At night, Kego Park in central Fukuoka becomes a gathering place for youth with nowhere else to go—teenagers and young adults who have lost their footing at home or in school. The area has come to be known as "the Kego scene."

A video archive from a recent AI conference has been released, offering a look into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence through candid remarks from leading engineers and entrepreneurs.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has drafted a new strategy aimed at giving Japan an advantage in shaping international standards for emerging technologies such as next-generation solar cells.

The redevelopment plan for the former Nakano Sunplaza site has been formally scrapped, raising concerns among local residents about the area potentially becoming a neglected eyesore.

As ultraviolet radiation reaches stronger levels with the onset of summer, the number of days with intense UV readings has doubled over the past 30 years. While people often remember to protect their skin, experts are warning that protection for the eyes is equally essential—and often forgotten.

Today we have a look at the treasures and heirlooms that drive some of kabuki's most important stories. (Kabuki In-Depth)

More people in Japan are using online chats today than ever before. These are not just quick messages sent to friends. They are longer, kinder conversations. Many users say they feel more relaxed, more open, and less lonely during these chats.

This is behind the counter at a Yatai, traditional Japanese style food cart, called Menya Miyabi. This mobile street food stand just outside of Tokyo at Urawa Misono station is run by an aspiring young man, following in the footsteps of his Father, a ramen master based in Hokkaido. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

A sweeping change to Japan’s penal system is set to take place in June with the abolition of the dual sentencing system of prison labor (chōeki) and imprisonment without labor (kinko), which will be replaced by a unified custodial sentence known as kōkin-kei.

Actress Masami Nagasawa appeared at the Japan premiere of her latest film Doll House on May 21st in Tokyo. The horror-thriller, set to be released nationwide on June 13th, features Nagasawa in the lead role, with co-stars Koji Seto and Tetsushi Tanaka also present at the event.

A visit to Teppanyaki Kamon in Imperial Hotel in Tokyo to have a dinner of Kobe beef, lobster, abalone, fish and a few side dishes (Aden Films)

An increasing number of people are turning to generative AI not just for productivity and creativity, but as emotional companions—some even treating them like romantic partners. While this technological intimacy offers comfort for some, mental health professionals warn that excessive reliance may lead to psychological harm.

A growing number of so-called men’s concept cafes in Osaka are drawing scrutiny for blurring the line between themed entertainment and unlicensed adult services. In one case, a cafe was found offering a single drink for 1.65 million yen, underscoring the escalating concerns around financial exploitation and regulatory loopholes.

FamilyMart has unveiled a new retail strategy dubbed the "Apollo Plan," aiming to expand its sales space by attaching small, three-tsubo (about 10 square meters) white containers to existing stores. At a location in Kanagawa Prefecture, curious customers noticed the unfamiliar structure next to the usual storefront, wondering aloud what it might contain.

All four giant pandas at Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture will be returned to China on June 28th, the park announced. The pandas—Rauhin, born in 2000, and her three daughters Yuihin, Saihin, and Fuhin—will be sent back as the breeding and loan agreement with China nears its end this August.

A man walked straight out of the building, eyes fixed ahead. He was identified as 54-year-old Taniguchi, the manager of a private massage parlor, and is among nine people arrested on suspicion of illegally soliciting customers for prostitution on the streets of Gotanda, Tokyo.

Real wages in Japan declined for the third consecutive year, as rising prices continued to outpace wage growth. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s Monthly Labour Survey for fiscal 2024, inflation-adjusted wages fell by 0.5% compared to the previous year.

"I was stabbed in the chest with cooking chopsticks." That’s how A, a man in his 40s living in Shikoku, describes the abuse he endured from his ex-wife about 15 years ago. "Things like that happened all the time. It felt like hell," he recalls.

OpenAI, the developer behind the conversational AI ChatGPT, announced on May 22nd plans to build a large-scale AI data center in the United Arab Emirates in partnership with SoftBank Group, Nvidia, and others.

Japan’s consumer inflation continued its upward trajectory in April, marking the 44th consecutive month of increase, with rice in particular climbing 98.4% year-on-year.

Japan and South Korea will introduce priority immigration lanes for each other’s citizens at four major airports for one month starting next month, in a move aimed at shortening entry procedures and improving travel convenience between the two countries.

Mercari has announced a major reinforcement of its fraud prevention efforts using AI, following a surge in disputes in the growing secondhand goods market. The popular flea market app is stepping up its campaign to root out dishonest users while launching a new system to guarantee full refunds in the event of trouble.

A 27-year-old Chinese national enrolled at Kyoto University’s graduate school has been arrested for impersonating another person to take the TOEIC English proficiency exam, in what police suspect may be part of an organized cheating scheme.

Following intense criticism over a delayed response to growing political pressure, Prime Minister Ishiba dismissed Agriculture Minister Eto and appointed Koizumi as his successor in an effort to regain control of his administration.

Following the explosive rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT since their debut in 2022, the global business world is rapidly transforming. Yet, while companies in the United States and China rush to adopt these technologies, Japan is still lagging behind.