Hyogo Prefectural Police School is often called Japan’s toughest. The academy imposes grueling, highly regimented training designed to test aptitude—what the school calls the “kyojo,” a crucible that weeds out those who are not suited to police work.
Japanese women are marrying later than ever. In 2023, the average age at first marriage hit 29.7 for women and 31.1 for men. Many young adults aren't dating at all. Only 53.7% of 20-year-olds reported having dated someone in 2025, the lowest rate since 2016.
Saga University will open a new faculty-level Cosmetic Science program in April 2026, the first of its kind at a national university. The intake is planned at about 30 students, with a curriculum designed to study cosmetics from a range of perspectives across multiple fields.
Many elementary and junior high schools across Hokkaido began their second term on August 25, with campuses in bear-prone areas opening the term under heightened precautions.
Kyoto University has reached a settlement in its lawsuit seeking the handover of the aging Yoshida Dormitory, Japan's oldest student dormitory, under which residents will temporarily move out while the university promptly carries out seismic retrofitting.
Online dating has come a long way since it first appeared. From smart algorithms to sleek design, international dating sites today are more diverse than ever.
As technology reshapes the workplace, skills are coming under sharper focus. Indeed, the job search site operator, surveyed workers in Japan and the United States about skills. Asked whether the importance of job-related skills is increasing, 56.2% in Japan and 82.5% in the United States said yes.
Japan is changing faster than ever. Tourism is reshaping daily life, immigration debates are intensifying, and the quiet balance between harmony and exclusion feels more fragile than before. (Retro Japan)