Second Bird Flu Case of the Season, Massive Culling Underway

Nov 03, 2025 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO, Nov 03, 2025 (News On Japan) - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Eniwa City, Hokkaido, prompting authorities to begin culling operations on Sunday afternoon.

On November 1st, more than 60 egg-laying chickens were found dead at the farm, and subsequent testing confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu on November 2nd. This marks the second confirmed case of avian influenza in Japan this season, following one in Shiraoi Town in October.

The Hokkaido prefectural government began culling approximately 236,000 chickens at around 2 p.m. to contain the outbreak. Governor Naomichi Suzuki urged thorough preventive measures, stating, "We ask everyone to ensure a complete system is in place to prevent any further spread."

The number of chickens to be culled represents about 4% of all egg-laying hens in Hokkaido, underscoring the significant scale of the operation and its potential impact on the region’s poultry industry.

Previously: Hokkaido Launches Mass Culling After Bird Flu Detected

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

Japan's Ancient Capitals Await World Heritage Status

Residents in Nara Prefecture are celebrating after UNESCO's advisory body recommended the archaeological complex known as the Asuka-Fujiwara Ancient Capitals for inscription as a World Heritage site, bringing the historic birthplace of Japan's ancient state one step closer to international recognition.

Tropical Depression Brings New Heavy Rain Threat to Southern Japan

A tropical depression is expected to move northward this weekend and could bring another round of heavy rain to parts of Japan, following a week in which Typhoon Jangmi (Typhoon No. 6) caused significant rainfall and left some areas vulnerable to further weather-related damage.

Samurai Blue Historic Breakthrough in 2026 World Cup

Expectations for Japan are unusually high heading into the 2026 World Cup, with the team now aiming not merely to reach the knockout stage but to finally break through the Round of 16 and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time.

Controversy Erupts Over Prime Minister Takaichi’s Alleged Smear Video

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration is facing mounting scrutiny over allegations that members of her campaign were involved in distributing online videos that disparaged rival candidates during the February House of Representatives election, with opposition parties intensifying their questioning in the Diet and demanding further clarification.

Japan Calls for Next Generation Hunters; Bear Sightings Exceed 50,000

The Japanese government approved its 2026 Environment White Paper at a Cabinet meeting on June 5th, warning that a record-high 50,000-plus bear sightings recorded nationwide during fiscal 2025 have become a serious threat to public safety while also highlighting growing concerns over Japan's aging hunting population and the need to train a new generation of hunters.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Former Momuri President Faces Two-Year Prison Term Over Illegal Referrals

A court is set to hand down its verdict on August 28th in the trial of former Momuri president Shinji Tanimoto and his wife Shiori, who are accused of violating Japan's Attorney Act by illegally referring clients of the retirement agency service to lawyers.

Japan Household Spending Falls for Fifth Straight Month

Japan's household spending fell for the fifth consecutive month in April, highlighting continued pressure on consumers as rising prices and growing concerns over instability in the Middle East weighed on household budgets.

Yamada and Edion Create 2.5 Trillion Yen Retail Giant

Japan's largest electronics retailer, Yamada Holdings, and Osaka-based Edion announced on June 5th that they have agreed to integrate their businesses, creating a group with annual sales of approximately 2.5 trillion yen as competition in the consumer electronics industry intensifies and companies seek new ways to boost growth in a shrinking domestic market.

Japan's Real Wages Rise for Fourth Straight Month

Japan's real wages rose 1.9% in April from a year earlier, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth and the longest stretch of positive gains in about five years as this year's spring labor-management wage negotiations began feeding through into workers' paychecks.

Nissan Begins Taking Orders for U.S.-Built Murano SUV in Japan

Nissan Motor has begun accepting orders in Japan for the Murano sport utility vehicle, which is produced in the United States, marking one of the first uses of a new vehicle certification framework established following a tariff agreement between Japan and the United States.

Uber Targets New Users With Ride-Hailing Discounts

Uber Japan unveiled its latest strategy for its mobility business, including its taxi-hailing app operations, as the company seeks to expand its presence in a market where ride-hailing app usage remains lower than in many other countries.

U.S. Proposes 12.5% Additional Tariff on Japan

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on June 2nd that it is considering imposing an additional 12.5% tariff on Japan, arguing that the country's measures to prevent the import of products made with forced labor are insufficient.

Foreign Workers Become Vital to Okinawa's Economy

As labor shortages deepen across Japan, more companies in Okinawa are turning to foreign workers not only to fill vacancies but also to build long-term careers, creating support systems that help employees settle into local communities and remain in the workforce.

< 2 3 4 5 >