The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

An opening ceremony was held Saturday for the Japan Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. As the host country's main exhibit, the pavilion is positioned as the symbolic "face" of the Expo, welcoming visitors from around the world with a presentation of Japan's culture of circularity.

The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the tariffs are set to take effect on April 3rd and will apply to all imported vehicles, including those from Japan.

Rapidus, a company aiming to domestically produce next-generation semiconductors, plans to begin operating its prototype line for advanced chips in April. The company is accelerating development of 2-nanometer-class semiconductors, expected to be used in artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

The Tokyo District Court on March 25th ordered the dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church, following a request from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Gaza authorities announced on March 24th that two journalists were killed in an Israeli military strike.

Once a pioneering force in Japan’s convenience store sector, 7-Eleven is now facing a clear slowdown. Although the company introduced many groundbreaking services over the years—such as hot oden by the register and in-store ATMs—it has failed to produce a major hit in over a decade.

The Osaka High Court, presided over by Judge Kumiko Honda, ruled on March 25th that provisions in Japan’s Civil Code and Family Register Act that do not recognize same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, marking the fifth such ruling by a high court in the country.

Sayuri Matsumura and comedy duo Diane appeared at a press event in Tokyo on March 19th to unveil new regular items from McDonald’s Japan’s Samurai Mac series.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Takuya Onishi, 49, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and three others arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 16th at around 12:00 a.m. (Japan time: March 16th at around 1:00 p.m.), completing a journey of approximately 29 hours since launch.

Dodgers pitcher Sasaki made his first start in a Major League Baseball spring training game on March 11th, throwing four scoreless innings against the Guardians in Glendale, Arizona. He allowed just one hit while striking out two and walking two.

Media artist Yoichi Ochiai, who is showcasing a thematic pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, announced on March 7th the details of the exhibit he is producing, titled "null2 (Nuru-Nuru)."

Japanese and Chinese students came together on March 8th for a joint coming-of-age ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in China.

Steller’s sea eagles have arrived off the coast of Rausu, Hokkaido, near the World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko, seeking a winter refuge. These birds, designated as a national natural treasure, typically breed in Russia’s Far East and can span over two meters when spreading their wings.

Nagasaki University and other institutions unveiled a new system on March 4th that allows medical students to practice patient interviews with AI-generated virtual patients.

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino, held his first press conference on March 3rd at the Akasaka Higashi Residence in Tokyo’s Akasaka Estate to mark his coming of age at 18.

Tsubasa Ichiyama was the highest-finishing Japanese male runner in the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday, who placed 10th with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 0 seconds.

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.

Red-crowned cranes have returned in large numbers this season, creating a mesmerizing spectacle across Hokkaido’s snowy plains. The birds were seen leisurely pecking at food while pairs, preparing for the upcoming breeding season, spread their wings and engaged in an elegant courtship dance.

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.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, aiming for their second consecutive World Series title, will begin spring training for battery players on February 11th (February 12th Japan time) in Glendale, Arizona.

A promotional event for Season 11 of the Formula E world series, an all-electric vehicle (EV) racing championship, was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building ahead of the Tokyo race, scheduled to take place in Ariake on May 17th and 18th.

The stalled merger talks between Honda and Nissan, as well as Nippon Steel’s acquisition bid for US Steel, are in the spotlight. The negotiations for a management integration between Honda and Nissan were scrapped in just about a month after they were revealed, largely due to the size differences between the two automakers.

Aichi’s famed Konomiya Hadaka Festival took place on February 10th at Konomiya Shrine in Inazawa City, where men clad in only fundoshi loincloths clashed in a frenzied struggle. The traditional event, which has continued for over 1,200 years, centers around the ‘Shin Otoko’ or ‘Sacred Man,’ chosen by lottery, whom participants believe will cleanse them of misfortune if they manage to touch him.