As cherry blossom season approaches, anticipation is building alongside the swelling buds, yet Japan’s beloved sakura are increasingly under threat from pests, aging trees, and disease, raising concerns about the future of the country’s most iconic spring symbol.

North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in Minami Ward, Sapporo, which closed in September 2025 over unauthorized development, remains home to hundreds of animals as its operator disputes a planned removal order while emphasizing animal welfare concerns.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry presented a draft outline of its revised strategy through 2040 at an expert panel on AI and semiconductors, setting a goal of achieving more than a 30% global market share in domestically developed “physical AI,” which enables autonomous control of robots and other systems.

The situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy transport, is growing increasingly complex, with U.S. President Donald Trump urging Japan to assist in securing the waterway while Iran signals it may allow passage depending on negotiations, and as prospects for a swift resolution fade, Japanese industries including automobiles, ethylene, and polyvinyl chloride resin have begun scaling back production.

JR East unveiled Japan’s first dedicated freight Shinkansen in Tokyo on March 17th, marking a new step in the use of high-speed rail for logistics.

A new service enabling individuals to preserve their own cells for future medical treatment is set to launch in Japan, marking the country’s first offering of long-term iPS cell storage for personal use.

Japan’s nationwide average land prices across all uses rose for the fifth consecutive year as of January 1st, 2026, reflecting a gradual economic recovery, according to data released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

A large-scale cleanup operation was carried out on March 16th in Kyoto City as authorities moved to address a cluster of dilapidated structures and illegally dumped waste near a residential area close to Kinkakuji, marking the city’s first administrative enforcement action under regulations governing filled land.

Japan's Environment Ministry has removed the red-crowned crane, a nationally designated Special Natural Monument, from its list of endangered species for the first time, citing a recovery in population driven by long-term conservation efforts, while also lowering the extinction risk classification of the crested ibis by one level as its numbers continue to rebound.

Rising land prices are making it increasingly difficult for people to live in their preferred locations, prompting a growing trend of choosing homes a few stations away from major hubs as a way to reduce rent.

Yamayoshi Confectionery said on March 17th that it has suspended production of its flagship products, including its popular potato chips "Wasabeef," due to difficulties in securing fuel.

The average monthly amount invested by people in their 20s who use NISA has reached 34,432 yen, with the amount young adults are putting into investments continuing to rise and even giving birth to the phrase "NISA poverty."

Uniqlo, a subsidiary of Fast Retailing, began rolling out “Yellow Uniqlo” stores on March 16th at seven locations inside JR Ikebukuro Station, Kyoto Station, and Narita Airport, featuring bright yellow exteriors designed to evoke the sun and draw attention to products aimed at protecting customers from ultraviolet rays.

Japan byFood and Shizuka spend 24 hours eating only the BEST food in Shibuya, Tokyo! From all-wagyu ramen to the famous hamburg omurice originally from Fukuoka, we explore some of the most exciting places to eat right around the world's said busiest Shibuya Crossing. (Japan by Food)

Cherry blossom season has begun, with flowering officially announced in Kochi and Gifu, and past records suggest that even people with hay fever may still be able to enjoy the blossoms at their peak.

A farewell ceremony for Masashi Ozaki, a legendary figure in Japanese golf affectionately known as “Jumbo,” who died at the age of 78 last December, was held at a hotel in Tokyo on March 16th, drawing many figures from the golf world and related industries to pay their respects.

Japan is moving to coordinate with Western nations to secure a stable supply of rare earth materials, government sources revealed.

A mobile battery carried by a passenger caught fire inside a Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line train on March 15th, forcing the line to suspend operations temporarily across its entire route, though no injuries were reported.

Seven men, including suspected ringleaders linked to an organized crime group, have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department in connection with a robbery in which about 423 million yen was stolen from a man walking along a Tokyo street in January 2026.

Tokyo police announced that a total of 112 women and girls were arrested over the past year for allegedly soliciting customers for prostitution on the streets of Kabukicho, one of the capital’s largest entertainment districts.

As artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, digital tools designed to distinguish humans from AI are gaining attention as an essential safeguard for the internet age.

Many foreign men using escort services known as “delivery health” have been falling victim to a scam called panel magic. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Two weeks after attacks on Iran triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, turmoil has spread through the global economy, with rising gasoline prices already hitting consumers while a looming shortage of petrochemical materials threatens to drive up the cost of everyday goods.

As Japan enters the peak spring relocation season from March to April, the transport ministry has released this year’s moving reservation outlook, warning that many people may struggle to secure their preferred moving dates.

Today we explore the promising March show at the Kabuki-za theatre in Tokyo! (Kabuki In-Depth)