Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be the first U.S. ally to visit the White House since President Trump asked for help in sending ships to patrol the Strait of Hormuz. ( read original story ...)
Japan PM to hold ‘difficult’ talks with Trump as Iran conflict looms large
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is on her way to what she expects will be a "very difficult" meeting with US leader Donald Trump, days after his calls for allies to help secure the war-stricken ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo’s dazzling cherry blossom season officially begins
Tokyo's meteorologists declared the start of the much-loved cherry blossom season in the Japanese capital on Thursday, as residents prepare to host outdoor picnics under dazzling floral displays. The ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo’s cherry blossoms officially in bloom, 5 days earlier than average year
Blossoms will be in full bloom in about a week if warm temperatures continue. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. ( read original story ...)
It’s official – Tokyo’s 2026 cherry blossom season has now begun
On Thursday March 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially announced the start of the 2026 sakura season in Tokyo. The call was made based on the sample somei-yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine, ... ( read original story ...)
Hokkaido teacher’s haunting deer photo nominated for British museum wildlife award
SAPPORO -- A single photograph of a Yezo sika deer taken in north Japan has captured global attention. The shot, taken by a high school teacher living･･･ ... ( read original story ...)
Asian Games cruise ship and wooden huts will be ‘unique experience’
Athletes at the Asian Games in Japan will have "a unique experience" staying on a cruise ship and in wooden containers, an organising official told AFP six months out from the event, but acknowledged ... ( read original story ...)
Cherry trees start blooming in Tokyo
Japan Meteorological Agency officials say cherry blossoms have started blooming in Tokyo. Officials announced the start of the cherry blossom season on Thursday afternoon after spotting 61 blossoms on ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo government builds infrastructure to expand use of generative AI
Authorities in the capital aim to boost efficiency in public services and address growing concerns over labor shortages through AI. ( read original story ...)
Japan rejects US intel assessment that Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks represent ‘significant shift’
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters "A significant policy shift is not something that is happening right now." ... ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan holds steady as Middle East tensions raise uncertainty
The Japanese central bank maintained its policy rate at 0.75% against an uncertain backdrop of conflict in the Middle East and volatile energy markets.
Japan Finance Minister Continuing to Watch Yen Moves With ‘Sense of Urgency’
The finance minister acknowledged the likelihood of heightened speculative activity in currency markets as the Bank of Japan c ...
Nagoya University professor suspended after accusing student of illicit filming in toilet
Nagoya University suspended a female associate professor despite her being a victim of illicit filming by a student three years ago ... ( read original story ...)
News in easy English: Osaka’s Minami area fights litter, smoking as tourist numbers grow
OSAKA -- Minami, a busy entertainment area in Osaka, is full of tourists from Japan and other countries. But the area now faces problems with too much･･･ ... ( read original story ...)
How Nippon TV’s ‘Tokyo Miko Ninja’ blends AI and human creativity
When Nippon TV premiered “Tokyo Miko Ninja” in January, the Japanese broadcaster wasn’t testing the waters on AI-integrated drama production. It was, by its own account, making a declaration. Set in a ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s leader heads to DC bearing gifts of peace for a president at war
Japan’s super-popular prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, will visit the White House on Thursday, as President Donald Trump looks to allies for military help against Iran. ( read original story ...)