News On Japan
May 14, 2024
In a shocking incident on May 8, a 25-year-old woman was murdered in a high-rise apartment in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. Both the victim and the suspect were known to each other, with new testimonies shedding light on the tumultuous relationship that culminated in the tragedy.
Image of Shinjuku Stabbing: Suspect's Obsessive Behavior Uncovered

Mount Fuji’s Yoshida Trail on the Yamanashi side will implement entrance restrictions, including a daily climber limit of 4,000, starting in July this year. A reservation system has been announced to prevent confusion and enhance the climbing experience.

Japan's largest cosplay event, the "Nipponbashi Street Festa," was held on Sunday for the first time in five years, marking its 17th occurrence.


SOCIETY | May 14, 2024
Last month, Shinagawa Ward Office introduced new name badges for all staff, now displaying only last names instead of full names and photographs. This change comes in response to serious concerns.
Image of Shinagawa Ward Office Implements Name Badge Changes and 'Customer Harassment Insurance'

Passengers on Tokyo's busiest rail line experienced a startling moment on Sunday when a snake was spotted inside a train car.

The former wife of a wealthy man known as the "Don Juan of Kishu," who was indicted for his murder three years ago, appeared in court for a different case on May 10. However, there has been no progress toward an initial trial for the murder of the wealthy businessman.

Marijuana, long banned in Japan, now faces tighter restrictions after last year's law amendment prohibiting not only possession, but its use. Despite these laws, a quick internet search reveals numerous sale advertisements written in slang. Our investigation with the Health Bureau's Narcotics Control Department, colloquially known as "Matori," reveals the prevalent marijuana situation among Japan's youth.


The number of people using international flights at Kansai Airport during this year's Golden Week reached approximately 694,600, a 63% increase compared to last year, according to the Osaka Immigration Bureau.
Image of Foreign Tourists Increase but Japanese Travelers Remain Low Compared to Pre-COVID Levels

For the first time in recorded history, a series of large-scale solar flares have erupted from the sun's surface, observed around the world. These explosions, captured by NASA, have not only impacted GPS systems but have also triggered stunning aurora displays far beyond their typical Arctic confines.

New York hosted the "Japan Parade" for the third time on Saturday, with around 100 groups showcasing Japanese culture, featuring traditional cultural performances such as taiko drumming and martial arts, along with pop culture themes, celebrating Japanese culture.

The season for the traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagaragawa River, which boasts a history of over 1,300 years, commenced on May 11th in Gifu City.

Located in the Northern Alps, at an altitude of 2,898 meters on Mount Kasa, this 'horse snow figure' was traditionally used as a sign to begin agricultural work.


The Cannes Film Festival, one of the world's top three film festivals, is set to open on May 14. Among the highlights is a giant poster featuring a scene from a film by Japanese director Kurosawa Akira.
Image of Cannes Film Festival to Open with Kurosawa Akira's Work Displayed on Giant Poster

The TV anime 'As a Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill to Rise in the World' will air its seventh episode titled "Inheritance" on May 19, 2024, where the protagonist, Arus Robent, finds himself reincarnated in another world as the son of a minor noble with a small territory.

The latest episode of ONE PIECE delves deep into the intricacies of espionage and betrayal among the tumultuous world of pirates and the World Government. The story unfolds as the Straw Hat Pirates continue their journey in the New World, seeking the ultimate treasure, ONE PIECE.

Journalist Shiori Ito, who publicly disclosed her own experience of sexual assault, has directed her first documentary film, which is set to be released in theaters across the United States in October, according to local media.

A new anime in the Code Geass series unfolds with new protagonists, Rose and Ash, two brothers whose tale of "reclamation" promises to pioneer a new era.


Today, as a seasoned food content creator and influencer, Stephanie from Australia is ready to be your guide through the bustling streets of Tokyo and beyond. In this new series, with her insider knowledge and knack for uncovering hidden gems, she'll show you how to savor Japanese cuisine, even if you're still mastering the language. (Japan by Food)

One month into their new roles, Japan's young professionals who joined companies in April are beginning to settle into their workplaces. We explored how these young individuals are contemplating their careers, uncovering insights that resonate not just with them but also with more seasoned professionals.

A women-only sumo tournament was held in Fukushima Town, Hokkaido, featuring 62 female wrestlers from across Japan. This town, known for producing sumo greats like Chiyonoyama and Chiyonofuji, saw intense competition among the participants.

KDDI has announced a partnership with an American company to establish drone ports at 1,000 locations across Japan, aimed at utilizing these drones in disaster-stricken areas.


BUSINESS | May 14, 2024
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) announced on May 13 that it will reduce the amount of its bond purchases, causing long-term yields to rise to their highest level in six months.
Image of BOJ Reduces Bond Purchases as Long-Term Yields Rise to 0.940%

Osaka Customs announced on May 13 that it will sell approximately 100 kilograms of gold, confiscated in smuggling cases, through a public auction.

In Yumeshima, where construction work for the Osaka-Kansai Expo is ongoing, the first mobile unmanned trailer convenience store opened on Monday, marking a first for convenience stores.

TBS Television has announced a strategic partnership with Bloomberg Media, an American company renowned for broadcasting financial and economic information worldwide. Together, they plan to launch a new news service that will feature original articles and video content from both entities.

Japan is not the only country facing a weakening currency. In a situation that could be described as "dollar dominance," countries in Asia that have previously experienced currency crises are also embarking on currency defense measures. We explore what lies ahead in the face of currency devaluation.