Introduction: Hiroshima’s 80th Anniversary—A Day of Reflection and Resolve On August 6, 2025, the city of Hiroshima marked 80 years since the atomic bomb fell, a somber milestone known as “Hiroshima Day” or “Atomic Bomb Day.” At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed a global …
Read More »Hokkaido’s Brown Bear Population Declines for the First Time Since 1991
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 »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 »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 …
Read More »Japan’s Relentless Heatwave Peaks: Temperatures Near 40°C and Heatstroke Alerts in 36 Prefectures
Japan is currently in the grip of an unrelenting heatwave that has reached its peak, pushing temperatures to dangerous levels across the nation. As of Monday, August 4, 2025, forecasts predict highs approaching 40°C (104°F) in some areas, with heatstroke alerts issued for 36 prefectures. This extreme heat, which began …
Read More »Hiroshima’s Ekimae Ohashi Line: Japan’s First Elevated Streetcar Revolutionizes Transit and Tourism
On August 3, 2025, Hiroshima welcomed a groundbreaking addition to its iconic streetcar network with the opening of the Ekimae Ohashi Line. Operated by Hiroshima Electric Railway (commonly known as Hiroden), this new line is the first in Japan to feature a streetcar running on an elevated track directly into …
Read More »