In a stark reminder of Japan’s ongoing population crisis, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released preliminary population statistics on August 29, 2025, revealing that the number of births in the first half of the year (January to June) dropped to 339,280—a 3.1% decrease compared to the same period …

The 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, officially known as Expo 2025, has captured global attention as a showcase of innovation, culture, and sustainability. Running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay, the event draws millions of visitors from around the world. At its …

Have you ever encountered a word that seems to weave together a tapestry of meanings, each one shifting slightly depending on how it’s used? In Japanese, “Omoshiroi” (面白い) is one such word—a versatile adjective that can mean “interesting,” “funny,” “amusing,” or “enjoyable.” For English speakers who are just dipping their …