News On Japan
Society

Japan Falls to 55th in Global Happiness Ranking

Mar 21 (News On Japan) - Japan ranked 55th in the latest World Happiness Report, released on March 20th to coincide with the International Day of Happiness. Finland secured the top position for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Denmark and Iceland, with Nordic countries dominating the upper ranks due to strong welfare and education systems.

Costa Rica and Mexico made their first-ever appearances in the top 10. The United States, at 24th place, marked its lowest ranking ever, with researchers linking the rise in solitary dining—up nearly 50% in the past two decades—to declining happiness levels.

While Japan's ranking dropped compared to last year, making it the lowest among G7 nations, it remained ahead of South Korea and China in Asia.

Ukraine ranked 111th, and Afghanistan remained at the bottom for the second consecutive year, with conflict-affected countries showing consistently low happiness scores.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Hokkaido to Build a Japanese Silicon Valley by 2050

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology.

Four Dead in 24 Mountain Accidents in Nagano During Holiday Period

At least 24 mountain climbing accidents have occurred in Nagano Prefecture since the start of the Golden Week holidays in late April, resulting in four fatalities.

Head Lice Are Spreading Again in Japan's Schools

Head lice, small parasitic insects that feed on blood from the scalp, are once again spreading among children in Japan as physical contact increases following the COVID-19 pandemic. In Sapporo, where outbreaks have been reported in schools, local officials are urging caution.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japan Ranks 66th in Global Press Freedom, Lowest Among G7

Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

MEDIA CHANNELS
         
MORE Society NEWS

Woman Arrested for Throwing Bird Carcass in Neighbor’s Yard

A 61-year-old woman was arrested and sent to prosecutors on May 4th in Togo, Aichi Prefecture, for allegedly throwing a bird carcass into her neighbor’s yard, in what police say was part of a long-running neighborhood dispute. Security footage captured the entire incident.

Car Falls Off Pier in Hakodate, Elderly Man Rescued but Later Dies

A car plunged into the sea from a wharf in Hakodate Port, Hokkaido on May 4th, and an elderly man rescued from the vehicle was later confirmed dead.

Drunk Man Goes on Rampage at Ramen Shop

A drunken man caused a disturbance at a popular ramen chain in Kanagawa Prefecture on May 2nd, kicking toward the kitchen area and shouting demands over a large serving he claimed he was denied.

Fire Sweeps Through Kinosaki Onsen Inn, Guests Flee as Crews Struggle to Contain Blaze

A fire broke out before dawn at a ryokan in the Kinosaki Onsen hot spring district in Hyogo Prefecture, engulfing the building and spreading to nearby stores. While all guests were safely evacuated, a male employee was taken to hospital.

Wooden Church in Gifu Collapses Following Creaking Sounds

A wooden church in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture collapsed on Saturday evening, after years of delayed demolition plans due to financial constraints.

Japanese Death Row Inmate Dies of Old Age

Kazuhiko Matsumoto, a 70-year-old man on death row for killing two men in the Philippines for insurance money, has died of natural causes.

Ainu Soldiers Recall War and Discrimination

During the Pacific War, members of the Ainu community, Japan's Indigenous people, were drafted and sent to the front lines alongside ethnic Japanese under the government's assimilation policy.

Yakuza Boss Fingered for Stealing 172 Rolex Watches

A senior member of the Yamaguchi-gumi, a designated organized crime syndicate, has been arrested in connection with the theft of over 170 Rolex watches in Osaka, and is suspected of having selected where the stolen goods would be sold.