Cyber Bill Passes Japan's Lower House

TOKYO, Apr 09 (News On Japan) - A bill to introduce a proactive cyber defense system, allowing preemptive measures against cyberattacks, was passed by the Lower House on April 8th with majority support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and others.

The new framework allows the government to monitor communications data even during peacetime. It also mandates that core infrastructure operators—such as those in electricity and rail transport—must report any incidents of cyber damage to the government.

Source: Kyodo

Number of Children in Japan Falls for 44th Straight Year

Japan’s child population has declined for the 44th consecutive year, reaching the lowest level since comparable records began in 1950, according to government estimates released ahead of Children's Day on May 5th.

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).

Trump Raises Tariffs 25% on Imported Auto Parts

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imported auto parts, including engines and transmissions, with the measure taking effect at 1:01 p.m. Japan time on May 3rd.

Osaka-Kansai Expo Does Flip-Flop to Allow Smoking

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

Okinawa Issues Habu Bite Warning

Okinawa Prefecture has issued a warning to watch out for habu snakes, which become more active as temperatures rise in May, particularly during farming and outdoor activities in mountainous areas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Senkaku Airspace Violation: China Claims Japanese Civilian Aircraft Intruded

China has pushed back against Japan's protest over a recent incursion by a Chinese helicopter into Japanese airspace near the Senkaku Islands, claiming instead that it was a Japanese civilian aircraft that violated Chinese airspace.

Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan Submits Separate Surnames Bill

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has submitted a bill to allow married couples the option of keeping separate surnames, but the initiative has little momentum in the current Diet session due to a lack of support from other parties.

Shizuoka Prefecture to Adopt Year-Round Cool Biz

Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment.

U.S. Deploys B-1B Bombers to Japan as North Korea Launches New Destroyer

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been intensifying behind the scenes, despite the recent spotlight on former President Donald Trump. On April 15th, two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers participated in a joint training exercise with the South Korean Air Force over South Korean airspace.