Japan to designate fire ants as an alien species that requires urgent action

TOKYO, Nov 29 (NHK) - The Japanese government has decided to step up measures against highly venomous fire ants by designating them as an invasive alien species that requires urgent action.

Government officials made the decision amid a rise in cases nationwide involving fire ants. They fear the species, indigenous to South America, are on the brink of becoming established in Japan.

More than 90 cases have been reported since 2017, when fire ants were first found in Japan. In October, more than 10,000 fire ants were discovered in a shipping container that had been unloaded at Fukuyama Port in Hiroshima Prefecture.

The designation is based on the revised invasive alien species law, which will allow the government to take certain measures starting next April if fire ants are found in imported goods, at ports or elsewhere.

The measures will include movement bans, and inspections, the disposal or disinfection of goods and facilities by the government even after customs clearance. ...continue reading

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

Japan to Introduce Free High School Education Next Year

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai, and Komeito have reached an agreement on the framework for Japan’s new free high school tuition program, which will begin in fiscal 2026. Under the plan, tuition support for private full-time high schools will be capped at 457,000 yen, while correspondence courses will have an upper limit of 337,000 yen.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japan’s Traditional Farming Sites Receive Global Agricultural Heritage Status

Two Japanese regions — Okuizumo in Shimane Prefecture and Arida-Shimotsu in Wakayama Prefecture — have been officially recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), receiving their certification in Rome, Italy.

Japanese Astronaut Uses Robotic Arm to Dock New Supply Craft at Space Station

Astronaut Yui Kimiya, currently on a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), successfully captured a newly developed supply spacecraft using the station’s robotic arm in the early hours of October 30th.

Linear Maglev Construction Cost Increased by 4 Trillion Yen, Twice the Original Estimate

JR Central announced that the construction cost of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen between Shinagawa and Nagoya is now expected to increase by 4 trillion yen from the previously planned 7 trillion yen, bringing the total to 11 trillion yen.

軽量で薄型！フレキシブルソーラーパネルの基礎知識と導入ポイント

太陽光発電の新たな選択肢として注目されている「フレキシブルソーラーパネル」。軽量で曲面にも設置でき、アウトドアや災害時はもちろん省スペースな住宅にも最適です。

Japan’s H3 Rocket Sends New Cargo Vehicle to Space Station

Japan’s H3 Rocket No. 7, carrying a newly developed unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9 a.m. on October 26th, marking another milestone for the nation’s space program.

Japan’s Geothermal Energy In Spotlight

Geothermal energy is drawing growing global attention as a key to combating global warming and achieving a decarbonized society. Among clean energy sources, it stands out for its stability and scalability. Japan, blessed with abundant volcanic activity, possesses the world’s third-largest geothermal reserves—yet its utilization remains limited.

Hydrogen Ship to Ply Tokyo Bay Next Year

A next-generation hydrogen-powered vessel that operated during the Expo is set to expand its role beyond the event.

Lemmon Comet to Make Closest Approach to Earth on October 21st

A rare astronomical event will unfold next week as Comet Lemmon makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21st, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will not return for roughly 1,400 years.

< 2 3 4 5 >