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Channel: News On Japan

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)

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Top 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...

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Princess 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)

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Tokushima 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)

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Cherry 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...

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Court 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)

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Memorial 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...

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Graffiti 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...

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Is 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...

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Kura 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)

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Japan 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...

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Barrier 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....

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Tariffs 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...

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Foreign 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...

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Hotel 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...

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Cherry 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)

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Fuji 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)

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Surge 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,...

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How 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...

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Children 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)

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Fukuoka 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)

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AI 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)

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AI-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...

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Japan'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)

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Prince 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...

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'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)

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Japan 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...

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Kinosaki 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)

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Shinmoedake 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...

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Sukiya 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...

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Tokyo'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...

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79 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)

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Police 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...

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'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)

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Kyoto'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...

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Death 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...

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Tour 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)

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Solaria 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...

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Ruling 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)

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New 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)

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Comedy 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)

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Sekisui 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)

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Japan'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)

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Tokyo 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...

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Tokyo 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)

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Rocket 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)

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Economic 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)

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Osaka 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...

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Japan 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....

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SoftBank 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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