If you’re a foreigner living in Japan or planning a long-term stay, navigating the world of credit cards can feel like a daunting task. Japan has a unique financial system that’s heavily cash-oriented, but in 2025, cashless payments are more prevalent than ever, especially post-pandemic. For English speakers who know …
Read More »McDonald’s Japan Cracks Down on Pokémon Happy Meal Scalping: New Sales Limits and Anti-Resale Measures Explained
In a move that highlights the ongoing challenges of limited-edition promotions in the fast-food industry, McDonald’s Japan has announced stringent new measures to curb resale activities and customer disruptions tied to its popular Happy Meal Pokémon card campaign. The initiative, originally slated for a three-day run from August 9 to …
Read More »McDonald’s Happy Meal Pokémon Card Chaos: Scalping, Food Waste, and Solutions for a Sustainable Future
In the fast-paced world of fast food promotions, McDonald’s Happy Meals have long been a staple for families, offering affordable meals bundled with fun toys or collectibles. However, recent collaborations, particularly those involving high-demand items like Pokémon cards, have sparked widespread controversy. What was intended as a delightful treat for …
Read More »Miyazaki Prefecture Population 2025: Japanese Decline 1.15%, Foreign Residents Surge 18.28% to Hit 10,000 Milestone
Miyazaki Prefecture, a tranquil region on Japan’s southern Kyushu island, is witnessing a fascinating demographic transformation. According to the latest population survey released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on January 6, 2025 (based on data from January 1, 2025), the prefecture’s total population is 1,048,347—a 0.98% decrease …
Read More »Akita-Taiwan Charter Flights Extended to March 2026: Boosting Tourism with 89% Load Factor
The skies between Akita, Japan, and Taiwan are set to remain busy, as charter flights linking these two vibrant regions have been extended until March 2026. Operated by Taiwan’s budget airline Tigerair Taiwan, these flights have been a resounding success since their launch in December 2023, boasting an impressive 89% …
Read More »Seven & I Holdings Targets 1,000 New Stores in Japan’s Saturated Market and 1,300 in North America by 2031
On the 6th, Seven & I Holdings, the parent company of the globally recognized 7-Eleven convenience store chain, unveiled its management strategy for the fiscal year ending February 2031. The ambitious plan includes opening approximately 1,000 new stores in Japan’s already crowded domestic convenience store market and an additional 1,300 …
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 …
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