Acclaimed Japanese director Lisa Takeba (“The Pinkie,” “Signal 100”) is developing “Children of the River,” a Japan-Italy co-production that explores themes of identity and loss through the story of ... ( read original story ...)
Stock market today: Japan leads losses in Asia after a sharp decline on Wall St driven by Big Tech
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 sank 2.6% to 38,053.67. On Thursday, the Bank of Japan announced it would keep its benchmark rate unchanged at 0.25%, which was in line with market expectations. The ... ( read original story ...)
Cyclists on phones face jail under Japan’s new laws
Cyclists using a mobile phone while riding in Japan could face up to six months jail under strict new rules introduced Friday. Those who breach the revised road traffic law can be punished with a ... ( read original story ...)
Tokyo Uniqlo manager, 35, arrested for secretly filming women in store’s changing rooms
A 35-year-old manager of a Uniqlo store in Toshima Ward in Tokyo, Japan, was arrested by the police for secretly filming up to eight female customers in his store's changing rooms. According to the ... ( read original story ...)
CAPE and JETRO Team up for Beyond Japan Hollywood Pipeline Program
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) is partnering with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch Beyond Japan, a program aimed at connecting Japanese filmmakers with Hollywood opportunities. The initiative, backed by the ... ( read original story ...)
Japan’s economic growth likely cooled sharply in Q3 in test for BOJ policy: Reuters poll
Japan's economy is expected to have slowed sharply in the third quarter hurt by sluggish consumption and capital spending, a Reuters poll showed, which could complicate the central bank's plans to hike rates further. ( read original story ...)
Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, second high court rules
TOKYO — A second Japanese court ruled Wednesday that the government‘s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, the latest in a series of decisions upholding plaintiffs’ demands for marriage equality. ( read original story ...)
A sea of red in Sapporo
Thousands of kochia plants are delighting visitors at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park in Sapporo City, Hokkaido. This vivid autumn scene can be enjoyed through October. ( read original story ...)
Can Quake-Prone Japan Ever Embrace Nuclear Energy Again?
The government, its makeup in flux after the ruling party lost seats this week, will soon need to make decisions that will shape Japan’s future nuclear policy. ( read original story ...)
Japan must avoid issuing debt to fund fresh spending, IMF says
Japan must fund any additional spending plans within its budget rather than issuing more debt, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday, urging the government to get its fiscal house in order as the central bank starts to raise interest rates. ( read original story ...)
Oda Kaori Goes ‘Underground’ and Semi-Fictional to Complete Subterranean Trilogy
Oda Kaori’s docudrama 'Underground' ventures from a subway in Sapporo to caves in Okinawa and completes the Japanese director's subterranean trilogy. ( read original story ...)
Good News: Dodgers World Series victory is big news in Japan as well
World Series viewership hit record levels in Japan as the Los Angeles Dodgers won the series over the New York Yankees. Japanese interest in the series was driven in part by Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. ( read original story ...)
Why this small city is the ‘eyeglasses capital’ of Japan
No, you’re not seeing things. The city of Sabae really is obsessed with spectacles. Here’s how it became famous for its finely crafted frames. ( read original story ...)
Interest in security glass, films surges amid spate of burglaries in Tokyo area
A recent string of robberies in the greater Tokyo area has sparked a growing interest in security glass and films as assailants typically bre ... ( read original story ...)
Yokohama DeNA BayStars inch closer to improbable NPB Japan Series title as Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks go blank for 26 innings
The Yokohama DeNA BayStars are on the cusp of unprecedented glory after defeating the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 7-0 in Game 5 of the NPB Japan Series. ( read original story ...)
Woodside and Tokyo Gas in discussions over stake in US LNG project
Tokyo Gas is in talks with Woodside Energy over taking a stake in a multi-billion-dollar Louisiana liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project, according to two people familiar with the discussions. ( read original story ...)