anything in there that I didn’t want. The traditional ornament, the lovely little bag, the gift card that is the same value as the retail price of the can – I was glad to get them all! What’s more, you don’t know exactly what ornament you’re going to get until you open up the can, so the mystery factor is still there.”
Store: Apple
Reporter: Mr. Sato
You can’t have an Apple Store event without Mr. Sato. Naturally, our most outlandish reporter camped out overnight for his chance to get a MacBook Air or iPad in his Lucky Bag. But after all that waiting, he unfortunately came up short.
However, after rushing back to the RocketNews24 office, Mr. Sato was extremely happy with what he did get: Powerbeats² wireless earphones valued at 20,600 yen ($170.98). In fact, he was so pleased with his Lucky Bag purchase, he placed his new Beats in his ear, mumbled, “right, I’m off,” and immediately went home.
Store: Tully’s Coffee (3,000 yen bag)
Reporter: Meg Sawai
There were a lot of coffee Lucky Bags this year, and Meg managed to get her hands on a few of them. Lucky she decided to stop by Tully’s because it just so happens to be the company with the best coffee Lucky Bag in all of Japan.
Store: :(
Reporter: Yuuichiro Wasai
The Lucky Bag gods did not shine on Yuuichiro, who came away from the New Year’s festivities a broken man. He had his heart set on nothing less than a MacBook Air hidden in his Apple Lucky Bag, but only received an iPod touch. He did, however, get a limited edition laptop backpack, which he has poured his heart and soul into loving in the face of his disappointment. There, there, young Yuuichiro. There’s always next year.
Store: UFO Catcher
Reporter: Yoshio
We created a RocketNews24 Lucky Bag chat room so all of our writers could stay in touch with their fellow Lucky Bag hunters. We had intended it to be a way to keep all of our team members going strong, offering each other moral support, but it turned into more of a virtual battleground filled with gruesome tales of Lucky Bag victories and losses. Reading about all the action in our chat room, Yoshio decided he’d try his hand at procuring the best Lucky Bag he could think of.
While the rest of our writers were scouring the most popular department stores, Yoshio made his way to the nearest game center, a strange choice. Well, 6,400 yen ($53) later, he finally coaxed two Lucky Bags out of a crane game. We’ll let you decide if it was worth it, but at least Yoshio went through the trouble of taking plenty of pictures for us…
Store: LOFT
Reporter: GO
GO managed to collect eight Lucky Bags in total, not too shabby. As he was rushing around department store 109MEN’S, snatching up any Lucky Bag he could get his hands on (including a cute Hello Kitty one), he had a brief moment of self reflection, thinking, “What the heck am I doing?” As he wondered what his mother would think, GO ripped open a Lucky Bag from LOFT. Peering into the bag, he saw a white cushion with the word “JOY” embroidered on the front. Hesitating for just a few moments, GO sat upon his newly procured cushion and a wave of calm came over him. As the soft fabric hugged his weary bottom, GO was at peace with himself and his ridiculous endeavor of Lucky Bag buying. It was fate.
Store: Chojyu no Sato
Reporter: Muneyake Sunday
Amongst the chatter on our Lucky Bag chat room, one message immediately stood out: “Um, I accidentally bought something…is that alright?” The first RocketNews24 mistake of the year came from Muneyake Sunday, whose only mission was to buy a Lucky Bag from Japanese cosmetics brand DHC (this woman holds a doctorate in Russia, ladies and gentlemen). What she came back with instead were products from the store next to DHC, Chojyu no Sato. It turns out Muneyake Sunday received a lot of goodies in her mistakenly bought Lucky Bag and we all got a good laugh, so we’d say she was successful in her endeavor.
And with that, we’ve finished our Lucky Bag Roundup for 2015! Check back next year for even more fukubukuro action and hopefully a MacBook Air for poor Yuuichiro!
Photos: RocketNews24
]]> https://soranews24.com/2015/01/08/lucky-bag-roundup-our-reporters-choose-the-best-fukubukuro-of-2015/feed/ 1 207920 hukubukuromatome2015b img_820121 rushdebuneko dadnakano 0011_500px luckybag20151_500px 2_500px doya004_500px img_0097_500px 10891023_390363747804434_1556530826_n_500px joy-mini 071 10 slightly strange Christmas trees from Japan https://soranews24.com/2014/12/22/10-slightly-strange-christmas-trees-from-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/22/10-slightly-strange-christmas-trees-from-japan/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2014 03:00:16 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=205063 
Christmas in Japan has always been different than what folks from other countries are used to. There’s always the Christmas bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken handed out by a santa-suit-clad Colonel Sanders, the Christmas cake topped with whipped cream swirls and strawberries, and those romantic walks with your loved one around the many illuminated streets. LINKS. That’s why we weren’t surprised, and frankly delighted, to find the following 10 unconventional Christmas trees from around Japan.
Here’s one from the Kyoto Aquarium. Close up, it looks pretty normal:
▼ Are there a bunch of rocks stacked on the tree?
きのう京都水族館で見た最高なクリスマスツリーがこちらです。 pic.twitter.com/G4ycSGt4N1
— SHARP シャープ株式会社 (@SHARP_JP) November 21, 2014
Zoom out and the decorations turn out to be something a bit more lively
▼ Giant salamanders!
https://twitter.com/ryu_shinki/status/545632668394610688
The Carp, Hiroshima City’s baseball team, have their own fanatical mascot named Slyly who’s been made into an enormous Christmas tree.
https://twitter.com/satoshi33110044/status/532113498281496576
▼ Is his head the star on the top of the tree? Or is he the entire tree?
https://twitter.com/saya_love_music/status/533911337366085632
▼ A view from the bottom reveals just how big this guy really is.
