The average correct answer rates in Japanese language and math sections of a national achievement test for students in Japan in fiscal 2025 fell from the previous year, the education ministry said Monday.

The correct answer rate for the Japanese language section dropped to 67.0 pct from 67.8 pct among elementary school sixth-graders.

Among junior high school third-graders, the rate sagged to 54.6 pct from 58.4 pct, the lowest level since the current question format was introduced in fiscal 2019. They struggled with writing tasks in particular.

For the math section, the rate slid to 58.2 pct from 63.6 pct among elementary school sixth-graders and to 48.8 pct from 53.0 pct among junior high school third-graders.

In science, whose test was conducted for the first time in three years, the correct answer rate rose to 57.3 pct from 49.7 pct in fiscal 2022 among elementary school sixth-graders.
 

 

The number of Arab residents in Japan totals 10,413 as of the end of December 2024, according to data obtained by Arab News Japan from the Ministry of Justice’s Immigration Agency. 

In the previous survey four years ago, there were only 6,356 Arab residents officially registered in Japan.

Egyptians make up the largest number with 2,713 residents, followed by Syrians (1,594) and Saudis (1,505). 

There are 1,112 Tunisians, followed by 458 people from the United Arab Emirates, then Sudanese (448), Algerians (365),Jordanians (348), Iraqis (281), Kuwaitis (271), Qataris (263), Yemenis (256), Lebanese (228), Palestinians (127), Omanis (117), Bahrainis (103), Libyans (108), Mauritanians (40), Djiboutians (37), Somalis (36) and Comorans (3).

The ministry divides the categories of residency into work, study, university education, art, religion, media, and highly skilled professionals in administration, law, accounting, medicine, research, education, and others.

Refugees, Japanese university graduates, entertainment performers and trainees are also included.

The number of registered foreign residents in Japan rose from 2,887,116 four years previously to 4,351,638 out of a total population of 123,153,518. 

Among all nationalities, Chinese residents made up the largest number with 1,064,472 residents, followed by Vietnamese at 609,799 and South Koreans (509,059).
 
 

A tropical depression in the East China Sea is forecast to approach the Kyushu region in southwest Japan toward Monday, bringing intense rainfall mainly to western Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says warm, moist air is flowing from the south into the system, which is heading east. Rainclouds are developing in some parts of southern Kyushu and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The depression is expected to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms to these areas on Sunday.

With more humid air streaming in from Monday onwards, torrential rain could hit western Japan toward Monday and the Pacific coast side of eastern Japan on Tuesday.

Weather officials are calling for caution over landslides, flooding of low-lying areas and swollen rivers.

Meanwhile, temperatures are soaring in western Japan and elsewhere with 35 degrees Celsius or higher being registered in some locations.

Daytime highs will be 37 degrees in Osaka City; 36 degrees in Kyoto City, Takamatsu City, Tottori City and Fukui City; and 35 in Fukuoka City, Hiroshima City, Nagoya City and Nagano City.

 

Heatstroke alerts have been issued for a number of prefectures in western and southwestern Japan.

Looking eastward, Tropical Storm Nari is now approaching Japan's Ogasawara Islands and is expected to come close to eastern and northern Japan on Monday.

The meteorological agency says the tropical storm was spawned early Sunday and was heading north-northeast at 20 kilometers per hour as of Sunday noon in waters 100 kilometers east-southeast of Chichijima Island in the island chain.

It has a central atmospheric pressure of 994 hectopascals and is packing winds of up to 72 kilometers per hour near its center, with gusts of up to 108 kilometers per hour.

Strong winds of over 54 kilometers per hour are blowing within 440 kilometers on its southeastern side and within 165 kilometers on its northwestern side.

Nari is projected to move northward while strengthening and to approach eastern and northern Japan on Monday.

Due to warm and moist air flowing into the storm, torrential rain or thunderstorms may hit the Ogasawara Islands toward Monday, and the Kanto region, including Tokyo, the Izu Islands and the Tohoku region on Monday.

Weather officials are calling on people in the storm's path to be on the alert for landslides, flooding of low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as strong winds and high waves. They are also advising caution against lightning strikes and gusting winds.
 
 

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako returned from their eight-day state visit to Mongolia on Sunday.

A Japanese government plane carrying the Imperial couple arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport in the afternoon after leaving Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, earlier on Sunday.

On their way to Chinggis Khaan International Airport in the morning, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako stopped by the official residence of Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar and bid farewell to the president and his wife.

On Saturday, the Emperor and the Empress visited Hustai National Park, located about 100 kilometers west of central Ulaanbaatar and home to the Przewalski's horse, a Mongolian wild horse.

Emperor Naruhito named a foal born at the park this year "Tomo," or friend, and Empress Masako gave another foal the name "Ai," or love.

In their message issued through the Imperial Household Agency after their return home, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako said: "We visited Mongolia together for the first time, and it was a truly memorable trip.

We sincerely hope that Japan and Mongolia will further deepen their friendship, goodwill and cooperative relations."
 
 

The Japan International Cooperation Agency will issue bonds worth around 23 billion yen ($160 million) next month to raise funds for infrastructure, education and other development needs of African nations.

The bond issuance will coincide with Japan's cohosting of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama, near Tokyo, on Aug. 20-22.

Government-backed JICA is hoping to target local governments, regional financial institutions and Japanese companies that are seeking to invest in the fast-growing, resource-rich continent and encourage them to purchase the bonds, with maturities of either three or five years.

"As Africa, with its large young population, holds significant growth potential, support (through the bonds) will help Japanese companies expand into the region," said Motohiro Matsumura, director of JICA's Planning and TICAD Process Division.

The issuance volume of the Africa TICAD bonds is expected to nearly double from 12 billion yen, issued under a similar scheme in 2019, when the international conference known as TICAD was last held in Japan.

Part of the funds raised through the bonds then was used to finance projects such as the construction of a bridge over the Nile River in Uganda to support logistics, and in the building of geothermal infrastructure in Kenya.

For this time, JICA plans to use the bonds also to promote Japanese-style education that fosters discipline through school activities and provide loans to farmers via financial institutions.

Cohosted by Japan and several multinational organizations, TICAD has been held every three years since its fifth session in 2013. Prior to that, the conference took place every five years following its launch in 1993.
 
 

Finland’s beloved Moomins — the fictional roundish trolls with distinctive large snouts — continue to enjoy enduring popularity in Japan as the world celebrates the 80th anniversary of the first novel’s publication.

The charming characters along with their diverse cast of companions from the series have captivated Japanese audiences for generations, appealing to both children and adults alike.

A Moomins-themed park that opened in 2019 in Hanno, Saitama Prefecture, attracts large crowds of visitors. Last year, the company managing Moomins-related licenses in Japan reported record-high sales, and the strong trend has continued into the current year.

The story of Moominvalley began in 1945 with Finnish author Tove Jansson's novel, "The Little Troll and the Big Flood." Since then, the Moomins and their friends have captured the hearts of readers around the world, not only through Jansson's books, but also through comic strips serialized in a British evening newspaper and popular anime adaptations, including those broadcast in Japan.

Even after Jansson's passing at the age of 86 in 2001, new anime inspired by her original works continue to be produced, ensuring that the magic of Moominvalley lives on for new generations.

Moominvalley Park in Hanno, located northwest of Tokyo, along with the adjacent Nordic lifestyle facility "metsa village," marked a combined total of 5 million visitors in January this year.

According to the operating company, visitor numbers have been steadily recovering since a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. The complex now attracts a diverse range of guests, including many who are not dedicated Moomin fans.

This year, the Mori Arts Center Gallery in Roppongi, Tokyo, will host "Tove Jansson and the Moomins," an exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the publication of the first Moomin novel. The exhibition will run for about two months from July 16. After its Tokyo debut, the exhibition will travel to various locations across Japan.

Moomin licensing in Japan is primarily managed by Tokyo-based Rights & Brands. According to company President Kumiko Ito, sales have been increasing steadily. "It's not just a temporary boom," Ito explained, suggesting that the Moomin stories "may resonate particularly well with the current era."

Demand for Moomin merchandise remains strong, and the number of official shops continues to grow. In May, a new Moomins-themed cafe opened in Tokyo's fashionable Omotesando district. Promotional collaborations with companies and other organizations are on the rise.

The values celebrated in Moomin tales, such as harmony with nature, acceptance of diversity and a focus on well-being, both physical and mental, strike a chord with audiences today, experts say.

Earlier this year, major paper manufacturer Oji Holdings announced a new initiative featuring the Moomin characters to promote the importance of forests. In addition, the company has incorporated Moomin designs into some of its tissue products.

For the past two years, major food company Calbee has featured Moomin characters in its advertising campaigns for potato snacks. The beloved characters also play a role in Calbee's product development and food education initiatives, helping the company communicate its commitment to environmental awareness.

Last year, Kitahiroshima, a city in Hokkaido entered into an agreement with Rights & Brands to leverage the popular Moomin brand for regional revitalization efforts.

