TOKYO -- The Tokyo Fire Department held evacuation guidance and fire extinguishing drills at a shrine here on Jan. 26, Fire Prevention Day for Cultura・・・ ( read original story ...)
Naomi Osaka ‘still processing’ withdrawing from Australian Open
Naomi Osaka is getting vulnerable about leaving the Australian Open due to suffering from abdominal pain before her match. ( read original story ...)
Long lines form at JR Sapporo Station after train services suspended in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
On January 25, 2026, in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, @rai_chee shared a video showing long queues at JR Sapporo Station following major service disruptions caused by heavy snowfall. In the video, ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s leader faces balancing act on yen ahead of election
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi kicks off her election campaign with an overriding goal: Get past the Feb. 8 vote without markets blowing up. ( read original story ...)
Japan says goodbye to its last 2 giant pandas
People flocked to the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo to say goodbye to the last two giant pandas in Japan. Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will return to China. ( read original story ...)
Tokyo pandas head for China, leaving Japan bereft of beloved bears
Two hugely popular pandas are set to depart from a Tokyo zoo for China on Tuesday, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in more than 50 years. "I feel like seeing pandas ... ( read original story ...)
7,000 spend the night at Hokkaido airport as heavy snow halts flights and trains
Sapporo logged a record high snowfall for January, according to the Hokkaido government. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com. ( read original story ...)
Yokohama Tire plans 392 layoffs in Virginia
Yokohama Tire will lay off 392 workers and reduce production at its Salem plant, with a full closure possible in September. ( read original story ...)
Japan is building the world’s fastest train – but will it ever come to Europe?
The L0 Series train being developed by Japan currently is likely to reach speeds of up to 603.5kmh, making it the world’s fastest train. View on euronews ... ( read original story ...)
Yokohama Supplying BluEarth-Es ES32 as OE on Suzuki Wagon R
Yokohama OE tires BluEarth-Es ES32 are supplied to Suzuki Wagon R in Japan following a December 2025 minor model change. ( read original story ...)
World’s fastest rail service to connect Tokyo and Nagoya
The ultra high-speed maglev rail service developed by Central Japan Railway Company is still several years away ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo Apartment Prices Hit Record on Tight Supply, Surging Building Costs
Tokyo’s new condominium prices rose to a record in 2025, driven by ballooning construction costs, supply constraints and more expensive luxury apartments hitting the market. ( read original story ...)
Japan Bond Crash Unleashes a $7 Trillion Risk for Global Markets
As the country hurtles towards the snap election called by Prime Minister Takaichi, more unpredictable and violent price swings are expected ( read original story ...)
Japan party leaders clash over consumption tax, foreigner rules
TOKYO -- Japan's political leaders clashed in a debate on Monday over issues such as easing rising living costs and managing the growing number of foreign residents in the country, exposing divisions ahead of a lower house election expected to be fought largely on tax policy and social cohesion. ( read original story ...)
Naomi Osaka Withdraws from Australian Open Due to Injury: ‘Having to Stop Here Breaks My Heart’
"I can't risk doing any further damage," said Osaka as she confirmed her withdrawal in an Instagram post on Jan. 24 ... ( read original story ...)
Heavy snow strands 7,000 travelers at Hokkaido’s ‘landlocked’ New Chitose Airport
Heavy snowfall brought the transportation network around Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport to a near standstill on Jan. 25, leaving approximately 7,000 p・・・ ... ( read original story ...)