OpenAI, the developer behind the conversational AI ChatGPT, announced on May 22nd plans to build a large-scale AI data center in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with SoftBank Group, Nvidia, and others.

Japan’s consumer inflation continued its upward trajectory in April, marking the 44th consecutive month of increase, with rice in particular climbing 98.4% year-on-year.

Japan and South Korea will introduce priority immigration lanes for each other’s citizens at four major airports for one month starting next month, in a move aimed at shortening entry procedures and improving travel convenience between the two countries.

Mercari has announced a major reinforcement of its fraud prevention efforts using AI, following a surge in disputes in the growing secondhand goods market. The popular flea market app is stepping up its campaign to root out dishonest users while launching a new system to guarantee full refunds in the event of trouble.

A 27-year-old Chinese national enrolled at Kyoto University’s graduate school has been arrested for impersonating another person to take the TOEIC English proficiency exam, in what police suspect may be part of an organized cheating scheme.

Following intense criticism over a delayed response to growing political pressure, Prime Minister Ishiba dismissed Agriculture Minister Eto and appointed Koizumi as his successor in an effort to regain control of his administration.

Following the explosive rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT since their debut in 2022, the global business world is rapidly transforming. Yet, while companies in the United States and China rush to adopt these technologies, Japan is still lagging behind.

Pac-Man, the globally beloved video game character, turns 45 on May 22nd, and Tokyo is gearing up to celebrate the milestone with a series of events in the Shibuya and Harajuku districts.

The average price of a newly built condominium in the Greater Tokyo area in April dropped 8.7% from a year earlier to 69.99 million yen, falling below the 70 million yen mark for the first time in 16 months, according to a report by the Real Estate Economic Institute.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to waive basic water charges for all ordinary households in the city this summer, covering approximately 8 million households.

A group of around 220 Ainu from across and beyond Hokkaido performed traditional dances at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 17th, conveying the Ainu spirit of mutual support and the importance of diversity and coexistence.

A man accused of stalking and assaulting actress Haruna Kojima testified in court that he believed he might have a chance with her if he confessed his feelings directly.

Following a wave of disturbing cases in which women were emotionally manipulated into debt and coerced into prostitution through exploitative tactics used by hosts, the revised Entertainment Business Act aimed at cracking down on abusive host club practices passed Japan's Lower House on Tuesday.

In Harajuku, Tokyo’s trendsetting district, animal cafes are rapidly multiplying along the bustling Takeshita Street, drawing large crowds of foreign tourists.

With rice prices continuing to hover at historically high levels and empty store shelves becoming more common, the Japanese government is under increasing pressure to implement consumer- and producer-friendly policies. In response, authorities are revising the bidding system for releasing reserve rice stocks, aiming to make it more accessible to smaller wholesalers.

Although the government released 210,000 tons of reserve rice into the market, only about 10 percent has reached supermarkets and restaurants, equivalent to the nation’s average daily rice consumption.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the final phase of a major redevelopment project around Shibuya Station, where Tokyu Corporation and JR East plan to construct two new complex buildings at Shibuya Scramble Square and develop a pedestrian deck connecting the station's east and west sides.

Agriculture Minister Taketaka Eto of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stated during a speech in Saga City on May 18th that he has never purchased rice, explaining, "I receive a lot from supporters—enough that I could practically sell it. That's how much is in my household pantry."

Four elementary school boys were injured in a hit-and-run incident in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, after two Chinese nationals—later arrested—had spent about two hours drinking at a Chinese restaurant prior to the crash.

U.S. investment fund Dalton Investments has issued a statement criticizing Fuji Media Holdings for rejecting its proposed board nominees, calling the move "regrettable" and stating it "does not appear to have been seriously considered."

Planning your Tokyo trip? Don’t miss these 5 incredible restaurants—from iconic sushi to Michelin-rated ramen—and the best part? You can reserve them all online through byFood, with no Japanese needed. (Japan by Food)

The Sanja Festival at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, a signature early-summer tradition of the downtown area, reached its peak on Saturday as groups of local carried mikoshi through the streets in the main 'Rengo Togyo' procession despite the rain.

Japan’s policy to provide free high school tuition for both public and private schools is expanding options for families who once gave up on private education due to cost. However, in Osaka, where this policy was implemented ahead of other regions, even prestigious public high schools are now struggling to fill seats.

Once envisioned as Japan’s answer to Las Vegas, Kabukicho evolved into a nightlife hub that reflects Japan’s underworld culture. But how did it come to be this way? (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Many travelers visiting Japan shared their spending habits, itineraries, and impressions of the country, revealing just how flexible and varied a Japan trip can be depending on budget, travel style, and expectations.