Visitors to a garden near Tokyo are enjoying cherry trees that are blooming earlier than usual in the warm weather.

Hokoen garden is near the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, known for its mild climate and flower production.

The garden has about 50 Gancho-zakura trees, a cherry variety that usually blossoms in the cold weather before spring.

The Minamiboso City Tourism Association says warm weather since autumn caused the cherry trees to blossom at the end of last year, 20 days earlier than usual.

The warm weather on Saturday attracted many visitors to Hokoen. They strolled through the garden and took pictures of the cherry blossoms. They also enjoyed scenic views of the ocean.

A man in his 70s from nearby Tateyama City said he was glad to visit on a sunny day and hopes to come back again next year.

The tourism association's Toriumi Tatsuo said the early variety is nearing full bloom. He invited people to come and enjoy the signs of spring.

The Gancho-zakura blossoms at the garden can be viewed through early February.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering including a proposal to temporarily cut the consumption tax on food to zero percent, from the current 8 percent, in her ruling party's campaign pledges for a House of Representatives election she is expected to call soon, government and party sources said Saturday.

A temporary suspension of consumption tax on food in the future has been part of the coalition agreement between Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party.

A senior official from the ruling camp said the contents of the agreement will be a focal point of the upcoming election.

JIP co-leader Fumitake Fujita told reporters on Saturday in Tokyo, "Our party has consistently called for cutting the consumption tax on food to zero percent for a two-year period, and we will continue to emphasize it."

If victorious in a lower house contest expected in early February at the earliest, the ruling party is mulling proposing a tax reform bill that includes the consumption tax-cut plan at the extraordinary Diet session to be convened after the election.

The tax cut could be implemented as early as January 2027, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the Centrist Reform Alliance, a new party formed by the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito for their lower house members, has already emphasized its intention to tackle inflation by making a reduction of the consumption tax on food to zero percent a central pillar of its platform.

Jun Azumi, secretary general of the CDPJ, has criticized the prime minister's lower house dissolution plan, likely to be announced next week, calling it "unreasonable" and a "sneak attack."

"We want to propose bold tax cuts that put ordinary citizens first," Azumi said at his party's meeting in Sendai.

Komeito head Tetsuo Saito told reporters the same day in Tokyo, "We will lay out concrete solutions for people struggling with rising prices."
Saturday marked the first weekend since the prime minister expressed her intention to dissolve the lower house early.
 
 

Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) plans to endorse smartphone apps designed to help combat fraud, featuring functions such as blocking international calls and alerting users to potential scams.
 
The initiative aims to improve the reliability of such apps and promote their widespread use, as fraud-related losses continue to soar.
 
The NPA started accepting applications for endorsement in December last year. It expects to select apps as early as March.
 
As of the end of November last year, losses from so-called special fraud cases, including telephone scams, have reached about 121.3 billion yen, already far exceeding the previous worst on record set in 2024.
 
About 80 percent of the cases began with phone contact, with calls to smartphones or other mobile phones accounting for 41 percent, up sharply from 25 percent in 2024.
 
Perpetrators increasingly posed as police officers, making international calls from their overseas bases. Between January and November last year, 76 percent of calls linked to special fraud originated from international numbers, often starting with +1 or other country codes.
 
Apps to be endorsed by the NPA must meet criteria, including the ability to block both international and domestic calls from numbers previously used in fraud cases and to deliver crime prevention information, such as the latest fraud schemes collected by the agency.
 
The NPA also has high expectations for the initiative to facilitate functional improvements through private-sector technologies, such as AI-based fraud detection.
 
Currently, most crime prevention apps are paid for, but the agency expects endorsed apps to be offered free of charge in principle.
 
Apps that pass the NPA screening will be allowed to display the agency's logo and emblem. While development costs will not be subsidized, developers are expected to benefit from improved credibility and public image.
 
The NPA will also publish user statistics and highlight apps that successfully prevented fraud on its website.
 
Recently, new scam methods have emerged, luring people to download a fraudulent app disguised as "Digi Police," a security app developed by Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department. The NPA will also consider measures to prevent abuse of endorsed apps.
 
"Not answering phone calls from perpetrators is an effective countermeasure," an NPA official said. "We hope to promote (endorsed) apps and reduce fraud-related losses."

 

The opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito have agreed to form a new centrist party ahead of a likely February snap election, in a stunning development that would remodel Japan’s political landscape.

“This represents a crucial step for Japan to develop its economy while securing peace and ensuring its long-term survival,” Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito told reporters on Thursday afternoon after meeting with CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda.

The new centrist force, unthinkable only three months ago, is expected to counter the conservative ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party (JIP).

“It’s an opportunity to position centrist forces, which were previously divided into ruling and opposition parties, at the very heart of politics,” Noda said. “It’s a major turning point for Japan.”

The parties will now aim to fine-tune electoral coordination and draft a manifesto for snap polls expected on either Feb. 8 or 15. Their respective policy chiefs are slated to outline their policy proposals on Monday.

The party name is still under discussion, though reports have suggested it will be along the lines of “Centrist Reform Party.” For the moment, Saito and Noda will serve as co-leaders, until a new leadership line-up is decided.

Komeito and the CDP will remain as separate parties in the Upper House and local assemblies across the country, as the party faces an imminent Lower House election.

CDP and Komeito Lower House lawmakers will leave their respective parties, join the new party and run under the same flag. Upper House lawmakers will follow suit as soon as possible.

The new party will reach out to the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) as well as centrist lawmakers within the ruling LDP. DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki criticized the move, saying his party won’t join the new initiative.

Asked about the new party’s future ties with the LDP, Komeito’s former coalition partner, Saito left room for cooperation at a local level, adding that, in districts where the new party doesn’t field any candidates, Komeito will make ad hoc adjustments based on the individual candidate.

“We have no intention of forming a party to confront the LDP head-on,” Saito said. “Within the LDP, there are many who share our perspective of centrist reform.”

In the upcoming election, Komeito won’t field any candidates in single-seat constituencies. Four of Komeito’s lawmakers in the Lower House were elected in single-seat districts.

The new party will present a unified list of candidates for proportional representation, which is expected to include the four Komeito Lower House lawmakers currently elected in single seat districts. No further details were provided on the potential order of candidates.

Electoral coordination is on top of the agenda of discussions between the two parties, which, until four months ago, sat on opposite sides of the aisle.

“We can’t afford to take too much time,” said a Komeito lawmaker Thursday afternoon, adding the details of electoral coordination in single-seat constituencies remain unclear.

As for policy, Saito said on Thursday that Komeito’s five pillars announced in November — a social security system for working generations, an inclusive society, doubling per capita gross domestic product, a realist diplomatic and security policy, and political reform — will constitute the backbone of the new party’s platform.

The two parties still have policy differences, such as on security and nuclear energy. The CDP has long opposed the security legislation passed under the LDP-Komeito government in 2015 — even though the party has recently shown a willingness to formally review its stance.

“We’ll address these matters while ensuring consistency with Komeito’s stances,” Noda said Thursday.

The CDP and Komeito currently have a total of 172 seats in the Lower House, while the LDP-JIP bloc has 233.

Since Komeito’s surprise departure from the LDP-led ruling coalition last October, the CDP has been wooing the party on the grounds of an affinity in their political stances.

Until the last few days, though, Komeito had kept a more ambiguous position that potentially left the door open for electoral cooperation with the LDP.

In an interview with The Japan Times in December, Komeito leader Saito reiterated that his party would keep a distance from both opposition and ruling parties.

However, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s decision to go all in on a snap election only three months into her taking office and before building any track record has prompted a change in tack.

Komeito, supported by the lay Buddhist group Soka Gakkai, has long struggled with declining fortunes. Without the LDP’s support, the party needed to rethink its electoral strategy both in single-seat constituencies and proportional representation.

The CDP, meanwhile, is dealing with its own issues, such as internal disagreements over key policies and floundering poll numbers.

The emergence of the new force would mark the end of an era for Komeito, one of Japan’s oldest parties. Founded in 1964, Komeito wielded influence over Japanese politics during its 26-year stint as part of the ruling LDP-led government.

