A zoo in Japan has been imposed strict viewing limits as massive crowds queue to see Japan’s last remaining giant pandas before they leave. ( read original story ...)
Tokyo govt. urging public not to buy designated drug etomidate
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has learned that a drug whose possession and use is banned in Japan is being sold online. It is urging people not to buy the product. ( read original story ...)
Is aging an act of genetic sabotage? Scientists find a gene that turns off food detection after reproduction
When roundworms stop reproducing, they can still move and function normally but lose their ability to detect certain food odors that once led them to their meals. ( read original story ...)
Yomiuri: Osaka-Kansai Expo’s Economic Impact Estimated at 3.6 Trillion Yen
The Japanese government has estimated the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo generated an economic impact of about 3.6 trillion yen, more than 650 billon yen higher than the previous estimate conducted before the ... ( read original story ...)
Questions raised over safety after couple die in Tokyo sauna fire
A private sauna in Tokyo has become the focus of a police investigation after a fatal incident that has raised questions about safety systems and oversight. What was meant to be a routine visit ended ... ( read original story ...)
The land of the rising trad – Irish musicians go down a treat in Osaka
A review of the film Gradam Ceoil TG4 @ Expo 25 when 12 Irish traditional musicians played a concert in the Hat venue in Osaka, Japan, as part of Expo 25 ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo police: Couple who died after sauna fire were apparently trapped in room
Tokyo police are investigating the deaths of two people after a sauna fire earlier this week. They say the couple were apparently trapped in a private room and may have died of carbon monoxide ... ( read original story ...)
Japan: Large swarm of fish appears in Osaka’s Dotonbori River
An unusual sight was seen in the Dotonbori River, Minami district of central Osaka, on Thursday, December 18, as a large number of fish filled the river. According to experts, "It is possible that ... ( read original story ...)
Japan cherry blossom forecast 2026: Osaka and Kyoto bloom dates
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 ...)