Japan

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Iconic Moments Shape Cultural Memory of World Cup

From Pelé’s 1970 farewell to Japanese fan rituals, legendary episodes define the legacy of football's biggest tournament.

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Japan Weather Alerts: Heavy Rain in Kagoshima, High Temperatures Elsewhere

Forecasters warn of landslide risks in southern Japan while northern regions experience unseasonably warm weather.

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Japan Bookstore Count Drops Below 10,000

Fifteen major chains issue joint statement to overhaul trading practices and save physical book retail nationwide.

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Japan 10-Yen Coin Melt Value Exceeds Face Value

Surging copper prices driven by AI demand and geopolitical tensions lift the material value of the 10-yen coin to ¥10.5.

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Japan Proposes G7 Energy Cooperation Framework Amid Maritime Threats

Prime Minister Takahashi seeks to secure oil supplies and maritime safety following the closure of the Hormuz Strait.

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China becomes world's largest matcha producer

Production in Guizhou province drives global output, though counterfeit Japanese-labeled products raise market concerns.

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Japan Celebrates Early Summer Hana-Shobu Iris Blooms

Seasonal displays across Japan highlight the beauty and historic breeding of the iris, with peak blooms occurring in June.

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Japan Proposes 1% Consumption Tax on Food for Two Years

The government plan aims to lower food costs starting in April 2027, though opposition parties resist the move away from a zero-tax pledge.

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Japan launches water accident prevention instructor program

The Japan Water Rescue Association is training fire-brigade members to curb drowning deaths that have not decreased in 30 years.

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Japanese Soccer Fans Clean Dallas Stadium After World Cup Match

Supporters of Japan's national team collected trash in Texas following a group-stage game against the Netherlands.

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Japan Business Federation Holds First Niigata Support Event

The organization hosted a specialty product fair in Tokyo to thank Niigata Prefecture following the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.

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Bank of Japan to Continue Raising Interest Rates

Deputy Governor Uchida Shinichi confirms further rate hikes while monitoring Middle East tensions and economic impacts.

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Kyokuyo to Raise Tuna Product Prices by Up to 20%

The Japanese food company will increase costs for 24 canned and pouch products starting Aug. 1, 2026.

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SoftBank to Launch AI Cybersecurity Service Using OpenAI

The company plans to protect Japanese critical infrastructure after internal tests found 15,000 security vulnerabilities.

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Japan and Mercosur Agree to Start Economic Partnership Talks

Prime Minister Takashi and President Lula launch negotiations to diversify critical mineral and energy supplies.

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Four Japanese Parties Propose Law Criminalizing Flag Desecration

Proposed legislation would introduce prison time or fines for the public destruction of the national flag.

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Japan Chicken and Egg Prices Hit Record Highs

Ministry of Agriculture data shows poultry prices climbing for two consecutive months due to avian flu supply constraints.

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Japan Megabanks Raise Deposit and Mortgage Rates

Mitsubishi UFJ, SMBC, and Mizuho lift ordinary deposit rates to 0.4% following Bank of Japan policy shifts.

RGG Studio Reveals Stranger Than Heaven as Yakuza Prequel

The new title features a Souls-like combat system and explores the origins of the Tojo Clan across five Japanese cities.

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Bank of Japan Raises Policy Interest Rate to 1%

The central bank increases rates to combat inflation risks, marking the first time rates have hit this level since 1995.

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Tokyo Fire Department Warns Against Interference With Emergency Services

Officials released a reenactment video after reporting 107 cases of interference with ambulance crews over five years.

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Nagase Sangyo Outlines Strategy Ahead of 200th Anniversary

President Hiroyuki Ueshima discusses long-term leadership in a Nikkei anniversary interview series.

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Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 31-Year High

The benchmark policy rate reached 1% on June 16, 2024, to combat persistent inflation driven by global factors.

Ubisoft Releases Final Update for Assassin's Creed Shadows

Title Update 1.1.11 adds the Black Tides Quest and a final story mission to the Feudal Japan setting.

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Brazil's Lula and Japan's Takaichi Discuss Mercosur Trade at G7

President Lula meets Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in France to advance trade relations amid EU-Mercosur tensions.

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Japanese Lawmakers Create Study Group for Cross-Strait Stability

A new legislative group aims to produce policy recommendations regarding Japan's role in peace between Taiwan and China.

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KOSPI Rises 2.1% to 8,726 Points as Foreign Investors Buy

South Korean stocks climbed despite a Japanese rate hike, led by gains in Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

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Bank of Japan raises policy rate, weighs bond-buying taper pause

Tokyo officials move to curb persistent inflation while addressing volatility in the government bond market.

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Earthquake Causes Power Outages, Halts Shinkansen Services

A magnitude-5-weak earthquake in the Kanto-Koshin region disrupted high-speed rail operations between Tokyo, Nagano, and Niigata.

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Bank of Japan Raises Policy Rate to 1%

The BOJ increased interest rates for the first time since 1995 to combat inflation and a weakening yen.