It’s not the first time Komeito has decided to join hands with an opposition party. For three years — from 1994 to 1997 — the party was part of the New Frontier Party together with several small opposition parties.

The CDP, founded in 2020, is the result of a series of mergers and splits within the opposition since 2012, after the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan — to which many of the CDP’s members belonged — lost power.

Divergences over security and energy policy have long been a source of friction within the opposition camp.

In 2017, right after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced a snap election, the then-Democratic Party merged with Kibo no To with the explicit goal of countering the LDP.

The party stumbled soon after due to irreconcilable differences on security policy, and failed to meet initial expectations in the subsequent vote.
 
 

Indonesia and Japan have launched new talks to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in higher education, science, and technology, officials said following a meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 14.

Indonesia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto highlighted the potential for collaboration during a meeting with Japanese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Myochin Mitsuru, emphasizing opportunities for academic and technological partnerships.

“As a major economy, Indonesia sees strong potential for cooperation with Japan in higher education, business, and technology. We aim to elevate this partnership to new heights,” Yuliarto said in a statement on Thursday.

The minister stressed expanding student and lecturer exchanges, joint degree programs, and other cross-border academic initiatives as key areas for deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Myochin expressed interest in increasing Indonesian student enrollment in Japanese universities, part of broader efforts to improve the quality of global human resources through international education.

Indonesia and Japan have pursued human resource development through two primary schemes: one targeting professional workers and researchers, the other focused on students, aiming to meet industrial talent needs while offering cultural and academic experience.

The meeting also addressed collaboration in research and applied sciences, with goals to produce not only scientific publications but also practical and commercially viable innovations for industry.

Both sides reaffirmed commitment to align scientific and technological cooperation with national development and industrial priorities, agreeing to advance discussions through technical coordination talks in the coming months.

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology said in its statement that deeper collaboration with Japan supports Indonesia’s goal of making higher education, science, and technology more impactful for society and national development.
 

Japan's Waseda University has canceled the enrollment of five graduate students who were found to have cheated on a TOEIC English proficiency test.

The organizer of the Test of English for International Communication nullified the scores of 803 examinees who were involved in organized cheating by Chinese graduate students and others last year.

Waseda University says 52 of those invalidated scores were used in its undergraduate and graduate entrance exams.

In addition to the five graduate school students whose enrollment was canceled, the university revoked the admission of three prospective graduate students who had passed the entrance exam but had not yet enrolled.

Also, an undergraduate who had failed the graduate school entrance exam was indefinitely suspended.

The university said it would impose strict penalties whenever misconduct comes to light to maintain a fair and impartial entrance exam system.

Other Japanese schools such as the University of Tsukuba and the Tokyo University of Science have also canceled enrollment or admission offers for students who cheated on a TOEIC test.

The test organizer plans to tighten identity verification to prevent impersonation.
 
 

The second summit between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, held Tuesday in her home prefecture and political base, highlighted the personal chemistry and affinity between the two leaders.

President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi briefly traded diplomacy for drums on Tuesday, sitting side by side for an impromptu duet accompanying recent K-pop hits.

Cheong Wa Dae described the moment as a glimpse of the two leaders’ “chemistry and personal rapport.”

The moment came after the two wrapped a joint news conference on the summit’s outcome and moved into a private session, where the Japanese side had arranged a surprise event that quickly drew attention, presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-joon said in a press statement.

In front of a Pearl drum kit — one of Japan’s best-known music brands — the two leaders donned matching blue uniforms prepared by the Japanese side and launched into an impromptu duet.

Takaichi is widely known as a fan of bands such as Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden. She has said she began drumming in a college band.

“The event was specially prepared by the Japanese side as a symbolic way to showcase the chemistry and personal rapport between the two leaders,” Kim said.

Lee and Takaichi played “Golden,” the theme song from Netflix’s global hit “KPop Demon Hunters” — a joint project involving South Korea, Japan and the United States — as well as “Dynamite,” the Billboard-topping BTS track.

“The two leaders turned their post-summit conversation into a distinctive moment of cultural exchange,” Kim added.

During the event, Lee remarked, “I fulfilled a lifelong dream today. Ever since I was young, I had wished to play the drums.”

Takaichi, for her part, took the lead in the impromptu session, personally explaining basic drumming techniques and guiding the duet.

Takaichi also presented Lee with a pair of drumsticks. The two leaders signed the sticks and exchanged them.

“The uniforms worn during the performance were embroidered with each country’s national flag and the leaders’ names in English, adding another layer of friendship and mutual respect to an unexpected event,” Kim said.

The second summit between Lee and Takaichi, held Tuesday in her home prefecture and political base, highlighted the personal chemistry and affinity between the two leaders.

Takaichi personally greeted Lee outside his lodging upon his arrival in Nara on Tuesday, offering a warm welcome as he visited her home prefecture.

Cheong Wa Dae said the reception was upgraded from a hotel-hosted greeting originally planned to one led by Takaichi herself.

Takaichi personally came out to greet Lee, visibly brightening when she saw him. With a deep, folded-handed bow, she said, “Hello. Welcome to my hometown — I’m truly glad you’re here.”

Lee responded that he was overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception. “If you welcome us by breaking protocol like this, we hardly know where to put ourselves,” he said.

“We’re very happy you came,” Takaichi replied.

Lee added, “Not only the Japanese public, but the people of South Korea as well, will be deeply grateful for this kind of gesture from you.”

During the news conference, Lee repeatedly underscored his appreciation for Takaichi’s efforts to improve Seoul–Tokyo ties.

Lee returned to the issue of the two sides’ agreement to jointly pursue DNA testing to help identify the remains of victims of the Chosei Coal Mine tragedy, along with plans to hold working-level follow-up consultations.

The disaster occurred on Feb. 3, 1942, when flooding in an undersea tunnel off Ube, Yamaguchi prefecture, killed 183 workers, including 136 forcibly mobilized Koreans during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

“I am grateful for the prime minister’s special attention,” Lee said.
Before wrapping up the news conference, he again expressed his thanks.

“Once again, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the prime minister for the exceptional and generous hospitality, and for the special consideration she has shown — sparing no effort, almost to the point of throwing herself into it — in improving Korea–Japan relations.”
 
 

Japanese Emperor Naruhito expressed his hope for peace in Japan and the world in the new year in a poem recited at the annual New Year's Poetry Reading on Wednesday.

The emperor, who attended Shinto rituals at the Imperial Palace Sanctuaries before dawn on New Year's Day, put into verse how he was moved when he saw Venus shining brightly in the sky ahead of one of the proceedings.

The emperor and Empress Masako, together with their daughter Princess Aiko, attended the ceremony at the Imperial Palace along with Crown Prince Fumihito and his family, including Prince Hisahito, who joined the event for the first time after coming of age.

Members of the general public whose poems were selected were also present.

The theme of this year's poems at the reading was "mei," which primarily means "bright" or "light."

Peter MacMillan, a translator and a Japanese literature scholar who was born in Ireland, was invited by the emperor to present his poem, becoming the first foreign national to fill the role.

The official translation of the poem written by the emperor and provided by the Imperial Household Agency reads as follows:

Watching the morning star

Shining high in the sky

I pray sincerely for

Peace in the new year

Empress Masako's poem focused on the Tokyo Deaflympics, held in Japan for the first time in November.

The emperor, empress and princess attended a swimming event, with the family learning both Japanese and universal sign language to greet the athletes.

The official translation of the empress's poem reads as follows:

With medals around their necks

The athletes are beaming with joy

Using sign language

I convey to them

"Congratulations"

Princess Aiko wrote about her first official visit abroad to Laos in November last year, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Japan and the Southeast Asian country.

The bright and lively voices

Of the young Laotian students of Japanese

Fill the classroom cheerfully

The poems and compositions by other imperial family members, as well as 10 other pieces chosen from among 14,600 entries submitted by the public, were recited in the traditional style at the reading.

