Nara Approves Free K-Pop Concert
A budget plan including about 32 million yen to fund a free K-pop concert was approved by the Nara Prefectural Assembly, paving the way for the event to be held later this year. (News On Japan)
View ArticleTop Osaka Apartment Reaches 2.5 Billion Yen as Prices Keep Rising
A luxury tower apartment under construction in Grand Green Osaka, located in front of Osaka Station, has drawn attention for its record-setting price tag of 2.5 billion yen. The media was recently...
View ArticlePrincess Aiko Makes First Appearance at State Banquet
A state banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress was held at the Imperial Palace for the first time in six years, with their daughter Princess Aiko attending for the first time. (News On Japan)
View ArticleTokushima Museum Discovers Fake Artwork
A painting purchased for approximately 67 million yen by a museum in Tokushima Prefecture has been revealed to be a forgery—despite being on display for 27 years. (News On Japan)
View ArticleCherry Blossom Season Begins in Nagoya, Slightly Behind Schedule
Cherry blossoms began blooming in Nagoya on March 26th, according to an announcement by the Nagoya District Meteorological Observatory, two days later than the average year but two days earlier than...
View ArticleCourt Rejects Residents' Lawsuit to Halt Mega Solar Project in Nara
The Nara District Court on March 25th dismissed a lawsuit filed by residents seeking to halt the construction of a large-scale solar power facility in the town of Heguri, Nara Prefecture. (News On Japan)
View ArticleMemorial Held in Zamami to Mark 80 Years Since Mass Suicides in Battle of...
A memorial ceremony was held in Zamami Village on March 26th to mark 80 years since the residents of the Kerama Islands were driven to mass suicide during the Battle of Okinawa, following the first...
View ArticleGraffiti Bearing the Number 25 Appears Across Niigata
Niigata City has been grappling with a string of graffiti incidents, all marked by a mysterious number 25. One of the most striking cases occurred near the Bandai Bridge, a nationally designated...
View ArticleIs AI the Future of News?
At Asia's largest consumer electronics expo held this month in Shanghai, the letters 'AI' were everywhere — from robots to TVs to refrigerators. This year's event felt entirely dominated by artificial...
View ArticleKura Sushi Unveils 135-Meter Conveyor Belt at Expo Venue
Kura Sushi has unveiled its longest-ever conveyor belt, measuring approximately 135 meters, at its newly opened location inside the Expo venue. (News On Japan)
View ArticleJapan Speeds Up Efforts to Mass-Produce Next-Gen Semiconductors
Rapidus, a company aiming to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, plans to begin operating its prototype line for advanced chips in April. The company is accelerating development of...
View ArticleBarrier Installed Under Glico Sign in Osaka to Prevent Loitering
A temporary barrier has been installed under the iconic Glico sign in Osaka's bustling Minami district, commonly referred to as "Guri-shita," to prevent people from sitting and loitering in the area....
View ArticleTariffs Expected to Deal Major Blow to Japanese Automakers
The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the...
View ArticleForeign Tourists Praise Japan's Tourist Centers for Over-the-Top Hospitality
Foreign tourists in Japan are showering praise on local tourist information centers for their warm and detailed support—sometimes even considered 'overly helpful.' These centers assist visitors with...
View ArticleHotel Prices Surge in Osaka Just 17 Days Before Expo Opening
With only 17 days until the Osaka-Kansai Expo opens, excitement is building as pavilion details continue to be announced, including features from the Japan Gas Association and exhibits showcasing...
View ArticleCherry Blossoms Bloom in Osaka Three Days Earlier Than Last Year
The Osaka District Meteorological Observatory announced on March 27th that cherry blossoms have begun blooming in Osaka, marking an opening three days earlier than last year. (News On Japan)
View ArticleFuji TV Announces Major Leadership Overhaul
Fuji Television announced a sweeping overhaul of its management structure on March 27th, including the retirement of longtime executive Hisashi Hieda, who served on the board for 41 years. (News On Japan)
View ArticleSurge in Japanese Women Wearing Men's Suits
A growing number of women in Japan are choosing men’s-style suits for both comfort and practicality, reflecting a broader shift toward genderless fashion. From school uniforms to police attire,...
View ArticleHow AI Can Truly Create Value?
In a special NewsPicks program, experts from Laboro.AI, including CEO Tetsuo Shiibashi and senior solution designer Tatsuru Shiratori, explored how artificial intelligence can go beyond efficiency to...
View ArticleChildren Explore Ainu Culture Through Dance
A cultural event at JR Asahikawa Station on Friday introduced children to traditional Ainu dance, aiming to preserve the heritage of Japan’s indigenous people. (News On Japan)
View ArticleFukuoka Airport International Terminal to Reopen After Major Renovation
The international terminal at Fukuoka Airport, which had been undergoing expansion and renovation, will reopen on March 28th. (News On Japan)
View ArticleAI Technology to Produce Branded Wagyu
A project using artificial intelligence to produce branded wagyu beef is set to begin at Hokkaido University, aiming for a more sustainable and labor-efficient livestock industry. (News On Japan)
View ArticleAI-Generated Ghibli-Style Images Spread on Social Media
ChatGPT's new image generation feature, released by U.S.-based OpenAI, is fueling a trend on social media where users are creating illustrations in the style of Studio Ghibli, raising concerns over...