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Tottori Sardines Hit Peak Season at Tokyo Specialty Shop

Sardines from the Japan Sea coast are reaching their fattest state during the rainy season, retailing for 29 yen each.

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Rapid Temperature Swings in Japan Trigger Rise in Dizziness and Fatigue

Clinicians report an increase in patients suffering from cold-related symptoms following a sharp heat spike during the rainy season.

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Bank of Japan Raises Policy Rate to 1%

The central bank delivered a 25-basis-point hike, marking the highest interest rate level for Japan since 1995.

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Wacoal Warns Against Surge in Fraudulent Social Media Ads

The Japanese lingerie giant reports unauthorized use of its logo in overseas-led scams targeting consumers

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Earthquake strikes southern Ibaraki, felt in Gunma and Saitama

A magnitude 5.0 to 5.5 earthquake hit Japan on June 16, with no tsunami risk reported.

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Japanese Actress Tamao Nakamura Dies at 86

Celebrities and industry peers gather in Tokyo for the wake of the actress, who died of pneumonia.

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Tokai Second Nuclear Plant Reports No Damage After Japan Earthquake

The facility in Ibaraki Prefecture remained stable following a quake that hit parts of Gunma and Saitama with high intensity.

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Tokyo Festival Celebrates Wagashi Day with Traditional Sweets

Isetan Shinjuku hosted 14 confectioners from across Japan to showcase seasonal treats for the annual Wagashi Day celebration.

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Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 31-Year High

The central bank lifted its policy rate to 1% to combat inflation driven by energy price shocks from the Middle East conflict.

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Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 31-Year High

The central bank increased its benchmark short-term rate to 1.0% to combat inflation driven by energy prices and geopolitical conflict.

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Japan Defense Force Recruitment Surpasses 10,000 for First Time in Three Years

Recruits reached 11,177 for fiscal year 2025, marking a roughly 35% increase over the previous year.

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Man Arrested After Violent Apartment Intrusion in Hokkaido

Hiroyuki Horikawa, 57, was detained after attacking a 23-year-old resident in Shiraoi town.

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Japan House Passes Criminal Procedure Law Amendment on Retrials

New legislation prohibits prosecutorial appeals in retrial cases and mandates periodic reviews of evidence-use rules.

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Tokyo Cyclists Face Fines for Riding With Umbrellas

Authorities are targeting illegal umbrella use on bicycles as rainy season increases collision risks in Japanese cities.

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Japan Meat and Egg Prices Hit Record Highs

Chicken thigh, eggs, and imported beef reach historic price peaks as consumers shift demand amid inflation.

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Bank of Japan Raises Policy Interest Rate to Approximately 1%

The central bank cited declining downside risks to the economy and broadening price increases as drivers for the move.

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Warning-Level Heavy Rain Forecast for Okinawa and Kagoshima

Typhoon No. 6 and a stalled rain front threaten southern Japan with significant precipitation and thunderstorms.

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Bank of Japan Raises Policy Rate to 1%

The move creates the first 1% interest-rate environment in 31 years to combat inflation and currency depreciation.

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Work-Life Balance Now Top Reason Japanese Workers Quit Jobs

New survey shows flexibility and recovery are overtaking pay as the primary drivers for labor turnover in Japan.

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Tokyo Office Complex Hosts Tug-of-War to Boost Employee Well-being

Sunshine City in Ikebukuro organized its fifth corporate tournament to replace traditional drinking culture with physical activity.

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Japan Proposes Joint Mineral Reserve System at G7 Summit

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi advocates for economic and energy security through shared stockpiling of critical minerals.

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Tokyo Cyclists Face Fines for Using Umbrellas During Rain

Commuters risk 5,000-yen penalties under a new blue-ticket system as rainy season weather sparks safety concerns in the capital.

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Japanese Fans Clean Stadium After World Cup Match in US

Supporters tidied AT&T Stadium in Dallas following a 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands.

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Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rate to 1%

The short-term policy rate reached its highest level in 31 years to combat inflation driven by rising oil prices.

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Hakamada’s Sister Calls for Full Evidence Disclosure in Retrial Law

Hideko Hakamada said current Japanese legal amendments fail to protect the wrongfully convicted from prosecution delays.

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Japan Lower House Passes Retrial Law Reform

New legislation restricts prosecutors from appealing retrial decisions and clarifies evidence disclosure rules.

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Nikkei 225 Hits Record High After Bank of Japan Rate Hike

Japan's leading stock index briefly topped 70,000 yen for the first time following expected monetary policy shifts.

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Industrial Waste Pile Emerges in Kyoto Residential Area

Residents of Fushimi Ward report a 10-meter-high mound of debris causing noise and dust pollution.

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Nikkei 225 Breaches 70,000 Points for First Time

Japan's benchmark stock index hit a record high Tuesday amid a global rally fueled by US-Iran peace agreements.

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BTS and Blackpink Win Major Honors at Music Awards Japan 2026

K-pop artists including G-Dragon and Lee Youngji receive top awards, highlighting the genre's dominance in the Japanese market.