Waka poetry was developed by the court aristocracy in ancient Japan. A "tanka" poem, the most common form of waka, consists of 31 syllables in a pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.

 
 

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said at a forum that he is committed to strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance for peace in the Indo-Pacific region through “the power of true reconciliation,” which the two countries experienced in the process of overcoming their World War II confrontation.

Koizumi, currently visiting the United States, delivered a speech on Monday at the Honolulu Defense Forum, an international conference on security held in Hawaii. It was the first time that a Japanese defense minister participated in the conference.

In the 15-minute-long speech made in English, Koizumi explained Japan’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities, such as by increasing defense spending and plans to revise the National Security Strategy and two other security documents within this year.

Koizumi said he would “dedicate my full efforts” from a defense perspective to advance the concept of a free and open Indo-Pacific, with this year marking the 10th anniversary of Japan first proposing it.

He cited regional crises including attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas, provocative military activities intensifying in the Pacific and the weaponization of information and cyberspace.

His remarks come at a time when China has waged an information war with the intention of dividing Japan and the United States in ways such as asserting that China fought together with the United States against Japan’s fascism in World War II.

“Those who once fought each other have built a relationship of trust and forged an alliance unparalleled in the world,” Koizumi told reporters after the speech, referring to the Japan-U.S. relationship. “Cooperation with allies and like-minded nations is crucial, and we want to advance cooperation on information warfare.”

Prior to the speech, Koizumi visited the USS Arizona Memorial, which stands above the battleship USS Arizona, which was sunk in the Imperial Japanese Navy’s attack on Pearl Harbor. He laid a wreath with U.S.

Ambassador to Japan George Glass, highlighting the close ties between Japan and the United States.

Following his stop in Hawaii, Koizumi visited a U.S. company manufacturing drones in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
 
 

Honda Motor Co. announced that it will launch its latest electric motorbike, the Honda UC3, in Vietnam in June.

The Vietnamese government plans to gradually restrict gas-powered motorbikes in central Hanoi, starting in July.

Honda will expand its lineup of electric motorcycles, aiming to maintain its 80% share of the Vietnamese market, which is known for its huge extensive use of lightweight motorcycles.

The UC3 can travel about 120 kilometers on a single charge, with its performance equivalent to that of a 110cc class gas-powered two-wheel vehicle, according to Honda. The price is still undecided.

Honda launched its first electric motorbike in Vietnam in April 2025. Local manufacturer VinFast is leading the electric motorbike market in Vietnam.

Honda will increase the number of its electric models to three, including the UC3, by July 2026, when the new regulations will be enforced.

For now, local authorities have not provided specific details of the regulations, such as the areas and times when the use of gas-powered motorbikes is prohibited.

“The impact of the regulations on the industry is significant and we will lobby [the Vietnamese government] to apply [them] gradually,” said Sayaka Arai, the president of the Vietnamese arm of the automaker.
 
 

 

The renowned chimpanzee was famous for her cognitive abilities
The Kyoto University’s Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior announced this week that Ai, a genius chimpanzee known for her cognitive abilities, has died at the age of 49.

According to the center, she died on January 9, 2026, of old age and organ failure. The renowned chimpanzee, who could recognize letters of the alphabet and kanji characters, was reportedly surrounded by staff at the time of her passing. 


 

Ai, which means love in Japanese, was born in 1976 in the Guinean Forests of West Africa. Sold to the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University (KUPRI) just over a year later, she was the first subject of the Ai project, a research program launched by Kiyoko Murofushi and Tetsuro Matsuzawa.

The aim of the project was to better understand chimpanzee cognition through computer interface experiments.

A customized keyboard linked to a computer was created for Ai and two other chimpanzees (Akira and Mari), who joined her as part of the project.

Murofushi and Matsuzawa, in collaboration with Toshio Asano, studied their memory skills, number learning abilities and perception of color. One of the early tasks for the chimpanzees was to discriminate between red, green and blue.

“At the age of five, Ai learned that Arabic numerals can represent numbers,” wrote Matsuzawa in a review essay for the website Inference in 2021.

“She was the first chimpanzee to successfully label numbers… At the age of six and a half, Ai started learning the letters of the alphabet. After some time, she was able to discriminate between all twenty-six uppercase letters.”

On the evening of October 3, 1989, Ai escaped from her cage and then released Akira and her orangutan friend Doudou after apparently using a key to open the padlocks.

Two graduate students called Matsuzawa to inform him about the situation when they saw Ai walking around campus with the key in her mouth. She had reportedly presented her bottom to the two students as a submissive signal. 

In 2010, Ai gave birth to a son, Ayumu, who is also renowned for his exceptional working memory. Away from taking cognitive tests, Ai was known to enjoy drawing and painting.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Ai Project in 2017, esteemed primatologist Dame Jane Goodall was presented with a scarf made from one of the famous chimpanzee’s paintings. 
 

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara informed the Diet on Tuesday that this year's ordinary session of the parliament will be convened Jan. 23.

The top government spokesman made the notification at board meetings of the steering committees of both Diet chambers.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is reportedly considering dissolving the House of Representatives, the all-important lower chamber of the Diet, at the start of the ordinary session for a general election.

If the Lower House is dissolved, parliamentary deliberations on the government's fiscal 2026 draft budget would be carried over to a special Diet session to be convened after the general election, making its enactment by the March 31 end of fiscal 2025 difficult.

At the steering committee meetings, the LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, did not present opposition parties with a schedule for the second and subsequent days of the ordinary Diet session, including the prime minister's policy address.
 
 

Japan currently holds about 10 per cent of the global semiconductor market, down from 50 per cent in 1988.

Japan’s bid to revive its semiconductor dominance is reshaping the rural heart of Kumamoto, where billions in government-backed investment and the arrival of tech titan Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are driving job growth and a broader economic boom.

This comes as semiconductors have been designated a strategic pillar of the country’s industrial policy, as Tokyo seeks to rebuild domestic chipmaking capacity and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Billions of dollars in state support are being channelled into chipmaking hubs such as Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu, which is sometimes dubbed Japan's “Silicon Island” for its semiconductor history.



SEMICONDUCTOR BOOM

Taiwan’s TSMC opened its factory in Kumamoto's Kikuyo town in February 2024, under the name Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing. It is a joint venture with Sony Semiconductor Solutions, Denso, and Toyota as partners.

A second fabrication plant is under construction, though local media have reported that work has been paused as design changes are considered.

The total investment in the plants, estimated at more than US$20 billion, is the largest the prefecture has ever received. Kumamoto is now pushing for a third TSMC plant.

Kumamoto governor Takashi Kimura said the TSMC plant has triggered a semiconductor boom, attracting around 70 related firms and creating more than 6,000 jobs.

“The number of jobs increased by several thousand, but this is taking place in what has been a very rural town,” he noted.

“Without roads and infrastructure fully developed, the fabrication plant was completed. Around there, roads are congested. These are matters to be resolved.”

To meet growing demand for skilled workers, new training facilities have sprung up.

Nisso Technical Center Kumamoto opened just two months after TSMC’s factory, offering programmes to train new hires and career switchers in semiconductor manufacturing.

It has even set up a mock fabrication facility, complete with protective gear, sanitisation procedures and machines used in real production lines.

The training centre said it saw an opportunity to fill the need for trained workers.

“TSMC is one (of the reasons). There are also Sony and other semiconductor makers coming here, so we set up targeting them,” said Osamu Kyan, director of its human resources development division.

“They especially lack those (workers) with moderate experience – those in between newcomers and veteran workers.”

More than a thousand people have already passed through its programmes.
“I want to make products that satisfy customers and create made-in-Japan products,” said trainee Shogo Yoshioka.



GROWING PAINS AND PRESSURES

The influx of workers is also driving demand for other services such as schools, as more families move into the area.

Educational institutions are expanding to keep pace.
Kumamoto International School, for instance, began as a preschool in 2003.

It accelerated plans to open its high school after TSMC arrived, launching grades seven, eight and nine in 2023.

Today, the school has more than 300 students and 55 staff, offering classes in Japanese, English and Mandarin for both native and non-native speakers.

