A historic temple in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, known as the birthplace of the Tokugawa clan name, is at the center of a dispute with local authorities after a once-picturesque pond within its grounds dried up and turned into an overgrown thicket.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan surpassed 30 million in the fastest time ever, according to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization. A total of 31.65 million people visited the country between January and September 2025, breaking the 30 million mark earlier in the year than ever before.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which brought together 158 countries and regions over 184 days before closing on October 13th, now faces a crucial question: how can its legacy be preserved for future generations? Experts say the answer lies not only in what remains physically — such as pavilions, iconic structures, and innovative technologies — but also in how the event continues to inspire people long after the crowds have gone home.
Authorities in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward killed a mother bear and her cub on October 14th after the pair were caught in a box trap, marking the latest incident in a string of bear encounters in the city’s Nishino district.
More than 450 cars — from sleek red Ferraris celebrating 20 years of Nagoya’s sister-city ties with Turin to world-class rally machines — attracted a wide range of petrol heads in Hisaya Odori Park over the weekend.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo, which ran for six months, came to a close on October 13, drawing large crowds eager to witness its final moments. A closing ceremony was held on the last day, during which the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag was handed over to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, host of the 2030 World Expo.