Toyoda Gosei Co., a Toyota Motor group firm, plans to sell facilities for cultivating strawberries on a trial basis as early as fiscal 2026.

The facility will have solar-powered electric power generators to cool down and warm the facility so that no greenhouse gases will be emitted, and fruit can be cultivated year-round.

Since the volume of strawberry harvests generally declines in summer, the firm hopes that growers can gain a stable revenue through greenhouses that allow for year-round cultivation.

The company will sell an agricultural greenhouse and such things as solar panels, batteries, air-conditioning systems and LEDs in a set.

It will also provide strawberry seedlings and soil. To assist companies and others that want to begin production, the company will provide techniques to cultivate strawberries.

At its Inabe Plant in Mie Prefecture that is powered by renewable energy sources, Toyoda Gosei cultivates strawberries while manufacturing tanks to store hydrogen gas for fuel-cell vehicles.

The company has provided strawberries to a hotel in Nagoya as a new business outside of manufacturing auto parts.

Toyoda Gosei plans to gather opinions from companies and other entities in the trial sales and aims to begin the new business on a full-fledged basis based on the information gathered.
 
 

A cherry blossom festival boasting a highly Instagrammable view of Japan's Mount Fuji has been cancelled after residents complained of overtourism fuelled by the weak yen.

The city of Fujiyoshida, in central Japan's Yamanashi region, said on Tuesday (Feb 3) that the weeks-long event attracting around 200,000 people will be called off this year because "the quiet lives of local residents are threatened".

About 42.7 million tourists flocked to Japan in 2025, an all-time high, topping 2024's record of nearly 37 million as the weak yen boosted the appeal of the "bucket list" destination.

But complaints of overcrowding have grown in hotspots like Kyoto, where disrespectful tourists have been accused of harassing kimono-clad geisha performers in their frenzy for photos.

In Fujiyoshida, the influx of foreign tourists has seen traffic chronically jammed and cigarette butts tossed, with trespassing and even defecation in private gardens reported by its citizens, the city said.

"Behind (Mount Fuji's) beautiful landscape is the reality that the quiet lives of citizens are threatened. We have a strong sense of crisis," Shigeru Horiuchi, Fujiyoshida mayor, said in a statement.

"To protect the dignity and living environment of our citizens, we have decided to bring the curtain down on the 10-year-old festival."

The city, however, admits that even if the festival itself is cancelled, its venue - a park overlooking Mount Fuji, cherry blossom trees and a five-story pagoda - may still see a spike in visitors as spring nears.
Mount Fuji is a perennial tourist attraction.

To manage the influx of visitors, nearby towns have in the past erected a view-blocking barrier to dissuade photo-hungry tourists, introduced an entry fee for hikers and capped their daily numbers.
 
 

Admission fees to Ginkakuji temple, a World Heritage Site, will increase from April for the first time in 32 years, the temple announced last month.

Money generated through the hike will be used to maintain the temple’s cultural properties and gardens, at a time when prices and labor costs are soaring.

From April, the general admission fee will double from ¥500 to ¥1,000, and the fee for elementary and junior high school students will climb from ¥300 to ¥500. Admission for people with a disability will remain ¥100, and those below elementary school age will still be able to enter for free.

Officially called Jishoji, Ginkakuji is located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto. Its most iconic building is Kannonden hall, which is also known as “Ginkaku” (silver pavilion).

The temple’s Togudo hall is said to be the nation’s oldest existing example of Shoinzukuri architecture.

Both structures have been designated as national treasures, and the gardens are a national special place of scenic beauty and a special historic site.

“The temple was founded more than 500 years ago,” a Ginkakuji official said. “We hope that people will understand that [the price increase] will ensure it can be preserved and passed down for future generations.”
 

 

Tokyo police have arrested two Vietnamese men on suspicion of illegally purchasing popular Pokemon cards by creating fake accounts on a sales website. Police suspect the two resold the cards for profit.

The police say one of the suspects, 39-year-old Do Van Cuong, runs a communications service firm in Tokyo.

They say the two men accessed the official sales website for Pokemon goods from June to September 2025 and created 30 fictitious accounts using fraudulently obtained SIM cards.

The website held lotteries that allowed the winners to buy one box of Pokemon cards each.

Police say the two are suspected of illegally buying 4,500 cards in 30 boxes using the fake accounts.

In October 2025, Do Van Cuong was arrested and indicted on fraud charges for giving false information when he bought SIM cards from a communications business company.

Police say the suspects may have used some of the SIM cards obtained at that time to create the fake accounts.

Police searched related facilities and seized more than 15,000 Pokemon cards. They say the two are suspected of making at least 4 million yen, or about 25,500 dollars, by reselling some of the cards.

They have not revealed whether the two suspects have admitted to the allegations.
 
 

Japanese exports of agriculture, forestry and fishery products and foods rose to over 1.7 trillion yen ($10.9 billion) in 2025, renewing the record for the 13th straight year, amid expansions of worldwide popularity of washoku, or Japanese cuisine, the farm ministry said Tuesday.

Amid heightened health awareness, green tea exports doubled from the previous year, and exports of 20 major items, including beef and rice, reached record high, contributing to a 12.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to the ministry.

But the exports fell short of the government's target of 2 trillion yen in 2025, with continuous efforts to develop export markets deemed indispensable as the government aims for 5 trillion yen in exports in 2030.

By country and region, the United States was the top destination at 276.2 billion yen, up 13.7 percent, on the back of strong demand for green tea and seafood that are considered healthy food, despite higher tariffs imposed since April last year.

Hong Kong came in second at 222.8 billion yen followed by Taiwan at 181.2 billion yen, while China, which has reimposed suspension of Japanese seafood imports amid a diplomatic row, ranked fourth at 179.9 billion yen.

Exports to China rose for the first time in three years, up 7.0 percent, driven by notable increases of beer and timber logs.

By volume, rice exports rose 3.2 percent from the previous year to 46,573 tons. Those of packaged precooked rice soared 21.8 percent to 2,950 tons, due in part to consumption expansions at Japanese chain restaurants overseas.

The government aims to boost annual rice exports, including packaged rice and rice flour, to 353,000 tons in 2030.

"We need to expand our destinations to popular local restaurants" in addition to chain restaurants operated by Japanese firms, an official of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said.
 


 

The Japan Federation of Basic Industry Workers' Unions decided Wednesday to demand a monthly pay scale increase of 15,000 yen in this year's "shunto" spring wage negotiations.

The unified demand is at the same level as the previous year, which was a record high, to cope with price increases and labor shortages.

"This is the necessary level to sustain wage growth exceeding inflation," Masao Tsumura, head of the federation's central committee, said at the day's meeting.

Member unions will submit their pay demands to management on Friday.
Given the difference in business performance between heavy machinery makers and steelmakers facing sluggish markets, the federation said that member unions "should recognize differences in their situations and allow each other to set demands flexibly."
 
 

Japan Airlines has said that its passenger revenue on China routes in December was about 20% lower than its projections, following Beijing’s notices advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan.

The weakness continued into January and beyond, the company said.
Still, passenger revenue on routes to and from China accounts for about only 8% of the JAL group’s total international flight revenue.

The China route revenue loss “could be covered this fiscal year, as (revenue on) other routes remains very strong,” Executive Vice President Yuji Saito told a news conference Tuesday.

According to JAL, revenue from China routes in December plunged by ¥1 billion ($6.4 million) at JAL and by about ¥300 million at affiliate Spring Japan, a low-cost carrier based in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, from originally planned levels.

Last month, the Chinese government released a notice advising its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday period in February after issuing advisories against trips to Japan late last year.
 
 

The Indonesian National Futsal Team has made history by advancing to the semifinals of the 2026 Futsal Asian Cup for the first time.

This achievement was secured after the Garuda squad defeated their Southeast Asian rival, Vietnam, with a score of 3-2 in a quarterfinal match held at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.

The historic victory was confirmed through goals scored by Brian Ick in the 5th minute, Ardiansyah Nur in the 11th minute, and Reza Gunawan in the 26th minute.

Meanwhile, Vietnam put up a fierce fight with a brace scored by Nguyen Da Hai in the 25th and 36th minutes. This result makes Indonesia the only Southeast Asian representative remaining in the top four, alongside Japan, Iran, and Iraq.

Indonesian National Futsal Team coach, Hector Souto, admitted that he was pleased with his team's achievement in breaking the national record.

However, the Spanish coach offered a critical note regarding the team's performance, which he considered to be in need of significant improvement to reach higher standards.

“We break the record. The result is really good. But I repeat again, I'm really unsatisfied. We must play much better. This country must play a different style of futsal,” Hector stated during a press conference.

The team's main focus has now shifted to the crucial semifinal match against Japan, which is scheduled to take place on February 5. Given the very short break, Hector has instructed the players to prioritize physical recovery.

“So, I hope it was just today, because the semifinal is waiting in Japan. I know Japan well. And I think we have a chance to defeat them. Not many, but we have some chances. And of course, I will push my players to recover well,” Hector said.

This recovery process includes the strict monitoring of nutritional intake and rest duration, with the coach requiring players to sleep for more than eight hours.

Although Japan is favoured in terms of individual and collective quality, Hector, who is very familiar with their playing style, remains optimistic that there is still a chance to win through in-depth technical preparation.
 

Indonesia is accelerating the development of a national hydrogen ecosystem as part of its clean energy transition, supporting decarbonization, energy security, and long-term industrial growth under President Prabowo Subianto’s Astacita program.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry said on Tuesday the initiative aligns with the National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen and Ammonia Roadmap, which guide hydrogen and ammonia development in Indonesia.

Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Eniya Listiani Dewi said hydrogen development is important for industry, transportation, power generation, and export-oriented sectors, while strengthening national energy security.

"This year, which is my key performance indicator, green hydrogen must be available in the market at nearly 200 tons per year.

We must achieve it, and we want to create more," Eniya said at the 4th Indonesia-Japan Hydrogen Ammonia Development Acceleration Forum in Jakarta.

She said implementation would be carried out in phases to ensure regulatory readiness, infrastructure development, market demand growth, and domestic capability building, while maintaining policy flexibility and regular evaluation.

The plan consists of an initiation phase from 2025 to 2034, followed by a development and integration phase from 2035 to 2045, and an acceleration and sustainability phase from 2045 to 2060.