“The plan is to expand the building … and to expand the number of students that we can admit,” said its principal Matthew Ohm.

As businesses move in, the cost of living is also rising.

Commercial land prices in Kikuyo jumped nearly 31 per cent last year, according to government data.

But the town's coffers are also growing, with an estimated 30 per cent jump in property tax revenue for fiscal year 2025.

The drive to turn Kumamoto into the epicentre of Japan’s chip renaissance shows no sign of slowing.

Japan currently holds about 10 per cent of the global semiconductor market, down from 50 per cent in 1988.

“Industries that utilise the latest semiconductors hardly exist in Japan and the world,” said Kimura. “We would like to create a new industry that shapes the future in Kumamoto.”
 
 

 
A new program that offers comprehensive legal assistance for victims of serious crimes, including murder and sexual offenses, and bereaved families started in Japan on Tuesday.

The assistance, both in criminal and civil procedures, is provided basically free of charge.

The Japan Legal Support Center, known as Houterasu, will serve as the point of contact for the program, which is designed to prevent individuals from forgoing legal help due to financial constraints.

Eligible participants include victims and bereaved families with current assets of ¥3 million ($18,900) or less, such as deposits and savings.

The program covers crimes that intentionally caused death, including murder and dangerous driving causing death, as well as sexual crimes like nonconsensual sexual intercourse and nonconsensual indecency.

It also includes injuries requiring three months or more before a full recovery can be made and those resulting in a certain level of residual disability.

Applications for assistance can be submitted for incidents that occurred on or after Tuesday.

Assigned lawyers will prepare reports of damage and written complaints, negotiate out-of-court settlements with perpetrators and file lawsuits for damages.

They will also accompany victims and others on visits to investigators and help them with media interactions to alleviate psychological and other burdens.

The program was established under the revised comprehensive legal support law enacted in April 2024.
 
 

Japan will send personnel to the Civil-Military Coordination Center, set up to monitor the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and coordinate humanitarian assistance for the war-torn Palestinian region, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has said.

Motegi, who is on a Middle East tour, told a news conference in Jerusalem on Sunday that Tokyo will dispatch Takeshi Okubo, ambassador for reconstruction support for the Gaza Strip, and one specialist to the U.S.-led center in Israel.

He inspected the center earlier. During the visit, he conveyed to officials related to the center Japan's policy of actively making contributions.

At the news conference, Motegi expressed an eagerness to take diplomatic actions unique to Japan to realize lasting peace and prosperity in the Middle East region.

On the same day, Motegi met with Hussein al-Sheikh, vice president of Palestine, and the region's prime minister, Mohammad Mustafa.

Motegi explained Japan's support for a "two-state solution" for coexistence of a future Palestinian state and Israel. He also said his country will provide about ¥25 billion in aid for the restoration and reconstruction of Gaza.

Motegi also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, demanding appropriate action to protect civilians in Gaza and ensure humanitarian assistance.

He expressed serious concern over settlement activities in the West Bank, calling them a violation of international law.
 
 

A Japanese mining ship departed on Monday for a remote coral atoll to probe mud rich in rare earths, part of Tokyo's drive to curb its reliance on China for critical minerals as Beijing tightens supply.

The month-long mission of the test vessel Chikyu near Minamitori Island some 1,900 km (1,200 miles) southeast of Tokyo, will mark the world's first attempt to continuously lift rare-earth seabed sludge from 6 km (4 miles) deep onto a ship.

Japan, like its Western allies, has been reducing its dependence on China for the minerals vital to the production of cars, smartphones and military equipment, an effort that has taken on urgency amid a major diplomatic dispute with Beijing.

"After seven years of steady preparation, we can finally begin the confirmation tests. It's deeply moving," Shoichi Ishii, the head of the government-backed project told Reuters, as the vessel departed the port city of Shizuoka on a bright sunny day, with a snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background.

"If this project succeeds, it will be of great significance in diversifying Japan's rare earth resource procurement," he said, adding that recovering the key minerals from 6 km below sea level would be a major technological achievement.

The vessel, with 130 crew and researchers, is scheduled to return to the port on February 14.

 

REDUCING RELIANCE ON CHINA WON'T BE EASY

Last week, China banned exports of items destined for Japan's military that have civilian and military uses, including some critical minerals. The Wall Street Journal reported Beijing has also begun restricting rare-earth exports to Japan more broadly.

Japan has condemned China's dual-use ban but declined to comment on the report of a broader ban, which China has not confirmed or denied. Chinese state media, though, have said Beijing was weighing the measure.

Finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrial powers will discuss rare-earth supplies at a meeting in Washington on Monday, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Japan is no stranger to facing China's wrath over rare earths. In 2010, China held back exports following an incident near disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Since then, Japan has reduced its reliance on China to 60% from 90% by investing in overseas projects like trading house Sojitz's tie-up with Australia's Lynas Rare Earths and promoting rare-earths recycling and manufacturing processes that rely less on the minerals.

The Minamitori Island project, however, is the first to attempt to source rare earths domestically.

"The fundamental solution is to be able to produce rare earths inside Japan," said Takahide Kiuchi, executive economist at Nomura Research Institute.

"If this new round of export controls ends up covering a lot of rare earths, Japanese companies will again make efforts to move away from China, but I don’t think it will be easy," he said.

For some heavy rare earths, such as those used for magnets in electric- and hybrid-vehicle motors, Japan is almost totally dependent on China, analysts say - a major risk for its key automotive industry.


LONG-TERM PROJECT

Since the 2010 scare, the Japanese government and private companies have built stockpiles of the minerals, though they do not disclose volumes.

At a New Year's party for Japan's mining industry on Wednesday, several executives said they were better prepared than before to cope with the potential disruption, citing Japan's diversification efforts and stockpiles.

But Kazumi Nishikawa, principal director of economic security at the trade ministry, said the government had to continually remind companies to diversify their supply chains.

"Sometimes, you know, some event happened, then the business reacts, but the event finishes, the business forgets. We have to maintain continuous efforts," Nishikawa said on the China Talk podcast this week.

The Minamitori Island project, into which the government has sunk 40 billion yen ($250 million) since 2018, is also a long-term play.

Its estimated reserves have not been disclosed and no production target has been set. But if it succeeds, a full-scale mining trial will be conducted in February 2027.

Mining the mud was previously viewed as uneconomical due to high costs. But if supply disruption from China continues and buyers become willing to pay higher prices, the project could become viable in coming years, said Kotaro Shimizu, principal analyst at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting.

China is keeping a close watch. When the ship was conducting surveys around the island in June last year, a fleet of Chinese naval ships sailed nearby, Ishii said.

"We feel a strong sense of crisis that such intimidating actions were taken," he said. China said its actions were in line with international law and called on Japan to "refrain from hyping up threats".
 
 

The city assemblies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have adopted statements urging the Japanese government to adhere to the country's Three Non-Nuclear Principles, Kyodo News reported.

The Hiroshima City Assembly unanimously adopted its statement on Friday, pointing out that the ruling party's attempt to revise the non-nuclear principles has caused concern, and strongly urging the Japanese government to take the feelings of people in the atomic-bombed cities seriously and to uphold the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, the report said.

The Nagasaki City Assembly passed its statement on Thursday by a majority vote, noting that successive Japanese governments have regarded the Three Non-Nuclear Principles as a national policy.

It said the ruling party's intended revision of the principles while amending the country's security documents is totally unacceptable.

On August 6 and 9, 1945, in an effort to force Japan, which had launched a war of aggression, to surrender as soon as possible, the U.S. military dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively.

The Three Non-Nuclear Principles – not possessing, not producing, and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory – were first declared by then-Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato in 1967 and formally adopted by parliament in 1971, establishing them as Japan's basic nuclear policy.

The National Security Strategy, one of the three documents approved by the Cabinet in 2022, states, "The basic policy of adhering to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles will remain unchanged in the future."

Japanese media have previously reported that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering reviewing the third of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, which prohibits nuclear weapons from entering Japan's territory, when updating related documents.
 