View ArticleJapan's Fish Stocks Dwindle
Japan’s beloved seafood is now in crisis. Compared to five years ago, catches of Pacific saury have dropped by 80%, Japanese flying squid by 55.5%, mackerel by 50%, and yellowtail by 13%. (News On Japan)
View ArticlePrince Hisahito to Rent Apartment Near University of Tsukuba
The Imperial Household Agency announced that Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino family, who will begin his studies at the University of Tsukuba this spring, will have a private apartment...
View Article'Craft Beer Project Uses AI to Capture the Spirit of Each Generation
A vibrant new line of craft beer has been created through an unusual collaboration: generative AI working hand-in-hand with seasoned brewmasters. (News On Japan)
View ArticleJapan Pavilion Opens at Expo
An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming...
View ArticleKinosaki Marine World Welcomes Rare White Crab
A rare pure white snow crab is now on display at Kinosaki Marine World in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. (News On Japan)
View ArticleShinmoedake Eruption Alert Raised to Level 3 as Volcanic Activity Increases
The eruption alert level for Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range on the border of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures, has been raised to Level 3, or "entry restrictions," due to...
View ArticleSukiya Closes Most Stores After Insect and Rat Contamination
Sukiya, one of Japan's leading beef bowl restaurant chains, announced it will temporarily close nearly all of its stores after an insect was found in a food item served at one of its outlets. (News On...
View ArticleTokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year
The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier...
View Article79 Public High Schools in Osaka Fall Short of Enrollment
The Osaka Prefectural Board of Education has decided to move the general entrance exam date for public high schools to March 1st, starting three years from now. (News On Japan)
View ArticlePolice Ease Recruitment Requirements to Attract Mature Applicants
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police will introduce a new recruitment track for working adults starting next fiscal year, easing both age and physical fitness requirements as part of broader efforts to...
View Article'Princess Procession' Draws Crowds in Hamamatsu
A traditional spring event known as the 'Himesama Dochu' (Princess Procession) was held in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds along the route. (News On Japan)
View ArticleKyoto's Miyako Odori Returns with Final Rehearsal
Kyoto’s signature spring event, the "Miyako Odori," held its final rehearsal on March 31st ahead of its official opening. Performed by around 50 geiko and maiko at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, the...
View ArticleDeath Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake
The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection...
View ArticleTour Bus Carrying Over 20 Foreign Tourists Crashes in Hokkaido Tunnel
A tour bus carrying over 20 foreign tourists collided with a van inside the Tokiwa Tunnel on the Dōō Expressway on March 31st, sending several people to the hospital. (News On Japan)
View ArticleSolaria Plaza Reopens with AI Fashion Advisor
As part of the Tenjin Big Bang redevelopment project, a wave of new commercial spaces is transforming the Tenjin area in Fukuoka. In response, Solaria Plaza is undergoing its first major renovation in...
View ArticleRuling Party Resists Donation Ban as Budget Clears Final Hurdle
Japan's national budget for the new fiscal year is now set to pass within the current fiscal term, following an unusual set of deliberations in the Diet on March 28th. (News On Japan)
View ArticleNew Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults
Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees. (News On Japan)
View ArticleComedy Duo Ends Role Supporting 2025 Expo
Downtown, the popular comedy duo, has stepped down as official ambassadors for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to an announcement by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition. (News On Japan)
View ArticleSekisui House Holds Entrance Ceremony at Grand Green Osaka
The new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the Kansai region holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees. (News On Japan)
View ArticleJapan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel
The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. (News On Japan)
View ArticleTokyo Police Launch Specialized Unit for Lone Offenders
A special unit dedicated to investigating "lone offenders"—individuals who commit acts of terrorism without belonging to any specific organization—has been established for the first time in Japan...
View ArticleTokyo Starts Mandatory Solar Panels for New Houses
Tokyo has made it mandatory to install solar panels on newly built houses starting April 1st, as part of its broader effort to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. (News On Japan)
View ArticleRocket and Space Museum Opens in Kushimoto, Wakayama
A museum dedicated to rockets and space has opened in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, home to Japan's first private rocket launch site. (News On Japan)
View ArticleEconomic Outlook Dims for Japan's Industrial Giants
The Bank of Japan's March Tankan survey, a key quarterly economic report, showed that business sentiment among large manufacturers has deteriorated for the first time in four quarters. (News On Japan)
View ArticleOsaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban
From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless...
View ArticleJapan to Tighten Screening of Foreign Investments
The Japanese government approved a cabinet ordinance on April 1st to introduce a new pre-screening system for foreign companies investing in Japan. The revised regulation will take effect on May 19th....
View ArticleSoftBank to Invest Up to 6 Trillion Yen More in OpenAI
SoftBank Group has announced plans to make an additional investment of up to 40 billion dollars, or approximately 6 trillion yen, in OpenAI, the U.S.-based developer of ChatGPT. (News On Japan)
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