In a surprising turn of events that highlights the pressures of Japan’s ongoing rice shortage, two individuals from a small retail store in Gifu Prefecture have been referred to prosecutors for illegally reselling government-stockpiled rice. This case, which unfolded on September 18, 2025, marks the first prosecution of its kind …

Japan’s Push for Domestic AI In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, economies, and daily life, Japan is taking bold steps to foster its own homegrown AI technologies. The Japanese government has announced plans to support the development of domestic AI, leveraging national data and expertise to …

Japan’s Government Boosts Anime and Film Support In a world where cultural exports shape global perceptions, Japan’s anime and films have long been at the forefront, blending intricate storytelling with stunning visuals that resonate across continents. From the epic battles in One Piece to the heartfelt journeys in Your Name, …

Picture yourself wandering through the neon-lit streets of Tokyo on a crisp evening. The air buzzes with energy from nearby izakayas—those cozy Japanese pubs where friends and colleagues traditionally unwind over sake or beer. But peek inside one of these spots today, and you might spot something unexpected: groups clinking …

Japan’s allure as a top global travel destination shows no signs of fading. According to the latest figures from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), released on September 17, 2025, a staggering 3.428 million foreign tourists visited the country in August alone. This marks a 16.9% increase compared to the …

Asahi Beer’s “Night-Only Sparkling Water” Revolution:  In a world where evening rituals are evolving faster than ever, Asahi Beer is shaking things up with a fresh take on non-alcoholic refreshment. On September 17, 2025, the Japanese beverage giant unveiled “Wilkinson Tansan Tag Sober” under its iconic Wilkinson brand—a line of …

Shohei Ohtani’s Ambitious Three-Way Vision: In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), few players capture the global imagination quite like Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese superstar, often hailed as a modern-day Babe Ruth for his rare ability to excel both on the mound and at the plate, continues to push …

In a landscape where attracting and retaining top talent is becoming increasingly challenging, Japan’s restaurant sector is seeing some exciting shifts. Today, on September 17, 2025, Toridoll Holdings, the company behind the popular udon chain Marugame Seimen (known internationally as Marugame Udon), made headlines with a groundbreaking announcement. They’re ramping …

Climate Change Shortens Autumn As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, Japan is experiencing an unusually prolonged summer, with September 2025 bringing record-breaking heat across the nation. The familiar saying, “Heat and cold last until the equinox,” seems to have lost its relevance this year, as temperatures …

In the electrifying world of track and field, where every leap defies gravity and every second counts, few moments capture the imagination quite like a world record shatter. On September 15, 2025, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo’s National Stadium, Armand “Mondo” Duplantis did just that—and then some. The …