 

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology has strengthened the Indonesia-Japan research and industrial partnership through strategic discussions with Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) and Toyota.

Director General of Research and Development Fauzan Adziman, in a written statement on Saturday, said that the meeting, recently held at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), aimed to encourage focused and impactful collaborative pilot projects.

The government targets launching several key projects soon by leveraging the specialized capacities of both Indonesian and Japanese institutions.

"Our role is to ensure this strong collaboration is accelerated through policy and program support, allowing research results to be implemented quickly for a broad impact," Adziman said.

He emphasized building a long-term partnership aligned with a decade-long vision to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem.

The collaboration focuses on strategic areas, including biofuels and sustainable technologies, matching NEDO's research priorities.

ITB Chancellor Tatacipta Dirgantara noted that the partnership stems from long-standing academic ties now bolstered by ongoing research.

He cited the development of a biofuel catalyst factory with Pertamina as an example of research tailored to future energy needs.

"Environmentally friendly energy is the goal of global energy development. Meanwhile, collaboration across countries, industry, universities, and governments is key to ensuring research delivers tangible benefits for future generations," he said.

NEDO Executive Director Kikuo Kishimoto described the meeting as productive, affirming Japan's commitment to sharing technological knowledge.

"We want to build a collaboration where we not only share technology but also grow together to face future challenges," he said.

During the visit, delegates toured ITB’s research facilities and laboratories to observe the infrastructure and ecosystem supporting the development and downstreaming of science and technology innovation.

The forum remains focused on accelerating applicable research in biofuels to support the energy transition and national industrial competitiveness.
 

Japanese authorities applied an 1889 anti-dueling law to arrest a man over a fight that resulted in his opponent’s death in Tokyo’s red light and entertainment district, police said Friday.

The face-off took place in September on a street in the Kabukicho area of the capital after the suspect “and the dead man agreed to fight each other,” police spokesman Mitsuhiro Hirota said.

Tokyo police on Wednesday arrested Fuzuki Asari, 26, on suspicion of having “conspired with someone else” to have a duel and causing injury resulting in the death of his 30-year-old adversary, Hirota said.

The suspect, who is unemployed, “committed acts of violence such as throwing” the opponent, Naoya Matsuda, who “died on Oct. 12 at a hospital in Tokyo... of multiple organ failure” caused by head injuries, the spokesman said.

The crime was investigated and announced by the Tokyo police’s organized crime control division, he said.

It was not specified whether any weapons were involved in the fight.
The 1889 law stipulates that “anyone who has engaged in a duel shall be punished by imprisonment for no less than two years and no more than five years.”

The suspect’s other alleged crime — causing death from involuntary injury — would lead to no less than three years in prison, according to Japan’s criminal law.

Although it is rare to apply the anti-dueling statute in Japan, police in Gunma Prefecture arrested a high-school student and a man in October on suspicion of dueling, the Asahi Shimbun reported.
 

 

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday that he is set to make a weeklong trip to the United States next week to cement the bilateral alliance in the face of an increasingly severe security environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Koizumi told a regular press conference that he will deliver a speech at the Honolulu Defense Forum in Hawaii on Monday before traveling to Los Angeles the following day and then to Washington, where he will meet with counterpart Pete Hegseth on Thursday.

"With Secretary Hegseth, I plan to have a frank discussion about the security environment as well as specific efforts to strengthen the alliance's deterrence and response capabilities further," Koizumi said. He is scheduled to return to Japan on Jan. 18.

The two defense chiefs will speak for the fourth time since Koizumi assumed the post last October, reflecting their need to work together to overcome security challenges from nations such as China and North Korea.

They held phone talks last month after Chinese military aircraft locked radar on Japanese Self-Defense Forces fighter jets over international waters off Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa.

In Honolulu, Koizumi is also scheduled to meet with Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

In Los Angeles, Koizumi plans to visit a drone-related company and attend a reception commemorating the 15th anniversary of Operation Tomodachi, the rescue and relief efforts jointly conducted by the U.S. military and Japan's Self-Defense Forces in the wake of the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

When asked how he would respond if urged by Hegseth to voice support for the recent U.S. actions in Venezuela, Koizumi was noncommittal, saying, "It's difficult to answer before the meeting."

He then said it is "important (for the international community) to make diplomatic efforts to restore democracy and stabilize the situation in Venezuela."

The United States launched a military attack on Venezuela to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife last week, subsequently taking them to New York to face charges for alleged crimes.
 
 

 

Nucleus Software Japan KK marked 25 years of operations in Japan with an event held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, bringing together senior leaders from Japan’s financial services, fintech, and technology sectors.

The gathering included executives from institutions such as Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, SBI Shinsei Bank, Mizuho Bank, Toyota Financial Services, and Nippon Steel, reflecting the company’s long-standing engagement with Japan’s financial ecosystem.

The event opened with a traditional shamisen performance, symbolising the balance between heritage and innovation that has characterised Nucleus Software’s presence in Japan over the past two and a half decades.

Masamoto Yashiro, former Chairman and CEO of Shinsei Bank, shared reflections on the bank’s transformation journey and the importance of early technology decisions.

He highlighted the contribution of Dhananjaya Dwivedi, former Senior Managing Executive Officer and CIO of Shinsei Bank, in adopting modern computing systems that delivered faster performance at significantly lower cost.

Akio Isowa, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Group CDIO of SMBC Group, delivered the keynote address, outlining SMBC’s digital initiatives in Japan and globally. He also noted Nucleus Software’s continued support for SMFG’s operations in India and the value created through shared engineering capabilities.

A fireside discussion titled “SBI Shinsei Bank Transformation Journey & What Lies Ahead” featured insights from senior executives of SBI Shinsei Bank, focusing on long-term technology planning, disciplined execution, and the role of global partnerships in shaping the bank’s digital roadmap.

The event also featured perspectives from global fintech leaders, including representatives from the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), who discussed Japan’s growing role in shaping trusted financial infrastructure, AI governance, and secure digital ecosystems.

Vishnu R Dusad, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Nucleus Software, thanked partners and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Japan’s financial institutions with stable and secure platforms. Parag Bhise, CEO and Executive Director, reflected on Japan’s role as a benchmark for responsible innovation and Nucleus Software’s continued focus on building scalable financial technologies.

Nucleus Software Exports Ltd is a publicly traded software product company (BSE: 531209, NSE: NUCLEUS) specializing in lending and transaction banking solutions for global financial institutions.

With a strong focus on innovation, the company partners with leading banks and financial organizations worldwide to address complex financial needs through robust, scalable technology platforms.

Nucleus Software serves over 200 banks and financial institutions across 50 countries, supporting a wide range of domains including retail lending, corporate and SME finance, Islamic finance, automotive and captive finance, cash management, mobile and internet banking, and transaction banking. Its solutions collectively manage more than USD 15 trillion in annual transaction value, processing over 26 million transactions daily, while its lending platforms oversee loans exceeding USD 1.2 trillion in value and support more than 500,000 daily users.

At the core of its offerings are flagship products FinnOne Neo® and FinnAxia®, built on over four decades of BFSI domain expertise and powered by an integrated AI-enabled platform. FinnOne Neo® is a next-generation digital lending solution designed to modernize and simplify end-to-end lending operations, enhance customer experience, and accelerate business growth.

FinnAxia® is a comprehensive global transaction banking suite that enables banks to manage cash management, trade finance, liquidity, and related activities on a single, unified platform, improving efficiency, transparency, and client engagement.

In addition to these platforms, Nucleus Software offers PaySe®, the world’s first online and offline digital payment solution aimed at democratizing access to digital payments and promoting financial inclusion.

Complementing its products, Nucleus Software Digital Services provides end-to-end support for digital transformation, helping financial institutions optimize technology infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and gain actionable insights.

Together, these offerings reflect Nucleus Software’s commitment to innovation and its mission to empower financial institutions in an increasingly digital global economy.

 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi received over 60 million yen in donations from a local chapter of the Liberal Democratic Party she heads, with the money used for election campaigns, Kyodo News has learned.

