A canal built more than 130 years ago to carry water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto is set to become the first modern civil engineering structure in Japan to be designated a National Treasure.

The government approved a long-awaited pension reform bill in a cabinet meeting on May 16th, aiming to eliminate the so-called "1.06 million yen barrier" that has prevented many part-time workers from enrolling in the welfare pension system.

A city-wide puzzle-solving game will soon begin in Naha as part of efforts to boost tourism and help participants rediscover the charm of the area.

Japan has launched its new "security clearance" system, which restricts access to sensitive economic security information to individuals deemed suitable through a national screening process. The program, which began operation on May 15th, is intended to enhance international collaboration by aligning Japan’s information handling standards with those of key allies.

Japan’s three largest banking groups have all reported record net profits for the past fiscal year, with their combined earnings nearing 4 trillion yen.

Model and actress Mariya Nishiuchi, 31, has announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.

An absolute legend compiled all of Japan's best memes. I'm here to explain the best ones for you and rank them. (Japanalysis)

Sony has unveiled its latest Xperia smartphone, equipped with advanced camera capabilities powered by its proprietary AI technology. The new model features the brand's first-ever "AI Camera Work" function, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize skeletal movements of moving subjects and automatically track them to keep them centered in the frame.

A woman in her 20s and two other individuals were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of defrauding a visually impaired man by luring him through a dating app and charging him excessive fees at a bar.

Metaplanet, a Tokyo-based investment firm, recently issued $24.7 million worth of ordinary bonds to raise money to expand its Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Toshiba announced that it returned to profitability in its earnings report for the fiscal year ending March 2025, posting a net profit of 279 billion yen. Operating profit, a key indicator of core business performance, surged nearly fivefold from the previous year to 198.5 billion yen, driven in part by increased sales of hard disk drives for data centers.

Explosions and eruptions continued at Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture, with volcanic activity intensifying since May 15. In an early morning eruption before 6 a.m., a plume of ash rose approximately 2,700 meters above the crater.

The Japanese government has set a new wage policy target aimed at achieving a real wage increase of around 1% by fiscal 2029, taking inflation into account. To support this goal, it plans to mobilize public and private investment totaling approximately 60 trillion yen over the next five years to boost corporate productivity.

In the heart of Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, a group of young men known for working in host clubs are taking the stage—not in their usual nightlife roles, but in a traditional Japanese dance performance.

Kadoya Sesame Mills and Takemoto Oil & Fat have been accused of forming a cartel over the wholesale pricing of sesame oil and related products, prompting Japan’s Fair Trade Commission to issue an elimination order against the two companies.

Sony Group announced on May 14th that its net profit for the year ending March 2025 rose 17.6% year-on-year to a record 1.1416 trillion yen. The strong performance was driven by brisk sales in its gaming division, including the PlayStation 5, as well as continued growth in its music and film business.

Japan’s growing donut market has entered a new phase with the opening of popular American chain Randy’s Donuts’ first store in Daikanyama, Shibuya, marking its debut with handmade offerings and an iconic oversized donut monument as the 'donut Sengoku era' intensifies.

A growing number of Chinese tourists in Japan are converting their foreign driver's licenses into Japanese ones by listing their hotel addresses as proof of residence, drawing criticism and prompting a policy shift from authorities.

A bill to revise the Kyūtoku Law, aiming to improve the treatment of Japan's public school teachers by gradually raising the salary supplement in place of overtime pay from 4% to 10%, was approved by the Lower House Committee on Education on Wednesday after ruling and opposition parties agreed on revisions.

JR East has announced its first-ever time-limited discount sale offering up to 60% off Shinkansen fares, with tickets available through its online reservation platform, Ekinet.

Loose socks, once a symbol of 1990s gyaru fashion, are making a stylish comeback among Japan's Gen Z, driven by a broader 'Heisei retro' trend that celebrates nostalgic aesthetics. In Harajuku, young people are pairing the evolved, shorter versions of the socks with miniskirts and shorts.

Tokyo's push for river-based commuting is gaining momentum with the launch of a new weekday evening ferry route connecting Gotanda and Tennozu.

The revised Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act, passed by Japan's Upper House on May 14th, will allow over-the-counter drugs to be sold at convenience stores if consumers first receive online guidance from licensed pharmacists or other qualified professionals.

SoftBank Group has returned to profitability for the first time in four years, reporting on May 13th a net profit of 1.1533 trillion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025, driven by a global rebound in stock markets that sharply boosted the value of its investment holdings.

Zensho Holdings, operator of the Sukiya beef bowl chain, reported a 17.7% rise in annual revenue to 1.1366 trillion yen for the fiscal year ending March 2025—marking the first time a domestic restaurant company in Japan has exceeded 1 trillion yen in sales.