Introduction: A Milestone in Hokkaido’s Wildlife Story For the first time since record-keeping began in 1991, the brown bear population in Hokkaido, Japan, has decreased. As of the end of 2023, the estimated number of bears stands at 11,600—a drop of 500 from the previous year. This historic decline follows …
Read More »Mitsuki Takahata to Star as Grown-Up Heroine in “5 Centimeters Per Second” Live-Action Film: Fourth Teaser Visual Unveiled
A New Chapter for a Beloved Classic Fans of Makoto Shinkai’s heartfelt storytelling have something extraordinary to look forward to: the live-action adaptation of 5 Centimeters Per Second is set to premiere on October 10, 2024. The film has cast acclaimed actress Mitsuki Takahata as the grown-up heroine, Akari Shinohara, …
Read More »What Does “Motto” Mean in Japanese?
Have you ever heard the word “motto” while watching anime, reading manga, or listening to a Japanese conversation and wondered what it means? If so, you’re not alone! This simple yet versatile word pops up frequently in Japanese, and understanding it can unlock a deeper appreciation of the language. In …
Read More »War Relics Flood Online Auctions: Military Swords, Air Raid Hoods… Dispersal Continues Unabated, Experts Urge “Protection in a National Facility
The Online Trade of Japanese War Relics: A Growing Crisis of History and Memory As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, a troubling phenomenon is unfolding on the internet: the rampant sale of Japanese war relics on online auction sites. Items such …
Read More »Kanto Faces Its Hottest Day Ever: Isesaki, Gunma Hits Japan’s Record High of 41.8°C (107.2°F)
Why This Heatwave Matters: A Record-Breaking Event in Context Japan’s summers are famously hot and humid, but the heatwave that struck the Kanto region on August 5, 2025, was exceptional. The temperature of 41.8°C (107.2°F) in Isesaki, Gunma, didn’t just break records—it shattered them, eclipsing the previous national high set …
Read More »Why Hokkaido’s Family Farms Are Fading: A 40% Drop in Succession and Solutions for a Sustainable Future
Introduction In the sprawling fields of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, a troubling trend is taking root. Over the past decade, the number of children stepping up to take over their family farms has dropped by a staggering 40%. This decline, fueled by harsh economic conditions, the demanding nature of farming, …
Read More »Japan Shifts to Boost Rice Production Amid Price Surge Due to Supply Shortage
In a groundbreaking move, the Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has decided to pivot its agricultural policy toward increasing rice production. This decision, set to be formally announced at a ministerial meeting on August 5, 2025, comes as a direct response to recent rice price hikes triggered …
Read More »Pocky’s Iconic Stick Shape Secures 3D Trademark: Ezaki Glico’s Brand Protection Triumph
On August 4, 2025, Ezaki Glico, the renowned Japanese confectionery company, announced a groundbreaking achievement: the registration of Pocky’s distinctive long, thin stick shape as a “three-dimensional trademark.” This milestone is more than just a legal victory—it’s a celebration of Pocky’s enduring legacy as a beloved snack, both in Japan …
Read More »Japan’s 2025 Minimum Wage Soars to 1,118 Yen: Record-High Hike Amid Inflation and Economic Shifts
Introduction: A Landmark Wage Increase In a significant move for Japan’s workforce, the Central Minimum Wage Council announced on August 4, 2025, that the national weighted average minimum wage will rise to 1,118 yen per hour for the fiscal year 2025. This increase of 63 yen, or 6.0%, from the …
Read More »Japan’s Rice Reserve Crisis: 9,000 Tons Canceled Due to Shipping Delays and Supply Chain Woes
In Japan, the government stockpiles rice as a strategic reserve to ensure food security and stabilize market prices. Recently, however, this system has faced a significant challenge: businesses are canceling or reducing their orders for reserve rice under the non-competitive contract system, known as “zuii keiyaku” in Japanese. An investigation …
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