Key initiatives under the partnership include educational programs designed to nurture emotional growth, with a focus on local resources and nature-based experiences.

Additionally, Kitahiroshima is promoting its unique local confectioneries as special gifts to donors participating in the hometown donation system for tax deductions.

Jansson grew up as part of Finland's Swedish-speaking minority, a community that made up less than 10% of the country's population. Also, as someone with a same-sex partner, she experienced life on the margins of mainstream society. Jansson began writing the Moomin novels in 1939, at a time when her homeland was being drawn into the turmoil of war.

Ito said, "At a time when it was difficult to have hope for the future, she created stories that depicted an ideal world, one that existed only in her mind and could not be touched by anyone else."

The stories "embody values that are especially important for our era, and they are often described as philosophical," she continued. "We hope that people will take the opportunity to experience these stories."
 
 

Local governments in Japan have been enhancing tourism promotion at the ongoing World Exposition in the city of Osaka in western Japan as three months will have passed as of Sunday since the six-month event began on April 13.

Officials of local governments are generally confident in their promotion activities, with some events to introduce local food and culture at the Expo proving popular.

Inbound visitors, however, have accounted for less than 10 pct of total visitors to the Expo so far. A challenge for local communities is how they can lure foreign visitors to their respective regions.

The six prefectures comprising the Kansai western region, including Osaka, and three nearby prefectures are jointly operating the Kansai Pavilion at the Expo.

The prefectural government of Mie, one of the three, exhibits traditions, culture and industries of the prefecture, with themes changing regularly.
 
 

The annual Japan Festival has begun in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, offering visitors the chance to sample local Japanese dishes and experience the country's atmosphere.

Brazil is home to the world's largest community of Japanese descendants. The festival is said to be one of the world's largest of its kind outside Japan.

The event showcases Japanese culture, including traditional drum performances. At the food corner, about 40 prefectural associations have set up booths where people can enjoy local dishes and sweets from around Japan.

One Brazilian visitor who has plans to visit Japan came to try Japanese food. Another said the hand-rolled sushi and matcha green tea were delicious.
The festival runs through Sunday. The organizer expects about 200,000 visitors.
 
 

With the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament set to open Sunday, a medical center near the competition venue has taken possession of a heavy-duty wheelchair built to transport the sport's heftiest wrestlers.

The chair, designed to accommodate patients weighing up to 300 kilograms, was presented Friday to the medical center affiliated with Nagoya City University Medical School. The facility is located a short distance from the newly built IG Arena, where the 15-day tournament will run through July 27.

The device was demonstrated by sumo's current heaviest competitor, fourth-tier sandanme wrestler Dewanojo, who tips the scales at 252 kg.
"The risk of injury is always there in sumo," Dewanojo said. "Having a wheelchair that's big enough provides peace of mind."

A Nagoya-based nursing home operator donated the German-made wheelchair, one of the largest in the world, according to the medical center.
It will also be on hand for use at next year's Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games.
 
 

Voters in Japan now can find out whether candidates support same-sex marriage and separate surnames for married couples by simply pointing a smartphone camera at campaign posters for the upcoming national upper house election.

The system, launched Thursday, was developed by advocacy groups in hope the new initiative would lead to better informed voters on the debates many consider to involve basic human rights.

When accessing the Marriage Vision website, smartphone screens will display one or both of "I support same-sex marriage" and "I support marriage with separate surnames" when candidates have expressed their backing.

If a candidate opposes same sex marriage or any change that would allow married couples to have different surnames, nothing will appear on screen, according to the system developed by Marriage For All Japan and Asuniwa, which campaigns for a change in the rules around surnames.

To develop the system, members of the groups took photos of posters of candidates nationwide after official campaigning for the July 20 House of Councillors election began and linked the images with responses given in a survey on the two contentious issues.

If a candidate did not respond to the survey, the smartphone screen will not display any message, even if they have publicly expressed support for either issue.

At an event held at Doshisha University in Kyoto where people trialed the system using posters of fictitious candidates, third-year student Ayaka Sato said the tool is helpful.

"Society would be less divided if it stood by minorities," Sato, 21, said.
First-year student Haruki Mimori, 19, said, "It would become easier to vote" if candidates' stances on other issues were also communicated this way.

Asuniwa representative Naho Ida said, "I want people to vote in a way that makes them feel that they have changed society with their own hands."

The Justice Ministry says Japan is believed to be the only country that requires couples to adopt the same surname upon marriage.

It is the only Group of Seven country that has not legalized same-sex marriage or civil unions.
 
 

On July 10, commencing at 10:30 a.m. local time (11:30 a.m. on July 10, JST) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a Japan-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Rt. Hon.

Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, during his visit to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. The overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that amidst an increasingly severe regional strategic environment the strengthening of cooperation between Japan and New Zealand as partners in promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" was reassuring, and looked forward to enhancing “Strategic Cooperative Partnership”, in light of the steady deepening of bilateral security cooperation.The two ministers welcomed that the two countries have decided to commence negotiations toward the conclusion of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
2. The two ministers exchanged views on the severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific region including Pacific Island countries and affirmed that the two countries continue to closely communicate on the regional affairs. Minister Iwaya asked for Minister Peters’ continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue and gained the support.
3. The two ministers also concurred on strengthening multi-layered cooperation with allies and like-minded countries to play an important role in tackling the strategic issues in the region and further strengthening collaboration in the economic sector, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

A senior ruling party lawmaker on Wednesday faced a chorus of criticism for suggesting an earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula in central Japan last year was "fortunate" in showing how improvements can be made in public services.

Yosuke Tsuruho, who made the remark Tuesday in a campaign speech for the House of Councillors election on July 20, apologized for the "inappropriate" remark but ruled out stepping down.

His comment came at a time when residents in Ishikawa and neighboring prefectures are still struggling to recover in the aftermath of the magnitude-7.6 quake on New Year's Day in 2024 that killed over 600 people. It prompted an immediate backlash from quake-affected residents and lawmakers across party lines.

The controversy may deal a blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party ahead of the upper house election, with cabinet approval ratings already weak due to cost-of-living pressures and poor wage growth.

The LDP reprimanded Tsuruho, a veteran lawmaker who has headed the powerful Budget Committee of the upper house, where half of the members are set to be replaced in the upcoming election. His seat is not being contested, with his current six-year term having begun in 2022.

During a speech at a rally in his home prefecture of Wakayama, western Japan, Tsuruho apparently attempted to stress the need for local government administrative tasks -- such as obtaining residence and other official documents -- to be available outside a person's area of residence, as was possible after the Noto earthquake.

While praising the government's efforts to simplify such procedures, Tsuruho said, "Fortunately, there was an earthquake in Noto" that demonstrated rules can be relaxed for obtaining official documents away from the area of one's registered address.

Later Tuesday, Tsuruho backtracked with a statement, saying, "I lacked consideration for the victims, and my wording was inappropriate. I apologize and retract the remark."

But Tsuruho remained under fire even from within the ruling coalition on Wednesday.

Tetsuo Saito, leader of the LDP's long-term junior coalition partner Komeito party, said on social media that Tsuruho's comment on Noto "disregards the feelings of the victims and is absolutely unacceptable."

From Ishiba's government, which has touted the priority it places on disaster prevention, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Keiichiro Tachibana said politicians should not make comments that "trample on the feelings of people affected by the disaster."

Opposition party leaders, who are seeking to wrestle majority control of the upper house from the ruling bloc, stepped up their criticism.

Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, said he cannot let the comment pass as a "verbal slip." Asked by reporters about whether Tsuruho should step down, Noda said, "It's something that he should decide."

Survivors of the disaster also expressed their displeasure, with many calling Tsuruho's remarks insensitive. Masahiro Takaki, a 65-year-old lacquerware artisan living in temporary housing in Wajima, one of the hardest-hit cities in Ishikawa Prefecture on the Sea of Japan, was one of them.

"Lawmakers responsible for national politics should visit the affected areas more frequently and listen to the voices of those still struggling," Takaki said, expressing frustration with what he believes is a lack of empathy.

Besides its death toll in the hundreds, including those who later died from related health issues, the quake caused around 160,000 homes across the region to collapse fully or partially.
 
 

Six children who will lead one of the yamahoko floats for Kyoto’s Gion Festival visited Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, on Monday to pray that celebrations will go smoothly.

Gion Festival is one of Japan’s most famous festivals. During the grand parade on July 17, many floats with luxurious decorations, called “yama” or “hoko,” are drawn through the streets of Kyoto.

The children, ages 5 and 6, had their faces painted white and wore eboshi hats. They were dressed in bright orange and yellow-green kariginu, informal clothes worn by the nobility in the Heian period (794-late 12th century). The children prayed at the main hall of the shrine with their parents and members of the preservation group Ayagasahoko.

They also received an edict from the priest saying they were messengers of the gods, and circled clockwise around the main hall three times.

On the day, the temperature in Kyoto reached 37.9 C, a high for the year. “It was very hot and I was nervous, but I want to do my best [in the parade],” said one of the boys.
 
 

 

The Ministry of Manpower is exploring a potential partnership with the government of Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the labor sector.