The finding may conflict with her explanation at a parliamentary session on Dec 12, when she said that donations made to the LDP chapter in her home prefecture of Nara in western Japan are not personal donations for herself, and that she "happened to be the chapter head."

Takaichi received a total of 64.74 million yen from the chapter, established in 2005, for the seven House of Representatives races she has run in since that year, according to political funds reports. The figure accounted for more than 80 percent of her campaign funds.

She used about 5 million yen to 12.7 million yen for each lower house race, with three of the seven elections completely funded by donations from the chapter, according to reports related to her campaigns.

Takaichi became Japan's first female prime minister in October.
Takaichi's personal office says on its official website that it welcomes donations from "firms and organizations that resonate with Sanae Takaichi's policies."

Donations from party chapters to individuals who run for elections are lawful, and many ruling and opposition lawmakers put the money toward their campaign funds.

Takaichi made the remarks in the Diet after the chapter said in early December that it had received 10 million yen in donations from a company in August 2024, above the 7.5-million-yen cap stipulated in the political funds control law for a donor of that size.

Her office told Kyodo News that political activities by a party chapter and a lawmaker are treated differently under the political funds control law, and as such it is clear that the chapter and the lawmaker are "separate entities."
 
 

Japan has decided to postpone the launch of an H3 rocket that was scheduled for Feb. 1, as the investigation of the failed launch of its previous H3 rocket is still ongoing, the country's space agency said Wednesday.

The new launch date for the ninth H3 rocket, which will carry a satellite for Japan's seven-satellite system, has not been determined, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said in a statement.

On Dec. 22, JAXA's eighth H3 Rocket failed to place the satellite "Michibiki No. 5" into the planned orbit, resulting in a launch failure.

"We have been committing all our resources and efforts to investigating the cause of the launch failure. The new launch schedule will be announced once confirmed," JAXA said.

The Japanese government aims to create a seven-orbiter geolocation system capable of providing positioning information without relying on foreign satellites. Currently, five satellites are in orbit.
 
 

 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hopes to enhance ties with partner countries amid China's coercive behavior, as she is set to receive South Korean and Italian leaders next week.

Her summit diplomacy for 2026 will go into full gear when South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visits her home prefecture of Nara in western Japan on Tuesday.

On Jan. 16, Takaichi is scheduled to hold her first in-person summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Tokyo.

Takaichi will thus keep working on developing a multilayered network while the Japan-U.S. alliance remains the cornerstone of her country's diplomacy.

Referring to the upcoming summit with South Korea, a senior official of the prime minister's office said Wednesday, "The surrounding security environment is obviously the same."
 
 

Japan will embark on a rare earth mining test in the Pacific at a depth of 6,000 meters around Minamitori Island this month, hoping to counter China's dominance in the supply of the elements crucial to modern technology.

The country is eyeing joint deep-sea rare earth development with the United States in waters off the island about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, having agreed to cooperate on the mining and processing of rare earths and critical minerals, and to create new and secure supply chains for them.

The team will leave a central Japan port on Jan 11 aboard the science vessel Chikyu and test devices to retrieve sediments containing high concentrations of rare earth elements and monitor the environmental impact, returning on Feb 14. A full-scale test is planned for 2027 with the goal of collecting 350 tons of sediments per day.

China accounts for roughly 70 percent of the world's rare earth production and about 90 percent of refining, according to the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security.

China's grip on rare earth elements, used in electric vehicles and many electronic devices as well as in a variety of industrial and defense applications, leaves other countries vulnerable to Beijing's export controls.

An advantage of the planned deep-sea rare earth development is the absence of radioactive substances in the area's sediments, in contrast to terrestrial rare earth mining that involves the separation and removal of thorium and uranium, according to Shoichi Ishii, program director at the Cabinet Office's Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy.

Aiming to break free of reliance on China, other countries are also scrambling to build new supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals.

The Group of Seven major economies are planning a ministerial meeting with resource-rich countries such as Australia and Chile later this month in Washington to establish a framework for cooperation to stably secure such materials, according to people familiar with the matter.
 
 

Former Taiwan Premier Frank Hsieh has been appointed chairman of Taiwan's liaison organization with Japan.

Hsieh, former head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, the post equivalent to ambassador, said on Facebook that he assumed the position as chairman of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association on Tuesday.

Having studied at Kyoto University in Japan, Hsieh is well-versed in Japanese affairs. He served as Taiwan premier from 2005 to 2006.
 
 

Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi pledged on Tuesday to drive the country's economic growth, speaking at a New Year's event hosted mainly by Jiji Press.

"We will bring back a strong economy," Takaichi said, expressing eagerness to "push all the growth switches" to enhance Japan's technological presence worldwide. She promised to "take all possible measures," including tax reforms, to promote investment, research, and development activities to achieve this goal.

Sanae Takaichi also outlined plans for crisis management investments in areas such as food and energy security and cybersecurity.

"There are untapped glittering technologies in Japan," she said, stressing the importance of boosting the country's international competitiveness.

"We will definitely make the Japanese archipelago strong and prosperous," she said. "We will push Japan to the heights of the world again."

Earlier, Takaichi already pledged to make Japan "strong and prosperous" through reforms to address various domestic and global challenges.
 
 

Volunteers from the Children and Families Agency have launched an awareness-raising campaign to alleviate the anxiety of children who struggle to talk about their problems with adults.

The campaign focuses on creating an environment in which children can consult with adults comfortably, ensuring they are not left alone when faced with major issues.

"We want them to gain experience in consultation with someone, even if it's a small problem," an agency official said.

The number of reported cases of truancy and bullying, as well as the number of suicides among elementary, junior high and high school students, is on the rise, indicating that many children face difficulties.

In response to concerns that some children have reservations about discussing their issues with adults, the agency established a project team of about 30 officials in autumn 2024 to listen to children's voices.

Through exchanges of opinions with children and support groups across the country, the group has created cartoons and videos promoting the message that "consultation is neither shameful nor weak." The contents are available on the agency's website.

At a match of the Japan Professional Football League, or J. League, held in the city of Chofu, Tokyo, in December 2025, the project team ran a booth in cooperation with FC Tokyo, a club in the J. League.

Children were invited to indicate which familiar adults they usually turn to for consultation by placing a ball in boxes labeled "family," "schoolteacher" and others.

They were also asked to choose other adults they could consult with, from options such as cram school teachers and local people. The aim was to lower the psychological barrier to counseling by bringing up the topic of talking about problems.

A first-grade boy, among many elementary school students and families who visited the booth, said, "I recently had a fight with a friend, and I consulted with my family and teacher." One mother, who was with her daughter, said, "You always talk to me a lot."

This month, the project team will visit junior high and high schools to offer classes to listen to students' concerns. "I want to tell students that it's OK to talk about their worries," a junior staffer said.
 
 

Some medical institutions in Japan have begun introducing facility dogs to accompany hospitalized children during treatment and rehabilitation, easing the anxiety of being away from their families.

With high costs posing a challenge, some hospitals are turning to crowdfunding to introduce facility dogs, widely used in the United States and other countries, with retrievers being the preferred breed due to their gentle nature.

Unlike therapy dogs, which visit hospitals and interact with patients on a limited basis, facility dogs are assigned to hospitals and work with handlers who have completed specialist training.

The dogs accompany children undergoing surgery and assist with rehabilitation through play.

According to Shine On! Kids, a certified nonprofit organization in Tokyo's Chuo Ward, a facility dog was first introduced in Japan in 2010 by Shizuoka Children's Hospital.
 
 

The phenomenal blockbuster film has delighted the classical performing arts industry, which hopes to expand its fan base.

Last year’s Japanese blockbuster film “Kokuho” has inspired people not only to flock to kabuki theaters but also to start taking lessons in nihonbuyo traditional Japanese dance.

The phenomenon has delighted the classical performing arts industry, which hopes to expand its fan base.

Based on Shuichi Yoshida’s novel and directed by Lee Sang-il, “Kokuho” depicts the life of a man born into a yakuza family who dedicates his life to kabuki alongside a fellow actor, who is the heir to a kabuki family.

