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 …
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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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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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In today’s entertainment landscape, few companies have mastered the art of blending cultural trends with business acumen as effectively as Sony. By harnessing the synergy between anime and music, Sony has not only solidified its position as an industry leader but also accelerated its global expansion. From blockbuster anime films …
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Quick answer: A convenience store in Japanese is konbini (コンビニ), short for konbiniensu sutoru. Japanese convenience stores are famous for fresh food, ATMs, ticket machines, parcel services, clean restrooms in some locations, seasonal snacks, and reliable 24-hour service. For travelers, konbini are one of the easiest places to buy breakfast, …
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On July 29, 2025, Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, announced the launch of its new internet service, “NHK ONE,” set to begin in October 2025. This innovative platform promises to revolutionize how viewers access NHK’s content by integrating existing apps and expanding offerings, including the much-anticipated addition of local programming from …
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Introduction: Why the Japanese Population Matters Japan, often called the “Land of the Rising Sun,” is a country of striking contrasts—ancient temples sit alongside futuristic cities, and traditional customs blend with cutting-edge technology. But beyond its cultural and technological fame, Japan’s population is a subject of global fascination. The Japanese …
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A Quiet Landing in a Storm of Rumors On July 5, 2025, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Greater Bay Airlines landed at Tokushima Airport, roughly 30 minutes behind schedule. The aircraft, painted in white with a striking blue tail, had flown in from Hong Kong, a bustling hub for travelers …
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The average price of rice in Japanese supermarkets has dropped to 3,672 yen per 5 kilograms, continuing a downward trend for six consecutive weeks. This marks the first time in about five months that prices have dipped into the 3,600 yen range, offering relief to consumers and sparking curiosity about …
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76-Year-Old TikTok Sensation: Host Clubs on Pension, First Photo Booth in 30 Years, and Age-Faking on Dating Apps—‘This Might Be the Most Fun I’ve Ever Had’ Photo by Shuzo Saito (Shueisha Online) Imagine a 76-year-old grandmother raking in around 4 million yen (roughly $26,000 USD) a month on TikTok—not by …
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