News On Japan
May 06, 2024
In the ancient city of Kamakura, an experimental initiative promoting walking to address over-tourism issues and potentially unveil new charms took place. Local residents express hopes that this experiment will not only alleviate congestion but also lead to the discovery of fresh attractions.
Image of Kamakura on Foot Helps Solve Curse of Over-tourism

In preparation for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2024, exhibitions were held on the weekend across various locations in Tokyo highlighting sustainable technology for the future.

School absenteeism among Japanese elementary and middle school students has surged to approximately 300,000, with many students struggling to return after long holidays like Golden Week. In this context, a sixth-grade girl who overcame school absence shared her story.


SOCIETY | May 06, 2024
Four individuals arrested in the case where a couple's burnt bodies were found in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, were revealed to have frequented the same club in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Image of Four Arrested in Nasu Double Murder Potentially Met at Shibuya Club

The annual 'Mamada-no Jaga Maita' was held Sunday in Oyama, Tochigi, where locals carry a giant snake made of bamboo and adorned with fern leaves to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and protection from plagues.

Despite the unseasonable heat, many visitors crowded in to view a total of 333 carp streamers, both large and small, displayed today, on Children's Day, in front of Tokyo Tower.

Ahead of Children's Day, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released an estimate of the country's child population, revealing a decrease of 330,000 compared to the previous year. The population of children under 15 dropped for the 43rd consecutive year, reaching a record low since data collection began in 1950.


Step into the vibrant heart of Tokyo and discover a culinary adventure at the Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Ginza. Situated in the bustling Marronnier Gate Ginza 2, this flagship location is not just a sushi restaurant; it is an immersive cultural experience that combines the timeless appeal of traditional Japanese cuisine with modern innovation and style.
Image of Kura Sushi Ginza: Experience Sushi & Tempura Live Performances

This summer, the Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk invites guests to indulge in a culinary experience with the launch of the "Barbie×Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Sweets Buffet."

The sailing ship Kaiwo Maru displayed all its sails Sunday in a "Full Sail Exhibition" against a backdrop of a blue Imizu sky in Toyama Prefecture. The event showcased the ship's iconic white sails, earning it the nickname "Lady of the Sea."

Approximately 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) are in full bloom at a tourist facility in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, drawing many holidaymakers.

Kyoto, the ancient capital bustling with tourists, has commenced a special exhibition of cultural properties at 15 temples and shrines, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into normally private cultural assets, deepening the appreciation of their historical significance.


One Piece fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming episode 1104, which promises high-stakes action and intense drama. The episode preview, titled "Desperate Times! Full Assault by the Seraphim!" has fans on the edge of their seats.
Image of One Piece Episode 1104 Preview: Seraphim's Full Assault

The TV anime Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai has revealed a web preview for its sixth episode titled "Tanabata Invitation". This popular anime series, broadcast on NHK, continues to engage fans with its intriguing storyline and captivating animation.

The preview for the upcoming episode of the TV anime "Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu" has been released.

The TV anime "Hibike! Euphonium 3" will air its fifth episode, "Twilight for Two," on NHK E-Tele on May 5th at 5 PM.

In "Weathering with You," Hina, possessing a mysterious ability to clear the skies, takes on her first job as a "sunshine girl" along with Hodaka and her younger brother Nagi. The trio successfully brings sunlight to Tokyo's skies, making their first job a huge success and leaving them excited for future endeavors.


From May 17 to 19, 2024, Tokyo's culinary landscape will come alive at the "Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum," a gastronomy event that promises a feast for the senses. Set in the picturesque Symbol Promenade Park in Ariake, Tokyo, the festival will gather some of Tokyo's most beloved eateries for a three-day extravaganza of food, fun, and festivity.

A groundbreaking system, developed to analyze brain images using AI, can now determine whether an individual has a gambling addiction. Researchers, led by Professor Hidehiko Takahashi of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, hope this innovation will lead to early detection and treatment.

Former Major League Baseball slugger Matsui Hideki has demonstrated his batting skills for children in the central Japanese prefecture of Ishikawa, which was severely affected by the New Year's Day earthquake.

The Japanese government has revised a Justice Ministry ordinance to tighten rules for granting student residence status. This comes after it came to light in 2019 that a university in Tokyo had lost contact with more than 1,600 of its foreign students. (NHK)


BUSINESS | May 06, 2024
A Japanese sake brewery behind the Japanese sake brand "BON," plans to release vintage sake aged for over 10 years around autumn 2024. By aging their sake and labelling it as vintage, the company aims to enhance its rarity and add value.
Image of Japanese Sake 'BON' at JPY1.1 Million: Aged Brew Targeting Ultra-Affluent

Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities claimed the leading position in advising Japan-related M&A transactions for the January to March 2024 period, with a total value of approximately US$13 billion, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).

Sumitomo Corporation is making a bold move into the healthcare business in Malaysia. They have acquired a local clinic operator with plans to expand its network to 100 facilities and transform it into a consolidated subsidiary. By 2026, the Japanese group aims to triple the number of facilities and enhance primary healthcare services.

In a survey conducted by a major life insurance company to coincide with Children's Day on May 5th, it was revealed that over half of the respondents felt uneasy about saving for their children’s education.

Sony Pictures Entertainment, under the Sony Group, in partnership with an American investment firm, has proposed a joint acquisition of the U.S. media giant Paramount Global for approximately 4 trillion yen ($26 billion), as reported by multiple American media sources.