A massive steel pipe that suddenly emerged from underground in Osaka’s Umeda district was finally cut and removed on March 24th, bringing the two-week-long incident closer to resolution and paving the way for traffic restrictions to be lifted as early as March 25th.
Two men were arrested and indicted after allegedly racking up nearly 950,000 yen in unpaid food and drink charges at a girls bar in Suita, Osaka, while each had only a small amount of cash in their possession.
A 56-year-old man was arrested for allegedly slashing train seat covers on a JR line in Osaka on March 19th, with police suspecting links to around 300 similar incidents reported over the past four years.
The Osaka High Court has upheld the acquittal of a former wife accused of murder in connection with the death of a wealthy man known as the "Kishu Don Juan," dismissing the prosecution’s appeal and reaffirming the lower court’s ruling.
A festival celebrating the Kurdish New Year, known as "Newroz," was held in Saitama City on March 23rd, drawing around 1,500 participants, although tensions briefly escalated as individuals calling for the exclusion of foreigners gathered at the venue.
Breaking news: The Japanese government has reportedly decided to remove blurring from adult content. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)
A pregnant woman who fell onto the tracks at an unmanned station in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, was rescued by five local high school students, later reuniting with them after safely giving birth to her child.
North Safari Sapporo, a private zoo in Minami Ward, Sapporo, which closed in September 2025 over unauthorized development, remains home to hundreds of animals as its operator disputes a planned removal order while emphasizing animal welfare concerns.