Secretary General of the Manpower Ministry, Cris Kuntadi, stated that this initiative also aims to support human resource development and ensure the legal and protected placement of Indonesian migrant workers.

"We believe that cooperation between Kumamoto Prefecture and Indonesia will grow stronger and deliver tangible benefits for both sides," Kuntadi noted in the ministry's official statement here on Wednesday.

He also expressed appreciation for the close relations between Indonesia and Japan, as well as the significant contributions of Indonesian migrant workers in Kumamoto.

As of October 2024, a total of 2,890 Indonesian citizens were recorded as working and studying in Kumamoto, making them the third-largest foreign community in the region.

“Indonesians in Kumamoto have made important contributions in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, fisheries, and elderly care. The Indonesian government remains committed to safeguarding their rights and well-being,” he noted.

He also affirmed the ministry's readiness to expand collaboration through the development of training curricula tailored to the needs of Kumamoto's industries, providing Japanese language skills training, and organizing job fairs and business matching events.

Kuntadi noted that the cooperation will be directed to align with Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) and the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) pathway.

“Indonesia has a pool of potential workers ready to be trained in accordance with Japanese standards. We are also able to draft a Letter of Intent (LoI) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the cooperation framework,” he stated.

In addition, the Manpower Ministry has already established partnerships with Miyagi and Mie Prefectures, which could serve as references for Kumamoto Prefecture in initiating similar agreements.
 

Japan will set up an organization at the Cabinet Secretariat next week that will serve as the "control tower" to coordinate government efforts to deal with crimes by foreign residents, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tuesday.

"We will promote various policies comprehensively with the control tower to realize an orderly and inclusive society with foreign residents," Ishiba said, asking related ministers to consider concrete measures.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news conference later in the day that Japan needs to utilize foreign workers for its economic growth.

Still, he said that "there are situations where people feel a sense of unease over the inappropriate use of Japanese systems by some foreign residents or are worried about crimes they commit."
 
 

 
The Japanese government on Tuesday began urging travelers to keep power banks within reach on airplanes following a series of incidents of mobile batteries catching fire on flights.

Airline staff at airports across the country began asking flyers for their cooperation, with staff of All Nippon Airways group at a boarding point at Tokyo's Haneda airport urging against stowing power banks in overhead compartments onboard the aircraft.

"For safety, we would like to ask for understanding and cooperation," one staff member said.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in power banks, can ignite upon physical impact or due to gradual degradation, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

Mobile batteries are not allowed in checked baggage, and there are limits on the number and capacity permitted in carry-on luggage.
 
 

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday expressed his appreciation to outgoing South Korean Ambassador to Japan Park Cheol-hee for his contributions to improving relations between Japan and South Korea.

During their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Park said he hopes that cooperation between the two countries will continue under the administration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who took office last month.

The ambassador also said he hopes that the leaders of both countries will engage in "shuttle diplomacy," or mutual visits, more frequently.

"Japan and South Korea are important neighbors that should cooperate as partners in tackling challenges facing the international community," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news conference the same day.

"The two governments will continue their close communication so that Japan-South Korea ties advance stably," the top Japanese government spokesman said.
 
 

 

A UNESCO committee has rejected Seoul's request for a re-examination of Japan's handling of its Meiji-era industrial revolution sites on the World Heritage list, including now-defunct coal-mining facilities on the island of Hashima.

The South Korean government on Tuesday expressed regret over the World Heritage Committee's decision the previous day.

The island, widely known as Gunkanjima (battleship island), in the southwestern prefecture of Nagasaki, is a key item among the industrial revolution sites, which were registered as World Heritage sites in 2015.

The South Korean government initially opposed the registration, saying that there were insufficient explanations about laborers from the Korean Peninsula who worked at the sites.

But Seoul eventually gave its consent after Tokyo promised to ensure that full explanations would be given about the situation at the time.
 
 

For more than half a century, the Japanese government has encouraged its rice farmers to grow less of the crop so that prices of the national staple grain remained relatively high and steady. 

Now, under an ambitious agricultural policy announced this year, Tokyo is preparing for a reversal, envisaging a future of bountiful output that would secure the country's food security without sending prices into freefall and hurting its politically influential farmers.

The new direction has taken on an unexpected urgency as Japanese grapple with a shortage of the all-important staple, which has prompted a historic spike in prices, a flood of imports, and interest from President Donald Trump, who has renewed pressure on Japan to buy U.S. rice as part of the allies' elusive trade deal. 

It is a policy that many farmers like Kazuhachi Hosaka welcome in principle, but with trepidation because questions over how it would work in practice remain unanswered. The government is aiming to complete a roadmap by the middle of next year.

"We'd want the government to make sure there's some kind of a safety net for producers," Hosaka said at his farm in the northern prefecture of Niigata.
"It's easy enough to switch rice for feed or processed foods to staple rice. But tilling land for new paddies or switching from wheat or soybeans would require labour, machinery and all kinds of investments."

This year, Hosaka allocated all but 10 hectares (25 acres) of his 180-hectare land for staple rice, reducing feed-use rice by 20 hectares given the attractive prices. But he worries that prices could plunge if Japan's overall production goes unchecked under the new policy, set to be implemented from the 2027 crop year.

"I do feel conflicted," Hosaka said about the doubling of retail rice prices to above 4,000 yen for a 5kg bag this year in what has turned into a national crisis. 

"It's important that rice prices settle at levels acceptable to both producers and consumers," he said.

Hosaka hopes prices would stabilise around 3,000 to 3,500 yen - a level Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also hopes would be palatable for voters. Supermarket prices fell for a fifth straight week, to 3,801 yen in the seven days to June 22, but were still 70% higher than the same period last year.

 

NATIONAL CRISIS

For Japanese people, rice is more than just a staple food.
Cultivated in the country for more than 2,000 years, rice is considered sacred in the indigenous Shinto religion and is deeply ingrained in local tradition and culture.

The Japanese are famously proud of their short-grain Japonica variety, protecting the market with trade barriers.

So when rice turned into a luxury item this year, consumers fumed and policymakers - facing imminent elections - worried. 

With an eye on voters ahead of an upper house election on July 20, the government has been releasing emergency rice from its stockpile to sell for about 2,000 yen per 5 kg. 

Farmers - also traditionally an important voting bloc for Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party - were told it was a dire but necessary move to protect Japan's food security and prevent consumers from switching permanently away from homegrown rice.

But for most of the past 50 years, Japan has poured its energy into doing the opposite: providing subsidies to farmers to grow crops other than staple rice so as to prevent oversupply and a fall in prices.

That system backfired last year when the farm ministry misread supply from the heat-damaged 2023 harvest, resulting in a severe shortage in August. The ensuing surge in prices made Japan an anomaly against a fall in global prices, and exposed the risks of its approach.

 

The new policy, if successful, would prevent a recurrence by allocating 350,000 tons of rice for export in 2030 - an eight-fold jump from 45,000 tons last year - that could be redirected to the domestic market in the event of a shortage, the government says.

Some agricultural experts say the policy is unrealistic.
The idea of selling expensive Japanese rice abroad is counterintuitive, especially when even Japan is importing record amounts of the grain despite the 341 yen per kg levy that had previously priced foreign products out of the market.

Japanese have also acquired a taste for U.S. Calrose rice, while imports from Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam have also been popular with businesses and cost-conscious consumers.

"Expensive rice might sell to niche markets, but getting that up to 350,000 tons would require price competitiveness, and there's a long way for that," said Kazunuki Ohizumi, professor emeritus at Miyagi University and an expert on agricultural management.

The government aims to provide some form of support but also expects farmers to make their own efforts to consolidate, and make use of artificial intelligence and other technologies to lower production costs.

Meanwhile, Hosaka said, prices of fertilizers, pesticides and fuel have shot up, sending production costs through the roof.

"It's tough," he said. "The government has released quite a bit of stockpiled rice, so I'm very worried about prices falling even further."
 
 

The innovative achievements of the academic community at the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan RI) marked a remarkable milestone at the prestigious Japan Design and Invention Expo (JDIE) 2025, securing the highest honor, the Grand Prize, along with two Gold Medals from Japan on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

During the event, the Unhan delegation also received two Special Awards for The Best International Invention & Innovation, presented by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and Aurensia Company, Thailand, in recognition of their outstanding innovation, kemhan.go.id reported.

This achievement reinforces Unhan RI’s role as a national laboratory for the development of strategic innovations, while also affirming its commitment to advancing research and innovation with real-world impact, both on a national level and the global stage.

The competition, held in Bellesalle, Tokyo, Japan, from July 4–6, 2025, was organized by the World Intellectual Invention Property Association (WIIPA) and attracted innovators from various countries.

At the event, Unhan RI fielded two elite teams from the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Defense Technology.

The first team, Defender Team, presented an innovative project titled DEFEND, Detection of Emergencies and Features for Enhanced Network Defense. The second team showcased Advanced System Professional Rescue Robot (ASPRO), designed as a high-tech intelligent robotics-based rescue solution.

