Guardrails installed along the roads near Okubo Park in Shinjuku, Tokyo, are set to be removed as street solicitation, commonly known as 'tachinbo,' has become a social issue in the area.

Furano, a town in central Hokkaido long known as the "navel" of the region, is experiencing a surge in inbound tourism. Once overshadowed by Niseko, Furano has now become a hot spot for skiers and snowboarders seeking pristine powder snow.

Children born through sperm donation are calling for stronger protections of their right to know their origins as Japan debates legislation on assisted reproduction.

A demonstration demanding the abolition of the consumption tax and the restructuring of the Finance Ministry took place in front of the ministry’s headquarters in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district on February 24th. The scene at around 5 p.m. was markedly different from the usual atmosphere.

A growing number of young people from China are traveling to Japan to take university entrance exams, drawn by the lower costs, perceived ease of admission, and better safety compared to their home country.

A recent survey found that approximately one in four junior high and high school students in the Kanto region show signs of internet addiction.

The leaders of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Komeito, and Nippon Ishin no Kai met on February 25th at the National Diet to discuss key policy initiatives.

In 2024, Japanese companies engaged in a record 4,700 mergers and acquisitions (M&A), marking a new high. Kyodo News economic editor Satoshi Matsuo explains the factors behind this surge. M&A has become a key strategy for Japanese businesses facing a wave of retirements and business closures. While some acquisitions aim to expand overseas, others focus on ensuring business continuity in Japan’s rapidly aging economy.

Economist Toshihiro Nagahama joined lawmaker Yuichiro Tamaki for an urgent discussion on Japan’s economic policies. The conversation took place against the backdrop of the Ishiba administration’s efforts to pass the 2025 fiscal budget by the end of March, with opposition parties playing a crucial role in shaping policy decisions.

These are everyday sounds in Japan that all Japanese should know. These are Japan sounds that after living in Japan for many years I’ve grown to love. Some of these sounds in Japan I didn’t recognize until many years after living here and then didn’t know their purpose until many years. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

Japan's nationwide Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.2% in January compared to the previous year, marking the highest increase in a year and seven months, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

The wholesale price of rice in Japan continues to climb, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries announcing on February 19th that the average price for rice traded in January under the 2024 harvest reached 25,927 yen per 60 kilograms of brown rice.

SBI Shinsei Bank will double the interest rate on savings accounts for individuals aged 60 and older starting in April.

More than half of employees in Japan say they do not want to become managers, according to a recent survey on management career aspirations conducted by a human resources company. Only 20.5% of respondents expressed a desire for a managerial role, while the majority said they would rather avoid it.

With the arrival of the Spring Festival, a surge in Chinese tourists is bringing an influx of foreign patients to Japanese clinics. From a vegetarian suffering appendicitis after indulging in local cuisine to an American traveler sustaining a head injury at a ryokan, clinics are seeing a wide range of medical cases.

Chiyoda Ward in central Tokyo has announced a new childcare support policy, offering households with junior high and high school students a monthly stipend of 15,000 yen per child, without income restrictions, starting in April 2025.

Japan's Justice Ministry has announced that starting in May, it will amend regulations to allow regional names to be listed in the nationality field of family registers when Japanese citizens marry foreign nationals.

Japan's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew at an annualized rate of 2.8% from October to December last year, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive growth. However, the results are not entirely encouraging, as weak consumer spending remains a concern.

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino family, has obtained a driver's license as part of his preparations to enroll at Tsukuba University.

Representatives from various political parties in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors met on February 17th for a plenary session to discuss measures to secure the number of imperial family members. The debate focused on whether female members of the imperial family should retain their status after marriage.

Saudi Arabia, which is set to showcase a pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held a cultural event on February 15th to introduce its traditions and hospitality.

From shabu-shabu with customizable sauces to unconventional okonomiyaki grilling techniques, Japan’s all-you-can-eat dining culture has become a significant attraction for foreign visitors, drawing widespread praise for its affordability, variety, and interactive dining experience.

This is a Japanese College students morning routine, her daily school schedule and what she does after she finishes school in the evening. (Paolo fromTOKYO)

The House of Representatives held a plenary session on February 13th, during which Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reported on his visit to the United States. Regarding Nippon Steel’s planned acquisition of US Steel, he stated after the Japan-US summit that the two countries had "agreed on making a substantial investment rather than a takeover."

Ueno may be best known for being home to Japan’s oldest zoo, the Ameyoko shopping street, and one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots: Ueno Park. But did you know that, beyond the bustling streets and lively crowds, this area has a serene and quiet side? (Japan by Food)