Thousands of tonnes of dead fish wash ashore in Japan
Thousands of tonnes of dead sardines have washed up on a beach in northern Japan for unknown reasons, officials say. (Canberra Times)
Nine foreign nationals, bus driver injured in 3-vehicle accident in Hokkaido
Nine foreign passengers on a sightseeing bus and their driver have been injured in a three-vehicle traffic accident in Hokkaido, northern Japan. (NHK)
'Dynaland' ski resort opens in snow-covered Gifu mountains
The ski slopes of "Dynaland" in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, opened for business on Friday, with expectations high this season after a disappointing last winter, and snow already reaching a depth of 1 meter in some areas. (News On Japan)
Fukuoka police seize dozens of military weapons
A company executive from Saitama Prefecture has been arrested for allegedly selling lethal weapons to buyers including a doctor, with a total of 37 military firearms seized. (News On Japan)
09 December 2023
All Japan Tours

Japan outperforms in 15-year-old academic proficiency survey

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published the results of a learning achievement survey conducted in 2022, targeting 15-year-olds across 81 countries and regions.

Japan achieved its highest-ever ranking of 3rd in 'Reading Comprehension'. Japan also cemented its position at the top international level with a 2nd place in science and 5th in mathematics... read more

SOCIETY
Cop goes undercover to take upskirt videos
News On Japan - Dec 09
A police officer from the Ise Police Station in Mie Prefecture has been arrested for attempting to film up the skirt of a 24-year-old woman from a real estate agency, while masquerading as a potential tenant.
Tokyo Disneyland apologizes for Minnie Mouse skirt-lifting incident
Kyodo - Dec 09
The operator of Tokyo Disneyland on Friday apologized after clips of Minnie Mouse having her skirt lifted by another character during a recent Christmas parade went viral on social media, with some harshly criticizing the gesture as sexual harassment.
Kidnapped schoolgirl had lethal dose of cough medicine, 58-year-old man arrested
News On Japan - Dec 08
A 58-year-old man has been arrested for abducting a 16-year-old high school girl last month in his car and taking her to his home. The girl died the following day, with an autopsy revealing a lethal dose of cough medicine in her system.
'Otaru Fart'? 30-year-old road sign causes stink
News On Japan - Dec 07
A road sign in Otaru City, Hokkaido, has finally been fixed after a local resident pointed out a mistake that had been sitting under their noses for over 30 years.
[more society news…]
BUSINESS
New firm managing ex-Johnny's performers named Starto Entertainment
Kyodo - Dec 09
The new firm established to manage Johnny & Associates Inc. performers unveiled its company name Friday as Starto Entertainment Inc., in a bid to start afresh following a sex abuse scandal involving the late founder of the former male talent agency.
Surge in management buyouts gives extra boost to Japanese stocks
Japan Times - Dec 08
The best rally in a decade for Japanese stocks is being amplified by a surge in buyouts from company executives.
Traders hike bets that end of negative Bank of Japan rate is rear
Bloomberg - Dec 08
The Bank of Japan's leaders are indicating they could be preparing a shift in policy, and that's encouraging traders to raise bets that the central bank will scrap the world’s last negative interest-rate regime as soon as this month. Bloomberg Economics' Taro Kimura shares his views on Bloomberg Television.
What a Bank of Japan rate hike would mean for markets around the world
Yahoo Finance - Dec 08
Comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda has traders thinking the central bank will be raising rates, ending it's longtime negative rates policy.
[more business news…]
EDUCATION
How the world's newest island explains Japan's approach to life
BBC - Dec 08
In late October, plumes of billowing white smoke and ash began to spew from the sea, as an underwater volcano roared to life near Japan's Ogasawara archipelago in the western Pacific. By November, the eruptions became so violent and frequent that they caused a new land mass to surface measuring 100m in diameter off the southern coast of Iwoto island (formerly called Iwo Jima).
Japan universities free for households with 3 or more children starting 2025, no income limit
News On Japan - Dec 07
In an effort to boost persistent low birth rates, Japan's government has released a policy offering tuition-free university education to all families with three or more children, effective from fiscal 2025.
Tokyo plans to make all high schools free from 2024, including lunch
News On Japan - Dec 06
Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to effectively make tuition fees free for all high schools, including private institutions.
Japan outperforms in 15-year-old academic proficiency survey
News On Japan - Dec 06
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published the results of a learning achievement survey conducted in 2022, targeting 15-year-olds across 81 countries and regions.
[more education news…]
ENTERTAINMENT
Second trailer released for anime 'Stupid Angel Dances With The Devil'
News On Japan - Dec 08
In order to counter the offensive from the heavens, a devil named Akutsu Masatora comes to the human world to scout a charismatic human who can inspire the demon world.
TEKKEN 8 — Dragunov Reveal & Gameplay Trailer
Bandai Namco Entertainment America - Dec 08
He’d like to have a word with you. Dragunov will make your blood turn cold in #TEKKEN8!
Suicide Squad ISEKAI | Official Trailer 2
DC - Dec 08
Super-Villains sent to ISEKAI!? The most dangerous & bizarre fantasy adventure unveiled!!
Oppenheimer to finally be released in Japan after 'Barbenheimer' backlash
The Guardian - Dec 07
Audiences in Japan will finally get to see Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan's hit biopic about the creator of the nuclear bomb – following criticism that it was marketed in a way that trivialised the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
[more entertainment news…]
FOOD
Why Kobe Beef is so Famous and Expensive
Life Where I'm From - Dec 08
In this one we visit Kobe city and investigate Kobe Beef. Thanks to the Kobe Tourism Bureau for sponsoring this video!
Sushi with a side of slap: Here's what's on menu in a Japanese restaurant
WION - Dec 07
A Japanese restaurant has gone viral for charging its customers to get slapped. Waitresses charge $2 to smack the diners across their faces.
Wasabi, a favourite sushi sidepiece, has potential memory-boosting properties: Study
WION - Dec 06
The famed Japanese condiment, wasabi, generally served with sushi, is more than just a spicy green paste. Researchers in Japan found that the traditional spice is quite beneficial in improving memory.
Tokyo, city with most Michelin-starred restaurants for 17th straight year
laprensalatina.com - Dec 06
Tokyo is ranked for the 17th consecutive year as the city in the world with the most Michelin stars, with 183 restaurants with this distinction in the 2024 edition of the prestigious gastronomic guide.
[more food news…]
TRAVEL
'Dynaland' ski resort opens in snow-covered Gifu mountains
News On Japan - Dec 08
The ski slopes of "Dynaland" in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, opened for business on Friday, with expectations high this season after a disappointing last winter, and snow already reaching a depth of 1 meter in some areas.
Hard to Book! Sophisticated Limited Express Train in Japan | Private Compartment
Solo Travel Japan - Dec 07
I'm taking Saphir Odoriko from Tokyo to Atami and trying the private compartment which is extremely hard to book. The train is operated by JR East.
JR East offering one-day unlimited rides for 10,000 yen
News On Japan - Dec 06
JR East is offering a discount ticket for 10,000 yen that allows unlimited travel for one day, including on Shinkansen and limited express trains, available on weekdays from February 14 to March 14 next year.
Kansai Airport opens new international area featuring Japan's largest duty-free shop
News On Japan - Dec 05
As Osaka prepares to welcome visitors for Expo 2025, the largest duty-free shop in Japan has opened its doors inside the renewed international area of Kansai Airport.
[more travel news…]