Japan’s Population Decline Hits Record Levels: What Does It Mean for the Future? Japan’s population has reached a critical turning point. As of January 1 this year, the number of Japanese residents dropped to 120.65 million, a staggering decline of approximately 910,000 people from the previous year—the largest drop since …

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 …

On the 6th, Seven & I Holdings, the parent company of the globally recognized 7-Eleven convenience store chain, unveiled its management strategy for the fiscal year ending February 2031. The ambitious plan includes opening approximately 1,000 new stores in Japan’s already crowded domestic convenience store market and an additional 1,300 …

Japanese artist and actress AiNA THE END, aged 30, has made a triumphant return to the renowned YouTube channel “THE FIRST TAKE” after nearly two years, performing her latest single, “革命道中－On The Way” (translated as “On The Way” or “Revolutionary Journey”). Announced on August 6, 2025, her performance premiered on …

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 …

A New Chapter for a Beloved Classic Fans of Makoto Shinkai’s heartfelt storytelling have something extraordinary to look forward to: the live-action adaptation of 5 Centimeters Per Second is set to premiere on October 10, 2024. The film has cast acclaimed actress Mitsuki Takahata as the grown-up heroine, Akari Shinohara, …

Have you ever heard the word “motto” while watching anime, reading manga, or listening to a Japanese conversation and wondered what it means? If so, you’re not alone! This simple yet versatile word pops up frequently in Japanese, and understanding it can unlock a deeper appreciation of the language. In …

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 …

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, …