Toyota Motor Corporation announced on April 24th that its global sales for fiscal 2024 totaled 10,273,719 vehicles, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year, marking the first year-on-year decline in four years.

A monkey walking upright on two legs was spotted in a residential area of Tokyo on April 23rd, drawing attention as it crossed a street in the rain before entering a nearby field and munching on crops.

Japan plans to introduce a new electronic travel authorization system to bolster immigration screening for foreign visitors, moving up its original timeline in response to the recent surge in arrivals.

The total number of visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai surpassed one million on April 23rd, just 11 days after the event began. Despite being a weekday, the venue remained crowded, with long lines forming at popular pavilions such as the one from the United States.

Rice prices in Japan continue to soar, more than doubling from the same period last year, with no clear signs of easing despite the government’s decision to release stockpiled rice. The current situation—dubbed the “Reiwa Rice Crisis”—has drawn comparisons to past supply shocks, prompting public concern and debate over whether government intervention has come too late.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan has announced it will raise prices on 217 beverage products starting with shipments on October 1st.

The average weekday lunch spending in Japan rose for the third straight year to a record 485 yen in 2024 -- a 7.3% increase from the previous year -- highlighting how inflation is reshaping workers' midday habits.

Foreign tourists are lining up to visit some of Tokyo’s most photogenic spring attractions, with Nezu Shrine in Bunkyo Ward drawing crowds on April 22nd as vibrant late-blooming azaleas reached their peak.

The emergence of Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn has become a key catalyst in the discussion of a potential Nissan-Honda merger. Having grown through iPhone production, the company is now pushing into the electric vehicle (EV) sector, led by a Japanese executive who once held top roles at major Japanese firms.

George Glass, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan, held his first meeting with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to discuss tariff measures under the Trump administration and efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.

A foreign influencer visiting Japan has come under fire after causing disturbances on Tokyo’s rail network and in public spaces, including loud music performances and backflips on station platforms. The individual, an 18-year-old German man with nearly one million social media followers, began posting videos almost immediately after arriving in Japan on April 17th.

The average price of new condominiums in Greater Tokyo has marked a record high for a fourth straight year amid rising costs. (NHK)

Prime Minister Ishiba has clarified his stance on ongoing trade negotiations with the Trump administration, stating that security and trade are separate matters and that discussions on security should not be linked to tariffs.

As former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies—particularly tariffs—once again become a topic of global attention, Japanese citizens are voicing a wide range of opinions.

This is behind the counter at Taruya, a Japanese father and daughter run Traditional style Teppan Okonomiyaki izakaya aka drinking restaurant, that’s been around for almost 100 years. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

As Golden Week approaches next weekend, one major headache for travelers is the soaring cost of hotel stays. In central Tokyo, a single night can now cost 23,000 yen—not for a luxury or business hotel, but for a capsule hotel.

Consumer prices in Japan rose by an average of 2.7% in fiscal 2024, marking the third consecutive year of inflation above 2%—a stretch not seen since the bubble economy era. But despite similar inflation figures, consumer sentiment today is far less optimistic.

Mahjong is gaining popularity in Japan, recognized as both a professional sport with growing international recognition and a casual hobby.

Concerns are mounting over the discovery of illegal radio signals believed to originate from "fake base stations" mimicking cell towers in Tokyo and Osaka, with experts warning of the risk of personal data theft and potential fraud.

Four groups made up of civilians affected by the Pacific War—including victims of air raids, survivors of the Battle of Okinawa, and former foreign BC-class war criminals—held a parade in Tokyo on April 19th to raise awareness about the lack of support for war victims based on their civilian status or nationality.

Rapidus has begun operating a trial production line for cutting-edge 2-nanometer semiconductors this month at its plant in Chitose, Hokkaido. The launch marks a major milestone for Japan’s domestic semiconductor ambitions and has triggered a surge in land prices, new developments, and an influx of related companies into the city.

Japanese entertainment has become hugely popular around the world over time, winning over audiences with its unique mix of culture, storytelling, and creativity.

Japan's entertainment industry has always produced talented actors who captivate audiences at home and abroad. Now, a fresh wave of stars from Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is taking over, becoming the new faces of Japanese movies and TV.

With over 123 million residents, this island nation ranks as the 11th most populous country in the world. Its 47 prefectures offer everything from snowy mountains to tropical beaches, making timing crucial for travelers.

The Emperor sowed rice seeds on April 15th in a paddy near the Biological Laboratory on the Imperial Palace grounds, marking the start of this year's rice cultivation.