It has become a massive hit since its release in June 2025, breaking the box office record for a Japanese live-action film.

It has already been released in South Korea and Taiwan and is scheduled to hit theaters in North America this year.



Creating buzz

In October, the Pontocho Kaburenjo theater in Kyoto’s famous Pontocho alley, which is featured in the film, hosted the annual Suimeikai dance performance.

Tickets were sold out for three of the event’s four days, and standing-room tickets, which are usually only sold on the final day, were sold on all days to accommodate demand. Women in their 20s and 30s made up a large portion of the audience.

“We’re feeling the ‘Kokuho’ effect,” the event’s organizer said.

Etsuko Fujima, a master instructor of the Yokohama-based Fujima school of nihonbuyo has received about 10 inquiries for trial lessons from people aged 20s to 50s who said they were “influenced by the movie.” Two of them have started taking lessons.

Fujima, who serves as director of The Nihonbuyo Association in Tokyo, said the movie “has become an excellent opportunity for many people to discover kabuki and nihonbuyo and understand their appeal.”


Interest in live kabuki

The number of people going to see kabuki has also increased. More than 10,000 spectators who attended shows at Tokyo’s Kabukiza Theatre in or after July last year are estimated to have been first-time visitors, according to Shochiku Co.

A backstage tour of Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre organized between July 26 and Aug. 11 saw all five daily slots fill up within days of opening, prompting the organizer to sell additional slots.

Since the October program, Minamiza has featured “Ninin Fuji Musume” (“Two Wisteria Maidens”) and “Sagi Musume” (“The Heron Maiden”), both of which are seen in “Kokuho.” At the theater, young viewers were observed talking about the play after the curtain fell.

A 29-year-old company employee from Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, saw kabuki in December for the first time after being inspired by the movie.

“The story [in the kabuki] was fascinating and more enjoyable than I thought,” she said. “Knowing that the techniques being performed right before my eyes have been passed down for centuries made me understand the true power of traditional performing arts.”

A 52-year-old female usher who has worked at Minamiza for about 30 years has witnessed a change in the audience since the film’s release.

“I’ve received inquiries over the phone saying like, ‘This is my first time [watching kabuki]. What should I do?’” she said.

In March, Minamiza plans to stage “Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari” (“The Lovers’ Suicide at Sonezaki”). The performance is based on the classic joruri play “Sonezaki Shinju” (also titled “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki” in English), which is performed in a key scene of “Kokuho.”

Performances on some days are already sold out, thanks to the “Kokuho” craze.
 
 

While no tsunami threat was issued, strong shaking in western Japan may cause short-term local disruption, with markets watching for damage updates or transport interruptions. Summary:

• Magnitude ~6.2–6.3 quake hits Shimane Prefecture
• Epicentre located in eastern Shimane
• Intensity recorded at upper-5 on Japan scale
• No tsunami warning issued
• Authorities monitoring for aftershocks
• Depth 10km

A strong earthquake struck western Japan Tuesday, hitting Shimane Prefecture with a preliminary magnitude of around 6.2–6.3, according to Japanese authorities.

The quake was centred in the eastern part of the prefecture and was felt widely across the region, though no tsunami warning was issued.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the earthquake occurred in the evening local time and registered an upper-5 intensity on Japan’s seismic intensity scale in parts of Shimane.

National broadcaster NHK reported that while shaking was strong enough to disrupt daily activity, there were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.

Japan uses a unique seismic intensity system that measures how strongly the ground shakes at a specific location, rather than the total energy released by an earthquake.

The scale runs from 1 to 7 and is designed to reflect the real-world impact on people, buildings and infrastructure. An intensity of upper-5 (known as “5-strong”) typically means it is difficult to move without holding onto something, unsecured furniture may topple, and minor structural damage is possible, particularly to older buildings.

This differs from the magnitude scale, such as the moment magnitude used internationally, which measures the earthquake’s overall size. As a result, a single earthquake can have one magnitude but varying intensity readings depending on distance from the epicentre, depth and local ground conditions.

The quake was initially reported with a preliminary magnitude of 6.3 by Japan’s National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience, later revised slightly lower.

Authorities confirmed that the depth and offshore risk profile did not warrant a tsunami alert, easing concerns along coastal areas.

Japan is one of the world’s most seismically active countries, sitting atop several major tectonic plates. Its early-warning systems and building standards are designed to mitigate the risks from frequent earthquakes, though events of this size still pose disruption risks to transport, utilities and local communities.

Officials continue to assess the situation, urging residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

Let's hope there are no injuries.
 
 

 

Japanese ingredients, particularly eggs and milk, are increasingly being promoted to meet growing demand from foreign visitors.

A 2024 survey on inbound consumption trends by the Japan Tourism Agency found that the most common expectation before visiting Japan, cited by 82.2% of respondents, was eating Japanese food.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, and their sharing of consumption experiences on social media is expected to further boost demand.

To tap into this trend, the Japan Poultry Association has partnered with ABC Cooking Studio in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward to offer egg cooking classes for inbound tourists.

The classes feature tamagoyaki, or Japanese rolled omelet, which has gained popularity through being served at sushi restaurants and ryokan Japanese-style inns, as well as raw egg on rice, which is uncommon in many countries.

Many people are interested in how tamagoyaki is made because of its distinctive layered appearance. Square-shaped omelet pans used to make tamagoyaki are rare and popular overseas.

The recipe for raw egg on rice used in the cooking classes whips the egg white into a meringue instead of leaving it raw, making it easier to eat even for those who dislike the texture of uncooked eggs.

The milk industry is also targeting foreign visitors to expand demand. During the year-end and New Year holidays, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, or Zen-Noh, served local milk as a welcome drink at 20 Resol hotels operated across Japan by Resol Holdings.

The company, based in the city of Mobara, Chiba Prefecture, is engaged in resort development and other businesses.

The holiday season typically sees a decline in milk consumption due to the absence of school lunches, while the hotel industry experiences peak season, attracting many foreign visitors.

At Resol hotels, it is common to see guests purchasing milk to enjoy in their rooms, reflecting its popularity. The welcome drink initiative was well-received also during the summer holiday season.
 
 

People clad in ancient Japanese court outfits have performed a time-honored ball-kicking game to mark the New Year at a shrine in the western city of Kyoto.

The custom called kemari is said to have been played by noblemen in the Heian Period that lasted from the late 8th to the 12th century.

Kemari players use a white deerskin ball measuring about 20 centimeters in diameter. They try to keep the ball in the air while passing it among themselves using their feet.

It is considered preferable to give passes using only the instep of the right foot in ways that allow receivers to easily control the ball.

A local group of people working to preserve kemari plays the game at Shimogamo Shrine on January 4 every year to pray for peace and happiness. The Shinto shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Eight members of the group wore colorful attire and performed kemari outdoors on Sunday.

Spectators applauded when players showcased skillful techniques to send up the ball from near the ground.

A local audience member said she felt refreshed to see the players enjoy kemari. The 19-year-old added that she sensed the new year had begun.

A 70-year-old spectator said he felt history in action and that he hopes he can stay in good health throughout 2026.
 

 

A multi-vehicle crash involving 12 cars on a road in eastern Japan killed one man early Sunday, after tea leaves spilled from a moving truck causing vehicles behind it to skid, police said.

The accident took place on a two-lane road in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, after the tea leaves scattered over a 500-meter stretch of the road.

Four people were taken to hospital, and one was later confirmed dead. The injuries of the three others were not life-threatening.

The dead man, a 78-year-old from Saitama Prefecture, was hit by an oncoming vehicle after he stepped out of his truck, according to the police.
The truck that was carrying the tea leaves was traveling eastward from Ashikaga toward Sano.

A man believed to have been involved in the accident made an emergency call to police at around 5:40 a.m. The exact time of the crash remains unclear.

The road was temporarily closed following the accident. Workers used heavy machinery and shovels to remove the wet tea leaves that had stuck to the road.
 
