Instagram Limits Use for Japanese Teens

TOKYO, Jan 23 (News On Japan) - Instagram has introduced new restrictions for users aged 13 to 17 in Japan, aiming to address concerns about the app's impact on young users.

Meta, the U.S.-based company behind Instagram, launched the new restrictions yesterday, following their rollout in the U.S. and other countries last year. The measures include introducing dedicated accounts for teenagers, gradually being implemented. These accounts will have default settings that restrict messages from users they do not follow and limit access to inappropriate content such as violent material.

In addition, if a user exceeds 60 minutes of daily usage, a notification prompts them to close the app. For users under 16, initial settings cannot be changed without parental consent.

Meta stated, "We will continue to focus on ensuring safety and security for users."

Source: TBS

Japan’s 2024 Current Account Surplus Tops 30 Trillion Yen as Exports and Investments Rise

Japan recorded a current account surplus of 30.3771 trillion yen in fiscal 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance, continuing a long-standing trend of strong income from trade and overseas investment.

Is Nara the Home of Japanese Curry? Ancient Roots and a Modern Food Boom

Nara is emerging as one of Japan’s most competitive curry destinations, fueled by a culinary revival that links the city’s present-day food scene with its 1,300-year-old history of spice culture.

Thousands Celebrate Japanese Culture in New York

A Japan Parade featuring traditional taiko drumming, martial arts, and dance performances was held in New York on May 10th, drawing large crowds and highlighting Japanese culture.

Massive Redevelopment to Redefine Nagoya

Nagoya is on the verge of a major transformation. Over the next decade, the cityscape is expected to undergo a dramatic shift as large-scale redevelopment projects reshape its urban core. The focus is on three key districts—Meieki, Sakae, and Kanayama—each developing in a way that highlights its own unique strengths.

Japan's Academics Demand Independence

Scholars affiliated with the Science Council of Japan formed a symbolic human chain in front of the National Diet building on May 8th, calling for revisions to the government’s proposed reform bill targeting the council’s structure, as deliberations enter their final phase in the Diet.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Toyota Expects 35% Drop in Net Profit as Tariff Uncertainty Weighs

Toyota Motor announced on May 8th its earnings forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026, projecting a 1.0% year-on-year increase in revenue to 48.5 trillion yen, but a 34.9% decline in net profit to 3.1 trillion yen.

Nissan Cancels Plan to Build EV Battery Plant in Kitakyushu

Nissan announced on May 9th that it has withdrawn its plan to build a new electric vehicle battery plant in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Executives from the company visited the Fukuoka Prefectural Government to deliver the news directly.

Massive Redevelopment to Redefine Nagoya

Panasonic to Cut 10,000 Jobs Globally in Major Restructuring Drive

Panasonic Holdings announced on May 9th that it will cut around 10,000 jobs globally as part of a major restructuring effort aimed at strengthening its management foundation for long-term growth.

Switch 2 to Boost Nintendo Earnings for Fiscal 2026

Nintendo has announced that it expects a significant boost in revenue for the fiscal year ending March 2026, projecting a 63.1% increase from the previous year to reach 1.9 trillion yen. The strong outlook is driven by the launch of the company’s new home gaming console, the Nintendo Switch 2, set for release in June.