The first team leveraged artificial intelligence technology to detect potential threats to national vital assets. Their project, DEFEND, earned a Gold Medal at JDIE 2025.

Meanwhile, the second team’s innovation, ASPRO, a smart robotic rescue system, won both the Grand Prize and a Gold Medal.

Both Unhan RI teams were led by Contingent Commander Col. Inf. Adam Mardamsyah, M.Han., who also serves as Head of the Informatics Study Program and Lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering and Defense Technology.

This proud achievement is expected to serve as an inspiration for the Unhan RI academic community to continue advancing innovation and responding to the challenges of modern defense. 

Unhan RI stands as a pioneering institution dedicated to advancing defense and strategic studies. Established in 2009, Unhan was envisioned as a center of excellence for cultivating future leaders in national defense, security, and resilience, open not only to military personnel but also to civilians, academics, and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Unhan’s academic programs span undergraduate to doctoral levels,integrating military science with disciplines such as politics, economics, technology, and culture.

Its commitment to the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi - education, research, and community service - has positioned it as a national think tank and innovation hub.

Its success at the Japan Design and Invention Expo (JDIE) 2025 underscores Unhan’s role as a strategic innovation lab with real-world impact.

With strong support from the Indonesian government, including the recent inauguration of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Campus by President Prabowo Subianto, Unhan continues to expand its influence, preparing graduates not only for defense roles but also for leadership in science, technology, and national development. 
 
 

As Tokyo seeks to avert the US' threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Japanese goods, Prime Minister Ishiba stressed that Japan, as the biggest investor nation in the US economy, should be treated differently from other countries.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Sunday (Jul 6) that he won't "easily compromise" in talks with Washington as Tokyo seeks to avert United States President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs of up to 35 per cent on Japanese goods.

"We will not easily compromise. That's why it is taking time and why it is tough," Ishiba told a television talk show.

His comments came as Japan rushes to negotiate with the Trump administration before the Wednesday deadline for trade deals.

While Trump imposed a sweeping 10 per cent tariff on imports from most trading partners in April, he unveiled - then paused - higher rates on dozens of economies, including Japan, to allow room for negotiations.

This pause will expire Jul 9, meaning the elevated rates are due to kick in if countries fail to reach agreements with Washington to avert them.

Trump has said he was going to write a letter to Japan, asking it to "pay a 30 per cent, 35 per cent or whatever the number is that we determine," and called the bilateral trade relation "unfair".

He has particularly pressed Japan to accept more US automobiles and rice.
Ryosei Akazawa, Tokyo's trade envoy, held telephone calls with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday and Saturday.

In the Sunday television show, Ishiba reiterated that Japan, as the biggest investor nation in the US economy, should be treated differently from other countries.

"What is unfair? How is it unfair? We need to examine each one (of the US claims)," he said.

"We are allies, but we have to say what we have to say. We are the world's largest investor nation and the largest job creator (in the US). We are different," he said.

On another Sunday television show, Ishiba said Japan was "preparing to deal with all kinds of situations", when asked about how he plans to deal with Trump's letter.
 
 

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake has struck in waters off Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

Meteorological Agency officials say the quake occurred near the Tokara Islands at a depth of 19 kilometers but there is no threat of tsunami.

The quake struck at about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. On Akusekijima Island, the tremor registered upper 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, which goes from 0 to 7.

There has been a marked increase in seismic activity around the Tokara island chain for two weeks. More than 1,300 noticeable tremors have been recorded.

A magnitude 5.5 quake struck in the same area on Thursday. Officials say residents should stay alert, and that the shaking could continue.
 
 

A record 80% of mothers in Japan were employed in 2024, a welfare ministry survey showed Friday.

The proportion of working mothers rose 3.1 percentage points from the previous year to 80.9%, topping 80% for the first time since the annual survey started in 1986.

The latest survey also found that 58.9% of households felt they were struggling to make ends meet, almost unchanged from the year before.

The share of households with children slid 1.5 points to a record low of 16.6%, meaning that the number of such households in the country is estimated at 9.07 million.

Among households with children, the proportion of mothers working as regular employees rose 1.7 points to a record high of 34.1%.

The average income per household was ¥5.36 million in 2023, up 2.3% from 2022. Households with one or more children earned ¥8,205,000 on average.
 

 

 

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may be able to secure only around 40 seats in the upcoming House of Councillors election as its candidates are struggling in prefectural constituencies, making it uncertain whether the ruling coalition of the LDP and Komeito will be able to maintain their upper house majority, according to an analysis by The Yomiuri Shimbun.

The analysis is based on a survey conducted both by telephone and online on Thursday and Friday, taking into consideration coverage by reporters at the Yomiuri’s regional bureaus across the country.

The most attention is focused on whether the ruling coalition can secure at least 50 seats, thereby keeping their majority in the upper house.

Results in prefectural constituencies where only one seat is up for grabs are expected to affect the overall election result. Among those constituencies, the LDP is in the lead in constituencies with solid conservative foundations, such as Ishikawa, Fukui and Yamaguchi. But the party’s candidates are lagging those associated with opposition parties in the Tohoku region, Shikoku and Kyushu.
 

 

In constituencies where multiple seats are contested, the party may be able to win one seat each in those where two seats are up for grabs, including Ibaraki and Shizuoka. But the race is close in constituencies where three or more seats are contested as multiple candidates have a 50-50 chance of winning.

The situation for Komeito is also highly unpredictable. In constituencies where multiple seats are up for grabs, its candidates are running close races in Saitama, Kanagawa, Osaka and Hyogo. As the party is also struggling with the proportional representation segment, Komeito may lose some of the contested seats it previously held.

In contrast, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is faring well. It is in the lead in several prefectural constituencies where one seat is contested, including Nagano, Mie and Oita. It is also one of the top parties in constituencies where multiple seats are up for grabs, including Hokkaido, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa.

The CDPJ is also doing solidly in the proportional representation segment, likely winning as many as seven seats, the same number it won in the previous upper house election.

The Democratic Party for the People is running ahead in the prefectural constituency in Kagawa, from which its leader Yuichiro Tamaki was elected.

It is also leading over other parties in the Shizuoka and Aichi constituencies, where multiple seats are up for grabs. As the party is faring well in the proportional representation segment, it may be able to win double the number of seats it had before the election.

Sanseito may be able to secure a seat in the Tokyo constituency and win multiple seats in the proportional representation segment, possibly making a huge advance.

The Japan Innovation Party, the Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi are fighting for seats in constituencies where multiple seats are up for grabs. The Conservative Party of Japan is likely to win its first upper house seat in the proportional representation segment.

In the upcoming upper house election, 125 of 248 seats are up for grabs. A total of 522 people filed their candidacies — 350 for 75 constituency seats and 172 for the proportional representation segment.

The phone and online survey received responses from 140,537 people. As a certain number of respondents did not give the names of candidates or parties they plan to vote for, the situation still remains fluid.
 
 

Sea Transportation Directorate General at Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry, along with Japan’s Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Ministry (MLIT), is reinforcing maritime synergy through a technical port training program under the Japan-Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement (JIEPA).

Director of Ports at the Ministry of Transportation, Muhammad Anto Julianto, expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation, emphasizing that the program supports JIEPA, especially in technical collaboration, knowledge sharing, and human resource capacity building.

“This initiative is a strategic step to transform Indonesia’s port sector into one that is more competitive, resilient, and sustainable,” Anto stated during the JIEPA Port Technical Training in Jakarta, Wednesday evening (July 2, 2025).

Anto highlighted the importance of learning from Japan’s experience in sustainable port infrastructure, stating that collaboration with MLIT and OCDI offers valuable insights for building competent maritime human resources in Indonesia—crucial for addressing modern challenges such as environmental issues and increasingly complex bilateral trade.

The three-day training (July 2–4, 2025) involves officials, technical staff, and stakeholders from ports across Indonesia. Anto is upbeat that it would lay a strong foundation for improving national port service quality and further strengthening Indonesia–Japan bilateral ties.

MLIT’s International Coordinator, Fujiwara Hiromichi, welcomed the program as a milestone in maintaining the countries’ long-standing technical cooperation.

“This training is the first initiative under the Economic Partnership Agreement, held at Indonesia’s request,” Fujiwara stated.

He also commended Indonesia’s continued trust in Japan’s role in port development, citing major projects such as Patimban Port in Subang, West Java.

“I visited Patimban yesterday and was deeply moved by the significant progress. I am proud that Japan is trusted to contribute to Indonesia’s economic and social development,” he remarked.

The training covers planning, management, maintenance, and climate change issues, delivered by top Japanese experts with hands-on experience.
 

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday that he is working to arrange an early visit to Japan, hoping to continue the two countries' "shuttle diplomacy," or mutual visits by their leaders.

With the two nations commemorating this year the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization, Lee also voiced his hope that Tokyo and Seoul will release a new bilateral statement.

Like the 1998 Japan-South Korea joint declaration, which called on the two countries to build a future-oriented relationship, the East Asian neighbors need to clearly depict their relations, he added.