Indonesia is strengthening cooperation with Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), combining Japanese technology, project experience, and financing with Indonesia’s renewable energy potential and long-term demand prospects.

The Indonesia-Japan hydrogen partnership roadmap is expected to encourage industrial collaboration, supported by public financing and early-stage risk mitigation to accelerate the development of financially viable hydrogen infrastructure.

JICA Senior Representative Akira Sato said government policies under President Prabowo emphasize energy and food self-sufficiency, investment growth, macroeconomic stability, and inclusive economic development.

Sato said JICA remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s energy transition, noting the bilateral hydrogen-ammonia roadmap complements Indonesia’s national policy and outlines practical frameworks for cooperation between the two countries.
 
 

Japan’s real gross domestic product in October-December last year likely grew 0.4 pct from the previous quarter for an annualized rise of 1.6 pct, according to the average estimate by 10 private think tanks.

The Japanese economy is believed to have returned to positive growth for the first time in two quarters, partly thanks to a pickup in housing investment.

The Cabinet Office is scheduled to release preliminary GDP data on Feb. 16.
In October-December, private consumption, the main pillar of domestic demand, is estimated to have increased only 0.1 pct.

“Consumption continues to lack strong momentum as inflation persists,” said Yoshiki Shinke, a senior economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute Inc.

Meanwhile, capital expenditure is expected to post an increase of 0.7 pct, supported by software investment for labor-saving purposes.
 
 

With Valentine's Day approaching, Japan's major department stores are turning to alternative methods and ingredients to curb the prices of chocolates, the country's most popular gift of the season, as cacao and logistics costs continue to climb.

Matsuya Co's department store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district, for instance, has begun selling a new lineup of 10 chocolates through its online store that feature domestically produced fruit and ingredients, responding to rising prices by reducing the amount of cacao used per piece while highlighting the appeal of those foods.

In addition, Patisserie Couleur, a pastry shop from Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture, will set up a booth at a special venue in Matsuya Ginza from Wednesday to sell products made with Shinshu buckwheat kernels and Shine Muscat grapes for 3,981 yen per box of eight.

"We used off-grade fruit and changed our packaging materials to keep costs down," said Takuya Sasaki, 35, the shop's representative.

Stores under Takashimaya Co have prepared sweets made with cacao-free chocolate substitutes, including items created by famous chefs, that can be bought for about 650 yen less than regular products, as the average price of items handled at its stores has risen by about 10 percent compared with last year.

Sogo & Seibu Co has also doubled its selection of non-chocolate items, such as baked goods and gummies, which are less affected by rising raw-material costs.

In Japan, many women give chocolates to the men in their lives, including husbands, boyfriends and fathers, around the time of Feb 14, Valentine's Day. The sweets also serve as seasonal gifts to friends, coworkers and business partners.

However, a Matsuya survey released in January showed a trend of people planning to spend more on chocolates for themselves, with the average budget for personal treats exceeding 10,000 yen for the first time.

Matsuya is offering reservation-only courses where pastry chefs prepare desserts in front of guests for as much as 18,700 yen, while Takashimaya will host its annual Amour du Chocolat! Valentine's chocolate event, featuring a lineup of limited-edition chocolates.
 
 

Japan's ruling camp is touting national strength heading into Sunday's general election, while opposition parties are focusing on people's daily lives.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who leads the Liberal Democratic Party, is seeking a public mandate with a promise to make Japan "strong and prosperous," stressing the need for higher fiscal spending and investment to rev up the world's fourth-largest economy.

Takaichi, a security hawk, is also aiming to bolster the country's defense capabilities amid heightened tensions with China and North Korea.

The Japan Innovation Party, which styles itself as an "accelerator" in the ruling coalition led by the LDP, has adopted the slogan "We, Ishin, will get it moving" for the House of Representatives election. The party is also known as Nippon Ishin.

The JIP, which has a stronghold in Osaka, joined forces with the LDP in October after the Komeito party, which put the brakes on security and other divisive policies, left the ruling coalition.

The newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance, a merger of Komeito and the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, is seeking to draw a contrast with the ruling camp by vowing to put "ordinary citizens first and their livelihoods at the center."

The opposition Democratic Party for the People is sticking to the core message that boosted its popularity in the House of Councillors election in July, vowing, "We will increase take-home pay even more."

With Japanese households grappling with inflation, measures to address rising prices topped the list of priorities for voters in a Kyodo News poll over the weekend.

The survey pointed to growing support for the LDP ahead of the lower house election in which 465 seats will be up for grabs, with over 42 percent of respondents saying they want the ruling camp to secure more seats.

During the 12-day campaign, the Japanese Communist Party is placing
priority on protecting people's livelihoods, peace and human rights, while Reiwa Shinsengumi's slogan is "Protecting Japan starts with protecting yourself."

With its slogan "I am Japan," the Sanseito party is emphasizing the importance of each individual in building the nation, following the ultraconservative populists' success with "Japanese First" in the upper house election last year.

Among smaller parties, some are focusing on the country's defense, revitalization and independence, while others are raising concern about the country's ballooning defense spending or calling for more investment in growth areas.
 
 

A powerful cold air mass has resulted in heavy snow along the Sea of Japan coast in recent weeks, with some areas seeing more than double the usual volumes.

Unusually heavy snow in Japan has been blamed for the death of 30 people in the past two weeks, officials said on Tuesday (Feb 3), including a 91-year-old woman found under a 3m pile outside her home.

The central government has deployed troops to help residents in Aomori, the heaviest-hit region where as much as 4.5m of snow remains on the ground in remote areas.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a special Cabinet-level meeting on Tuesday morning to instruct ministers to do all they can to prevent deaths and accidents.

A powerful cold air mass has resulted in heavy snow along the Sea of Japan coast in recent weeks, with some areas seeing more than double the usual volumes.
 
Since Jan 20 through Tuesday, 30 people have died as a result of the heavy snow, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Among them was Kina Jin, 91, whose body was found under a pile of snow at her home in Ajigasawa, Aomori, a local police official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The police believe that snow from her rooftop fell on her. The cause of her death was suffocation, the official said. An aluminium shovel was found next to her body.

"As it gets warmer, the accumulated snow melts and falls. It depends on the volume (of snow) and the temperature. Under the rooftop is a dangerous place," the official told AFP.

Aomori governor Soichiro Miyashita said on Monday that he had asked Japan's military to offer disaster relief.

He also said that he had asked troops to help the region's elderly who live alone and need help clearing snow.

Walls of snow as high as 1.8m are on the ground of the regional capital of Aomori city, the governor said, adding that local workers clearing snow from roads and houses were overwhelmed.

"The danger of life-threatening incidents, such as fatal accidents due to falling snow from the roofs or collapsing buildings, is imminent," he said in the press conference.
 

 

This comes after a case where a then 12-year-old Thai girl was forced to provide sexual services at a massage parlour with private rooms in Tokyo.

The National Police Agency will dispatch a senior official to the Thai police to discuss countermeasures against human trafficking, following a case where a then 12-year-old Thai girl was forced to provide sexual services at a massage parlor with private rooms in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned from the agency.

The agency determined that strengthening cooperation with foreign authorities is necessary to prevent international human trafficking targeting the sexual exploitation of children.

The senior official will meet with the deputy chief of the Thai police and outline the current investigation status. The agency will also request support in uncovering the background of the operation as well as strengthened crackdowns on brokers targeting Japan.

The girl arrived in Japan with her mother last June on a 15-day short-term stay visa. She was left at the parlor and forced to perform sexual services for approximately 70 customers over about 40 days. After seeking help from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau in Minato Ward, Tokyo, last September, she was placed under protection.

Thai police transferred the mother, who had been detained in Taiwan, back to Thailand and arrested her on suspicion of human trafficking and other charges. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a Thai woman in Tokyo on suspicion of violating Japan’s Child Welfare Law for hiring the girl through her mother.

Human trafficking involves forcing labor or sexual exploitation through violence, threats, or other coercive means. For victims under 18, the means used are irrelevant.

International criticism of Japan’s response is severe, with the U.S. State Department’s report calling measures against child sexual exploitation insufficient. In January this year, the Japanese government instructed all ministries and agencies to revise their action plans against human trafficking.

The National Police Agency is expected to formally classify this case, which exploited the girl’s vulnerable position, as human trafficking, and plans to advance countermeasures including victim protection.

Meanwhile, the short-term stay visa exemption status for entry from certain countries and regions is being abused for crimes including special fraud and prostitution.

The agency views this as a breeding ground for crimes by “anonymous and fluid criminal groups,” known as “tokuryu” in Japanese, within Japan and overseas, and is working with foreign authorities to fully uncover the situation.
 

 

As Japan depends greatly on imported food and energy, the prices of many goods tend to rise if the yen’s lower value boosts the cost of imported items.

All the major parties are vowing to lower the consumption tax rate in their campaigns for the House of Representatives election.

Partly due to surging prices for materials, prices in general have been rising for a prolonged time and household finances are being squeezed as a result.

About 50 people — parents and their children — gathered at a volunteer-run cafeteria for children in need at a corner of the Takashima Danchi housing complex in Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, on a cold evening on Jan. 21.

Many residents of the complex are elderly, and many of the buildings are aged.

The day’s menu comprised a plate of taco rice — minced meat, tomato and other ingredients topped on rice — a cup of soup and one mikan mandarin orange per person.

Named Okaeri Gohan, the cafeteria is run by the nonprofit organization Dream Town. It operates the cafeteria twice a week to assist households in which both parents have jobs and to prevent elderly people from becoming isolated.

The cafeteria provides meals for a fee of ¥100 for high school students or younger and ¥500 for adults. If parents and children eat together, the fee is ¥500 per parent regardless of the number of children.

According to Dream Town, the daily number of users of the meal service has tripled from three years ago. Representative director Atsuko Inoue, 41, said, “I see the impact of rising prices.”

A 41-year-old female company employee who came to the cafeteria with her 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son said that because her salary has not increased, they usually eat noodles and packaged frozen vegetables for everyday meals.

“It’s helpful to get meals with a good nutritional balance at low prices,” she said, expressing her gratitude.

A 60-year-old unemployed woman said: “The more necessary food items are, the higher their price. I wonder how long this will go on, and I can’t imagine when my hardships will end.”

The woman has used the cafeteria two to three times a month. She lives on a monthly disability pension of about ¥65,000 and sometimes forgoes an evening meal to save money.


