Actor-turned-politician Taro Yamamoto is angling for a new real-life role in which he leads his novice party and allies to victory, ousts long-ruling conservatives and takes over as prime minister within the next few years. (Japan Times)

A government panel identified on Tuesday a set of Jomon Period archaeological sites in northern Japan as a potential candidate for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage designation in 2021. (Japan Times)

The July 18 arson attack on Kyoto Animation’s Fushimi studio has resulted in the deaths of 35 employees who were in the building at the time the arsonist struck. Though the building was compliant with all local fire codes, such regulations are largely designed as precautions for accidental fires, not the sort of pre-meditated attack that was carried out on the anime production company. (Japan Today)

For many in Japan, this year’s Bon holiday period in mid-August may be expanded to nine consecutive days, but not everyone is excited about the idea of a long break due to fears that their work will keep piling up. (Japan Times)

A government panel proposed Wednesday that the average hourly minimum wage in Japan should be raised to 901 yen in fiscal 2019, exceeding 900 yen for the first time ever as the consumption tax will be increased in October. (Japan Today)

Former world No. 1 Rory McIlroy will join 15-time major-winner Tiger Woods at Japan’s first PGA Tour tournament later this year, organizers announced Wednesday. (Japan Times)

Police in Yokohama have arrested a 37-year-old woman on suspicion of attempted murder after she drove a car with her 38-year-old husband clinging to the hood. The man eventually fell off and suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull. (Japan Today)

The average life expectancy reached a record high for both male and female Japanese people last year. It was more than five years longer than in 1989, the year the three-decade Japanese era of Heisei started. (NHK)

Much of Japan sweltered on Tuesday, as temperatures hovered around 35 degrees Celsius. Weather officials are urging people to take precautions against heatstroke, as the hot weather is expected to continue for about a week. (NHK)

The deer population in Nara Park, a popular western Japan tourist attraction, has increased for the third straight year to a record 1,388 animals, a local organization said Monday, the highest number since record-keeping began in the 1950s. (Japan Today)

More than two-thirds of listed Japanese manufacturers have reported declines in quarterly profits so far this earnings season, the broadest slump since the global financial crisis, as trade frictions and China's economic slowdown take their toll. (Nikkei)

Kyoto Animation Co is seeking to recover drawing and storyboard data from a server that was apparently undamaged in the deadly arson attack on a studio earlier this month. (Japan Today)

While Japan has a reputation for being one of the safer countries in which to live, there are certain worrying trends when it comes to stalking. Regardless of gender, there are some people who take their fascination with an idol or celebrity too far and ultimately end up violating their privacy. (Japan Today)

Some post office workers forged documents or engaged in other unlawful practices in selling the products of Japan Post Insurance Co in fiscal 2018, internal documents showed Monday. (Japan Today)

The unusually long and cool rainy season has dampened demand for apparel, furniture and other goods, with some retailers already reporting steep drops in merchandise sales. (Japan Times)

With around a year to go until the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, the age-old question of whether to put family or given name first when writing Japanese names in English has started to garner attention. (Japan Times)

The Upper House on Sunday started renovation work for two newly elected lawmakers with severe physical disabilities. (Japan Times)

About 20,000 fireworks were set off at an annual festival along the banks of Tokyo's Sumida River on Saturday evening. (NHK)

Real estate companies in Japan are busy building luxury hotels that will charge more than $250 a night, perceiving a shortage of top-of-the-line accommodations due to a surge in international travelers, particularly from the U.S. and Europe. (Nikkei)

Japanese weather officials say Tropical Storm Nari has been downgraded to a tropical depression. But they say localized downpours could still hit the Kinki, Tokai and Kanto-Koshin regions, and are warning of possible landslides. (NHK)

A small experimental rocket launched by a Japanese aerospace startup failed shortly after takeoff Saturday as its onboard computer detected an abnormality and shut off the engine. It then crashed into the sea. (Japan Times)

Preparations for the Rugby World Cup step up a level this week with 10 of the participating sides playing test matches, as players look to impress coaches ahead of the announcement of the final tournament squads at the end of August. (Japan Times)

Japan held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday at the imperial palace, where Shinto priests prayed for safe and successful construction of a pair of shrines for Emperor Naruhito's key succession rituals later this year. (Japan Today)

A centuries-old outdoor kabuki festival performed by local residents on a movable stage has opened in the city of Nasukarasuyama, north of Tokyo. (NHK)

Fuji Rock will live stream a selection of the bands and singers performing at this year’s festival, event organizers have announced. (Japan Times)