He made these remarks at a press conference held in Seoul to mark a month since he took office on June 4.

Lee held his first in-person meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba later in June, on the sidelines of the summit of the Group of Seven major countries in Canada, to which the South Korean leader was invited as a guest.

Lee said that he proposed to Ishiba the continuation of the shuttle diplomacy and that he hopes to reduce misunderstandings between South Korea and Japan, and promote bilateral cooperation through mutual visits and dialogue.
 
 

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near the Tokara Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture at 4:13 p.m. Thursday, according to the Meteorological Agency.
Authorities said there was no risk of a tsunami and there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

The strongest shaking was recorded on Akuseki Island, where the tremor measured lower 6 on Japan's seven-point shindo seismic intensity scale. A level 3 quake was also reported on Kodakara Island within the same island chain.

The quake's epicenter was located off the coast between the two islands at a depth of about 20 kilometers.

The government has set up a crisis management center at the Prime Minister’s Office in response to the magnitude 5.5 earthquake Thursday afternoon.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a news conference Thursday evening that all residents on the Akuseki Island has been confirmed safe with no reports of damages to infrastructure and utilities so far. But he added that it will continue to be in close contact with local municipalities.

"We ask local residents to be on alert for an earthquake with a shindo 6 or higher," Hayashi said.

Genichiro Kubo, the mayor of Toshima Village in Kagoshima Prefecture, announced during an online meeting of the prefectural disaster response headquarters that they plan to transport residents who wish to evacuate off Akuseki island and are ready to do so to the city of Kagoshima by ship tomorrow, NHK said.

NHK said that the first group will depart from Naze Port on Amami Oshima Island, approximately 120 kilometers south of Akuseki island, at 2 a.m. on Friday, and will be evacuated via a village-operated ferry heading to Kagoshima Port.

The ferry is scheduled to stop at the seven inhabited islands of Toshima Village en route to Kagoshima Port. After arriving at Kagoshima Port tomorrow night, evacuees will be accommodated at lodging facilities arranged by the village.

As of Thursday, the Tokara Islands have recorded around 1,000 earthquakes since the burst of seismic activity first began on June 21. According to the agency, several more earthquakes measuring shindo 1 occurred shortly after the shindo lower 6 quake was registered.

While the area is known to be quake-prone, the series of earthquakes this time marks the highest number recorded since 1995. In 2023, 346 quakes registering shindo 1 or above were recorded in September.

Before that, in December 2021, 308 jolts were logged including a magnitude 6.1 earthquake on Akuseki Island that registered upper 5 on the shindo scale.

The combined population of all seven inhabited Tokara Islands was 668 as of June 30, according to the Toshima village hall website.

Isamu Sakamoto, the head of a community association on Akuseki Island, told The Japan Times on Wednesday that residents had agreed to evacuate their homes to a school on the island in the event of any earthquake measuring shindo upper 5 or above.
 
 

Japan has seen a disturbing rise in nationwide child abuse cases over the past three decades and the problem is getting worse each year. Now, one woman who was abused as a child is working to open a shelter for girls and young women.

Kogetsu Otagaki, 24, was taken into custody at a children's shelter at age 18, but says staff were not serious about caring for their wards. She knows from experience that kids seeking safety from violence need not only protection but comprehensive support for all aspects of life.

"Half-hearted intervention doesn't heal wounds but instead inflicts new pain. Real support is crucial," Otagaki, director of nonprofit Child Oasis Kogetsu Villa, told Kyodo News in a recent interview.

There were 2,649 cases of child abuse in Japan in 2024, a record high, the National Police Agency announced in June. The figure includes 52 children who died, up 24 from 2023.

Government data shows that child welfare centers responded to a record-high 225,500 reports of child abuse in fiscal 2023, with psychological abuse making up more than half. Physical abuse made up 22.9 percent, or 51,623 cases, followed by 36,465 cases of neglect and 2,473 sexual abuse cases.

Under Japanese law, psychological abuse includes witnessing domestic violence, which some experts say is one factor in the long-term increase in child abuse cases.

The total rose 5.0 percent, or 10,666 cases, from fiscal 2022, marking the 33rd consecutive year of increase since records began, according to the revised figures compiled by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Children and Families Agency.

The percentage of physical abuse among all cases tends to increase with age.
The increase in the number of reported cases is believed to be attributed to the fact that some parents feel trapped raising their kids without being able to consult with anyone, as well as to the establishment of a nationwide hotline which can be used to immediately report abuse once it is suspected.

Otagaki, who currently lives in Chiba, near Tokyo, says her father was verbally abusive when he would get drunk. When she was in elementary school, he became violent, shoving her into a trash bin and saying he was throwing her away.

In high school, her father would keep her up at night, berating her.
"'You have nowhere to run,' he told me," she said. Otagaki would cry so hard she would often hyperventilate and breathe into a bag to calm herself.

Stressed, Otagaki gained weight. She cut off her hair, which she had carefully grown out over the years. She was a far cry from how she had imagined herself as a high school girl.

The daily scoldings began to take their toll on her sleep, and she started to have trouble staying awake in class. At the age of 15, she was temporarily taken into protective custody at a child welfare facility at the urging of a teacher.

When she returned home a few months later, her father blamed her mother, saying, the reason Otagaki was "abducted by the child welfare center" was because her mother had raised her wrong. The family environment deteriorated. The abuse intensified.

She had believed her mother was basically kind, even though she would sometimes encourage her father's outbursts. But when she was 16, her mother threatened her with a knife and Otagaki realized she was also an abuser.

At the age of 18, Otagaki feared for her life and called a local government hotline. She found a private children's shelter where she was taken into protective custody. The family-like, peaceful environment allowed her to gradually recover.

But she questioned the shelter's strict rules. Internet and telephone access were prohibited in order to shield the location of youths from their parents.

Residents could not readily go to school or find work to their satisfaction. Otagaki felt that while the center was protecting the children, it was not preparing them for their future lives.

As her physical strength declined due to lack of exercise, the only jobs arranged for her were a live-in caretaker and farmhand.

Otagaki was unable to handle the grueling work and was bullied. She quit both jobs after three months. She had lost her home, employment and had grown distrustful of the shelter.

In August 2024, Otagaki established her nonprofit in Chiba because she wants to provide services offering a "child's perspective." She aims to open the facility next spring for girls and women ages 15 to 20 to live, commute to school and find employment.

Some of the renovation and operating costs of the facility are expected to come from the government and Chiba City. A municipal official pointed out that it's rare for a person who has been an abuse victim to create such a facility.

Otagaki says she understands that her father was "immature" and taking out his frustrations on a daughter who was unable to fight back. They now live apart.

"I hope he will someday reflect on the scars he left on my life," she said.
Otagaki abandoned her original given name, which her parents had constantly yelled at her in anger, changing it last year to Kogetsu, using kanji characters for "bright moon."

"When I called the hotline office from the park for help, I looked up crying and saw the moon shining in the night sky. I want to be like the full moon that shines on children," she said.
 
 

Japan is preparing for a possible “megaquake” with a feared death toll of up to 300,000 people.

The Japanese government said that much more needs to be done to prepare for a possible “megaquake” to reduce the feared death toll of up to 300,000 people.

Quakes are extremely hard to predict, but in January a government panel marginally increased the probability of a major jolt in the Nankai Trough off Japan in the next 30 years to 75-82 per cent.

The government then released a new estimate in March saying that such a megaquake and subsequent tsunami could cause as many as 298,000 deaths and damages of up to $US2 trillion ($A3 trillion).

In 2014 the Central Disaster Management Council issued a preparedness plan recommending a series of measures that, it was hoped, would reduce deaths by 80 per cent.

But the government has said that so far the steps taken would only cut the toll by 20 per cent, Kyodo news agency reported, and an updated preparedness plan was issued on Tuesday.

This recommended accelerated efforts including constructing embankments and evacuation buildings as well as more regular drills to improve public readiness.

“It is necessary for the nation, municipalities, companies and non-profits to come together and take measures in order to save as many lives as possible,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a government meeting, local media reported.

The Nankai Trough is an 800-kilometre undersea gully running parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast where one tectonic plate is “subducting” – slowly slipping – underneath another.

Over the past 1400 years, megaquakes in the Nankai Trough have occurred every 100 to 200 years. The last one was in 1946.
 
 

Japan experienced its hottest June on record, the weather agency said on Tuesday (Jul 1), as climate change prompts sweltering heat waves across the globe.

"Japan's monthly average temperature in June was the highest for the month since statistics began in 1898," said the Japan Meteorological Agency.

With strong high-pressure systems in June staying in the region, the average monthly temperature was 2.34 degrees Celsius higher than the standard value, the agency said.

The coastal water temperature near Japan also measured 1.2 degrees Celsius higher than usual, tying with June 2024 for the highest since data collection began in 1982, the agency said.

The body also had a further warning that is becoming routine for Japanese residents: "The next month is expected to continue to bring severe heat throughout the country."

The announcement came as scientists say human-induced climate change is making heatwave events more intense, frequent and widespread.