Up 4 years in a row

Average figures for 2025 in the nationwide Consumer Price Index, publicized by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, put the index for “All items, excluding food” at 111.2 against 100 in 2020.

The figure rose 3.1% from the previous year and marked the fourth consecutive yearly increase.

Among 522 categories of goods, the prices rose for 440, or more than 80%. The price for rice, which is a staple of daily living, rose 67.2% and for eggs 10.3%.

As Japan depends greatly on imported food and energy, the prices of many goods tend to rise if the yen’s lower value boosts the cost of imported items.

As the prices of necessities that consumers often buy have been on the rise, many people are likely feeling the impact keenly.



Rent rises ¥50,000

Housing expenses have also risen. A 39-year-old housewife who lives with her husband and four children of kindergarten to elementary school age in a condominium in Taisho Ward, Osaka, could not believe her eyes when she saw an email from their real estate company in October last year.

The family lives in a 5LDK unit and their monthly rent had been ¥150,000. The email notified them that the rent would rise by ¥50,000 from April because of rising prices of goods and services in general.

She liked the location of the condo, which is close to a school that her children attend and a train station, but the family decided to move. The couple now aims to buy a previously owned house with a bank loan.

According to research by At Home Co., a major real estate service company, the average proposed rent of condominium units soared in major cities in December last year.

A 50- to 70-square-meter unit for a family in Tokyo’s 23 wards exceeded ¥250,000 on average, up ¥63,000 from five years ago. In Osaka, the average rose by ¥45,000 and in Fukuoka by ¥41,000.


Falling real wages

The growth of wages has not caught up with price increases.
According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry’s Monthly Labor Survey, the real wage per worker in 2024, after adjusting for the effects of price fluctuations, fell 0.3% from a year ago, marking the third consecutive year of decline.

Late last year, the government abolished a temporary additional gasoline tax as a measure to cope with rising prices. In addition, the government plans to provide financial assistance for household expenditures on electricity and gas in this winter.

For consumption from January to March this year, the total burden per household will be lowered by about ¥7,300.

Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist of Nomura Research Institute, said: “Even if the consumption tax rate is lowered, the effect will be offset if prices rise further.

It’s necessary to build a system in which middle class people and low-income earners will not become needy regardless of price fluctuations.”

He also proposed that political parties should make progress in debates about the introduction of a refundable tax credit system.

Under such a system, low-income earners whose income tax payments are too low to receive the benefits of tax cuts will receive cash provisions to cover the unrealized benefits.
 

 

Within Kanagawa Prefecture, several food-related companies are focusing their efforts on exporting food products overseas. To support the international expansion of these local companies, Kanagawa Prefecture provides opportunities for business negotiations with overseas buyers and organizes food fairs abroad.

In Thailand, the “Kanagawa Fair in Thailand” was held in December at the Max Valu SRIRACHA J-Park store (AEON Group) in Chonburi Province. At a special booth, 20 products from eight food-related companies in Kanagawa Prefecture were sold.

 

When exporting food products to Thailand, notification and registration with the local authority, the Thai FDA (Food and Drug Administration), are required. This Kanagawa Fair has been held three times in Thailand.

For these events, Kanagawa Prefecture has provided logistical support for such that licensing procedures by connecting overseas buyers with local manufacturers beforehand. Through this series of activities, over 60 products have been exported to Thailand.

Some food-related companies in Kanagawa that export to Thailand:

-- TIVOLI Holdings, headquartered in Yugawara town, focuses on expanding its products overseas, with exports reaching over 25 countries.

Its “Akai Bohshi(Red Hat)” brand cookies have gained popularity among Thais and are regularly stocked as staple items in multiple Japanese retail stores.

-- Nature Co Ltd, headquartered in Odawara, manufactures and sells specialty jellies primarily using locally sourced Kanagawa fruits.

 

They export to multiple markets including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Malaysia and Switzerland. Their products are also highly popular in Thailand, valued for using Japanese fruits and offering the authentic taste of the fruit itself.

Many food-related companies in Kanagawa participating in this event had already established trade channels in Thailand.

 

However, they faced challenges such as difficulties in registering new products with the FDA, establishing regular distribution within Thailand, and expanding sales channels. This fair provided an opportunity to address these challenges.

Feedback from participating companies included: “We were able to advance FDA registration for new products in preparation for the fair,” and “Our products were adopted by AEON in Thailand for the first time. This was a valuable opportunity for expanding our sales channels.”

 

Sales have continued at MaxValu stores throughout Thailand after the fair. These items are expected to be distributed regularly due to increasing sales.
 
 

 

Experts are warning that the alteration of such broadcasts could affect the judgment of voters and distort the election.

A doctored version of a “campaign broadcast” by the Centrist Reform Alliance for the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election has gone viral on the X social media network.

Altered via artificial intelligence to show the party’s co-chairmen Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito dancing together, the video has been viewed more than 1.6 million times. Experts are warning that the alteration of such broadcasts could affect the judgment of voters and distort the election.

Candidates for national and gubernatorial elections, political parties and political organizations use campaign broadcasts, which are disseminated on TV and radio, to present their platforms.

The Public Offices Election Law stipulates that they must be broadcast unedited, but there is no provision prohibiting voters from altering the content and posting it on social media.

In the original campaign broadcast, Noda and Saito advocate their policies and call in unison for voters to vote for their party. They then bow to a sign language interpreter. The altered footage has the two men push over the podium, stand up and dance with a fan in their hands.

The altered video was posted on Friday morning by a personal account purportedly located in Japan and had been viewed more than 1.6 million times by around noon Saturday. A number of viewers posted critical comments, saying it would cast a shadow over the fairness of the election.

The account deleted the video in question around Saturday noon and posted a comment saying that the footage had been altered through AI. The account owner apologized, saying the video was extremely inconsiderate and inappropriate, and that they had simply intended to be funny.

The Yomiuri Shimbun requested an interview with the account owner but had not received a response as of 7 p.m. Saturday.

A spokesperson for the Centrist Reform Alliance told The Yomiuri Shimbun, “We are extremely disappointed, as it runs counter to the purpose of campaign broadcasts to covey the views of a political party.”

In a separate case related to the ongoing election, footage of a candidate from another opposition party waving their hands on the street before the official kickoff of campaigning was altered via generative AI to show them in a tank top.

“If fake videos of campaign broadcasts are created, viewers could easily believe that the content is real. If political claims, policies and facts are altered, this could affect voters’ judgment and distort the election,” said Harumichi Yuasa, a professor of information law at Meiji University and an expert on election systems.

“Under the current law, it’s illegal to tear down an election poster but the law does not address the internet being flooded with misinformation and disinformation from AI. The law needs to be reviewed in line with reality,” Yuasa said.
 

 

Japan has successfully retrieved rare earth-rich sediment from the deep seabed, marking a step toward a potential domestic supply of rare earths, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki said Monday, Jiji Press reported. 

In a test project that began on Jan. 12, the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, or JAMSTEC, collected the sediment from the seabed, about 6,000 meters deep, off Minamitorishima, a remote Tokyo island in the Pacific.

The sediment will be analyzed to determine what rare earths it contains and how much of each.

The success (in retrieving sediment containing rare earths) is significant from the standpoint of economic security and comprehensive marine development, Ozaki said at a press conference.

While China currently accounts for most of global rare earth production, Ozaki said, "We'll promote efforts to diversify (rare earth) sources by developing mines and investing in and providing aid to refinery projects while cooperating with like-minded countries."

Previously, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan and the U.S. focus on nuclear energy cooperation. 
 
 

The Japanese tourism ministry plans to strengthen financial support for town development efforts by municipalities that utilize historical tourism resources in fiscal 2026, which starts in April.

The ministry intends to provide subsidies to a wide range of municipal governments working on projects including renovating old buildings and preserving traditional events.

The aim of the move is to create more attractive sightseeing areas nationwide in order to diversify inbound tourist destinations and curb overtourism in major cities.

Currently, municipalities can receive subsidies if their plans for maintaining and improving historic landscapes involve national treasures or special historic sites designated by the central government and are approved by the ministry.

Plans by 100 municipalities, including Kanazawa, which is known for its former castle site, and Takayama, which is popular for its old township., had been approved as of the end of last month.
 

 

ANA Holdings Inc. said Friday its net profit in the nine months ended in December rose 3.9 percent from a year earlier to 139.24 billion yen, driven by the solid international flight business on the back of Japan's inbound tourism boom.

Revenue in the April-December period climbed 10.3 percent to a record 1.88 trillion yen and operating profit grew 5.6 percent to 180.71 billion yen.

ANA saw growth in the number of passengers on routes connecting cities between Japan and China in the October-December quarter, even as China urged its citizens in November to avoid traveling to Japan amid the Beijing-Tokyo row.

For the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays, "We've seen steady demand in reservations" from China, President Koji Shibata said at a press conference.
Some customers may have chosen ANA as Chinese airlines reduced the number of flights to and from cities in Japan, Shibata said.

The parent of All Nippon Airways Co. said passengers of international flights saw a 11.7 percent increase in the nine-month period, supported by three newly added routes connecting Japan with Europe. Passengers of domestic flights were up 3.7 percent.

For the current fiscal year ending March, the company said, it will keep its full-year projection of 145 billion yen in net profit and 200 billion yen in operating profit. It will also maintain its revenue forecast of 2.48 trillion yen.
 

 

Visitors to a gorge in Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, are enjoying a spectacular view of massive ice pillars along a mountainside.

Residents in Ogano Town pour mountain runoff water at Onouchi Gorge every winter to create large icicles.

A recent cold snap has helped the icicles grow into what looks like a giant wall of ice measuring 250 meters long and 50 meters high.

On Saturday, holidaymakers were seen taking pictures of the ice pillars from a nearby suspension bridge.

A man in his 30s from Kumagaya City in the same prefecture said he visits the site every year, and that this winter's icicles look better than usual. He said the view made him forget about fatigue from work and get refreshed.

A woman in her 50s from Tokyo's Nishitokyo City said she had visited the gorge for the first time. She said she was impressed by the beauty of the icicles despite the freezing temperatures.

The wintry display is expected to remain visible until late February.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her visiting British counterpart, Keir Starmer, agreed Saturday to strategically promote their countries' cooperation in the field of cyberdefense.

