Plan your spring trip with the official 2026 sakura forecast, as Kansai is expected to see early flowering and full bloom ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo couple die in sauna fire after being trapped inside
Police are investigating the facility's safety, after owners allegedly admitted that the emergency alarm had been switched off for two years. ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan raises benchmark rates to highest in 30 years, lifting 10-year JGB yield past 2%
The Bank of Japan raised benchmark rates by 25 basis points to 0.75%, their highest level since 1995, and in line with expectations of economists polled by Reuters. ( read original story ...)
Bus bound for Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport catches fire
The driver and approximately 40 passengers evacuated safely. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. ( read original story ...)
82-year-old woman arrested for shoplifting says paying for items is ‘waste of money’
Police in Sapporo have arrested an 82-year-old woman on suspicion of shoplifting five cans of chuhai, mandarin oranges and sashimi from a supermarket. The incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on ... ( read original story ...)
Naomi Osaka cutting ties with agency she co-founded
Tennis player Naomi Osaka is parting ways with her longtime agent, Stuart Duguid, and the agency they co-founded three years ago, Evolve. ( read original story ...)
Final Fantasy VII Boards the Shinkansen in a Square Enix and JR Central Collaboration
Square Enix and JR Central have teamed up to deliver a Final Fantasy VII audio drama, prize giveaway, and more for those traveling to Nagoya on the Shinkansen. ( read original story ...)
Bank of Japan set to raise interest rates to 30-year high
The Bank of Japan is set to raise interest rates on Friday to a three-decade high and signal its readiness to eye further hikes beyond next year, underscoring its conviction that sustained wage gains ... ( read original story ...)
Osaka-Kansai Expo Photojournalism Exhibition
The weird yet undeniably adorable Myaku-Myaku emerged as the breakout celebrity of the now-concluded Osaka Expo. Held at the 9th-floor event hall of ... ( read original story ...)
‘Endless Cookie’ wins top prize at first Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival
Animated Canadian documentary Endless Cookie claimed the top award at the inaugural Aichi Nagoya International Animation Film Festival (ANIAFF). The festival’s Golden Shachi grand prix award is named ... ( read original story ...)
Editor’s Choice Awards: These Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 SxS Tires Are Money
Am's tires to Yokohama's Geolander M/T G003 SxS tire was a risk, as the BFGoodrich KOs were awesome. But between high-speed shredding and the crawling through nasty elk country, these tires are ... ( read original story ...)
Osaka Metro will not run all-night trains on 2025-2026 New Year’s Eve
If you plan to party past midnight on New Year’s Day, make sure to arrange alternative transport ... ( read original story ...)
Japan Faces $6-a-Person Lawsuit Over Climate Change Risks
More than 450 people are suing Japan’s government and seeking damages of 1,000 yen ($6) each, alleging one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters isn’t doing enough to combat global warming. ( read original story ...)
At Tokyo Zoo, Visitors Fear a Spat With China Will Cost Japan Its Pandas
Pandas have stood for friendship between China and Japan since 1972. But the last two are about to go, and a dispute over Taiwan could get in the way of sending more. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s $580bn hidden asset? In the back of the cupboard
The country has stored goods worth roughly the combined market cap of its three most globally known corporate names ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s premier says country must pursue proactive spending for growth
Japan must pursue proactive spending, rather than excessive fiscal tightening, that will boost growth and tax revenues, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Wednesday, reiterating her ... ( read original story ...)