Brutal heat waves are currently sweeping Europe from France to Greece, while global footballers' union FIFPro has called for longer half-time breaks at next year's World Cup to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

Japanese meteorologists have warned against drawing a direct link between specific weather conditions, like higher temperatures in a specific time, with climate change.

But they have observed a changing climate over many years that is causing unpredictable weather phenomena.

Japan remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and has the dirtiest energy mix in the G7, campaigners say.

The government has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2035 and by 73 per cent by 2040, against the 2013 standard, with the ultimate aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Japan's summer last year was the joint hottest on record, equalling the level seen in 2023, followed by the warmest autumn since records began 126 years ago.

Experts even warn that Japan's beloved cherry trees are blooming earlier due to warmer climate or sometimes even not fully blossoming because autumns and winters are not cold enough to trigger flowering.

The famous snowcap of Mount Fuji was also absent for the longest recorded period last year, not appearing until early November, compared with the average of early October.

Last week, the rainy season ended in the western region of Japan, the earliest date on record and around three weeks earlier than usual.
Raging typhoons in summers routinely have caused violent floods in Japan while brutal heat waves have resulted in deadly heat strokes among the elderly.

Increasingly dry winters have raised the risk of wildfires, with a northern area of Ofunato earlier this year seeing the nation's biggest forest fire in three decades.

At the same time, other areas have seen record snow falls that resulted in fatal accidents, traffic disruption, and higher avalanche risk.
 
 

Amid heightened concerns over child safety, the government is expanding the scope of its planned background check system designed to protect children from sexual offenders.
 
A new system, commonly referred to as the “Japanese version of the U.K.’s Disclosure and Barring Service,” is set to go into effect in December 2026. It aims to ensure a safe learning environment for minors by facilitating background checks on individuals seeking work that involves interacting with children.
 
The expanded guidelines will apply not only to schools and kindergartens, but also to community spaces such as children’s cafeterias and talent agencies.
 
The move comes as scrutiny grows over how institutions handle allegations of abuse, particularly in the entertainment industry and informal education settings.
 
At a meeting on Monday, the Children and Families Agency presented a draft outlining the new guidelines, revealing that community-based organizations, such as children’s cafeterias, talent agencies, cram schools, and sports clubs will be subjected to the checks under certain conditions, in addition to schools and licensed child care facilities.
 
The draft also subjects secret filming, which would violate local ordinance, to the new system, the agency said. Last week, two teachers were accused of secretly taking indecent pictures of young schoolgirls and sharing them in a 10-member group chat.
 
“If it is true, they exploited their positions as teachers to collectively disregard the rights of children, which we recognize as something absolutely unforgivable,” Tomoko Fujiwara, the head of child development bureau at the Children and Families Agency, said during Monday’s meeting.
 
Under the expanded system, background checks will be mandatory for professions including teaching, child care, licensed day care, and child welfare.

Relevant institutions must verify prospective employees do not have a history of sexual offense by making an inquiry with the children’s agency, which will check with the Justice Ministry for criminal records.
 
If an applicant falsely claims to have no criminal record and is later found to have one, employers will be permitted to revoke their offer on the grounds of "serious misrepresentation."
 
Unlisted organizations that offer children-related services for a six-month period or longer may also volunteer to conduct background checks in return for an official government safety certification mark.
 
To qualify, entities must meet four conditions:
 
    Provide education to children
    Hold in-person sessions
    Operate in a location other than the child’s home
    Employ at least three staff members or instructors
 
Solo operators such as freelance tutors or babysitters are excluded from the background checks. However, the system will bring them under regulation indirectly by certifying the platforms they use to connect to clients. In those cases, it will be the platform’s responsibility to ensure background checks are conducted.
 
In the expanded guidelines, the child agency recommends that bus drivers and volunteers who regularly interact with children be screened, but the final determination is left to the employer.
 
The agency plans to finalize the guidelines by the end of the year based on discussions with relevant stakeholders.
 
Although certification for nonmandatory institutions will be optional, the government is encouraging wide adoption as part of a broader push to create safer environments for children across public and private sectors.
 

 

 

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 struck off the Tokara Islands in southwestern Japan, with no tsunami alert issued, the weather agency said Monday.

The 6:33 p.m. temblor measured a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 on Akuseki Island, which is part of the island chain in Kagoshima Prefecture. There have been no reports of damage so far, according to the prefectural government and police.

The quake occurred west of Akuseki Island at a depth of 30 kilometers, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The agency has been urging residents to stay alert, as the Tokara island chain and its vicinity have experienced over 670 earthquakes with a seismic intensity scale of 1 or higher between June 21 and 7:00 p.m. Monday.

The district meteorological observatory monitoring the area said the frequency of quakes has fluctuated and activity has continued, adding that several strong quakes have struck Akuseki Island throughout Monday afternoon.

Junichi Nakajima, professor at Institute of Science Tokyo, said, "There is a possibility of an earthquake similar to the magnitude 6.1 that hit in 2021, or an even larger one." He warned of a tsunami if a temblor nears magnitude 7.

Yoshiro Tobo, principal of an elementary and junior high school with 14 students on the island, said he had confirmed everyone was safe but added he felt "fearful" about the possibility of quakes occurring at night.

About 90 people live on Akuseki Island, according to the local government.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin have affirmed their commitment to strengthening relations between the two countries following the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

At his meeting with Parolin in Tokyo on Monday, Ishiba expressed his congratulations on the inauguration of the new pope in May. Referring to more than 80 years of Japan-Vatican diplomatic ties, the prime minister also voiced his hope to boost cooperation between the two sides.

Parolin said he wants to further enhance the long-standing friendship between Japan and the Vatican.

The two exchanged views on global challenges, including Middle East tensions, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the East Asian situation, including North Korea's nuclear and missile development and its abduction of Japanese citizens.

Parolin is visiting Japan to attend the Holy See's "national day" event at the ongoing World Exposition in the city of Osaka, western Japan.
 
 

The average income of Japanese lawmakers in 2024 stood at 25.13 million yen, almost unchanged from the previous year, both chambers of the Diet, Japan's parliament, said Monday.

The top earner among Diet members was Kenji Nakanishi of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party with 662.45 million yen, mostly from capital gains and dividends from his shareholdings.

Four lawmakers earned over 100 million yen, and all of them were LDP members.

The highest income among opposition party lawmakers was 87.54 million yen, earned by Kenko Matsuki of the leading opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

By party, the LDP had the highest average income, at 28.22 million yen, followed by the Democratic Party for the People, at 24.64 million yen, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), at 23.08 million yen, and the CDP, at 21.88 million yen.
 
 

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition held a commemorative ceremony Sunday as the total number of visitors, including staff, reached 10 million at the Expo in Osaka.

"The number of customers is increasing more and more, at a faster pace than we thought," Secretary-General Hiroyuki Ishige said during the event in the Expo venue.

Kazuhiro Asano, a certified public accountant from Yamagata, became the 10 millionth visitor. Asano, who was visiting with his family, received commemorative gifts including special passes allowing unlimited entries during the summer period.

According to the association, the number of general visitors by Saturday was 8.49 million. In addition, 1.37 million people, including pavilion staff and press personnel, entered the venue, bringing the total to about 9.86 million.
The Expo started on April 13 for a six-month run.
 
 

Japan successfully launched its 50th and final H2A liquid-fuel rocket from a southwestern Japan island on Sunday, drawing the curtain on the series' 24-year career in support of the country's space development program.

The H2A rocket, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has been replaced as the country's mainstay space vehicle by the H3 rocket, which offers a lower launch service price.

The final H2A rocket, which blasted off from Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture at 1:33 a.m., placed in orbit a government satellite for observing greenhouse gas levels and monitoring climate change.

The satellite separated from the rocket at an altitude of around 670 kilometers near the equator and deployed its solar panels, with its operation confirmed by JAXA.

"I was more nervous than ever about the launch and feel like I'm still dreaming. We achieved our long-cherished goal of a 98 percent success rate," said Keiji Suzuki, a Mitsubishi Heavy official in charge of the rocket launch.

At a park near the Tanegashima Space Center, around 1,300 people gathered early Sunday to watch the launch, cheering as the rocket ascended in the darkness.

"I was impressed by the loud sound and light. I'm excited to see the next H3 rocket," said 7-year-old Hikari Nagoe.

Since 2001, the H2A series has supported the country's aerospace exploration by sending satellites and probes into space, raising its reliability over time.

Its long career was rocky at times. The No. 6 rocket failed in 2003 when a booster did not separate and the ground crew ordered its destruction. It was discovered later that a damaged jet nozzle was the cause of the breakdown.
It took one year and three months until the succeeding No. 7 flew successfully after alterations were made.

Sunday's launch was postponed by Mitsubishi Heavy from June 24 due to an equipment abnormality.

The H3 rocket, also developed by Mitsubishi Heavy and JAXA, is expected to help the country gain a foothold in the satellite-launch business that has become increasingly competitive with the rise of SpaceX of the United States.