下からスラィツリー！デカイ！ pic.twitter.com/2VI2yuSMi6
— らうーる (@z_0318) October 28, 2014
Aww, what a simple, yet elegant tree, its branches filled with…angels? White doves?
Twitter (Jasonsan_1994)
▼ Nope, severed heads.
Twitter (Jasonsan_1994)
You know it’s winter in Japan when the grocery stores start selling mikans, also known as Japanese mandarin oranges. So why not take this ubiquitous cold-weather fruit and use them to decorate a tree?
https://twitter.com/tn_fme/status/538534826001715200
▼ Some of the mikans even light up!
https://twitter.com/Walker47_jp/status/537864714147987457
But why decorate a tree with mikans when you can make the entire tree out of them?
おはようございます。みかんツリーです pic.twitter.com/crGfcNOjTc
— あいま (@aima0614) November 23, 2014
Those outside of Japan may not be familiar with this next unconventional decoration.
築地で見たツリー。
たわしを飾りにしてる。斬新。 pic.twitter.com/cFN3uNzISo— 沙羅 (@mirilakkuma25) November 23, 2014
It’s a Kamenoko Tawashi, a stiff traditional-style bristle brush used in most Japanese homes for scrubbing.
▼ Up-close it doesn’t look fancy enough for a Christmas tree.
Wikipedia (Qurren)
But adding some tulle and a crown really makes this scrubbing brush sparkle:
わたし 今年 たわし 買ったし
汚い 流し 掃除 したし
たかし できるし ひとり暮らし
板橋 にあるし たわしツリー pic.twitter.com/EcNhFSC11O— なおい (@8823Nade) December 8, 2014
▼ It even lights up!
https://twitter.com/masakohira/status/545882928287191040
The Tokyo International Forum made its own stacked Christmas tree in honor of The Year of the Sheep.
https://twitter.com/sueko_lssol/status/546115080052420608
▼ We have a feeling 2015 is going to be the cutest year yet!
国際フォーラムのひつじさんツリー激かわ
ひつじさん動くし...！
— kzyk (@ykkb_h) December 7, 2014
Japan’s favorite vocaloid, Hatsune Miku, even has her own tree, featuring her long pigtails:
北海道のツリーはミクらしい(笑) pic.twitter.com/Qg58cis0A8
— つるるん (@tsururung) December 20, 2014
千歳空港のミクツリー pic.twitter.com/9xY6oD8utO
— インディ@写真垢 (@indyjzx) December 11, 2014
This topsy-turvy tree must have turned a few heads…
https://twitter.com/Coco2Sae/status/540438509371150336
And we realize this isn’t a Christmas tree, but we just had to share it with you anyway:
▼ Tennōji Park in Osaka decided to go with the theme of “Japanese-style” for their decorations this year.
天王寺公園のイルミは今年は和風だった！
和とイルミネーションは合わないと思う… pic.twitter.com/l7M3jkg9O0— 黄菜子
きのこどこのこ島 (@kinaco_oo) December 6, 2014
But no matter where you live or how you celebrate or don’t celebrate Christmas, we hope you spend the day with the ones you love. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Source: Naver Matome
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/22/10-slightly-strange-christmas-trees-from-japan/feed/ 0 205063 B2jVhreCIAAk_IL B2jVhreCIAAk_IL B4udtreCUAEKlHH B4udti8CAAAjlMD 1200px-Tawashi_Japanese_scourer Darth Vader to be featured in large-scale Star Wars snow sculpture at 2015 Sapporo Snow Festival https://soranews24.com/2014/12/20/darth-vader-to-be-featured-in-large-scale-snow-sculpture-at-the-2015-sapporo-snow-festival/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/20/darth-vader-to-be-featured-in-large-scale-snow-sculpture-at-the-2015-sapporo-snow-festival/#comments Sat, 20 Dec 2014 01:03:38 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=204938 
The annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in Japan’s northernmost prefecture has been delighting tourists and locals for over six decades. Each year, artists from around the world are invited to show off their talents constructing enormous structures out of ice and snow.
To commemorate the release of the seventh installment of the Star Wars series, The Walt Disney Company has collaborated with festival officials to design what looks to be the most epic large-scale snow sculpture yet, featuring enormous snow versions of Darth Vader, three Storm Troopers, a TIE fighter, and the Death Star.
Sapporo Snow Festival officials recently announced the collaboration, marking the first large-scale snow sculpture licensed by Lucasfilm. The design will be made a reality in time for the 66th anniversary of the festival, scheduled to take place from February 5 to February 11, 2015.
Darth Vader, lightsaber in hand, stands at the forefront of the design, beside him are three Stormtroopers, blaster rifles at the ready. In the background, a TIE fighter and the Death Star are seen in legendary detail. And just in case the iconic characters weren’t enough of a hint, the words “Star Wars” will be carved out on the lower corner.
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens will open in theatres December 18, 2015; we’re sure glad we have this snow sculpture of epic proportions to tide us over until then!
