A surge in fuel prices is set to hit travel demand during Japan’s major holiday period, with airlines across Asia moving to raise fares and impose higher fuel surcharges, while in Japan, domestic carriers are maintaining current surcharge levels for now but are expected to implement significant fare increases from June onward, particularly during the peak summer travel season.

President Trump defended his decision not to give advance information about the timing of his attack on Iran to Japan — citing Tokyo’s 1941 surprise raid that killed 2,403 Americans at Pearl Harbor. (New York Post)

Japan and the United States advanced economic discussions during their latest summit, agreeing on a new round of large-scale investment exceeding 11 trillion yen, though questions remain over whether the deal will ultimately serve Japan’s national interests.

An Australian operator has unveiled plans to construct a large-scale data center immediately next to Tokyo Tower, highlighting the rapid expansion of such facilities into urban areas as demand for AI infrastructure grows.

Japan’s largest labor union group UA Zensen announced that part-time workers secured a record-high average wage increase of 6.92% in this year’s spring labor negotiations as of today, marking the highest level ever recorded for this stage of the talks.

A nostalgic era of Japan’s once-ubiquitous feature phones is coming to a close, with 3G mobile communication services set to end at the end of March, prompting a final wave of device upgrades and intensifying competition among telecom carriers to secure remaining users.

Japan, the United Kingdom, France and four other countries issued a joint statement condemning what they described as Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil transportation.

Cherry blossoms bloomed in Tokyo on March 19th, arriving five days earlier than the seasonal average and marking the start of the spring season in the capital.

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.