They also confirmed that Japan and Britain will hold a so-called two-plus-two meeting of their foreign and defense ministers within this year in order to enhance bilateral security collaboration.

Takaichi and Starmer agreed to further deepen Japan-Britain relations. This is Starmer's first visit to Japan since he took office in July 2024.

The two leaders shared the view that cooperation among like-minded countries, including Japan and Britain, is urgently needed for strengthening supply chains for critical minerals. They also decided to establish a forum for discussions on cooperation in the space field.

At the start of the bilateral summit, held at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Takaichi said that Japan and Britain have steadily and concretely advanced their cooperation.

Starmer stressed that the partnership between the two nations is very profound and based on trust and common interests.
 
 

Japan's Feb. 8 general election has put rice policy back in the spotlight after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reversed a push toward expanded production and exports, returning to a demand-based output strategy as prices remain high, putting a strain on consumers.

Retail rice prices are hovering above 4,000 yen ($26) per 5 kilograms on average nationwide. In recent years, the surge has been so sharp that it has been dubbed the "Reiwa rice crisis," referring to Japan's current imperial era.

The administration of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba -- Takaichi's predecessor -- sought to counter rising prices by releasing government-stockpiled rice. Prices temporarily fell to the mid-3,000 yen range per 5 kg, but the decline was short-lived.

Ishiba had proposed an end to de facto production controls designed to support farmers by limiting rice output and shifting policy toward higher volumes and greater exports, but the Takaichi administration scrapped the plan.

A senior executive at a major rice wholesaler voiced frustration with Takaichi's government, saying it focuses too much on keeping prices high. Even accounting for rising production costs, rice prices remain at what he called "abnormally high" levels.

However, some officials at the farm ministry, along with agricultural groups, have pushed back, arguing it would be irresponsible to raise output without securing buyers, even though increased rice production could help lower prices.

Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party has pledged to pursue output and sales aligned with demand. To prevent a repeat of rice price spikes, the LDP said it would closely monitor distribution and seek market conditions acceptable to producers and consumers.

The Japan Innovation Party, which has been in a coalition with the LDP since Takaichi took office in October, has advocated expanding production, consumption and exports, while promoting the consolidation of farmland.

The main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance, formed in January ahead of the House of Representatives election, said it would fundamentally review rice policy, shifting away from simple production cuts or output expansion to ensure a stable supply.

The center-left party, which has challenged Takaichi's conservative stance on domestic policies, said it would provide direct payments to support farmers in the event of an oversupply that could lead to steep price drops.

The Democratic Party for the People unveiled a plan to provide payments based on rice farmland acreage to promote business stability in the farming sector. The party has also promised to implement effective measures to increase disposable income.

Other minor left-leaning parties have urged the government to stabilize supply, demand and prices, calling for guaranteed pricing of agricultural products and income compensation for farmers.

A small conservative party said it aims to make Japan 100 percent self-sufficient in food and increase rice production.
 

 

Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) and SJOY Co., an apparel startup, jointly conducted a test of a machine to compress clothes to small sizes in the airport from Jan. 13 to 15.

There have been many cases recently in which foreign tourists have left behind old baggage in airports around Japan, and the number of abandoned suitcases has increased by about 8.5 times in the past four years.

“We hope that the introduction of the compressing machine will solve the [abandoned] suitcase problem,” an NAA official said.

The automatic compressing machine set up in the airport is called Pocket Tips, which was developed by the startup based in Koto Ward, Tokyo. SJOY was established in 2019.

Conventional compressing machines remove air from clothes in vacuum-packed storage bags. Pocket Tips, however, compresses the clothes themselves into a very small size.

“[Clothes] can become one-seventh of the maximum size and get quite small,” said Sanmi Kawaguchi, 30, the president of SJOY. “Because it doesn’t use vacuum storage bags, the sizes are not affected by changes in air pressure even during flights.”

Washing the compressed clothes can return them to the original sizes, she said.

According to NAA, the number of old suitcases being abandoned at Narita Airport has rapidly increased along with the rise in the number of inbound foreign tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic subsided.

Airport officials collected 124 abandoned suitcases in fiscal 2020. The number has steadily risen since then to 338 in fiscal 2021, 552 in fiscal 2022 and 811 in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2024, the number climbed to 1,034.

Some of the abandoned suitcases were locked and, therefore, airport officials were unable to immediately check the contents of the baggage.

Thus, it was difficult to secure personnel for checking the inside of the suitcases and there was shortage in space where they should be stored until they were handed to police as lost-and-found items.

Airport officials believe that most of the suitcases were intentionally left behind.

This may be partially due to tourists buying new suitcases in airports and abandoning the old ones, as people bought many souvenirs and there was not enough space in the old baggage before they departed for their home countries.

The machine can compress clothes into small sizes within only about one minute. Tests of the machine were already conducted in other airports, including Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture and Kumamoto Airport in Kumamoto Prefecture.

“We have heard people say that [the machine] helped create more space inside their suitcase to hold souvenirs that were additionally bought,” said Kawaguchi.

The test at Narita Airport was conducted for the three days in its second passenger terminal mainly for international flights and the departure lobby of the third passenger terminal mainly for low-cost carriers’ flights.
The machine could be used free of charge and a survey on the users was also conducted.

Akari Saito, an official of NAA’s innovation promotion group, said: “There are passengers who gave up on buying souvenirs which they wanted because there was not enough space in their suitcase.

After examining reactions in the test, we will conduct another test with a fee to use the machine. If it proves to be effective, we will consider full-fledged introduction of it.”
 
 

 

Toyota Motor Corp group remained the world's top-selling automaker in 2025 for a sixth straight year on the back of robust demand for hybrid vehicles in North America, outperforming German rival Volkswagen AG, data showed Thursday.

Toyota's annual global sales, including minivehicle maker Daihatsu Motor Co and truck manufacturer Hino Motors Ltd., rose 4.6 percent from a year earlier to 11.32 million units, setting a group sales record for the first time in two years.

The sales volume of the Japanese automaker far surpassed the 8.98 million vehicles reported by Volkswagen, as Toyota's overseas sales expanded 3.1 percent to a record 9.25 million units despite higher tariffs imposed by the United States.

Toyota alone sold a record 10.54 million vehicles globally, up 3.7 percent, boosted by a 7.3 percent jump in sales in North America to 2.93 million units.

Sales in China edged up 0.2 percent to 1.78 million units amid intensifying competition with domestic automakers, while those in Japan grew 4.1 percent to 1.50 million units thanks to solid demand for its new luxury Crown model.

The group's worldwide production climbed 5.7 percent to 11.22 million units, with that of Toyota alone increasing 4.5 percent to 9.95 million units.

The company's global sales of hybrid vehicles rose 7.0 percent to record 4.43 million units, including those in North America jumping 19.9 percent to 1.27 million vehicles. The automaker's EV sales saw a 10.2 percent increase to record 4.99 million vehicles.

Toyota group's global sales for December 2025 were up 3.1 percent to 993,356 units, while total domestic and overseas output rose 1.2 percent to 881,654 vehicles.
 
 

Consumer prices in Tokyo rose at a slower pace in January compared to the previous month. The abolition of a provisional gasoline tax helped bring down costs.

Preliminary figures from the internal affairs ministry show the Consumer Price Index for the capital's 23 wards rose 2 percent from a year ago.

The reading is down 0.3 percentage points from December. It excludes volatile figures for fresh foods.

Prices for non-perishable food items climbed 5.6 percent year-on-year, pushing the CPI higher.

The cost of rice rose more slowly than a year ago, but it was still up 26 percent.

The price of coffee beans surged 66.6 percent, while chocolate increased 24.4 percent.

Consumer prices in Tokyo are seen as a leading indicator of the nation's overall trend. Japan's CPI will be released on February 20.
 
 

The number of foreign workers in Japan reached a new high of over 2.57 million as of the end of last October, government data showed Friday, shattering the record for the 13th consecutive year, as the nation deals with a labor crunch.

The total of 2,571,037 marks an 11.7 percent rise from the previous year, with Vietnamese workers accounting for the largest proportion.

The data comes as campaigning for the Feb. 8 House of Representatives election draws attention to how to better integrate foreign residents, such as toughening rules for accepting them and promoting social cohesion.

The number of workplaces employing foreign nationals also hit a record high at 371,215, up 8.5 percent from a year earlier, with small businesses with fewer than 30 employees accounting for 63.1 percent of the total, according to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

By industry, manufacturing led other sectors with 635,075 foreign employees, accounting for 24.7 percent of them, followed by the services sector excluding food and drink services at 391,946.

The medical and welfare sector, including long-term care, saw the biggest growth of 25.6 percent from the previous year.

Holders of the Specified Skilled Worker visa, which allows people from overseas to work in labor-strapped industries, rose 38.3 percent to 286,225.

By nationality, Vietnamese workers made up the largest group at 605,906, or 23.6 percent of the total, followed by Chinese at 431,949, or 16.8 percent, and Filipinos at 260,869, or 10.1 percent.
 

 

Two sides also reiterate commitment to trilateral cooperation with US, without directly addressing North Korean threats

The defense ministers of South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their shared commitment to the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. on Friday, meeting against the backdrop of North Korea’s nuclear advancements.

South Korean defense minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi held talks in the Japanese city of Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, marking Ahn’s first visit to Japan since taking office last year.

The joint statement further noted that the two ministers agreed on the importance of steadily advancing bilateral defense exchanges and decided to regularize mutual visits and hold annual defense ministerial talks. 

They also pledged to strengthen communication between their defense authorities as “regional security challenges” intensify, though the statement did not explicitly mention North Korea or its advancing nuclear and missile programs.

 

However, a supplementary press release from the ROK defense ministry said the two ministers agreed to continue bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. to combat North Korea’s nuclear and missile threat.

The language “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula,” rather than of the DPRK in particular, aligns with Pyongyang’s past preference in negotiations with Seoul and Washington.

It appears to reflect South Korea’s efforts to revive diplomacy with the North, which has denounced all inter-Korean ties and now maintains it will never give up its nuclear weapons.

The meeting’s results followed a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi earlier this month, where they similarly reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearization.

While that summit focused largely on economic issues, both leaders underscored coordination on North Korea and regional security.

On Friday, photos released by the South Korean defense ministry showed that Ahn also visited the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington, meeting with Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Patrick Hannifin. 

