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 …

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 …

In today’s entertainment landscape, few companies have mastered the art of blending cultural trends with business acumen as effectively as Sony. By harnessing the synergy between anime and music, Sony has not only solidified its position as an industry leader but also accelerated its global expansion. From blockbuster anime films …

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 …

When you search for “convenience store in Japanese,” you’re likely curious about the unique world of Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini (コンビニ). These aren’t just your average corner stores—they’re a cultural phenomenon in Japan, blending convenience, quality, and innovation in ways that set them apart globally. This article is …

The term “Japanese foot” might catch your attention if you’re exploring Japanese culture or language as an English speaker. It’s a phrase that carries multiple meanings, from the way the word “foot” is expressed in Japanese to a traditional unit of measurement that dates back centuries. This article dives deep …

When you think of Japanese beverages, sake or green tea might spring to mind. However, there’s another drink that’s become a star in Japan’s vibrant drinking scene: the Japanese highball. This simple yet elegant cocktail, made with Japanese whisky and soda water, has won over locals and is now gaining …

Learning how to say goodbye in Japanese is essential for anyone interested in the language or culture, or planning a trip to Japan. Unlike English, where “goodbye” fits most situations, Japanese offers various phrases that change depending on the context, relationship, and time of day. This guide is designed to …