The H3 rocket debuted in March 2023 but its maiden flight ended with a self-destruct order minutes after liftoff due to the failure of the second-stage engine to ignite. The succeeding launches, including the latest No. 5 in February, have been successful.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Sunday sounded cautious about expanding the ruling coalition between his Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.

"A coalition should be formed after a certain level of agreement is reached on diplomacy, security and public finances," Ishiba said in a speech ahead of Thursday's start of the official campaign period for the July 20 election for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of parliament.

 

At a conference hosted by a private policy proposal group, Ishiba also expressed support for the idea of establishing a nonpartisan consultative body on social security reform.

On measures against persisting inflation, he stated, "What is needed now is immediate effects," reiterating the need to provide a cash benefit of 20,000 to 40,000 yen per citizen, included in his party's election pledges.

 

"We must secure financial resources for medical care, elderly care and pensions," he said, indicating a negative view about opposition proposals for lowering the consumption tax.
 


 

A newly opened giant slide in southwestern Japan has been closed after four people sustained broken bones while using it, the local government said Friday.

The 30-meter slide at the top of Mt. Sarakura in Kitakyushu, a popular nightscape spot, opened to the public on April 25, but a tourist from Taiwan in her 30s broke her shin on May 28 while using it.

The local government subsequently uncovered the three other cases, involving a municipal employee who tried the slide before it opened to the public, a 2-year-old held by her older sister, and a man in his 70s.
The slide has been closed since June 3.

According to the city in Fukuoka Prefecture, some injuries are believed to be attributable to users not falling within the recommended age range of 6 to 12, as stated on a nearby sign that also warned users against sliding while holding someone.

Kitakyushu is planning on increasing the number of languages on signs, with the hope of reopening the equipment in July.
 
 

The Tohoku Shinkansen line was suspended after a bullet train collided with a bear while traveling in Miyagi Prefecture on Saturday afternoon.

According to East Japan Railway Co., the train that collided with the bear was Hayabusa No. 25, which was bound for Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto from Tokyo. It was coupled with Komachi No. 25, which was bound for Akita.

The train was traveling between Sendai and Furukawa stations when it detected an abnormal noise at 4:02 p.m., and an inspection of the cars was conducted. As a result, Tohoku Shinkansen services were suspended for 37 minutes between Sendai and Morioka.

The company said it was a very unusual accident and that it is unclear how the bear got onto the tracks.

A train crew member spotted the bear in the direction of travel before the collision and found the carcass near the tracks after the train stopped.
 

 

 
 
Much of Japan was gripped by sweltering heat on Saturday, with temperatures soaring to 35 degrees Celsius or higher especially in western parts of the country.
 
The hot weather is expected to continue on Sunday, prompting warnings of heatstroke.
 
The Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system prevailed over wide regions from western to northern Japan.
 
A daytime high of 36.4 degrees was recorded in the town of Akiota in Hiroshima Prefecture. The mercury reached 33.8 degrees in central Tokyo and 33.5 degrees in Osaka City.
 
Tokyo Fire Department officials say that as of 9 p.m. on Saturday, 43 people in the capital between the ages of 10 and 99 had been taken to hospital with symptoms of heatstroke.
 
Temperatures are likely to remain high mainly from the Kinki to Kyushu regions in the west. Overnight lows are not expected to fall below 25 degrees in some areas.
 
Another scorching day is forecast for Sunday.
 
A daytime high of 37 degrees is expected in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. Highs of 36 degrees are likely in the cities of Saga, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Kyoto and Kumagaya, while Kumamoto, Takamatsu, Osaka and Fukushima cities can expect a high of 35 degrees.
 
Heatstroke alerts have been issued for the prefectures of Shimane, Tokushima, Kochi, Fukuoka, Oita, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima excluding the Amami region, as well as Okinawa's main island and Yaeyama regions.
 
Temperatures are expected to remain high for the coming month.

People are advised to use air conditioners, take liquids and salt and rest frequently during outdoor activities.
 

This strategic move is in response to Japan's increasing reliance on LNG as a critical energy source.

apan’s gas distributor, Tokyo Gas, is currently in discussions with several US liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers to finalise a long-term purchase agreement, reported Bloomberg.

This strategic move is in response to Japan’s increasing reliance on LNG as a critical energy source.

The company is engaging with at least four suppliers along the US Gulf Coast, with names such as Energy Transfer and Commonwealth being mentioned by sources familiar with the negotiations.

The details of the talks remain confidential as the involved parties have either declined to comment or have not responded to inquiries.

This initiative is part of Japan’s broader preparation for an anticipated surge in power demand, driven by the growth of data centres and semiconductor manufacturing.

The Japanese Government views LNG as an essential component of the nation’s energy security and is seeking to secure supplies that could extend beyond 2050.

US-sourced LNG is particularly appealing due to its contractual flexibility, which allows Japanese buyers to redirect shipments based on fluctuating domestic needs or more favourable global prices.

In addition to securing LNG supplies, Tokyo Gas is also bolstering its presence in the US gas market.

The company acquired shale drilling company Rockcliff Energy in late 2023 and has reorganised its US portfolio, including purchasing assets from Chevron in east Texas and divesting its Eagle Ford stake to Shizuoka Gas.

In February, Tokyo Gas acquired a 20% stake in FGEN LNG, the owner and operator of an offshore floating LNG terminal in Batangas City in the Philippines.
 
 

Japan has executed a man who murdered nine people in 2017, the first time since 2022 that the country has enacted capital punishment.

The serial killings by Takahiro Shiraishi, dubbed the "Twitter killer", had shocked the country and triggered debate over how suicide was discussed online.

Shiraishi, then 30, lured his victims - most of them young women between the ages of 15 and 26 - to his apartment, before strangling and dismembering them.

The killings came to light in October 2017, when police found body parts in the Japanese city of Zama, near Tokyo, when they were searching for one of the victims.

Shiraishi later admitted to murdering nine suicidal victims and revealed that he got acquainted with them on Twitter, the social media platform now known as X.

He then told them he could help them die, and in some cases claimed he would kill himself alongside them.

His Twitter profile contained the words: "I want to help people who are really in pain. Please DM [direct message] me anytime."

Nine dismembered bodies were found in coolers and tool boxes when officers visited his flat, which was dubbed by media outlets as a "house of horrors".

While prosecutors sought the death penalty for Shiraishi, his lawyers argued for the lesser charge of "murder with consent", claiming his victims had given their permission to be killed.

They also called for an assessment of his mental state.
Shiraishi later disputed his own defence team's version of events and said he killed without the victims' consent.

Hundreds of people showed up at his verdict hearing in December 2020, when he was sentenced to death.

The murders also prompted a change by Twitter, which amended its rules to state users should not "promote or encourage suicide or self-harm".

Japan's justice minister Keisuke Suzuki, who said he ordered Shiraishi's execution, said the killer acted "for the genuinely selfish reason of satisfying his own sexual and financial desires", according to an AFP report.
The case "caused great shock and anxiety to society", Suzuki said.
 
 

SoftBank Corp. has announced a plan to launch high-altitude platform station-based pre-commercial telecommunications services in Japan in 2026.

Service areas and the number of users will be limited in the operations, the major Japanese mobile phone carrier said Thursday. SoftBank aims to offer the HAPS-based services to general users from 2027 at the earliest.

A HAPS, an unmanned aerial vehicle and also referred to as "a base station in the sky," features lower latency because it operates in the stratosphere at an altitude of approximately 20 kilometers, lower than that of communications satellites. In addition, it can cover wider areas than ground base stations.

The services are expected to support communications infrastructure recovery in the event of major earthquakes and other large-scale disasters, and deliver connectivity to hard-to-reach areas, including mountainous regions and remote islands, SoftBank said.

To launch the services, SoftBank will invest about 2.2 billion yen in U.S. HAPS developer Sceye Inc. and introduce airship-shaped HAPS vehicles from the partner.
 
 

The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) has decided to field former House of Councilors lawmaker Renho as a proportional representation candidate in the July 20 Upper House election.

The decision was made at a meeting of CDP executives on Tuesday, in hopes that the well-known politician will help the party attract votes under the proportional representation system, although some in the party objected to endorsing her.

Renho, 57, won her first election to the Upper House in 2004 and served as administrative reform minister under the Democratic Party of Japan-led government and as leader of the Democratic Party, a successor of the DPJ and the CDP's predecessor.

During her fourth term, Renho left the CDP and ran as an independent in last year's Tokyo gubernatorial election. After being defeated in the election, she said on social media that she was "no longer thinking of running in a national election."

At a news conference on Tuesday, CDP Secretary-General Junya Ogawa admitted that there were concerns that the party could be criticized if it endorses Renho.

However, Ogawa added, "We believe she will be a more mature Renho, and we would like to fully support her."
 
 

The move is part of measures to boost the content industry and better protect intellectual property.

The government is planning to deepen cooperation with foreign authorities in cracking down on counterfeit anime goods to better protect intellectual property.

To combat the sale of counterfeit goods, the government will cooperate with the Content Overseas Distribution Association, an organization that tackles the issue of pirated publications. With China in mind, the government will join hands with foreign authorities to investigate and identify distributors of such fake goods and take legal action.

