An upmarket mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa makes a great day trip from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. In this video, we explore the town on foot and then head higher into the mountains to visit a volcanic park. (japan-guide.com)

Discussions on making high school tuition free have been gaining momentum in the Japanese Diet, with negotiations intensifying among the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Democratic Party for the People (DPP), and Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party).

Despite its widespread popularity, strawberry production in Japan is facing a crisis. Harvest yields have been declining year by year, largely due to the aging farming population and a shrinking number of cultivators.

The average price per Valentine's Day chocolate stands at 418 yen, marking a 5.8% increase from 2024, according to Teikoku Databank, with chocolates from international brands averaging 435 yen per piece, 35 yen higher than Japanese brands.

Nissan’s CEO has informed Honda’s president of the company’s decision to terminate merger discussions. Why did the planned alliance between Japan’s second- and third-largest automakers break down?

Japan’s real wages declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, failing to keep pace with rising prices, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Panasonic Holdings has announced plans to dissolve its core subsidiary, Panasonic Corporation, and split it into three separate companies as part of its business restructuring efforts.

A recent Cabinet Office survey on gender equality revealed that 43.3% of respondents who changed their surname after marriage wanted to continue using their maiden name in the workplace. This marks a 4.2-point increase from the previous survey conducted two years ago.

Honda has proposed making Nissan a subsidiary as part of ongoing discussions on a potential business integration, according to sources.

Bhutan has introduced an artificial intelligence system called 'AI Buddha,' developed by Kyoto University and other institutions, to provide life advice and guidance based on Buddhist scriptures.

Colorectal cancer has become the most common cancer in Japan, with its prevalence increasing due to the growing influence of Western dietary habits. However, advances in medical technology are enhancing early detection.

Costco announced on February 3rd that it will raise the annual cost of its Gold Star membership by 440 yen to 5,280 yen, while the Executive membership, which offers a 2% rebate on purchases, will increase by 660 yen to 10,560 yen, starting May 1st.

Prime Minister Ishiba, ahead of the US-Japan summit with President Trump, is set to present a specially prepared map showcasing Japanese corporate investments across the United States, a strategic move aimed at emphasizing Japan’s economic contributions while negotiating key issues such as tariffs, defense spending, and security commitments.

The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) has been making significant strides in Japan’s political landscape, with party leader Yuichiro Tamaki at the forefront of discussions on electoral strategies and policy initiatives.

The signing of a presidential order imposing a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico by U.S. President Donald Trump has sent shockwaves through the markets, with the Nikkei Stock Average plunging sharply on February 3rd. Concerns are mounting over the impact on the Tokai region’s auto industry, a key pillar of the local economy.

Japan’s matcha shortage has made headlines across the world, but what does it really look like in Tokyo, and how can you enjoy it authentically? (Japan by Food)

SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have launched a new AI services company in Japan, aiming to drive innovation in enterprise AI. At the unveiling, Son introduced the company’s first service, "Crystal," which he described as a revolutionary AI solution that will transform business operations.

China’s AI industry has caused a stir with the emergence of Deepseek, a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model that has drawn comparisons to the world's leading AI systems.

Crimes committed by foreign visitors to Japan are on the rise, in particular, a growing trend of short-term visitors who commit crimes and immediately flee to their home countries, a pattern referred to as 'hit-and-run' crimes. Why is Japan being targeted?

Have you ever felt frustrated that your voice is not reflected in local government decisions? Bureaucratic processes often seem slow and inefficient. In Tokyo, a new initiative aims to change that with artificial intelligence.

A large crowd gathered in Tokyo's Akihabara district on January 30th, leading to chaos as customers rushed to secure a chance to buy a highly sought-after Nvidia graphics card.

As the Lunar New Year holiday brings an influx of tourists from across Asia, Japan is experiencing a significant rise in inbound visitors. With attractions catering to Chinese-speaking tourists and picturesque winter landscapes drawing crowds to snow-covered regions, efforts to achieve a full post-pandemic recovery in inbound tourism are gaining momentum.

A major international eSports tournament has kicked off in Sapporo, drawing significant attention as a potential economic boost for the city. The five-day event, held at the Daiwa House Plemist Dome in Toyohira Ward, is expected to attract around 30,000 spectators.

Banks are engaged in an intense battle to attract deposits, pushing interest rates higher. While savings account holders may benefit from increased interest earnings, rising rates also mean heavier mortgage burdens and potential rent hikes.

Honda and Nissan's negotiations over a potential business integration have hit a roadblock, with concerns that Nissan’s restructuring measures are inadequate.