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 ...)
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 ...)
Japan Stock Traders’ Guide to Navigating Takaichi-Trump Summit
Japan’s equity investors will closely watch a meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Washington on Thursday for possible agreements on economic and military ... ( read original story ...)
Salem Yokohama tire plant closes after decades of operation
The plant opened in the 1960’s and the closure marks an end to nearly 60 years of operation. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s leader heads to Washington for a visit complicated by the Iran war fallout
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has left for the United States for what she expects to be a “very difficult” meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. ( read original story ...)
Yokohama, Kondo Racing Renew Deal for 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
The Yokohama Nürburgring 24H run will see Kondo Racing use a Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO in the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and NLS on Advan tires. ( read original story ...)