Ahn emphasized the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance and combined operational readiness, urging close cooperation between the South Korean navy and the U.S. 7th Fleet, according to his ministry.

Hannifin reportedly reaffirmed the alliance and pledged continued efforts to strengthen combined capabilities. 
 
 

The number of foreigners entering Japan rose 15.4 pct from the previous year to 42.43 million in 2025, marking a record high for the second straight year, preliminary government data showed Friday.

The annual tally exceeded 40 million for the first time since records began in 1950. The Immigration Services Agency attributed the result to the yen's weakening and an increase in the number of regular international passenger flights.

Meanwhile, the monthly number of Chinese entrants slumped 46.6 pct from a year earlier in December, after the Chinese government advised its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan in November, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on a possible Taiwan contingency.

In 2025, a total of 9.23 million South Koreans entered Japan, up from 8.63 million the previous year, making up the largest group by country or region of origin, followed by 7.22 million entrants from mainland China, up from 5.49 million, and 6.39 million from Taiwan, up from 5.69 million.

By status of residence, 38.46 million foreign entrants, or 98.1 pct of the total, were for short-term stay, including tourists, up from 33.36 million, and 180,000 were for studying, up from 170,000. Both figures hit record highs.
 
 

Rollout begins at Narita in February, followed by Kansai
Emirates will extend its Chauffeur-Drive service to two additional airports in Japan, expanding on its existing offering at Haneda Airport (HND) to provide more passengers with seamless premium ground transfers.
 
The Dubai-based airline will introduce the service to Narita International Airport (NRT) from February 2026, covering 23 neighbourhoods across Tokyo, as well as areas in Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) will follow on 1 March 2026, serving Osaka City, alongside parts of Nara, Kyoto and Hyogo. 
 
First Class and Business Class passengers travelling on eligible Emirates flights can redeem the complimentary door-to-door transfer to and from the airport, available for journeys up to 100km. Additional distances will be charged at JPY500 (AED12) per kilometre. 

With this expansion, Narita and Kansai join more than 70 destinations worldwide offering Emirates’ chauffeur service. The airline remains one of the few international carriers providing luxury ground transportation in Japan, complementing its dedicated lounge at Tokyo Narita’s Terminal 2. 
 
Emirates continues to enhance its premium offering across the network, most recently rolling out Premium Economy on 10 new routes, including Tokyo Narita-Dubai flights introduced in early 2024. 
 
The carrier recently earned two accolades — Best Long-Haul Airline and Best Premium Airline Service — at the 2026 Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards, building on a total of 25 awards secured in 2025. 
 

 

Reporters who follow Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda may notice that he frequently uses phrases related to Ise Jingu, a Shinto shrine complex located in Mie Prefecture, central Japan.

The automaker and Ise Jingu are both located in the Tokai region, but their relationship seems to go beyond a geographical connection.

In January 2019, reporters asked Toyoda, who was president of the automaker at the time, what would be the theme of the new year.

“Tokowaka,” Toyoda replied, citing a Shinto word that means to be eternally fresh.

Ise Jingu carries out an important ritual based on tokowaka called Shikinen Sengu in which the buildings, sacred treasures and other items are remade every 20 years.

The ritual started during the reign of Empress Jito (from 690-697), meaning that it has lasted for about 1,300 years. The buildings are still in a usable state, but by intentionally rebuilding them, it has enabled the style of the buildings of Ise Jingu to be passed on to the present day in a fresh state.

“(The automotive industry) is undergoing a once-in-a-century transformation, but there are things that we must not change,” Toyoda said in January 2019. “Artificial intelligence has emerged, but there are certain things it is worth being done by humans.”

“We need to think about what are the things we need to care about. I have chosen the word ‘tokowaka’ so we won’t lose sight of what’s important.”


Passing on skills

Toyoda, 69, enjoys being behind the wheel, calling himself “Morizo” when driving. He also still appears on the front lines of development and works with engineers on car development.

The car enthusiast has likened the automaker’s development of sports cars to the Shikinen Sengu ritual.

Besides maintaining freshness, the ritual has another purpose, which is to pass on skills to the next generation. By repeating the ritual every 20 years, Ise Jingu can transfer traditional practices, procedures, construction methods and more to future generations.

The next Shikinen Sengu ritual is scheduled in 2033, but the reconstruction process has already begun.

The development of sports cars resembles the ritual, according to Toyoda.
For Toyoda, it doesn’t matter whether the launch of a new model takes time.

What is important is that sports cars are continuously being developed, which is technically challenging and incurs huge costs, so that skills and technologies can be handed over to future generations.

This approach enables the automaker to maintain and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.

 

Improving the core

Toyota unveiled a prototype of its new sports car, the GR GT, in Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, on Dec. 5, 2025. The automaker said it aims to release the vehicle by the end of 2027.

The GR GT is not an ordinary sports car. With a top speed of over 320 kph, it belongs to a line of prestigious Toyota sports cars that includes the 2000GT, a model released in 1967 and featured in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice,” and the Lexus LFA, which was released in 2010 and honed at the Nurburgring circuit in western Germany.

“Developing a car like this is similar to conducting Shikinen Sengu — it takes place once every 20 years,” Toyoda told reporters during the interval of the unveiling of the GR GT prototype in December.

“New technologies emerge as times change, so the cars won’t be the same. However, we should pass on the attitude of improving the fundamental parts, the core (of sports cars) to future generations, just like Ise Jingu.”

“We want to release cars that make people feel the essence of Toyota. If we don’t stay committed to that, automobiles as industrial products will become mere commodities,” Toyoda added.

 

 

‘I’ll keep on running’

Toyoda’s frequent reference to Ise Jingu is due to the influence of his father and role model, Shoichiro.

Shoichiro Toyoda (1925-2023) served as president, chairman and later honorary chairman of Toyota.

He led Sukeikai, a group that supports Ise Jingu, for about 11 years from 2006. Shoichiro referred to the tokowaka spirit in a book published in 2015.

“Shinto has a spirit of tokowaka, which is to live each day with hope for the future,” Shoichiro wrote.

“What is required of us is to look to the world, believe in the future and work diligently with our hearts filled with hope in order to contribute to the international community. We must realize a vibrant Japan that earns respect from the world, and pass it to the next generation.”

Shoichiro was a leader who always thought about the meaning of Toyota’s existence in society. Having observed his father closely, Akio Toyoda, since becoming president in 2009, has led the automaker with a personal mission of passing on the company’s legacy to the next generation.

Toyoda often encourages young people to pursue new endeavors, saying, “The future is created by the people who will live in it. Supporting them is my role.”

In order for the Japanese automaker to stay evergreen like Ise Jingu, it’s essential for the company to establish an environment in which new generations can continue to emerge.

Toyoda’s closing remarks at the unveiling of the GR GT prototype left a strong impression:

“It’s not the time for Morizo to stop. I’ll keep on running until I fall down.”
 

 

From the foot of Mt. Fuji to a new cafe in Tokyo by way of the Philippines, matcha brand Chotto Matcha has taken an unconventional route to reaching customers in Japan. 

Chotto Matcha founders, sisters Sakura and Misaki Motohashi, opened a branch of their brand’s matcha cafe in Tokyo in November, serving matcha sourced from farms near the foot of Mt. Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture to customers in the capital’s Asakusa district.

 

Despite being born and raised in Tokyo, the Chotto Matcha Asakusa cafe represents the sisters’ first cafe in Japan with their brand.

Sakura, 23, and Misaki, 21, launched Chotto Matcha in the Philippines, where they had lived and studied as teenagers. The pair opened their first matcha cafe -- a small operation inside a Japanese restaurant -- in Makati, Manila in 2023. 

Chotto Matcha now has three locations in Manila, the latest cafe opening in the Park Triangle area of the capital’s upscale Bonifacio Global City in December.

 

Back in Tokyo at Chotto Matcha Asakusa, as well as authentic matcha, customers can get a taste of how the powdered green tea is enjoyed in the Philippines, particularly among the young, female Gen Z customers that the pair says frequent their cafes in Manila.

Popular menu items from the Manila cafes include the ube matcha einspanner -- blending matcha with the sweet-tasting ube, a purple yam popular in the Philippines.

The strawberry matcha latte is also a hit. Food includes matcha bars and matcha chiffon cake, made in-house. 

 

“People usually love drinking matcha sweeter because in the Philippines they just love sweet things,” Sakura told Japan Wire in January. “I think that's really the difference between Japan and the Philippines.”

The cafe in Asakusa, a short walk from the famous Sensoji temple, appears casual and modern. A large dressing mirror set against one of the walls stands out from traditional touches like noren curtains and paintings.

The sisters say it is for customers to take mirror or fit check selfies -- the social media term for the trend of showcasing the day’s outfit.

The mirror also reflects a part of modern matcha’s appeal -- its image, particularly among younger consumers in the Philippines, according to the sisters.

“People appreciate matcha not just as a drink but as a concept or a lifestyle. A lot of young people want to grab a matcha because it looks pretty or because it offers a chance to hang out with friends,” Misaki said.
 
 

Akira Iriye, a Harvard University professor emeritus and a leading scholar on the history of international relations, died on Jan. 27. He was 91.

After earning his doctorate from Harvard in 1961, Iriye began a distinguished academic career in the United States, holding professorships at the University of Chicago and Harvard, among other institutions.

He became a towering figure in his field, serving as president of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations in 1978. In 1988, he became the first Japanese person elected president of the American Historical Association.

He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Iriye authored numerous influential books and papers in both English and Japanese, including: “Across the Pacific: An Inner History of American-East Asian Relations”; “Power and Culture: The Japanese American War, 1941–1945”; “After Imperialism: The search for a New Order in the Far East, 1921-1931”; and “Global Community: The Role of International Organizations in the Making of the Contemporary World.”

His life’s work offered a unique perspective on international history by focusing on the influence of imagery, culture and ideas.

With a core belief that “cultural exchange is the foundation of peace,” he consistently advocated a view of history from a transnational perspective rather than a nation-centric one.


SHAPED BY WAR

Born in Tokyo in 1934, Iriye was a 10-year-old self-described “militarist boy” when Japan surrendered in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945.

His diary entry from Aug. 28 that year read: “Today is the day the Allied forces move in, and American planes are flying by, roaring at a terribly low altitude. It is frustrating, but there is nothing to be done. The only thing to do is study.”

