The Hokkaido Shinkansen marked its 10th anniversary on March 26, as a town in southern Hokkaido known for its deep ties to tunnel construction put forward a bold proposal to build a second undersea tunnel to help achieve faster travel between Sapporo and Tokyo.

A month has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and while Japan holds oil reserves equivalent to roughly eight months of domestic consumption, concerns are growing that rising crude prices and supply disruptions could begin to affect everything from plastic bottles to medical IV tubes.

A new type of fraud exploiting multi-function copy machines at convenience stores has been reported across Japan, where victims are deceived into printing fake legal documents and handing over money.

Japan’s benchmark stock index plunged sharply at the start of the week, at one point dropping more than 2,800 points, as surging crude oil prices driven by tensions surrounding Iran rattled markets and raised fresh concerns over the stability of alternative energy supply routes.

Long-running tensions surrounding Iran are expected to push up household electricity bills, with Japanese power companies bracing for higher costs this summer as crude oil prices remain elevated, even as Japan has shifted its energy mix toward renewables, now accounting for more than 20% of total power generation following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

A growing private credit market tied to the AI boom is emerging as a hidden source of concern for investors, with commentators on TV Tokyo's financial program Morning Satellite warning that the risk may be receiving less attention than it deserves as markets focus instead on Middle East tensions and rising crude oil prices.

Japan’s oil supply is facing what experts describe as the largest crisis in its history, as global competition for energy intensifies following the attack on Iran, triggering widespread disruptions across logistics networks and medical services.

A fire was reported on March 28th at Haneda Airport Terminal 1 and 2 Station on the Keikyu Line, where railway sleepers caught fire shortly before midnight, leading to a temporary suspension of services across the entire Airport Line, although no injuries were reported.

A massive fountain installation, billed as one of the largest in the world, began operating in Tokyo’s Odaiba district on March 28th, as the metropolitan government seeks to revitalize the waterfront area and draw millions of visitors.

Tokyo Metro has completed the installation of platform screen doors at all of its 180 stations, marking a major milestone in passenger safety measures across its network.

BS TV Tokyo and BS Fuji announced plans to end their BS4K broadcasting services, marking a shift away from satellite-based ultra-high-definition programming.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on March 26 via social media that public safety conditions in Japan are unstable, claiming that crimes targeting Chinese nationals have been occurring frequently, as tensions rise following an incident involving a member of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force.

A 21-year-old woman who had realized her dream of working at a Pokémon Center was fatally stabbed by her former boyfriend inside a busy store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district on March 26th, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to the dangers of stalking-related violence.

A hunter who had his firearm license revoked over a controversial shooting during a brown bear culling operation won a reversal in Japan's Supreme Court on March 27th, bringing an end to a seven-year legal battle and clearing the way for him to resume hunting.

A new immersive digital art exhibition in Tokyo is bringing to life yokai—supernatural beings born from human fear and imagination—through cutting-edge technology, offering visitors a dynamic way to experience Japan’s cultural heritage and folklore.

Prime Minister Takaichi announced on March 27th that Japan will increase the operating rate of coal-fired power plants in preparation for a prolonged de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reduce reliance on liquefied natural gas.

Electricity and gas bills across Japan are set to rise in April, as government subsidies introduced to ease the impact of rising prices come to an end.

A projection mapping event showcasing the history and traditional culture of Edo and the Higashi-Ginza area began on the evening of March 27th on the exterior walls of the Kabukiza theater in Tokyo’s Ginza district.

Fuel prices have surged to levels that could begin to impact transportation infrastructure, as industry groups warn of worsening supply constraints and mounting financial pressure.

The yen weakened sharply on Friday, briefly falling past 160 to the dollar, as concerns grew that instability in the Middle East would persist and weigh on global markets.

AI is rapidly transforming everyday life, with its latest advancements now revolutionizing manufacturing, reaching even into areas once considered the exclusive domain of skilled artisans.

Japan’s culture of passionately supporting favorite idols and anime characters—known as “oshi-katsu”—has expanded rapidly in recent years, with around 20 million people now actively engaged, as virtual avatar performers emerge as a driving force behind a market that has grown to 100 billion yen a decade after the birth of the world’s first VTuber, Kizuna AI.

Cherry blossoms across Japan are reaching their peak, drawing crowds to scenic spots nationwide as Tokyo’s blooms approach full bloom.

A popular Jiro-style ramen shop in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward, Ramen Senrigan draws up to 300 customers daily with its rich, indulgent flavors, including unique toppings such as spicy tempura flakes and the highly addictive “Garlic Zanmai,” leaving first-time visitors impressed by its bold and satisfying taste. (Japanese Noodles Udon Soba Tokyo)

The Edo-Tokyo Museum unveiled a series of newly installed and renovated exhibits to the media on March 25th following the completion of a large-scale refurbishment that lasted four years, marking a major transformation of one of the capital’s key cultural institutions ahead of its reopening on March 31st.