Source/image: NariNari
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/20/darth-vader-to-be-featured-in-large-scale-snow-sculpture-at-the-2015-sapporo-snow-festival/feed/ 0 204938 2014-12-19-131157 2014-12-19-131157 Six non-traditional osechi New Year’s meals in Japan https://soranews24.com/2014/12/19/six-non-traditional-osechi-new-years-meals-in-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/19/six-non-traditional-osechi-new-years-meals-in-japan/#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:00:43 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=204318 
New Year’s in Japan is usually celebrated with family huddled under the kotatsu while munching on mikans, and sharing a dinner of traditional food, called osechi. Each component of the meal retains an auspicious meaning, granting the eater with good fortune, health, or fertility, among other things, during the coming year.
However, in recent years, an increasingly large population of Japan’s youth have chosen to forgo eating osechi. There are many reasons osechi has been disappearing from Japanese homes during New Year’s, but these changing tastes have given rise to a smorgasbord of strange, unique, and, frankly, comparatively tastier pre-made osechi meals. From cooked isopods to a box full of meat, let’s take a closer look at six modern day osechi.
- Deep-sea fish osechi
So maybe this one doesn’t fall under the “tastier” category, but the “deep-sea fish osechi” from Clion Market features all types of ocean floor critters that have gained attention in the news this past year. Most notable are the underwater isopods, water snails, and several types of deep water fish, including the big-eyed kinmedai.
▼ Yum!
All that New Year’s fishiness can be yours for 21,600 yen (US$181)
- Military-style osechi
On the outside, this osechi box looks tough as nails decked out in camo with the words “Japan Ground Self Defense Force” on the cover. But a first peek reveals something surprising…
▼ A normal osechi meal.
The second tier is more of the same. However, the third tier shows something different:
▼ Military provisions!
Hayashi rice, pork curry, and “delicious white rice” is lovingly packed in this military-style kit, perfect for doomsday preppers or people searching for a fun way to eat from a bag. You’ll just have to be willing to pay 16,200 yen ($136).
- Meat osechi
Who wants to eat boiled beans or herring roe when you could chow down on delicious marbled meat? Filled with nothing but the finest cuts of Japanese beef, this meaty osechi is perfect for the yakiniku lover. Four different boxes of various cuts of beef are priced from 10,000 to 20,000 yen ($84-$168).
- Steamed osechi
Osechi is always served cold, often left out all day – one of the reasons its falling out of style in modern times. But this steamed osechi, which comes in a special box made of Japanese cypress wood, is perfect for those who want something warm to eat on a cold January morning. This high class meal includes fancy fare such as abalone, sea urchin, and foie gras and ham wrapped in cabbage.
▼ So fancy!
As you might expect, such a luxurious meal will cost you; 37,000 yen ($311) to be exact!
- Osechi x AKB48
Ah, AKB48, the idol darlings of Japan. The fresh-faced teens are teaming up to bring pop fans across the country an alternative to boring old osechi. There are two boxes to choose from, each containing the favorite osechi dishes of the most popular AKB48 members. And this wouldn’t be an AKB48 tie-in without freebies and a prize raffle! Everyone who purchases a box receives an osechi information pamphlet and a “Happy New Year video” featuring members of the group. In addition, 48 lucky winners will receive a cloth made from a costume of the member of their choice. It will also be signed!
- Sweets osechi
If savory foods don’t seem festive enough to ring in the new year, you’re in luck. Just order this “sweets osechi” and treat yourself to two tiers of Western-style desserts. All the strawberry mousse and roll cakes you see below will be yours for 21,600 yen ($181).
Which non-traditional osechi looks the most appetizing? Adventurous eaters and those with peculiar tastes are sure to order the box of deep-sea fish!
Source: Naver Matome
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/19/six-non-traditional-osechi-new-years-meals-in-japan/feed/ 1 204318 letao-1 letao-1 2014-12-17-110908 Splendid_alfonsino_(_Beryx_splendens_) 84388147 84388147_o1 84388147_o3 meat osechi main Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 5.05.23 PM osechi_akb_ph001 Screen Shot 2014-12-17 at 4.16.30 PM letao-1 letao-4 letao-2 Commercial reminds Japan’s tired commuters about the drawbacks of living far away from work https://soranews24.com/2014/12/18/commercial-reminds-japans-tired-commuters-about-the-drawbacks-of-living-far-away-from-work/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/18/commercial-reminds-japans-tired-commuters-about-the-drawbacks-of-living-far-away-from-work/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2014 02:00:18 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=204095 
Mouth agape, eyes rolled back, head bobbing – when home is an hour or more away and work continues late into the night, the only place for many Japanese office workers to lay their weary head is against a train car window. This phenomenon is not unique to Japan, but the combination of overwork and limited affordable housing in big cities like Tokyo give rise to crowds of sleepy commuters just trying to get to their futon. If you have never witness the varied sleeping positions of Japan’s overworked commuters, take a look at the following video created by real estate website HOME’S.