His father, Keishiro Irie, a journalist and international law scholar, taught him that “we lost the war because we didn’t know the world.”

Deeply valuing the opportunity to learn, Iriye traveled to the United States in 1953 on a Grew Foundation scholarship to study at Haverford College in Pennsylvania.

He recalled meeting “a wonderful history teacher and friends who could be called lifelong companions” there.

This positive exposure to American society during his youth profoundly shaped his research.

In his book “Rekishi wo Manabu Toiukoto” (What it Means to Learn History), he wrote that his election as head of the American Historical Association “showed the openness and generosity of the academic community in the United States.”

In an interview with The Asahi Shimbun in February 2025, Iriye repeatedly said, “Our generation was truly lucky.”

However, he expressed concern that the United States under the second Trump administration had “become self-centered.”

Iriye stressed that “intellectual and human exchange will become increasingly important” for the world’s future.
 
 

A record 24.4 percent of candidates for Japan's House of Representatives election on Feb. 8 are women, up 1.0 percentage point from the previous lower house election in 2024.

A total of 313 women are running in the election, compared to 314 in 2024. However, the proportion still falls short of the goal of having nearly equal numbers of male and female candidates, as mandated by the country's law promoting gender equality in politics.

Of the parties, Sanseito has the highest percentage of female candidates, with 43.2 percent of its 190 candidates being women. The Japanese Communist Party fielded 67 female candidates, accounting for 38.1 percent of its total candidates.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party put forward 43 women, or 12.8 percent of 337 candidates. The number is down from 55, or 16.1 percent, in the 2024 election when the party's slush-fund scandal prompted it to recruit more women and younger candidates.

Among the LDP's coalition partners, the Japan Innovation Party has 14.6 percent women among its 89 candidates, while the newly formed main opposition, the Centrist Reform Alliance, has 19.9 percent women among its 47 candidates.
 
 

 

Tokyo police have arrested a 61-year-old man for allegedly registering a fake address to rent an internet server, with the suspect also believed to be involved in a blog suggesting child prostitution in Laos, it was learned Thursday.

Arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department was Hiroshi Kida, a part-time worker in the city of Kawachinagano in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan.

Kida is suspected of providing a fake address and phone number when renting the server on Oct. 2, 2022.

He denied the allegations, saying that he just told his address to a man who got along at a bar in Laos.

According to the police, the blog in question contained texts and photos that suggest child prostitution in the Southeast Asian country.
 

 

In June of 2020, Ikea opened a new branch in the fashion-focused Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo. Launching a new venture at this time was a gamble, since the COVID pandemic was in full force and the economy’s status was murky, but on the other hand, the pivot to remote work and stay-at-home leisure activities also had a lot of people looking to make their living spaces more comfortable and convenient.

And as you can see in the above photos from opening day, things got off to a great start at Ikea Harajuku, and the shop has so much early success that less than a year later, in May of 2021, Ikea opened another branch in downtown Tokyo, this one in the Shinjuku neighborhood.

Unfortunately, while both branches made it through the pandemic, they’re not going to be around much longer, as Ikea Japan has announced that both the Harajuku and Shinjuku branches will be closing next month.

The company hasn’t publicly commented on why the two high-profile branches are shutting down. This being business, insufficient earnings are no doubt at least a major part of the reason, and a plausible cause for that would be a mismatch between the perceived appeal of Ikea among Japanese shoppers and the closing stores’ locations.

 

When the Ikea chain arrived in Japan, it attracted attention not just for the quality and reasonable prices of its products, but also for the sheer size of its stores.

Features like numerous large model rooms and huge cafeterias helped the chain stand out from its domestic Japanese competitors, and couples and families often made a whole day out of a trip to Ikea. 

Ikea’s early stores were generally located in the suburbs of major cities, outside their urban core where land is more plentiful and it’s easier to offer parking so that customers with their own cars can take advantage of Ikea’s easy-to-transport flat-packed furniture.

The Harajuku and Shinjuku stores, though, have a slightly different concept. Being in two of the most densely developed urban areas of Japan, they’re smaller in scale, with more of a focus on compact items for people living in the cozy dimensions of downtown apartments rather than spacious suburban homes. The Harajuku Ikea even has a convenience store instead of a cafeteria.

 

With Ikea having risen to fame in Japan because its stores are so huge that they feel like a sightseeing destination, smaller Ikea branches lose a lot of what makes the chain feel special to Japanese shoppers.

Rent in the close-to-the-station parts of Harajuku and Shinjuku where the Ikea branches are located isn’t cheap, either, and with Ikea’s comparatively low prices they need to making a lot of sales to turn an acceptable profit, something that’s tough to do when the branch is missing much of Ikea’s core appeal.

The closing of the Harajuku and Shinjuku branches doesn’t mean that Ikea’s experiment with smaller stores in the Tokyo city center has been deemed a complete failure, as the company has said that it will be keeping the Shibuya Ikea branch open.

Actually, it’s possible that the existence of the Shibuya Ikea also played a role in the troubles of the Harajuku and Shinjuku branches. It’s only a two-minute train ride from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station, and only another five minutes from there to Shinjuku Station.

That’s three different Ikea branches within seven train-riding minutes of each other, which may have also eroded their feeling of destination-specialness even more than their smaller sizes alone would have.

The Harajuku and Shinjuku Ikea branches will both be closing on February 8, with February 1 the last day for in-store pickup for preordered items.
 

 

Japan and Mercosur countries have held the first meeting to discuss their strategic partnership, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

At the meeting, which took place in Asuncion, Paraguay’s capital, on Tuesday, senior officials from Japan and the South American common market members, including Argentina and Brazil, exchanged opinions on trade and investment issues with a view to enhancing bilateral economic ties.

In light of expectations Mercosur expressed at the meeting for launching negotiations on an economic partnership agreement with Japan, both sides agreed to accelerate their strategic partnership framework talks, the ministry said.

The ministry’s Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Bureau Director-General Motoyuki Ishize represented Japan.
 

 

Indonesia and Japan have agreed to boost cultural cooperation as a long-term investment to deepen bilateral relations.

The commitment was highlighted during an official meeting between Indonesia’s Minister of Culture Fadli Zon and representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta, Tuesday, 27 January 2026.

During the meeting, Fadli Zon  underscored that cultural collaboration goes beyond symbolic diplomacy and plays a strategic role in building long-term mutual understanding.

He outlined four priority areas of cooperation, including museum partnerships, revitalization of historical sites, repatriation of cultural artifacts, and a new, more comprehensive cultural memorandum of understanding.

“Cultural cooperation between Indonesia and Japan not only strengthens state-to-state relations, but also builds deeper mutual understanding and lasting friendship between the people of both nations,” Fadli Zon said.

One key topic discussed was the preservation of historical sites linked to Japan’s presence in Indonesia, including Japanese caves located in several regions.

In Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, such sites have evolved into cultural centers and historical tourism destinations, while similar sites in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, remain underdeveloped and require restoration.

“We see strong potential for cooperation in rehabilitating these sites, including the development of museums or open-air museums,” the minister said.

Fadli noted that proper revitalization, supported by Japan, would not only safeguard shared history, but also enhance educational value and cultural tourism. He said this approach aligns with Indonesia’s broader strategy of positioning culture as an asset for sustainable development.

The two sides also discussed expanding museum-to-museum collaboration, professional exchanges, and digitalization initiatives. Indonesia further encouraged discussions on a possible joint nomination for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting shared cultural elements between the two countries.

Repatriation of historical manuscripts and collections was another focus of the talks. Indonesia has been actively pursuing both physical and digital repatriation, following recent successes in the return of thousands of historical artifacts from abroad.

Meanwhile, Japanese Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Mitsuru Myochin, welcomed the proposed cooperation and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to cultural exchange.

“Japan, including through the Japan Foundation, is very open and enthusiastic about promoting sustainable cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding,” he said.

Both sides expressed optimism that enhanced cultural cooperation would serve as a long-term investment, reinforcing cultural diplomacy, people-to-people ties, and concrete collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in the years ahead.
 


 

On January 27, Universal Studios Japan, operated by USJ LLC, and The Pokemon Company announced their plan to offer more innovative, immersive, and world-class Pokemon experiences.

The project is part of Universal Studios Japan's ongoing effort to enhance its offerings and bring fan-first, trip-driving characters to the park.

Universal Studios Japan is proud to build on its prior success and bring to life the world of Pokemon in new and enriching ways for the first time.

Following its debut in Japan, Universal Destinations & Experiences will deliver unique Pokemon experiences across the company's global footprint. Further details about the project will be announced at a later date.

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO, Universal Destinations & Experiences
"Collaborating with imaginative and inventive storytellers fuels our ability to create and deliver mind-blowing attractions and experiences that shatter guest expectations.

The Pokemon Company is one of the most beloved interactive franchises in the world, and through our ongoing partnership, we will continue bringing its vibrant world to life in new and innovative ways for years to come."

Tak Murayama, Executive Vice President & General Manager, USJ LLC
"Since October 2021, Universal Studios Japan has been delivering Pokemon experiences such as parades and shows to guests from around the world.

A bold new global project is set to begin at Universal Studios Japan, creating unprecedented and innovative experiences in collaboration with Pokemon -- a beloved franchise born in Japan and cherished worldwide.

We are proud to launch this journey from Japan, delivering extraordinary moments filled with surprise and excitement that will far exceed our guests' expectations.

We believe this global project will transcend traditional entertainment and contribute meaningfully to society, embodying the very spirit of 'NO LIMIT!'"

Tsunekazu Ishihara, President and CEO, The Pokemon Company
"Since announcing our long-term alliance in 2021, we have collaborated with Universal Studios Japan to produce authentic Pokemon experiences such as the NO LIMIT! Parade and Halloween shows.

As Pokemon celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, we are thrilled to launch this new project at such a significant milestone.

Our mission is to enrich both the real and virtual worlds through Pokemon, and with this project, we aim to create theme park entertainment that surprises and delights fans around the globe."


ABOUT UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES

Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences.

Its portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry's most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences.

It uses its rich collection of stories and franchises -- from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more -- to take people to places they couldn't imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages.

Further details: https://corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com/



ABOUT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Universal Studios Japan is wholly owned by Comcast NBCUniversal. Universal Studios Japan has succeeded in establishing its position as a prominent entertainment and leisure landmark, drawing many guests from distant areas in Japan and overseas.

