Record 35 women elected to Japan upper house

Jul 11 (Kyodo) - A record 35 women won seats in Sunday's House of Councillors election in Japan after votes were tallied Monday, breaking the previous record of 28 set in 2016 and matched in 2019.

The result reflects a slow but gradual change in the country's male-dominated political landscape, with the number of female candidates who ran in the triennial election also the highest ever at 181.

Among the women elected were Junko Mihara and Satsuki Katayama from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Renho from the major opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. ...continue reading

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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Elon Musk Highlights Japanese 'Wabi-Sabi' in Social Media Post

Elon Musk, the incoming head of the newly established Efficiency Ministry under President-elect Trump, has vowed to reduce $500 billion in government waste annually. Musk, known for his admiration of Japanese culture, sparked speculation on October 21st with a social media post simply stating "Wabi-Sabi" in Japanese, prompting questions about his intentions.

Japan's Agriculture Ministry Urges Nationwide Action to Combat Avian Flu

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Japan, Canada to Establish Economic '2+2' Framework for EV Cooperation

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China Awarded Hosting Rights for the 2026 APEC Summit

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Trump's Victory: The End of Traditional Media in America?

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Middle East tensions are a crude awakening for Japan’s energy security strategy

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Hyogo Governor Secures Re-Election

Former Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito has secured re-election following the gubernatorial election triggered by his resignation.

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