News

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a city synonymous with tradition, culture, and breathtaking beauty. From its serene temples to its vibrant festivals, it has long been a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide. However, as the number of international tourists—so-called “inbound” visitors—has surged in recent years, a new question has emerged: …

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 …

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 …

Dating in Japan has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, with technology reshaping how people form romantic connections. While traditional methods like goukon (group blind dates) and omiai (matchmaking) remain part of the culture, dating apps have surged in popularity, particularly among younger generations and expatriates living in Japan. …

After nearly two decades of inspiring readers worldwide, the beloved manga Space Brothers is set to conclude with its 46th volume. On October 23rd, with the release of volume 45, Kodansha announced via a promotional band on the book that the next volume will be the final chapter in this …

A Beloved Studio Faces an Unexpected Challenge Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio celebrated for masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke, has enchanted audiences worldwide with its imaginative storytelling and breathtaking visuals. For fans traveling to Japan, a visit to one of its official merchandise …