News On Japan
April 28, 2024
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building has been 'attacked' by Godzilla, brought to life through the world's largest projection mapping.
Image of Godzilla Strikes Tokyo City Hall

In a significant movement in the foreign exchange markets, the Japanese yen has once again depreciated, crossing the 158 mark against the U.S. dollar. This level marks the weakest the yen has been in approximately 34 years, signaling ongoing economic pressures and potentially major shifts in Japan's financial landscape.

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a seven-year-old girl in Kitakyushu successfully rescued her four-year-old sister who had been kidnapped. The incident, which unfolded on April 13th, began when the siblings were approached by a stranger while playing on the street.


SOCIETY | April 28, 2024
A growing trend has emerged among Japan's younger generation, particularly late teenage girls, where more than 20% now carry two smartphones.
Image of Why Do Japanese Girls Need Two Smartphones?

As crows enter their breeding season, their nest-building activities are causing concern among utility providers due to the increased risk of power outages.

Japanese company Smile-Up, the former talent agency known as Johnny & Associates, says it has sent a letter of protest to Britain's public broadcaster BBC over its program on sexual abuse by its late founder. (NHK)

Actress Akane Hotta announced on the 26th that she has married a non-celebrity man she had been dating, sharing her joy on Instagram.


The start of Golden Week on April 27 saw a surge in departures abroad fueled by the weakest yen level in about 34 years. In northern Japan, regions including Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate experienced unseasonably hot temperatures, with highs surpassing 30C.
Image of Golden Week Starts with Record Departures, Unseasonal Heat

Tokyo Metro has come under fire for a poster that has been criticized as racially discriminatory, with a scene depicting a blonde Caucasian passenger carrying a large suitcase while not queuing up properly.

As Golden Week approaches, the historic city of Kamakura, known for its scenic views and cultural heritage, is facing the perennial challenge of over-tourism. This year, local authorities are initiating an experimental traffic management scheme encouraging visitors to explore the city on foot to alleviate congestion.

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Kura Sushi's latest store in Ginza opens today (April 25), featuring a 120-meter long conveyor belt, the longest in any of its restaurants.


The morning show "Wake Up" aired its first episode on April 6, after undergoing a comprehensive renovation. Moments before going live, anchor Shinobu Nakatani shared her excitement: "It's a moment that really sharpens your focus. The studio has changed significantly—it’s become so much brighter..."
Image of Behind the Scenes: Morning TV Show Revamp

In the upcoming anime episode of "Jobless Reincarnation II," which airs on April 28, the narrative focuses on the characters Norn and Aisha.

Directed by Ayuko Tsukahara and scripted by Akiko Nogi, "Last Mile" merges thrilling suspense with an impressive ensemble cast from popular series like "Unnatural" and "MIU404." This top-tier collaboration creates an exhilarating suspense entertainment experience.

The twenty-first installment of the popular Yakuza series "Yakuza Crest Legend" is set for release on DVD on June 25, 2024. This chapter picks up after the resolution of a major conflict in Kyushu, focusing on the recovery and ensuing internal strife within the Giishinkai syndicate.

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Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

A private organization has revealed that approximately 40% of the national municipalities, totaling 744, could potentially disappear by 2050 due to declining populations.

In northern Hokkaido, Japan's largest freshwater fish, the Itou, also known as the "phantom fish," has begun its spawning season, migrating upstream in local rivers.

For the first time, Japan has conducted a national survey on child abuse related to religious beliefs, uncovering 47 cases reported to child consultation centers over the past 18 months. The findings highlight significant concerns within households where extreme religious convictions interfere with children's welfare.


BUSINESS | April 28, 2024
Japan's Cabinet has approved a bill designed to regulate tech giants to ensure fair competition in the smartphone business. (NHK)
Image of Japan's Cabinet Approves Bill to Curb Tech Giants' Market Dominance

Tasaki, the renowned pearl jewelry brand, celebrated its 70th anniversary by hosting the "TASAKI 70th Anniversary Exhibition: FLOATING SHELL." The event kicked off on April 25 with a glamorous opening ceremony attended by a slew of celebrities.

The Bank of Japan says it will leave its monetary policy unchanged. The announcement comes at the end of the BOJ's two-day meeting on Friday. (NHK)

Honda has unveiled plans to construct a factory dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in Ontario, Canada, as part of its broader strategy to fully transition to EVs by 2040.

Four victims of imposter scams have sued the Japan unit of US IT giant Meta for damages, saying the operator of Facebook and Instagram has failed to verify the authenticity of social media ads. (NHK)