Pac-Man, the globally beloved video game character, turns 45 on May 22nd, and Tokyo is gearing up to celebrate the milestone with a series of events in the Shibuya and Harajuku districts.

The average price of a newly built condominium in the Greater Tokyo area in April dropped 8.7% from a year earlier to 69.99 million yen, falling below the 70 million yen mark for the first time in 16 months, according to a report by the Real Estate Economic Institute.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to waive basic water charges for all ordinary households in the city this summer, covering approximately 8 million households.

A group of around 220 Ainu from across and beyond Hokkaido performed traditional dances at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 17th, conveying the Ainu spirit of mutual support and the importance of diversity and coexistence.

A man accused of stalking and assaulting actress Haruna Kojima testified in court that he believed he might have a chance with her if he confessed his feelings directly.

Following a wave of disturbing cases in which women were emotionally manipulated into debt and coerced into prostitution through exploitative tactics used by hosts, the revised Entertainment Business Act aimed at cracking down on abusive host club practices passed Japan's Lower House on Tuesday.

In Harajuku, Tokyo’s trendsetting district, animal cafes are rapidly multiplying along the bustling Takeshita Street, drawing large crowds of foreign tourists.

With rice prices continuing to hover at historically high levels and empty store shelves becoming more common, the Japanese government is under increasing pressure to implement consumer- and producer-friendly policies. In response, authorities are revising the bidding system for releasing reserve rice stocks, aiming to make it more accessible to smaller wholesalers.

Although the government released 210,000 tons of reserve rice into the market, only about 10 percent has reached supermarkets and restaurants, equivalent to the nation’s average daily rice consumption.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the final phase of a major redevelopment project around Shibuya Station, where Tokyu Corporation and JR East plan to construct two new complex buildings at Shibuya Scramble Square and develop a pedestrian deck connecting the station's east and west sides.

Agriculture Minister Taketaka Eto of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party stated during a speech in Saga City on May 18th that he has never purchased rice, explaining, "I receive a lot from supporters—enough that I could practically sell it. That's how much is in my household pantry."

Four elementary school boys were injured in a hit-and-run incident in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, after two Chinese nationals—later arrested—had spent about two hours drinking at a Chinese restaurant prior to the crash.

U.S. investment fund Dalton Investments has issued a statement criticizing Fuji Media Holdings for rejecting its proposed board nominees, calling the move "regrettable" and stating it "does not appear to have been seriously considered."

Planning your Tokyo trip? Don’t miss these 5 incredible restaurants—from iconic sushi to Michelin-rated ramen—and the best part? You can reserve them all online through byFood, with no Japanese needed. (Japan by Food)

The Sanja Festival at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo, a signature early-summer tradition of the downtown area, reached its peak on Saturday as groups of local carried mikoshi through the streets in the main 'Rengo Togyo' procession despite the rain.

Japan’s policy to provide free high school tuition for both public and private schools is expanding options for families who once gave up on private education due to cost. However, in Osaka, where this policy was implemented ahead of other regions, even prestigious public high schools are now struggling to fill seats.

Once envisioned as Japan’s answer to Las Vegas, Kabukicho evolved into a nightlife hub that reflects Japan’s underworld culture. But how did it come to be this way? (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Many travelers visiting Japan shared their spending habits, itineraries, and impressions of the country, revealing just how flexible and varied a Japan trip can be depending on budget, travel style, and expectations.

A canal built more than 130 years ago to carry water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto is set to become the first modern civil engineering structure in Japan to be designated a National Treasure.

The government approved a long-awaited pension reform bill in a cabinet meeting on May 16th, aiming to eliminate the so-called "1.06 million yen barrier" that has prevented many part-time workers from enrolling in the welfare pension system.

A city-wide puzzle-solving game will soon begin in Naha as part of efforts to boost tourism and help participants rediscover the charm of the area.

Japan has launched its new "security clearance" system, which restricts access to sensitive economic security information to individuals deemed suitable through a national screening process. The program, which began operation on May 15th, is intended to enhance international collaboration by aligning Japan’s information handling standards with those of key allies.

Japan’s three largest banking groups have all reported record net profits for the past fiscal year, with their combined earnings nearing 4 trillion yen.

Model and actress Mariya Nishiuchi, 31, has announced her retirement from the entertainment industry.

An absolute legend compiled all of Japan's best memes. I'm here to explain the best ones for you and rank them. (Japanalysis)