Universal Studios Japan offers world-class entertainment, such as authentic attractions and shows, based not only on Hollywood blockbusters but also popular entertainment brands such as Japanese anime and a variety of seasonal events, entertaining its guests with the world's highest-quality entertainment.

Through "Super Emotional" and "Super Exciting" experiences made possible only at Universal Studios Japan, all park visitors are given the opportunity to break out of their shells and be "Super Energized" in the "Super Energetic District" that is Universal Studios Japan.

Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening in 2001.

It has recently accelerated its growth with the launch of world-class entertainment experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Flying Dinosaur, which soars through the entire Jurassic Park area, Minion Park, and the "Hacha Mecha Ride" where guests are able to enjoy the chaotic antics of the Minions, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests can unleash their passion to play in an immersive environment based on world-renowned Nintendo characters and their worlds.


ABOUT THE POKEMON COMPANY

The Pokemon Company was established to manage the Pokemon brand. Currently, the company develops and produces video games, which is where Pokemon originates, as well as trading card games, animated TV series and movies, merchandise, tie-up promotions, events, and the Pokemon Center, directly-managed Pokemon shops.

Note: Pokemon - the correct notation is e with an accent mark.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & (TM) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling.
MINIONS TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios.
(C) Nintendo
TM & (C) Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.


 

Up to $6 million (¥900 million) will be offered to Japanese companies to assist in developing AI for robots, the Japanese subsidiary of the cloud division of Amazon.com, Inc. announced on Tuesday.

Selected companies will receive a reduction of up to 50% in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Inc.’s cloud usage fees, along with support from specialized staff.

The support is aimed at startups and other companies based in Japan, with plans to assist several dozen companies in total. The application period will be open until Feb. 13, with intensive support scheduled from March this year to June.

It is said that Japanese companies have advanced technological capabilities in the field of industrial robotics, however, they lag behind the United Stated and China in developing “physical AI” — AI that operates robots and similar devices.
 


 

Japan's annual wage negotiations effectively kicked off on Tuesday, with the focus on whether the momentum for pay hikes will continue, reaching the rate of 5 percent or higher for the third straight year in the inflation-hit economy.

Yoshinobu Tsutsui, chairman of the country's most powerful business lobby, said in talks with Tomoko Yoshino, head of the largest labor union, "To further solidify the strong momentum of wage increases, we will exert leadership as our social duty."

Yoshino of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, or Rengo, said, "We want to position the realization of a society where wage increases of 5 percent or more continue as a common foundation for negotiations."

The Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren, is urging its member companies to offer base pay increases for this year's annual "shunto" labor-management negotiations ahead of April, when the new business year begins for many major corporations in the country.

Rengo has set an overall target of 5 percent or more for the third year, including for small and medium-sized companies.

In the 2025 negotiations, major Japanese firms raised wages by an average of 5.39 percent and 5.58 percent in 2024, according to the survey by Keidanren, up from 3.99 percent in 2023.

But for small and medium-sized companies, the increase remained at 4.73 percent on average, including 4.47 percent for those with 300 or more employees and 4.02 percent for those with 20 or fewer, according to the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Wage negotiations at most large companies are expected to conclude by mid-March, with smaller firms completing theirs later.

The Bank of Japan, which raised its benchmark interest rate to the highest level since 1995 in December, is closely monitoring the outcome, as rises in both wages and prices are key factors affecting its policy decisions.

In its basic policy for the 2026 "shunto" wage talks, Rengo also encouraged unions representing small and medium-sized enterprises, -- which employ about 70 percent of the country's workforce -- to set higher goals of 6 percent or more, which would help to narrow the gap with larger companies.

Rengo has also said it aims for a real wage increase of 1 percent. Real, or inflation-adjusted, wages are a barometer of consumer purchasing power.

For November, government data showed Japan's real wages fell 2.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the 11th consecutive month of decline.
 
 

Overseas travel from Japan is projected to continue rising in 2026, albeit at a slower pace due to the weak yen, with nearby Asian destinations favored as more affordable, according to a recent survey by major travel agency JTB Corp.

Meanwhile, the number of domestic trips is expected to decrease slightly as rising accommodation costs and inflation increase travel expenses, falling 2.2 percent from the previous year to 307 million.

The recovery of overseas travel from the effects of the pandemic is slowing due to the yen's weakness against the U.S. dollar.

Although the number of trips abroad is expected to increase by 2.6 percent, reaching 15.5 million, the figure is still just under 80 percent of the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

Furthermore, the expected growth is significantly smaller than the estimated 16.1 percent rise in 2025.

According to the survey, which has been conducted annually since 1981, average overseas travel spending is projected to rise 4.5 percent to 317,200 yen -- more than 30 percent higher than before the pandemic.

South Korea is the most popular overseas destination among respondents, followed by Taiwan, Europe, Hawaii and Southeast Asia.

"As travelers become accustomed to the weak yen, we are beginning to see a recovery in medium- to long-haul destinations," a JTB official said.
Meanwhile, average spending per domestic traveler is expected to increase 2.9 percent to 52,900 yen amid higher prices.

Around a quarter of respondents said they would not travel domestically in 2026, while 77 percent said they had no plans to go abroad, citing reasons such as high costs.

The online survey conducted in late November analyzed the travel intentions of people planning trips of at least one night in 2026. It targeted individuals aged between 15 and 79, and received valid responses from 2,067.
 
 

Campaigning for the Feb. 8 Lower House election kicked off Tuesday, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi facing off against a transformed opposition as she seeks a mandate from voters.

The election comes amid a dramatic shift in the political landscape.
Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party is running without backing from Komeito, its former coalition partner of 26 years, or the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), its new ally.

The LDP and the JIP are also facing off against the Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA), a new party formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito.

Takaichi and JIP leader Hirofumi Yoshimura gave their first stump speeches at a joint rally in front of Akihabara Station in Tokyo.

“Before a long Diet session begins, I want your mandate first,” said Takaichi. “We can’t pursue policies with strength in such unstable circumstances. So, please, let the LDP and JIP take home a majority.”

Yoshimura talked up Takaichi, while talking down opposition leaders.
“(U.S.) President (Donald) Trump, (Chinese) President Xi Jinping, (Russian) President Vladimir Putin. Who can actually go toe to toe with them?
Is it (CRA co-leader Yoshihiko) Noda? Or (CRA co-leader Tetsuo) Saito? No — it’s Takaichi standing right here,” said Yoshimura, reiterating his party’s role as “Takaichi’s accelerator.”

Takaichi is betting on the ruling LDP-JIP coalition to ride on her high approval rates to a comfortable majority.

Until the dissolution on Friday, the LDP-JIP bloc held a slim majority in the Lower House, with 233 seats after three independent lawmakers from the chamber decided to join the LDP’s parliamentary caucus.

If the LDP and JIP fail to win a majority of 233 seats or more in the 465-seat lower chamber of parliament, the prime minister said she would resign “immediately.”

Public support for Takaichi’s Cabinet was 63.1% in January, down 4.4 percentage points from the previous month, according to a Kyodo News survey conducted on the weekend after the dissolution.

The opposition CRA aims to win more than 165 seats — more than its combined number of former CDP and Komeito lawmakers — to become the single largest party in the Lower House.

In his first stump speech in Aomori Prefecture, Noda criticized Takaichi’s decision to dissolve the Lower House last week, which resulted in parliament having less time to pass the ¥122.3 trillion ($792 billion) budget for fiscal 2026 before April.

Takaichi’s gambit could delay the government from introducing inflation-busting measures as planned, such as eliminating the provisional tax on gasoline from April.

“Are you going to choose politics that put everyday lives on the back burner? Or will you support the CRA, which will put your everyday lives at the heart of policies?” Noda asked.

One key issue in the runup to the election has been proposals to eliminate or reduce the 8% consumption tax on food.

The LDP and JIP have pledged to eliminate the tax for two years until Takaichi’s government can introduce a refundable tax credit program to support middle- and low-income households, while the CRA has pledged to scrap it permanently. The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) has pledged to lower the levy to 5%.

In recent elections, the LDP made no pledges to lower the consumption tax as the party’s fiscal hawks argued that doing so would run the risk of lowering the quality of social welfare services — including pension funds and medical care — to which 80% of the ¥25 trillion in expected revenue from the consumption tax was allocated for fiscal 2025.

 

The Finance Ministry said last year that scrapping the consumption tax on food would result in an annual revenue drop of about ¥5 trillion.

Takaichi said that by reviewing subsidies and special tax measures, as well as securing nontax revenues, ¥4.8 trillion can be made available to fund the tax cut.

The CRA has said it would use the government’s pension reserve funds to make up for the lost revenue, while the DPP proposes using excess tax revenue or exchange-traded funds.

Immigration policy, including a possible cap on the number of foreign residents, will be another key issue in the election.

The JIP and Sanseito are advocating for capping the number of foreign residents in Japan, while the CRA has cautioned against such “exclusionary” rhetoric, instead calling for policies that promote integration.

About 1,240 candidates, including some 300 women, are expected to contest in the election, according to a Jiji report. The projected number is lower than the 1,334 who ran in the 2024 Lower House election, as each party had less time to prepare for the snap election. Candidate registration closes at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Of the 465 Lower House seats, 289 will be contested in electoral districts while 176 will be filled through the proportional representation system.

When Komeito was part of the ruling coalition, it asked its supporters to vote for LDP candidates during national elections in exchange for the latter’s support in the proportional representation system and a number of single-seat districts.

Former Komeito candidates now with the CRA are rolling the dice on a new election strategy with former CDP candidates.

CRA lawmakers from Komeito will be given priority on the proportional representation list in exchange for withdrawing from single-seat districts where CRA lawmakers from the CDP will run.

The LDP and JIP have decided against a coordinated election strategy, which leaves open the possibility of candidates from both parties running against each other.
 
 

The Indonesian and Japanese governments discussed the repatriation of manuscripts and the revitalization of Japanese historical sites in a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

This issue came up during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Japanese Embassy.

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized that cultural cooperation is positioned as a long-term investment. "Indonesian and Japanese cultural cooperation not only strengthens relations between countries, but also builds mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples," he said.

Four focuses were discussed, namely museum collaboration, revitalization of historical sites, repatriation, and drafting of a new memorandum of understanding that is more comprehensive.

