Society

Japan pop group Arashi's album becomes world's top seller in 2019

Mar 20 (Kyodo) - Japanese boy idol band Arashi's compilation of hit singles was the world's best-selling album in 2019, becoming the first Japanese artists to claim the spot, a global music industry group said Thursday.

The pop group sold a combined 3.30 million copies of its "5x20 All the Best!! 1999-2019" album released in June and video compilation which went on sale in October, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said.

American singer Taylor Swift's "Lover" came in second, followed by South Korean boy band BTS's "Map of the Soul Persona."

According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, over two million copies of Arashi's album commemorating the 20th year since its debut and more than 750,000 copies of the video clip collection have been shipped in Japan.

The ranking is based on sales of physical and digital albums.

Student's Homemade Bomb Sparks School Lockdown in Sapporo

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China to resume visa-exemptions for short-term Japanese travelers

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan Grapples with Poverty and Rising 'Invisible Homeless'

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

Ueno Toshogu Shrine Shines in Gold with Special Lighting

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

World's First Fiber Made From Bagworm Silk Revolutionizes Industry

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

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Sex industry recruiters in Tokyo arrested

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Human Hand Found Sticking Out From Ground at Cemetery in Nara

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Renowned poet Tanikawa Shuntaro dies at 92

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