Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, attended a martial arts tournament held by the Imperial Guard on November 11th, watching competitions in judo, kendo and Japanese archery as the organization marked its 140th anniversary.

PixAI is expanding its role in artificial intelligence-assisted content creation with the launch of PixAI Studio, an integrated production environment that brings image generation, animation, editing, and asset management into a single workspace, offering independent creators new opportunities to develop animated stories without the extensive resources traditionally associated with film and television production.

Japan's corporate goods price index rose 7.1% in October from a year earlier, returning to the 7% range for the first time in two months and highlighting persistent inflationary pressures on businesses, according to data released by the Bank of Japan on November 12th.

A survey of more than 20,000 full-time employees in Japan has revealed a significant gap between actual and preferred overtime hours, with workers averaging 23.8 hours of overtime a month compared with an ideal of 14.1 hours, a difference of 9.7 hours.

Japan launched a new national disaster management agency on November 2nd to strengthen its response to major emergencies, just days before a powerful earthquake struck Aichi Prefecture, injuring 24 people and renewing concerns over the possibility of a catastrophic Nankai Trough earthquake.

Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell about 429 points, or 0.7%, to close near 60,819 on Thursday, November 12, ending a three-day winning streak as reports concerning Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang triggered heavy selling in semiconductor-related shares, while the broader TOPIX index edged 0.2% higher to around 3,937.

SoftBank Group raised a record 1 trillion yen through bonds aimed at individual investors in September, offering an annual interest rate of 4.75% on seven-year securities as the Japanese technology investment giant seeks to finance massive investments in artificial intelligence and strengthen its cash reserves.

Arriving in Japan after a long-haul flight is so exciting. But dragging a 25kg suitcase through a busy train station is less so.

Tokyo police have raided two establishments in Shinjuku's Kabukicho entertainment district suspected of repeatedly overcharging customers brought in by foreign street touts, with investigators believing the businesses were targeting international tourists visiting Japan.

Japan's autumn foliage season is entering one of its most colorful periods, with spectacular displays of red and golden leaves attracting visitors to lakes, mountain valleys and historic temples across the country, while the latest forecasts suggest that Tokyo, Kyoto and other major cities will see some of their best autumn scenery later than usual this year.

Travel conditions across Hokkaido were showing signs of improvement on Wednesday morning, November 11, following heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures that disrupted rail services and prompted warnings for air travelers and motorists, with railway information updated at 4:23 a.m. showing no major delays or cancellations across the prefecture's principal routes.

The Japanese government is considering formally allowing exceptions to its longstanding ban on bringing nuclear weapons into the country during national emergencies, as part of revisions to its three key national security documents scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Tokyo stocks extended their recovery on Wednesday, November 11th, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 61,248.59 points as of 3:30 p.m., up 789.01 points, or 1.31%, from Tuesday, marking a third consecutive session of gains as investors bought semiconductor and artificial intelligence-related shares despite renewed concerns over US inflation and interest rates.

Japan's Children and Families Agency unveiled its first national guidelines on November 10th for parental involvement in children's internet use, dividing those aged 0 to 18 into six developmental stages as the government considers tighter regulations on social media platforms to protect young people from online bullying, exploitation, and other growing risks.

A political drama produced by Kansai Television, Ginga no Ippyo (One Vote for the Galaxy), won the Grand Prix at the Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association Awards ceremony held in Tokyo on November 10th, marking the first time a program from the Osaka-based broadcaster has received the competition's highest honor.

SoftBank Group reported a net loss of 768 billion yen for the six months from April to September, largely due to losses associated with a review of its artificial intelligence data center plans in the United States, but the Japanese technology investment giant said it would continue pursuing its long-term AI strategy despite the financial setback.

East Japan Railway (JR East) announced on November 10th that it will introduce touch-free ticket gates at 40 stations, including every station on Tokyo's Yamanote Line, from spring 2028, allowing passengers using Mobile Suica to pass through without taking their smartphones out of their pockets or bags.

As of 3 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, Typhoon No. 32 was moving east-northeast over waters east of Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands, gradually heading away from the Japanese archipelago after passing near the island between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.

Tokyo's Ueno Park has been transformed into a festive Christmas destination with the opening of Tokyo Christmas Advent, an event featuring illuminated decorations, around 100 Santa Claus figures, seasonal food and drinks, live performances, and outdoor entertainment that will continue through December 25.

Japan's stock market remains vulnerable to sharp swings as uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence investment intensifies, with Masamitsu Oki, investment director at Five Star Asset Management, warning that AI-related stocks have entered an era resembling gambling and that investors face considerable uncertainty over the industry's long-term prospects.

Emperor Naruhito presented prestigious Grand Cordon decorations to Toyota Motor Chairman Akio Toyoda and other recipients of Japan's autumn honors at a ceremony held at the Imperial Palace on November 10th, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the country and society.

A powerful cold air mass brought the lowest temperatures of the season to much of Japan on Tuesday, November 10, with Hokkaido recording a nationwide seasonal low of minus 11.8 degrees Celsius, heavy snowfall covering northern communities, and Tokyo experiencing midwinter conditions as temperatures fell sharply across the country.

Household spending in Japan fell 6.8% in September from a year earlier, marking the 10th consecutive month of decline and the sharpest drop since September 2020, when consumer activity was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to government data released on November 10.

Japan's tofu industry is facing mounting financial pressure, with 39 producers going bankrupt, suspending or closing operations, or dissolving their businesses between January and October 2026, as rising soybean prices and sluggish sales leave nearly 40% of manufacturers operating at a loss.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 Stock Average surged 1,684.08 points, or 2.87%, to close at 60,459.58 on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Japan time, recovering the psychologically important 60,000 level for the first time in three trading sessions as investors bought back artificial intelligence and semiconductor shares following a sharp rebound on Wall Street.