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 …

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, …

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 …