A well-known miso ramen restaurant in Hokkaido went up in flames on Friday morning, completely destroying the entire building, with the owner rushed to hospital suffering severe burns.

Rin Okabe, a popular member of AKB48 who has been selected for the group's singles 12 times, has announced the release of her first photobook on March 27th to commemorate her graduation from the group.

Japan's Defense Ministry has signed a contract to purchase up to 400 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States. (NHK)

Japan's national consumer price index witnessed a significant rise of 3.1% over the course of 2023, marking a historic high not seen since the aftermath of the second oil shock in 1982, 41 years ago.

Japan's government has drawn up measures to provide legal and other support for the victims of the religious group previously known as the Unification Church. (NHK)

Singer-songwriter Kayoko Yoshizawa is gearing up for a nationwide tour in Japan this April to celebrate the release of her upcoming EP, 'Rikka'. Known for her unique blend of melodies and lyrical storytelling, Yoshizawa's tour promises to be an enchanting experience for her fans.

The largest faction in Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has decided to disband in response to a political funds scandal. (NHK)

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, a major life insurance company, has decided to increase the starting salary for university graduates joining the company in April this year by 16%

Sekisui House announced on Thursday its plans to acquire the American homebuilding company, M.D.C. Holdings, for 720 billion yen, positioning it as the fifth-largest homebuilder in the United States.

Two YouTubers known as 'R Detectives (R探偵)', who specialize in recording videos where they apprehend individuals they suspect of illicit activities like voyeurism, were arrested on Tuesday for attempting to extort cash from an alleged voyeur.

Mired by confusion and suspicions, the Japan Clay Shooting Association will hold a general meeting to discuss the potential dismissal of all directors over suspicions of inappropriate use of funds solicited from corporate sponsors.

The arrest of two managers of a men's underground idol agency brings to light the issue of "Oshikatsu" -- fans becoming devoted to their favorite idols.

In a case where executives of Japan's largest scout group, centered in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district, were arrested and indicted for seriously injuring a male member, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested five additional members on suspicion of confinement and indecent assault resulting in injury.

Seven-Eleven Japan is rolling out a variety of new products this week, starting January 16th, try out their new melon bread that uses whipped cream made from Furano melons or a fondant chocolat with a tangy berry chocolate sauce as the highlight.

Generative AI, capable of automatically creating text and images, is seeing increased utilization among many companies and local governments.

Tomoko Tamura, a member of the House of Councillors, is set to take the helm as the first female leader of the Communist Party, raising questions whether the appointment could serve as a turning point for the party, which has seen a slump in popularity.

A government report on the transactions between major power companies engaged in power generation and the so-called "new power" companies that procure and sell electricity to consumers has been published.

Thirteen employees have been arrested for operating illegal men's esthetic salons in over 30 rooms of a condominium near Tokyo's Nakano Station, with sales exceeding 1 billion yen in a year.

Morning Musume.'24's nationwide tour "Morning Musume.'24 Concert Tour Spring MOTTO MORNING MUSUME." is set to be held from March to May.

NEC, in collaboration with the traditional bread maker Kimuraya, has unveiled an innovative culinary creation named 'RenAI (Love) Bread,' a product that captures the essence of romantic feelings in its flavor.

The Nikkei Stock Average has seen a wave of buying orders over a wide range of stocks, with some fearing that overheating has left the market price significantly exceeded the ETF's benchmark price, leading to a potential risk for investors.

The 170th Akutagawa Prize selection meeting was held in Tokyo on the 17th, where Rie Kudan's "Tokyo Metropolitan Tower of Sympathy" was chosen for the award. The Naoki Prize selection is still ongoing.

In response to concerns over copyright infringement associated with the development and use of generative AI, Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs has announced plans to seek public comments during January on a draft proposal titled "Perspectives on AI and Copyright."

The Tokyo District Public Prosecutor's Office has decided not to prosecute a taxi driver who was arrested for killing a pigeon on a street in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo.

In an effort to support young people who may require emergency contraception, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to launch a new initiative in the spring of 2024, whereby healthcare professionals, such as nurses, will accompany individuals to medical facilities.