Our favorite sleepyhead has got to be this guy:
If you found yourself bobbing along to the simple, yet pleasing melody featured in the video, you’re not alone. It’s nursery-rhyme-like lyrics are quite clever, utilizing the Japanese alphabet in order:
“あ”したはすぐにやってくるのに
“か”えり道は長すぎる
“さ”っさと靴下脱ぎたいよ
“た”くさんの録画溜まってるあいうえお かきくけこ さしすせと たちつてと
“な”かなか家には着かないよ
“は”やくお風呂に入りたい
“ま”っすぐ布団にすべりこもう
“や”っぱいい夢みたいよなにぬねの はひふへほ まみむめも やゆよ
In English, it doesn’t have quite the cuteness of the original, but the meaning is perfect for the video of dozing riders:
Tomorrow comes so quickly
The road home is too long
I want to hurry up and take off my socks
There’s a lot of shows recorded on my DVRA-I-U-E-O Ka-Ki-Ku-Ke-Ko Sa-Shi-Su-Se-So Ta-Chi-Tsu-Te-To
It’s taking forever to get home
I want to take a bath already
And dive straight into my futon
I want to have sweet dreams tonightNa-Ni-Nu-Ne-No Ha-Hi-Hu-He-Ho Ma-Mi-Mu-Me-Mo Ya-Yu-Yo
The video ends with a reminder that companies don’t compensate employees for commuting time and prompts viewers to try out HOME’s commute time search engine. The real estate company is aiming straight for the tired and weary in their commercial; we wouldn’t be surprised if they played this on the trains, giving fatigued workers a mirror image of their own commute.
Source: Kai-You
Images: YouTube (ホームズ)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/18/commercial-reminds-japans-tired-commuters-about-the-drawbacks-of-living-far-away-from-work/feed/ 0 204095 Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 6.09.02 PM Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 6.09.02 PM Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 6.08.44 PM Artist creates stunning Chinese-style paintings using cosmetics https://soranews24.com/2014/12/16/artist-creates-stunning-chinese-style-paintings-using-cosmetics/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/16/artist-creates-stunning-chinese-style-paintings-using-cosmetics/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2014 08:30:38 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=203704 
“Red” Hong Yi is a Malaysian artist-architect who creates brilliant and unconventional works of art. Known as “the artist who loves to paint, but not with a paintbrush,” she uses mascara, foundation, and other cosmetics to give rise to misty mountainsides, vibrant fire crackers, and shimmering ponds.
Ethnically Chinese, Red’s family moved from their home in China during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and settled in Malaysia, where Red was born. She currently works in China and draws inspiration from the culture of her ancestors in her art series titled “Make-up meets Chinese Art” and another series published during Chinese New Year 2014. Here’s a small sample of her beautiful artwork:
http://instagram.com/p/klZIPUrPLP/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/kES298LPL2/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/j_cQWorPNy/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/j3sjPwLPDH/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/jy_65yrPF_/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/jwLZF6rPDK/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/jtxX7SLPCw/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/ejvWT6rPIA/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/eW24idLPFO/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/eLx0kxrPOq/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/d-ud3_rPF_/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/dtuO8mLPJd/?modal=true
Red doesn’t only use cosmetics; showing off her creativity, she uses a variety of tools. Here’s a portrait she did using a football:
http://instagram.com/p/pks8F8rPLO/?modal=true
Red also has an entire series of flower petal art:
http://instagram.com/p/bxfEwUrPDj/?modal=true
http://instagram.com/p/b7wRWjLPJy/?modal=true
▼ Here’s how she did it.
http://instagram.com/p/b5FV2irPD8/?modal=true
You may have even seen her flower artwork featured on Google (if you happen to be in Malaysia):
She also created a portrait of Jackie Chan using 64,000 chopsticks!
▼ Check out a video of the chopsticks Chan!
We are absolutely in awe of the talent this young artist possesses. If you’d like to check out more of “Red” Hong Yi’s work, be sure to visit her website and instagram! And for a behind-the-scene look at the making of some of her art installations, head on over to her YouTube channel.
Source: Naver Matome, Red Hong Yi
Images: Instagram (redhongyi)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/16/artist-creates-stunning-chinese-style-paintings-using-cosmetics/feed/ 0 203704 Screen Shot 2014-12-15 at 8.07.58 PM Screen Shot 2014-12-15 at 8.07.58 PM This map shows the probability of a white Christmas for each of Japan’s prefectures https://soranews24.com/2014/12/13/this-map-shows-the-probability-of-a-white-christmas-for-each-of-japans-prefectures/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/13/this-map-shows-the-probability-of-a-white-christmas-for-each-of-japans-prefectures/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2014 21:00:42 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=202660 
If the popularity of Bing Crosby’s famous holiday song is any indication, many people all over the world are dreaming of a white Christmas. But according to the past 30 years of snowfall data, several prefectures in Japan will almost surely be unable to hear sleigh bells in the snow.
Take a look at the following map created by Japanese weather site Tenki.jp to find out if the area of Japan you live in will have a white Christmas!
The numbers hovering over each prefecture indicates how often snow fell on Christmas Eve from 1984 to 2013. As you can see, the heart of Hokkaido had a white Christmas 100 percent of the time, while areas of the southernmost islands of Kyushu and Shikoku rarely, and sometimes never, woke up to fresh snow on Christmas morning. Tokyo and its neighbors also had a snowless Christmas for the past 30 years, while Osaka only had a slightly better record of snow 7 percent of the time.
How did your neck of the Japanese woods fare? Is it likely you’ll be opening presents with a world of white outside? Even if you don’t have a picturesque Christmas, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Source: Hamusoku
Featured image: Flickr (Takeshi Kuboki)
Image: Tenki.jp
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/13/this-map-shows-the-probability-of-a-white-christmas-for-each-of-japans-prefectures/feed/ 0 202660 5360142743_ceb85220ed_z 5360142743_ceb85220ed_z 175d6e8d A funny thing happened at the game center: 10 strange crane game tweets from Japan https://soranews24.com/2014/12/08/a-funny-thing-happened-at-the-game-center-10-strange-crane-game-tweets-from-japan/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/08/a-funny-thing-happened-at-the-game-center-10-strange-crane-game-tweets-from-japan/#comments Sun, 07 Dec 2014 22:00:37 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=201958 
Game centers in Japan promise a treasure trove of riches for those skilled at coaxing small prizes from their crane game glass housings, but endless frustration for anyone who hasn’t had plenty of practice. If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ve probably played a crane game or two yourself, but we have a feeling you’ve never seen something like the following Twitter users captured. Let’s take a look at 10 strange happenings at game centers across Japan.