The government’s policy is part of its Entertainment and Creative Industries National Strategy, which was formulated for the first time to promote the Japanese content industry, which includes fields such as anime and video games. It aims to support the global expansion of the Japanese content industry as it expects the global content market to grow.

The government has set a goal of increasing annual overseas sales of the Japanese content industry to ¥20 trillion by 2033, more than three times the current level. It has outlined 100 measures covering 10 priority areas in the strategy, which was revealed by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry on Tuesday.

The overseas advancement of video games will be supported by the government through the creation of a database that lists the legal regulations, cultural norms and customs of various countries. For manga, the government will support the development of translation tools utilizing generative artificial intelligence.

The government will also work on the revitalization of bookstores in Japan, whose numbers have been decreasing rapidly in recent years, as they serve as important sales base of manga. It also considers support to manga to be important on the grounds that many manga titles receive anime adaptations.

To address the shortage of anime creators, the government will improve working conditions at production studios. It will also establish a certification mark that will be awarded to anime produced under appropriate working conditions.
 
 

The Makassar city government is partnering with Maniwa City, Japan, and Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd. to develop renewable energy through sustainable waste management practices.

Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin welcomed the initiative as a major step in transforming the city’s waste handling systems into an environmentally friendly model.

"Makassar is one of 12 cities selected for the construction of a waste-to-energy plant. We've prepared a waste management roadmap aiming for zero waste within five years, starting with government offices and educational institutions," Arifuddin said after a meeting here on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on collaboration plans to achieve a decarbonized society through a modern and sustainable waste management system.

Several programs are already in place, including early education on waste sorting in schools, integration with community waste banks, and organic waste processing initiatives led by hotels and business associations.

The city is also exploring advanced technologies to convert accumulated waste at the Antang landfill into refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Arifuddin reaffirmed his commitment to making Makassar a green and waste-free city within five years.​​​​​​​
Maniwa City representative Hitoho Maki emphasized his government’s strong support for sharing best practices in waste-to-energy innovation.

The small Japanese city of Maniwa has become a pioneer in turning waste into energy, moving steadily toward zero carbon emissions.

"We bring technology already proven in Maniwa to convert waste into fuel and gas, with an annual output of 10,000 tons. We hope this collaboration with Makassar will have a significant environmental impact," said Hitoko.​​​​​​​

He added that the initiative is part of the Japanese Ministry of Environment’s effort to foster international cooperation between local governments and the private sector, supported through funding assistance in the form of loans or subsidies.
 

The government said Tuesday that an election for the House of Councilors, the upper chamber of parliament, will take place on July 20.

The official campaign period will start on July 3 in the election for the 248-seat Upper House, in which 125 seats — 75 in constituencies and 50 under proportional representation — will be contested.

The campaign will focus on ways to address rising prices and political fund issues.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Monday that his ruling coalition aims to secure a majority in the Upper House. The bloc needs to win at least 50 seats to achieve the goal.

Opposition parties want to block his goal after the ruling coalition lost a majority in the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, in an election last year.
 
 

Japan's Financial Services Agency will promote Yutaka Ito, director-general of the Supervision Bureau, to commissioner of the agency, effective on July 1, the government said Tuesday.

Ito, 61, will face challenges including promoting the reorganization of regional banks and expanding the NISA tax-exempt program for small-lot investors.

He will replace Hideki Ito, 60.

 

Yutaka Ito was an expert while previously working at the Finance Ministry. He once worked at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on loan. He assumed the current post in June 2022.
 
 

A laser navigating tool doomed a Japanese company's lunar lander earlier this month, causing it to crash into the moon.

Officials for ispace announced the news from Tokyo on Tuesday. The crash landing was the second for ispace in two years.

This time, the company’s lander named Resilience was aiming for the moon’s far north in Mare Frigoris, or Sea of Cold. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter relayed pictures of the crash site last week where Resilience and its mini rover ended up as wreckage.

Company officials blamed the accident on the lander's laser range finder, saying it was slow to kick in and properly measure the spacecraft's distance to the lunar surface. Resilience was descending at a rapid rate of 138 feet (42 meters) per second when contact was lost, and crashed five seconds later, they said.

Bad software caused ispace's first lunar lander to slam into the moon in 2023. Like the latest try, the problem occurred during the final phase of descent.

Of seven moon landing attempts by private outfits in recent years, only one can claim total success: Firefly Aerospace's touchdown of its Blue Ghost lander in March. Blue Ghost launched with Resilience in January, sharing a SpaceX rocket ride from Florida.

 

Aside from Texas-based Firefly, only five countries have pulled off a successful lunar landing: the Soviet Union, the U.S., China, India and Japan. And only the U.S. has put astronauts on the moon, back during NASA's Apollo program more than a half-century ago.

Despite back-to-back losses, ispace is pressing ahead with its third moon landing attempt in 2027, with NASA cooperation, as well as a fourth planned mission. Extra tests and improvements will add as much as 1.5 billion yen (more than $10 million) to the development costs, officials said.

CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada stressed that his company “has not stepped down in the face of setbacks" and is looking to regain customers' trust.

Outside experts will join the accident review, and ispace will collaborate more closely with the Japanese Space Agency on technical matters.

“We’re firmly taking the next step toward our future missions,” he said in Japanese.
 
 

"Long ago, rock was a symbol of the anti-establishment...Using words, not guitars, as our weapons today, politics is what rocks!"

That's the marketing message of Sanseito, a new right-wing populist party in Japan known for its stance against immigrants and coronavirus measures as well as calls for rewriting the postwar Constitution, often seen as taboo.

Some supporters want to revive wartime slogans of the Japanese Empire.
Sanseito, known in English as the Party of Do it Yourself, was established as the pandemic began in 2020 and quickly exploited the fears and frustrations of people in Japan.

It picked up three seats in last October's lower house election. The party leader Sohei Kamiya, who won re-election in May, has set a target of six seats in voting for the upper house this summer.

Amid growing discontent with economic malaise and record-breaking numbers of inbound tourists, Sanseito supporters complain that foreigners receive better treatment than Japanese and the country's culture is changing rapidly.

A movement with roots in social media, supporters blend nationalism with a sense of crisis and frustration over their daily lives.

At a party gathering in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in February, about 25 attendees split into groups to discuss rewriting the 1947 Constitution. One group suggested a new supreme law should state that "Japan belongs to the Japanese people, and foreign ownership of Japanese land is not permitted."

"First, (foreigners) have to fulfill their obligations as human beings and then we can teach them their rights," said one woman.

"That's right. Japan's a paradise for foreigners," chimed in another.

Others said everyone living in Japan should follow its traditional culture and customs. One proposal called for a return to the spirit of "Hakko Ichiu" as a national ideal. The Japanese Empire's wartime slogan means "unify the eight corners of the world" and it was used to justify its domination of Asia.

Many supporters of populist right-wing political parties claim Japan spends more money on foreigners' livelihoods while Japanese are struggling to make ends meet.

An 18-year-old male university student from Nara Prefecture supports Sanseito because he's angry at the administration of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

The teen, who requested anonymity, was introduced to the party by his father around the time of the 2022 upper house election, when Kamiya won his first parliamentary seat.

"Japanese people are struggling, but they are giving money away to foreign countries and giving excessive preferential treatment to foreigners," the teen said. He supports Sanseito's calls for tighter regulation of land acquisition by foreign capital and curbs on foreign workers.

He was impressed by speeches by the firebrand Kamiya and others on YouTube. "I thought these people are really Japanese," he said.

In January, the student helped hand out Sanseito leaflets in front of a venue for a Coming-of-Age ceremony in Yamatotakada, Nara Prefecture, western Japan.

Young people smartly attired in their suits and kimono did not readily accept them, but the teen was satisfied nonetheless, remarking, "I'm glad that people know about the party now."

Sanseito's early support, especially among younger Japanese, can be attributed in part to pandemic fatigue, specifically the obligation to wear masks.

A 19-year-old woman who attends a vocational school in Wakayama Prefecture became a supporter because of the party's proposal for the "liberalization of mask wearing" in the 2022 House of Councillors election as official COVID-19 policy.

Feeling masks were ineffective and uncomfortable, she began removing hers at school even though she was warned not to do so.

The woman, who also requested anonymity, joined Sanseito's political activities with her mother. When Kamiya was elected for the first time, she said she felt his voice united voters across the country.

Kamiya has been likened to a Japanese male idol because of his charismatic stage presence. "When I see Mr. Kamiya's speeches, it makes me cry. I'm a huge fan," the woman said.

Her parents often say that Japan's history was changed by the U.S.-led Allied Occupation. "The Constitution was not written by the Japanese people," she said. "I want people to be taught the correct history."

She also agrees with Sanseito policies on food safety and the importance of organic produce. Fast food is not part of her diet.

"It's the additives," she said. "And the food is not from Japan. It's all imported. Because I'm Japanese, shouldn't I want to eat Japanese food? It's like local production for local consumption. Our food self-sufficiency rate is low."