Amid the Liberal Democratic Party's slush fund scandal, taxpayers are voicing their anger, leaving those working at tax filing offices bewildered.

With the classification of COVID-19 downgraded to Category 5, many families are considering travel during the first spring break since the change. However, due to rising prices and the influx of travelers, accommodation costs within Japan have also surged.

The Japan Meteorological Agency is showcasing its new supercomputer, which will come online from May 5th, to enhance the prediction accuracy of linear precipitation zones that cause heavy rainfall.

Japan's Kanto region is experiencing a sudden drop in temperature since yesterday's highs, with caution being advised for heavy rain in Western Japan and Ishikawa Prefecture.

Hiroo Yano, the founder of the 100-yen shop chain Daiso, operated by Daisho Industries, has passed away. He was 80 years old. Born in Beijing, China, in 1943, Yano founded the predecessor to Daiso, "Yano Store," in 1972.

Recent research reveals that sleeping on a pillow that is too high can increase the risk of stroke. Experts warn that pillows higher than 12 centimeters should be used with caution, as the risk increases with height.

A massive Taiwanese semiconductor company has made its way into a town in Kumamoto Prefecture with a population of 43,000.

Hokkaido has drafted a proposal for an "accommodation tax" to be levied on guests staying at hotels and inns, with charges ranging from 100 to 500 yen depending on the accommodation rate.

Starting April, some major fast-food chains, including McDonald's Japan, will begin charging for bags at select locations. McDonald's Japan has announced that starting April, 23 stores in Nagasaki Prefecture will introduce a fee of 5 yen per bag for customers who use shopping bags.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of its establishment, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has launched a special exhibition at the Police Museum, showcasing items such as Japan's first wooden license from the Meiji era.

Over 20 Ukrainian companies visiting Japan joined Japanese firms in a business matching event aimed at reconstruction efforts.

Foreign tourists visiting Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, known as "Little Edo," have surged to about 6.2 times the number of the previous year.

The Nikkei average stock price is nearing its all-time high from 34 years ago. We compare the "bubble period" with today and explore the impact on daily life.

The University of Tokyo has decided to establish a new 5-year educational program in the fall of 2027, aiming to nurture talent capable of solving global societal issues such as decarbonization.

Following last year's "Egg Shock," there is now concern over the recent price increases of tomato products such as ketchup and whole tomatoes, with the term "Tomato Shock" being used by some in the restaurant industry to describe the new reality.

Vertical reading manga (webtoons), which have been hits as drama originals in Japan and Korea, have recently gained attention. Vertical reading manga are optimized for reading by scrolling vertically on a smartphone.

The issue of popular serialized manga being leaked online before their official release dates, known as "early leaks," is becoming a significant problem. This phenomenon, often facilitated by platforms like YouTube, deprives both creators and eagerly awaiting readers of the joy of experiencing new releases as intended.

Known as "Japan's Buffett," 87-year-old day trader Shigeru Fujimoto has amassed a fortune of 2 billion yen. Starting as a pet shop employee and later running a mahjong parlor, Fujimoto became a full-time investor, mastering the art of day trading.

As we enter the Year of the Dragon, an intriguing urban legend has resurfaced, claiming that dragon-themed video games are released more frequently during these years. The years in question are 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and now 2024. We'll examine the dragon games launched in each of these years to determine the truth behind this myth.

The February 19th issue of 'Weekly Playboy' magazine features the globally recognized DJ SODA on its cover, while inside readers will find a feature on Sakuragi Cocona from Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku (Private Ebisu Junior High School), a Japanese female idol group.

In the construction industry, where labor shortages are becoming increasingly severe, both the government and companies are focusing on acquiring female talent. We investigated the efforts of a construction company where women are leading the way on the job site.

In an effort to move away from car-dependent society, Gunma Prefecture launched its version of MaaS (Mobility as a Service) last year. This service allows users to book and pay for various public transportation options, such as trains and buses, using just a smartphone.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has created the first "Drinking Guidelines" indicating the amount of alcohol in drinks that can increase health risks.

In tropical Thailand, a culinary phenomenon is taking place: the Japanese "yakiimo" or roasted sweet potato. This humble snack has undergone a remarkable evolution in Thailand, captivating the nation with its sweetness and texture.

The town that consumes the most Natto, a traditional Japanese sticky fermented soybean dish, known for its strong, pungent smell, is not in Ibaraki where most people think, but in fact much further north, as revealed through data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.