Sometimes it seems like the game center is doing all it can to keep you away from your precious prize:
https://twitter.com/1128Sikgnygrb/status/504087508527747073
Or even adds in extra obstacles (or prizes, depending on how you look at it):
UFOキャッチャーにセロハンテープあった pic.twitter.com/krc3kMdyu9
— 死んだりーたん (@romancers7) November 27, 2014
こないだ見たUFOキャッチャーの景品
＿人人 人人＿
＞ 工具 ＜
￣Y^Y^Y^Y￣ pic.twitter.com/hckSGOVufG—
𝔬𝔰𝔴𝔞𝔩𝔡𝔨𝔲𝔰𝔥𝔯𝔞𝔟𝔟𝔦𝔱
(@ghetto022) August 7, 2014
Quite often, the second place price isn’t nearly as nice as the first:
https://twitter.com/HIROOMI3_JSBTY/status/508936486691954689
And it’s even possible to get a prize you never expected:
▼ We’d like to see her do that again.
https://twitter.com/ana_ame/status/492936394428260352
But any long-time game center goer knows which prizes aren’t quite worth your time:
小倉智昭さんのヅラを落とせば景品GETのUFOキャッチャーだって pic.twitter.com/2L5OZKDIXB
— KohakuRinchan (@KohakuR) July 24, 2014
https://twitter.com/babytennisman/status/332810668589854720
おいwwwwwインタワの伊勢エビ全部死んでるwwwwwwwwww pic.twitter.com/Af4LD2YmVm
— ↑ (@True_u3j1) March 19, 2014
Even so, sometimes the crane game gods just aren’t going to let you go home with anything, no matter how good you are:
UFOキャッチャーでしがみつくオラフ
しぶとい…
まぁGETしちゃいましたけど！ pic.twitter.com/Febh9Z1TQ8— あんどういずみ (@zzziiiuuu123) November 12, 2014
UFOキャッチャーに凄いモノが出てる！ pic.twitter.com/vSGOmun2DP
— 錦汰 (@Junwade) May 3, 2014
Fight on Crane Game Heros! You’ll get that grand prize one day!
Souce: Naver Matome
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/08/a-funny-thing-happened-at-the-game-center-10-strange-crane-game-tweets-from-japan/feed/ 0 201958 Screen Shot 2014-12-06 at 3.06.27 PM Screen Shot 2014-12-06 at 3.06.27 PM It seems like everyone in Japan wants this pillow featuring a famous sumo wrestler’s butt https://soranews24.com/2014/12/04/it-seems-like-everyone-in-japan-wants-this-pillow-featuring-a-famous-sumo-wrestlers-butt/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/04/it-seems-like-everyone-in-japan-wants-this-pillow-featuring-a-famous-sumo-wrestlers-butt/#comments Thu, 04 Dec 2014 01:00:46 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=201071 
In the past year, sumo wrestler Endō Shōta has been busy outside the ring, showing up in special edition photo booths and using his muscular arms to carry contest winners like a princess. Now, this 24-year-old rising star has been making his way into Japanese homes in the form of a pillow. Featuring Endo in his work attire, this limited release pillow was only given out to five thousand lucky winners, who weren’t shy about showing off their love for this young man’s backside.
Those interested in winning the “Endo Cushion” were invited to enter into a special contest held by Japanese instant food company Nagatanien. One hundred grand prize winners were treated to a handprint and signature courtesy of Endo himself, but it was the second prize that everyone’s talking about.
▼ The front. Look at that serious gaze!
https://twitter.com/mirinko1987/status/538648757349257217
▼ Endo and Pillow Endo letting it all hang out.
<遠藤クッション>遠藤本人とクッション。裏側。★永谷園さんの対象商品購入で、遠藤クッションなどが当たるキャンペーンを実施中です！詳しくは→http://t.co/soWjb9RVI1 #sumo pic.twitter.com/XbZbyGTenM
— 日本相撲協会公式 (@sumokyokai) October 24, 2014
The 5,000 lucky winners were thrilled with their good fortune and took to Twitter to tell the world just how happy they were to be the proud owners of the ultra-up-close pillow:
“The Endo Cushion!!! I got one!”
“My older sister just received an Endo Cushion. She was so happy she cried and jumped up and down.”
“Just got an Endo Cushion. What a beautiful masterpiece of a butt!”
Some tweeters took it one step further, giving us some weird, and otherwise creepy, photos:
https://twitter.com/noritamago724/status/538954934612283392
▼ That angle!
https://twitter.com/kakikukeko_kako/status/538277309292085248
犬だって遠藤の尻で寝たい pic.twitter.com/TtK5LNd5qt
— ＫＵＢ (@fukushima00t) November 28, 2014
母ちゃんが永谷園の懸賞で当てた遠藤関クッション。 pic.twitter.com/IMkzphYMqS
— かいり (@kairi_elly) December 3, 2014
https://twitter.com/kuragebomb/status/538880951619559424
Clever winners found a variety of uses for their new pillows, praising the shape as a perfect elbow support while typing on their laptop.