One of the concerns is the preservation of the Japanese Cave in various regions. The site in Bukittinggi has developed as a historical destination, while similar locations in Kupang are considered potential but need restoration.

"We see opportunities for cooperation in the rehabilitation of these sites, including the development of museums or open museums," said Menbud Fadli.

Cooperation is also directed at professional exchange of museums, digitization of collections, and exploration of joint nomination of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The repatriation of manuscripts is discussed in both physical and digital schemes, in line with the repatriation of Indonesian historical collections from abroad.

Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Japan, Mitsuru Myochin, expressed his country's support. "The Japan Foundation is very pleased to work together to promote cultural exchanges that strengthen mutual understanding. We will examine the various cooperation proposals submitted," he said.

Japan also plans to conduct further research in Papua in February regarding repatriation, opening up opportunities for further technical collaboration.

This meeting expands the cultural diplomacy of the two countries to the management of historical heritage and the strengthening of museum networks.
 

Online piracy and counterfeit products related to Japanese anime, games and other content caused estimated damage of 10.4 trillion yen in and outside the country in 2025, an industry ministry survey showed Monday.

The government aims to increase overseas sales at the Japanese content industry to 20 trillion yen by 2033 from 5.8 trillion yen in 2023. Cracking down on illegal activities would help the government achieve this goal.

According to the latest survey, digital content-related damage hit 5.7 trillion yen, almost triple the 2022 level. Of the 2025 figure, 2.6 trillion yen was related to printed publications, 2.3 trillion yen to video content, 500 billion yen to games, and 300 billion yen to music.

Copyright protection has become a big task for the country, reflecting an onslaught of illegal uploads overseas of popular content, such as the "Demon Slayer" franchise.

In the latest survey, the ministry assessed damage linked to merchandise for the first time, estimating the amount at 4.7 trillion yen. Major problems were counterfeit dolls and trading cards.
 
 

The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a record last year, including those from Muslim-majority regions, drawn by the country's food, pop culture, and seasonal scenery, Kyodo reports.

Between January and November last year alone, about 560,000 travelers came from Indonesia, 540,000 from Malaysia, and 240,000 from the Middle East, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

For many, however, navigating daily prayer obligations in a country where dedicated facilities remain unevenly available detracts from an otherwise rich travel experience.

The issue it seems is less about building grand mosques than about flexibility. The Japan Tourism Agency has issued a guide for serving Muslim travelers, encouraging hotels, transport hubs, and commercial facilities to designate quiet, clean spaces for prayer where possible.

In places where purpose-built rooms are not feasible, experts say that simple accommodations -- temporary partitions, clear signage or staff awareness -- can make a significant difference, helping Japan project an image of hospitality that extends beyond culture.

At last year's World Exposition in Osaka, which saw many Muslim visitors and staff members, a prayer room was set up near the Forest of Tranquility, in the center of the venue to accommodate worshippers who are required to pray five times a day.

Availability of prayer spaces has expanded at big airports and major cities, too. Tokyo's Haneda airport, for example, opened a prayer room at Terminal 3, which handles international flights, in 2014. It was used by almost 2,000 people per month on average in fiscal 2024, according to its operator.

Prayer rooms have also been installed at JR Tokyo and Osaka stations, while local governments and firms have set up facilities around stations in tourist destinations like Kyoto and Nara.

Still, due to factors such as space constraints and low demand, few prayer spaces are available at stations in regions like Shikoku and Kyushu in western and southwestern Japan, respectively. 

Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan launched QazETA - a digital platform designed to provide foreign nationals with convenient, transparent, and secure access to key migration and related services under the “one-stop shop” principle.
 
 

Thousands of people flocked to a zoo in Japan on Sunday to say farewell to the country's last two giant pandas, who are set to return to China on Tuesday.

Emotions ran high at the Ueno zoo in Tokyo as people stood in line – some for as long as three-and-a-half hours – to see twin cubs Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei one last time.

This comes at a very tense moment in relations between Tokyo and Beijing. Ties have sharply deteriorated after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tokyo would get involved militarily if China attacked Taiwan.

The twins' departure will leave Japan without any pandas for the first time since 1972, the year the two countries normalised diplomatic ties.

The People's Republic of China has used giant pandas as a gesture of goodwill towards its international allies and competitors since it was founded in 1949.

But China retains ownership of all pandas it loans to foreign countries, including cubs born abroad. In return, host countries pay an annual fee of about $1m (£790,000) per pair of pandas.

According to Tokyo's metropolitan government, some 108,000 people vied to get one of the 4,400 slots available for one last look at the zoo's beloved pandas.

"I have been bringing my son here since he was a baby, so I hope it becomes a good memory for him. I'm glad we could come today to remember them," Ai Shirakawa told the BBC.

Another woman recalled witnessing the pandas' growth journey. "Witnessing their growth, especially since they were so small, has been such a joy," she said.
 
Some visitors were pictured sobbing as they bade the bears goodbye.
 
Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei were born in 2021 at the Ueno zoo to their mother Shin Shin and their father Ri Ri, both of whom were on loan to Japan for breeding research.
 
More recently, China's panda loans have coincided with major trade agreements. In 2011, the loan of two pandas to Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland was agreed during negotiations over contracts to supply salmon meat, Land Rover vehicles and energy technology to China.
 
Many pandas have been returned to China in recent years – a loan agreement typically lasts 10 years although extensions are common.
 
However, the prospects of a new panda loan to Japan have remained uncertain amid the escalating row.
 
Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan angered Beijing which views the self-governed island as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunite" with it.
 
Both sides have since engaged in increasingly hostile actions and rhetoric towards each other. Early this month, China tightened restrictions on exports of rare earth-related products to Japan.
 

Heavy snowfall continued to affect transportation across northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast on Monday, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.

The latest storm, driven by successive cold air masses, dumped record amounts of snow in the city of Sapporo, with snow depths reaching 111 centimeters in the Hokkaido capital by Sunday afternoon — exceeding 1 meter for the first time in four years.

Hokkaido Railway Co. said train services in the Sapporo area were expected to resume on Monday afternoon once tracks have been cleared of snow.

At New Chitose Airport, about 7,000 passengers were stranded overnight after rail links to Sapporo were halted, according to public broadcaster NHK.

Road conditions across the region remain hazardous. The Do-O Expressway is closed between Sapporo junction and Sapporo Minami interchange in the Chitose area, and the entire section of the Sasson Expressway between Sapporo and Otaru is closed.

Many residential streets in Sapporo are yet to be fully cleared of snow, narrowing lanes and forcing pedestrians into roads.

Snowfall totals along the Sea of Japan coast are significantly above average, with accumulation reaching 4.7 meters in parts of Aomori Prefecture and more than a meter in the cities of Niigata, Yamagata and Sapporo as of Monday noon.

The storm has already proved deadly. In Niigata Prefecture, a 56-year-old man died Sunday after apparently falling from the roof of his three-story home while clearing snow, police said. He was working alone when he fell, with snow depth in the area exceeding 2.4 meters.

Across Fukui Prefecture, 15 people have suffered injuries from snow removal accidents over the past several days, while Ishikawa Prefecture reported 32 vehicle crashes caused by slippery roads, which injured nine people, according to NHK.

Officials are urging residents to avoid working alone when tackling the snow and to use safety gear when clearing roofs.

On Sunday evening, eight people in the city of Hirakawa, Aomori Prefecture, were reported missing after going into the mountains to ride snowmobiles. They were all found safe and uninjured by Monday morning after a team of 30 policemen and firefighters was dispatched on a search and rescue mission.

While snowfall in northern parts of the country is expected to ease by Monday afternoon as the cold air shifts east, snow and rain is forecast to return on Tuesday, raising the risk of further disruptions.
 
 

Japanese political parties began gearing up in earnest for the upcoming House of Representatives election on Saturday, the first weekend since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower chamber of the Diet, the country's parliament, the day before.

Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said at a press conference in the city of Chiba, east of Tokyo, that the ruling bloc will "create a strong economy by decisively carrying out responsible and proactive fiscal policy" advocated by the prime minister.

Noting that the Japan Innovation Party has joined the ruling bloc after the LDP's previous partner Komeito left the coalition, Kobayashi said that the Feb. 8 Lower House poll will be "an election to ask the public whether Takaichi or another person should lead state management under a new framework."

 

Tetsuo Saito, co-chief of the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance and former head of Komeito, told a press conference in the city of Hiroshima in western Japan that his party will seek to permanently reduce the consumption tax on food to zero while considering ways to finance the measure.

 

He mentioned that the centrists' policy pledges feature the establishment of a new state-run fund as a source of funding for the consumption tax cut, saying, "The focus (of election debates) will be on funding."
 
 

Fans gathered at a Tokyo zoo on Sunday to bid farewell to the last two giant pandas in the country, long a symbol of Sino-Japanese friendship, two days before they leave for China.

The departure of Xiao Xiao and his sister, Lei Lei, will leave Japan without any pandas for the first time since 1972, when China gifted a pair to Japan following the normalization of bilateral ties.

Prospects for a new panda loan by China remain uncertain amid soured ties following remarks last year by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan could act in the event of an attack by China on Taiwan. China has long used the giant panda as a tool of outreach and goodwill toward other nations in what is called its "panda diplomacy."

Visitors needed a prior reservation to see the pandas at the Ueno Zoological Gardens on Sunday, with 4,400 slots available and 24.6 times the number of people applying for them online, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government.

An 8-year-old boy residing in Tokyo who came along with his parents said after viewing the pandas, "The two appeared healthy, devouring the bamboo shoots. They were cute."

There were also visitors who went to the zoo even after failing to secure a slot for the public viewing.

"I plan to stay in the zoo until it closes. I hope the twin pandas both remain in good shape," said a 60-year-old resident of Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo.

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will leave Japan on Tuesday and arrive the next day at a facility in China.

Since pandas arrived in Japan half a century ago, they have won the hearts of many in Japan, drawing big crowds. They have also brought economic benefits as tourist attractions and with panda-themed toys and goods.

The twin pandas were born in Japan in 2021 to their mother Shin Shin and her mate, Ri Ri, both of whom were on loan to Japan for breeding research. China retained ownership of them.

Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei became the last remaining pandas in Japan after four others at the Adventure World amusement park in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, departed for China in June last year.