News On Japan
December 05, 2024
Chiba Prefecture has announced a plan to revise the toll system on the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, currently being tested, by doubling toll fees during peak congestion hours from April next year.
Image of Chiba to Double Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line Weekend Tolls During Peak Hours

The issue of diplomatic vehicles avoiding parking fines in Japan due to diplomatic immunity continues, with Russia reaching a record-high number of violations, accounting for 63% of the total.

The BBC has announced its 2024 edition of '100 Women,' celebrating individuals who have made a significant impact on society, selecting Japanese talent Naomi Watanabe (37) as one of the honorees.


SOCIETY | December 05, 2024
Tokyo's Kabukicho district has seen a concentrated police crackdown on women soliciting customers for prostitution near Okubo Park, resulting in 50 arrests over approximately two months.
Image of Crackdown in Tokyo’s Kabukicho Results in 50 Arrests

A passerby has pledged a generous donation of 600 million yen to restore an aging community pool. Who is behind this remarkable gesture?

A man has been arrested for allegedly cutting a middle school girl’s coat and hair with scissors while passing her on a bicycle.

Authorities in Osaka's Nishinari Ward carried out a contentious forced eviction at the Airin General Center, a facility once central to the city’s day-laborer community, sparking protests from residents and supporters who condemned the move as a violation of human rights and dignity, while officials cited safety concerns and legal rulings as justification for the operation.


The Niseko region in western Hokkaido, renowned internationally for its powder snow, continues to draw significant attention as a prime ski destination.
Image of Niseko Ski Resort Lift Pass Surpasses 10,000 Yen

For Kyoto, a city that attracts visitors from across Japan and abroad, autumn—with its vivid fall foliage—is a particularly crowded season. While concerns over overtourism have long been raised, in recent years, both the public and private sectors have introduced various measures to address the issue.

Explore the 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary in this Ultimate Japan Travel Guide, featuring top Tokyo attractions like Asakusa, Shibuya Tokyo, Shinjuku Tokyo, and Sensoji Temple, along with detailed Tokyo travel tips, a complete Japan 5 days itinerary, and the best places to go in Tokyo for an unforgettable trip. (Alp Galip)

The JR Group announced on December 2nd that it will end the sale of "round-trip tickets" by around March 2026. Additionally, "consecutive trip tickets" will also be discontinued during the same period.

Japan's first luxury cruise ship, where all rooms are suites, has departed Yokohama Port for its maiden voyage.


Strange occurrences are happening in the town of Kurouzu-cho... Eyes are rolling, tongues are coiling, bodies twist unnaturally. Can anyone escape the curse of the spirals? (Netflix Anime)
Image of UZUMAKI: Animated TV Series | Official Trailer

As Kame throws her cherished item down the well, the Medicine Seller senses that something has taken form inside the Ōoku. (Netflix Anime)

On December 3rd, 1994, Sony Computer Entertainment, the predecessor of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), launched the first PlayStation console. This marked the beginning of a revolutionary era in gaming.

Welcome to Japan. Home of the coolest new musical genre on the planet: Girl Metal. (The Bucci List)

It is time to have a look at the December show at the Kabuki-za! (Kabuki In-Depth)


On February of 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 which led to the forcible removal of all persons of Japanese American ancestry living on the West Coast and sent them to camps scattered across the country, and today we'll learn about those camps especially what the people ate when they were there. (Tasting History with Max Miller)

Kejōrō is a yokai from Japanese folklore, depicted as a woman with long hair that covers her face. She is known for seducing men and then ensnaring them with her hair, which becomes uncontrollable and suffocating. (See U in History / Mythology)

Day 4 of my WRC VIP Hyundai Rally Japan adventure is nothing short of extraordinary! The day kicks off with thrilling rally action at Ena, followed by a serene escape to the beautiful Nakatsugawa Park. (Life of Smokey)

An annual opinion poll shows that more than 87 percent of Chinese have negative views of Japan, up sharply from last year and the second-highest rate recorded. (NHK)


BUSINESS | December 05, 2024
Starting in December, SBI Shinsei Bank has raised the interest rate for ordinary savings accounts to 0.3%—about three times the standard rate—for all depositors aged 28 and under.
Image of SBI Shinsei Bank Raises Interest Rate to 0.3% for Depositors Aged 28 and Under

Japanese stocks have entered the so-called "year-end rally" phase, a period known for upward trends in stock prices. Last week, the Nikkei Stock Average showed resilient performance despite the yen appreciating gradually against the dollar, temporarily dipping below 38,000 yen but ending with stable movements.

Japan’s airline industry is experiencing a significant boost from record inbound tourism, but rising costs and geopolitical challenges are tempering the financial gains.

Kirin Brewery has announced that it will increase prices on over 200 products, including beer and chuhai, starting in April next year. All three major beer companies will implement price hikes at the same time.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) has launched an on-site investigation into Amazon Japan, alleging that the company forced sellers to lower prices. The investigation will also examine potential involvement by Amazon's U.S. headquarters.