ちなみに膝上にクッション乗っけたら遠藤関に見つめられるよ♡トゥンク♡ pic.twitter.com/2mIHRpCWRS
— なんしー (@nantechi) November 28, 2014
Others decided to use their new freebie for its intended purpose. But when your pillow features a full-grown man’s butt, things get awkward fast:
遠藤関クッション！当たった！！ pic.twitter.com/cR70e2M6DO
— ゆう (@yuuu_196) November 29, 2014
遠藤関のお尻ツルツルだよおお pic.twitter.com/AAfloV0y5B
— ＫＵＢ (@fukushima00t) November 28, 2014
Well, at least they’re happy. Congratulations to all the winners!
Unfortunately, for every one elated Twitter user who received a pillow in the likeness of Endō Shōta, several others were disappointed to find they hadn’t been so lucky. But fear not! Anyone in Japan still has a second chance on December 31 to get their hands on Endo’s miniaturized behind!
Source: Naver Matome
Featured image: Twitter (sumokyokai)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/04/it-seems-like-everyone-in-japan-wants-this-pillow-featuring-a-famous-sumo-wrestlers-butt/feed/ 0 201071 B0s_hgyCEAAi3Ew B0s_hgyCEAAi3Ew Sheep-flavored ice cream from Baskin Robbins Japan tastes like dreams https://soranews24.com/2014/12/03/sheep-flavored-ice-cream-from-baskin-robbins-japan-tastes-like-dreams/ https://soranews24.com/2014/12/03/sheep-flavored-ice-cream-from-baskin-robbins-japan-tastes-like-dreams/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2014 20:30:54 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=200980 
In celebration of 2015, Baskin Robbins Japan has created a special flavor inspired by sheep, this year’s animal according to the Chinese zodiac. And while it may not actually taste like lamb, it has enough imagery inspired by the woolen animal to make you say, “BAA!”
Starting from December 26, ice cream lovers can have a taste of what Baskin Robbins is calling “Lucky Sheep,” a combination of strawberry ice cream, marshmallows (representing a sheep’s fluffy wool), and chocolate chips (representing a sheep’s round black eyes). The new flavor is being touted as “cute and lovely,” but we’re having a hard time with the imagery of eating the lifeless eyes of a little lamb and getting all that wool caught in our throat.
▼ We wonder what the pink strawberry ice cream represents…
Only available from New Year’s Day until the 12th of January, Baskin Robbins is also offering a “Happy Doll Sheep” sundae. The company created the dessert with the image of “a sheep pleasantly sleeping while having the year’s first dream.”
It includes two horn-shaped chocolates, a chocolate 2015 ice cream cone, and whipped cream. Customers are free to choose any type of ice cream they like to create the face of their sweet lamb, but you might as well sheep it up and go for the Lucky Sheep ice cream. Those chocolate chip eye balls won’t eat themselves!
Source: NariNari
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/12/03/sheep-flavored-ice-cream-from-baskin-robbins-japan-tastes-like-dreams/feed/ 0 200980 Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 1.12.21 PM Screen Shot 2014-12-01 at 1.12.21 PM sheep ice cream2 sheep ice cream Young man’s clever use of an umbrella saves injured kitten https://soranews24.com/2014/11/28/young-mans-clever-use-of-an-umbrella-saves-injured-kitten/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/28/young-mans-clever-use-of-an-umbrella-saves-injured-kitten/#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:00:03 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=199658 
We love a good rescue story, especially when it involves cute kitties! Find out who this rescuer is and why the kitten found himself stuck in a ditch after the jump!
The poor little kitten in the photo above was sadly struck by a vehicle and landed in one of the roadside drainage ditches that are commonly found in Japan (commonly referred to as “gaijin traps” for their ability to catch pedestrian foreigners off guard). Unable to move, the injured kitten was trapped in the shallow water of the ditch. Luckily, a young man (whose dream is to become a firefighter) came to the kitten’s rescue, using an umbrella to scoop up the soaked feline and bring it to safety.
子猫救助成功〜♩
よかったよかった(*^^*) pic.twitter.com/qZMZ3XS7HU— 三重野雄介 (@ni___yan07) June 4, 2014
The photos were warmly received by Japanese internet users, many applauding the young man for his courage and quick-thinking. Reddit users were also treated to this heartwarming tale just one day ago. Most comments praised the clever rescuer and his impromptu tool, however, Reddit user Persica managed to momentarily soil the happy image: “if you moved the second picture the to left it would look like he dropped a kitten in water.” Redditor lastman1122 brought the comment to life:
▼ “The correct course of events”
Poor baby kitty!!! We’re glad this was actually a rescue mission and not a terrible case of cat abuse as the mischievous Redditors suggest. Kuddos to this brave young man for his good deed!
Source: Byokan Sunday, Reddit
Featured image: Twitter (ni___yan07)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/11/28/young-mans-clever-use-of-an-umbrella-saves-injured-kitten/feed/ 1 199658 Screen Shot 2014-11-26 at 4.35.28 PM Screen Shot 2014-11-26 at 4.35.28 PM 9kDoDtE Drinkable Hi-Chew coming to a Japanese convenience store near you! https://soranews24.com/2014/11/27/drinkable-hi-chew-coming-to-a-japanese-convenience-store-near-you/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/27/drinkable-hi-chew-coming-to-a-japanese-convenience-store-near-you/#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2014 04:00:32 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=199668 
Now you can drink your candy and eat it, too! In just a few days, everyone’s favorite Japanese candy, Hi-Chew, will be available as a (probably) delicious drink!
