Ten semiconductor-related companies from Japan and the United States are set to establish a development facility for next-generation semiconductors required for generative AI and autonomous driving in Silicon Valley, USA.

The quintessential Japanese summer beverage, Ramune, is experiencing a surge in popularity overseas. However, a shortage of bottles is hindering production, leaving manufacturers in a difficult situation.

Real wages per worker, which reflect changes in the cost of living, have decreased for a record 26 consecutive months, according to data for May.

Koki Kimura, CEO of Mixi, the company behind the globally successful game 'Monster Strike', and known for its expansion into sports and entertainment, reveals the company’s overseas strategy. In the second part of this series, we delve into Mixi’s focus on India, a market where smartphones are indispensable for everyday life, driving high demand for mobile games.

The 'Summer Jumbo Lottery' tickets, offering a combined first prize and bonus of 700 million yen, went on sale on July 8. They will be available nationwide until August 8. The first prize of 500 million yen will have 24 winners, and the bonus prize of 100 million yen will have 48 winners. The second prize of 1 million yen will have 2,400 winners.

We are drinking again! Join us for another nighttime adventure, exploring some of Japan’s most unique and lesser-known traditions – snack bars, or "sunakku," a type of traditional bar, traditionally known as a watering hole favorite of Japanese salarymen. (Japan by Food)

As the yen continues to weaken and prices rise, more people are cutting their summer vacation budgets compared to last year.

Known as the 'Ise Shrine of Tokyo,' Tokyo Daijingu, located in Chiyoda Ward, is famed for its blessings in love and matchmaking. On July 7, Tanabata Day, many visitors, including those dressed in yukata, flocked to the shrine.

We're heading to Hachinohe Station in Aomori Prefecture, about 3 hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Today, we'll be staying at a hot spring ryokan themed around a local Japanese festival. (It's Time to Travel)

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has won her third term following Sunday's vote. Koike addressed her supporters and cited various challenges Tokyo is facing, such as soaring prices and the falling birthrate.

Sony Group has announced its plan to gradually reduce and eventually end the production of Blu-ray discs and other optical discs.

In May, a tragic accident occurred in Tokyo when a 2-year-old girl died after her neck was caught in a car window. This incident raises concerns about the potential dangers of car windows. What precautions should be taken when traveling with children in a car?

Corporate bankruptcies in Japan have reached their highest level in a decade, driven in part by labor shortages. According to a report released by Tokyo Shoko Research on July 5, the number of corporate bankruptcies in the first half of this year increased by 21.9% compared to the previous year, totaling 4,931 cases. This marks the third consecutive year of increases.

With rising sea temperatures, the habitats of marine life are changing, and some of these changes involve dangerous creatures that require caution. One such creature is the venomous Blue-Ringed Octopus, which has poison hundreds of times more potent than cyanide.

A ceremony for the Japanese team participating in the Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26, was held on the 5th at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo with the attendance of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. Misaki Emura, the flag bearer and a female saber fencer from Tachihi Holdings, expressed her determination by stating, 'I will carry the awareness and responsibility of representing the nation, and fight with integrity to the very end.'

A dry rainy season has led to the massive growth of vegetables, with prices significantly lower than usual, offering a double benefit for consumers. This week, some stores are selling large heads of lettuce for as low as 54 yen each.

Hitachi Zosen has announced that its subsidiaries, Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine and Aimex, falsified fuel efficiency data for ship engines. The tampering involved 1,364 engines shipped since September 1999, with data altered to minimize discrepancies.

Over ten individuals sit still in a pool, extending their arms and legs forward, holding their breath. Dressed in wetsuits, they all keep their eyes open.

In the 2024 Information and Communications White Paper published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, it was revealed that only 9.1% of individuals in Japan use generative AI, significantly lower than China's 56.3% and the United States' 46.3%.

The Tokyo gubernatorial election, with voting on July 7, has sparked a debate over the 'Senkyo-Wari' campaign, which offers discounts and services at participating stores upon presenting a voting certificate, aimed at boosting voter turnout. Approximately 250 establishments, including ramen shops, cafes, and beauty salons, are participating in Tokyo.

A 30-something male elementary school teacher has been arrested for breaking into the home of a female high school student who was once his pupil, using a spare key he had made five years ago. The teacher reportedly took the original key during a school event and secretly made a copy.

According to Teikoku Databank, the number of bankruptcies among businesses operating yakiniku restaurants has reached 20 cases by last month this year.

In the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, a key issue is incumbent Governor Yuriko Koike's projection mapping project.

Michelin, renowned for its restaurant guide, has unveiled its first-ever hotel rating system in Japan. The top honor, the '3 Michelin Keys', equivalent to three stars in the restaurant guide, was awarded to six accommodation facilities.

This summer, fewer people in Japan are expected to travel for vacation compared to last year, with high prices influenced by a weak yen being a contributing factor.