Digital transformation is crucial to overcoming a number of big global challenges. Yet Japan has unique disadvantages that put it behind global digital leaders such as the United States, Singapore and China and hamper its economic partnerships in the region. (East Asia Forum)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced boats as a new means of commuting, connecting Nihonbashi with Toyosu in just 20 minutes.

One of Asia's largest film festivals has kicked off in Tokyo with filmmakers and actors from Japan and abroad appearing on the red carpet. (NHK)

Domestically produced agricultural and marine products in Japan are beginning to see impacts of global warming, with rising temperatures affecting harvest volumes and quality.

The Japanese government is considering specific measures to return a portion of increased tax revenues to the public, including a fixed 40,000 yen payment to taxpayers, and 70,000 yen to non-taxable households.

Japan's Free Trade Commission on Monday said it would start investigating Google's possible breach of antimonopoly laws in web search services, following similar steps taken by authorities in Europe and other major economies. (UPI)

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended a Kabuki performance on Monday for the first time in 5 years.

Tokyo, a city synonymous with modernity and age-old traditions, transforms as the sun sets. (newsonjapan.com)

Japan's government plans to launch a subsidy program to help children from low-income households pay for high school and university entrance exams. (NHK)

Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party won one of the two Diet by-elections held on Sunday. The LDP lost the other seat to an opposition-backed candidate. (NHK)

Just west of Tokyo lies an oasis ripe with greenery, delicious food, and unique experiences. Okutama is a popular destination for Tokyoites (and beyond) seeking a peaceful escape from city life. (Japan by Food)

Join me as I cross from America to Japan by luxury cruise ship, onboard Silversea’s Silver Whisper. This is an ultra luxury cruise line, where everything is taken care of from having your own butler, a spacious Royal suite, fine dining and first class service. (Trek Trendy)

The president of the bento (boxed lunch) maker "Yoshidaya", responsible for over 500 cases of food poisoning nationwide last month, held his first press conference and gave a tearful apology.

A 39-year-old company employee has been arrested on suspicion of slashing train seats with a cutter on the JR Sōbu Line, which runs through Tokyo.

Ahead of the "Japan Mobility Show," the country's largest auto exhibition which begins next week, Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled cutting-edge technology that included a lunar exploration vehicle.

The Japanese economy, after a prolonged period of stagnation, is currently experiencing a renaissance. A confluence of unique tailwinds in the current market environment suggests a supportive backdrop for future equity returns. (lordabbett.com)

Japan has ordered over 300 Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifles from arms manufacturer Saab. (thedefensepost.com)

The Japanese government is betting on a Tokyo-based startup called ispace to help it land on and explore the moon. (themessenger.com)

Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke, in his first trial at the Tokyo District Court on Friday, admitted to helping his parents commit suicide. Prosecutors are demanding a three-year prison term. (NHK)

Netflix has picked up rights to Japanese financial drama series “Trillion Game” from leading local broadcaster Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and will begin airing it from Saturday. (variety.com)

Hideo Taru, Japan's ambassador to China, says the Japanese embassy still receives 15,000 nuisance calls a day, and is calling for Sino-Japanese relations to regain rationality.

Empress Emerita Michiko celebrated her 89th birthday on Friday. (Japan Today)

Autumn leaves are in full bloom in Tochigi and Nikko, with red and yellow trees surrounding pure white running water.

Foreign visitors are back in Japan and putting more money into the economy than ever before. Their spending hit a quarterly record, backed by a sharp recovery in arrival numbers and the weaker yen. (NHK)

Honda Motor on Thursday said it will start a driverless taxi service in Japan in partnership with General Motors. The automakers along with GM's self-driving service subsidiary will form a joint venture in 2024 and launch the taxi service in 2026 in central Tokyo. (Nikkei)