Starting from December 2, Japanese confectionery company, Morinaga, will be selling “Hi-Chew Drink Mikan” in stores across Japan (except for Okinawa, sorry!). The drink contains 5 percent fruit juice and is said to be a mix of mikan (Japanese mandarin orange) and milk, giving rise to a creamy beverage reminiscent of Hi-Chew candy. What’s more, the Hi-Chew drink is emblazoned with the same logo and design style as the namesake candy, making for easy recognition. But act fast, Hi-Chew Drink Mikan will only be on sale until the end of January. Hi-Chew fanatics, you’ve been warned!
Source: NetLab
Image: Morinaga
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/11/27/drinkable-hi-chew-coming-to-a-japanese-convenience-store-near-you/feed/ 0 199668 Screen Shot 2014-11-26 at 5.13.00 PM Screen Shot 2014-11-26 at 5.13.00 PM 3-D green tea latte art adds a splash of whimsy and color to your cup https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/3-d-green-tea-latte-art-adds-a-splash-of-whimsy-and-color-to-your-cup/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/3-d-green-tea-latte-art-adds-a-splash-of-whimsy-and-color-to-your-cup/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2014 07:00:57 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=199277 
While browsing around Twitter the other day, one of our Japanese reporters came across some adorable 3-D matcha latte art on the Matcha Fan Club (抹茶同好会) official account.
According to the tweet, the photos came from a sweet shop at the Karasuma Oike Station in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto called Saryo Suisen. Our reporter just had to see more, so she headed over to their official Twitter page and was treated to some beautiful latte art designs created by the shop barista, Sudo-san.
Of course, we just had to share them with you!
Chubby little polars bears, kitties, and other cuddly animals made of creamy white foam float in a sea of green matcha latte. You’d be surprised how many different designs Sudo-san creates…and of course, they’re all totally cute!
▼ This poofy kitty looks so happy to be relaxing in her cup surrounded by the frothy bubbles, it almost makes us wish we had a green tea bath of our own. 
▼ There’s a whole family of rabbits here…it makes us sad to have to drink them all up.
▼ This bunny has a little friend in his green tea bath.
▼ Solo kitty chills out with a sweet design.
▼ We’re assuming that’s the bear’s tail poking out…
▼ Even Funasshi is getting in on the green tea action.
▼ Looks like the matcha is a little too hot for this one.
▼Hi!
The best thing about the 3-D matcha latte art is that it’s absolutely free to visitors of the Karasuma Oike Station branch of Saryo Suisen (of course, you have to pay for the matcha latte, but the art is free!). You can even request the type or style of design you’d like when the shop isn’t busy! And the best news is that Saryo Suisen has plenty of delicious Japanese style sweets to keep you coming back for more. Why not stop by for a cup of 3-D green tea and warabi mochi?
Shop information
Saryo Suisen
茶寮 翠泉 烏丸御池店
Address: 461 Kinpukicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Phone: +81 75-221-7010
Hours: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm (closed Wednesdays)
Website
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/3-d-green-tea-latte-art-adds-a-splash-of-whimsy-and-color-to-your-cup/feed/ 1 199277 Screen Shot 2014-11-25 at 3.15.10 PM Screen Shot 2014-11-25 at 3.15.10 PM Green Tea Latte Art1 Green Tea Latte Art Green Tea Latte Art13 Green Tea Latte Art5 Green Tea Latte Art16 Green Tea Latte Art2 Green Tea Latte Art3 Green Tea Latte Art4 Green Tea Latte Art6 Green Tea Latte Art8 Green Tea Latte Art9 Green Tea Latte Art15 This man’s first hand-drawn maze took seven years to complete, now he’s working on a second one https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/this-mans-first-hand-drawn-maze-took-seven-years-to-complete-now-hes-working-on-a-second-one/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/this-mans-first-hand-drawn-maze-took-seven-years-to-complete-now-hes-working-on-a-second-one/#comments Wed, 26 Nov 2014 02:00:34 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=199039 
We love viewing the work of dedicated artists, just like the realistic Naruto illustrations of Sakimi chan or the beautiful Ghibli backgrounds by Naohisa Inoue. So you can bet we enjoyed seeing the unbelievably intricate maze that one Japanese Twitter user’s father is currently crafting.
Twitter user @Kya7y uploaded the photo of her father’s work in progress just five days ago and it has already been retweeted over 11,000 times. His first maze took an impressive seven years to complete…and we have a feeling it was nearly impossible to find the end.
▼ The first maze.
— きゃなばーど (@Kya7y) January 14, 2013
The hand-drawn maze certainly looks impressive from far away and is even more astonishing up close!:
かなり複雑に道が交差してるのだけどこういうのPCにどう読ませるか pic.twitter.com/ksg85r4A
— きゃなばーど (@Kya7y) January 14, 2013
Now after nearly three decades, the father of @Kya7y is starting on a brand new one:
▼ “Here’s the maze my father started drawing after 32 years. He’s trying to make the design more beautiful and easier to complete. #Daughter is excited for it to be finished #I wonder if it’ll take another seven years”
【速報】お父さんが32年ぶりに迷路を描き始めました。より簡単にゴールでき、より綺麗な仕上がりを目指すらしいです。 #娘として完成が楽しみである #また7年かかるのだろうか pic.twitter.com/js7FEcYILF
— きゃなばーど (@Kya7y) November 20, 2014
Just like @Kya7y, we can’t wait to see the finished product!
Source: ToGech
Featured image: Twitter (Kya7y)
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/this-mans-first-hand-drawn-maze-took-seven-years-to-complete-now-hes-working-on-a-second-one/feed/ 0 199039 Screen Shot 2014-11-24 at 3.48.49 PM Screen Shot 2014-11-24 at 3.48.49 PM Visit Japan without ever leaving home with these eight beautiful videos https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/visit-japan-without-ever-leaving-home-with-these-eight-beautiful-videos/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/visit-japan-without-ever-leaving-home-with-these-eight-beautiful-videos/#comments Tue, 25 Nov 2014 16:00:58 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=197983 
It’s no secret that we love Japan. We haven’t quite figured out why, but it might have something to do with the juxtaposition of the sleepless lights and sounds of the big city and the harmony of human and nature in the countryside that we just can’t get enough of. If you’ve ever wanted to visit Japan, but haven’t yet, sit back and watch the following eight videos showcasing some of the most breathtaking and interesting sights this country has to offer.
This first video from Holger Mette took nearly three weeks to complete and features famous sites around Tokyo.
Here’s another beautiful one from Holger showing off places around Osaka:
Adam Magyar brings us this next video showing off Shinjuku Station in slow motion:
In another slowed-down version of Japan, Andy Ellis brings us this “slow moving piece documenting the subtleties / importance of family and home life.”
You’ve no doubt heard a lot about Japanese workers falling asleep on the train. This next video features this cultural phenomenon.
The Kuroshio Sea tank at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is 7,500m³ of heaven:
This next video produced by Gravis Footwear features low angle shots of Dylan Rieder and Sammy Winter skating through the streets of Tokyo.
A trip on the shinkansen never looked so surreal! Photographer daihei shibata brings us this artistic view of his trip from from Shinosaka to Tokyo.
We hope you enjoyed your mini vacation through Japan! Have you been to some of the places featured in the videos? Even if you haven’t, we’re glad these talented photographers and videographers were gracious enough to share their work online so we can all enjoy Japan without ever leaving home.
]]> https://soranews24.com/2014/11/26/visit-japan-without-ever-leaving-home-with-these-eight-beautiful-videos/feed/ 0 197983 Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 11.17.34 PM Screen Shot 2014-11-18 at 11.17.34 PM How to cook miso soup (the right way) in a few simple steps【RocketKitchen】 https://soranews24.com/2014/11/24/how-to-cook-miso-soup-the-right-way-in-a-few-simple-steps%e3%80%90rocketkitchen%e3%80%91/ https://soranews24.com/2014/11/24/how-to-cook-miso-soup-the-right-way-in-a-few-simple-steps%e3%80%90rocketkitchen%e3%80%91/#comments Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:00:55 +0000 http://en.rocketnews24.com/?p=186627 
Miso is a fermented mixture of soybeans, barley, and rice that’s high in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals. The salty condiment is eaten daily by many people in Japan, leading some to believe that it is the secret behind their longevity. Others have dubbed it “one of the healthiest foods in the world.” It’s also extremely delicious (as if you needed another reason to add miso to your diet), and the easiest way to cook with this wonder food is by making miso soup.
Contrary to what I had originally assumed, the Japanese classic does not consist of only miso paste and hot water (please tell me I’m not the only one who thought this). After trying my original “recipe” for miso soup, I could tell something was off and enlisted the help of a 15-year-old high school student who laughed at my naivety. She was gracious enough to teach me the recipe her grandmother taught her and was happy to share it with all of you lovely RocketNews24 readers. So without further ado, here are a few simple steps to making delicious, authentic miso soup.
What you’ll need
From left to right:
- Powdered shiitake broth しいたけだしの素
- Reduced sodium white miso paste with dashi stock added in (but you can use any kind of miso, preferably white miso)
- An onion (and green onion if you like!)
- Powdered dashi だしの素 (Japanese soup stock)
- Dried wakame seaweed
You can find all of these ingredients at a Japanese market or at an online retailer.
Let’s make some soup!
- Add three cups of water to a small pot and bring to a boil.
▼ Off to a good start.
- Splash in 6g of the shiitake broth powder, 5g of the dashi powder, and as much dried wakame, onion, and green onion as you like. Let all of the ingredients boil together for a few minutes until the onions are soft.
▼ But keep that miso paste on the plate!
At this point you may be thinking, “Hey, you forgot the miso!” Don’t worry, friends, we left it out of the boiling pot on purpose. Miso soup is one of the easiest Japanese foods to make, but there’s one important step you must remember to preserve the health benefits of your dish.
Since miso is a living food, it is extremely sensitive to high temperatures. If you add the miso paste directly into the boiling water, you will effectively kill off all the tiny microorganisms (called kojikin in Japanese) that give miso its reputation as a health food. So the last step is also the most crucial:
- After turning off your stove, place 2.5 tablespoons of miso paste in a separate bowl and add a few ladles full of hot water.
- Stir to dissolve all of the miso paste, and add the mixture to the pot.
- Give it all another good stir and you’ve got yourself some delicious miso soup! Wasn’t that easy?
A few notes:
- We use 3 cups of water to 2.5 tablespoons of miso, but you can adjust the amount to suit your tastes (add more miso for a saltier flavor).
- You can also add other things like tofu for an extra kick of protein or green chard for some more veggies, but today we kept things simple.
Be sure to check out our how-to video here and save it to your YouTube favorites for easy access the next time you want to cook up some of this delicious broth!
Happy cooking, folks!
Photos and video © RocketNews24
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