 

Japan's government and ruling coalition may consider a possible review of the country's three nonnuclear principles during work to update its three key national security-related documents within this year.

The principles prevent Japan from possessing, producing or letting in nuclear weapons.

As Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has been negative about the rule of not permitting the entry of nuclear arms into the country, is eager for the review, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, have also shown readiness to consider a possible revision.

Heated discussions are expected, however, with some in the government opposing changing the nonnuclear principles, which Japan, the only country in the world to have been attacked with nuclear weapons, has firmly maintained as a key national policy.

At a parliamentary debate among political party leaders last November, Tetsuo Saito, chief of Komeito, the LDP's former ruling coalition partner and now in the opposition camp, urged Takaichi to withdraw her intention to review the nonnuclear principles.
 
 

 

North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles eastward on Sunday that apparently fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, with no damage to ships or aircraft reported, according to the Japanese government, in the first such missile activity in almost two months.

The launches came hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung left for a four-day visit to China, where he is scheduled to hold summit talks on Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During their talks in Beijing, the two are expected to discuss issues including North Korea's nuclear activities.

The missiles were launched from North Korea's west coast at around 7:54 a.m. and 8:05 a.m., with both reaching a maximum altitude of around 50 kilometers and flying about 900 km and 950 km, respectively, the Defense Ministry said.

The South Korean military, meanwhile, said that North Korea launched "several" suspected ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan at around 7:50 a.m. from near Pyongyang that flew around 900 km.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters at his ministry that Tokyo has strongly protested to Pyongyang over the launch, saying the nation's actions, including previous missile launches, "threaten the peace and security" of Japan, the region and the international community.

The two projectiles may have flown on irregular trajectories, Koizumi said, adding that Japan will "closely collaborate" with the United States and South Korea in analyzing the details of the latest missile launches.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed officials to gather information and swiftly provide necessary details to the public while ensuring the safety of vessels and planes and preparing for contingencies, her office said.

North Korea last fired a ballistic missile on Nov. 7, which Japan's Defense Ministry said was launched eastward from North Korea's west coast and flew over 450 km. The South Korean military has said it flew about 700 km.
 
 

 

With this sake warmer from Thanko, you can enjoy exquisite, sophisticated sips of sake right at your table.

Three temperature settings are available: body warm, hot and extra hot. The included sake cup has a wide opening, which enhances the aroma of the sake.

A light indicates the heating process and when it's done, so you'll never miss the perfect drinking moment. Since you simply add water and heat it, there's no need to boil water every time.

Another great feature is the intuitive touch panel, which eliminates the need for complicated operation.

Available for 9,980 yen on the Thanko website.
 
 

 

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is among some 60 female lawmakers petitioning for more women's toilets in the parliament building to match their growing representation in the legislature.

A record 73 women were elected into the 465-seat Lower House in October 2024, exceeding the previous high of 54 in 2009.

One opposition lawmaker, Yasuko Komiyama, said there were often "long queues in front of the restroom... before plenary sessions start", and quoted another MP who said she had "given up" going to the toilet before a session began.

There is one female toilet with two cubicles near the plenary chamber, though the entire building itself has nine female toilets with 22 cubicles.
There are a total of 12 men's toilets with 67 stalls and urinals across the building, according to local media reports.

The current situation is "often inconvenient" because female staff and visitors also share the toilets, said Ms Komiyama from the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party.

"I want to raise my voice and prepare myself for the day when women hold more than 30% of [parliamentary seats] in the future," she wrote in a post on Facebook.

Japan's parliament building was built in 1936, a decade before women were given the right to vote in 1945. The first women were appointed to parliament in 1946.

The parliament building is a sprawling three-storey structure, with a central portion that is nine storeys high. The building occupies 13,356 square metres (143,800 sq ft), the equivalent of about two football pitches, with a total floor area of 53,464 square metres.

"If the administration is serious about promoting women's empowerment, I believe we can count on their understanding and cooperation," Komiyama said, according to Japanese media.

Chair of the Lower House committee Yasukazu Hamada has "expressed a willingness" to consider the proposal for more women's toilets, said an Asahi Shimbun report.

The Japanese government earlier set a target of having 30% of leadership roles across all sectors of society held by women by 2020, but at the end of that year the timeframe was quietly pushed back by a decade.

Women currently hold nearly 16% of the seats in the Lower House and about a third – or 42 out of 125 seats – in the Upper House.

Takaichi, who became Japan's first female leader in October last year, had pledged to raise female representation in her cabinet to levels comparable to Nordic countries, which hold the top spots in terms of female leadership.

But she has appointed just two other women to her 19-member cabinet.
In Japan, the dearth of women's restrooms extends beyond the legislative chamber.

Long lines in front of women's public restrooms are a common sight nationwide.

Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had said his government would look into "enhancing women's restroom facilities" to make Japan a society where "women can live their lives with peace of mind".
 
 

Emperor Naruhito expressed his hope for a peaceful 2026 in his New Year's address Friday, with other members of the imperial family joining him in greeting the public, including Prince Hisahito who appeared for the first time.

"I am concerned about the many people who are struggling with their lives in the wake of disasters, such as earthquakes, heavy rain, forest fires and massive snowfall, that occurred in various parts of the country last year," the emperor, standing behind glass on a balcony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, told the many well-wishers who had gathered to hear him speak.

The 65-year-old emperor said he hopes 2026 will be a "peaceful and good year" for everyone, also wishing for the "happiness of people in Japan and around the world."

Prince Hisahito, the emperor's nephew who is second-in-line to the Chrysanthemum Throne after his father Crown Prince Fumihito, completed his coming-of-age rites in September last year.

The emperor was also accompanied by his wife, Empress Masako, their only daughter, Princess Aiko, and his parents, former Emperor Akihito and former Empress Michiko.
 
 

 
A local train traveling from Hiratsuka to Koga collided with a car at a level crossing on the JR Utsunomiya Line in Shiraoka, Japan's Saitama Prefecture, on Thursday.

The car was heavily damaged in the crash, and part of the train derailed as a result, News.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

Local police said a person was trapped inside the car, and rescue operations were ongoing.

East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) said that as of 3:30 p.m., train services on the Utsunomiya Line were suspended in both directions between Tokyo and Utsunomiya stations due to the accident.
 
 

People across Japan are slurping up soba buckwheat noodles on Wednesday, New Year's Eve. Eating the noodles while wishing for longevityand happiness is a Japanese tradition on the final day of the year.

One soba restaurant in Morioka City in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate has a history of more than 140 years. It prepared about 6,000 servings using flour from elsewhere in the prefecture.

Diners occupied all the tables immediately after the restaurant opened for the day.

Most customers ordered soba in hot soup after arriving amid the winter cold with snow falling outside. Many bought noodles to take away and eat later at home.

A man in his 30s said he had come to cap the year without problems, just like easily eating the soba. He added that he hopes to lead a healthy and peaceful life in 2026.

A man in his 60s who had come with his wife said the noodles tasted great, and that he wants to pass next year with a sound body.

The restaurant's proprietress said she wants customers to enjoy the soba while wishing for long lives.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has begun studying legislation aimed at preventing information theft by foreign entities.

While the measure has gained support from lawmakers, including opposition party members, concerns remain that the government could strengthen its surveillance and tighten control over information.

The focus will be how to balance the development of a counterintelligence system in light of the severe security environment surrounding Japan and the protection of constitutional rights, such as confidentiality of communication and freedom of speech.

In a parliamentary debate with party leaders Nov. 26, Takaichi pledged to draw up related legislation "swiftly."

On Thursday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a press conference, "It's extremely significant to prevent unjust interference from foreign countries."
 


 

Perfume, an all-female Japanese techno-pop group, made its last performance Wednesday on Japan's public broadcaster's year-end live music show before taking a hiatus.

The trio, who have captured a strong fan base in Japan and beyond for their futuristic style and sharp, synchronized and robot-like dance moves, announced in September that the group will be put "into a deep sleep starting in 2026."

The group, who appeared on NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen," or red and white song battle, for 16 straight years from 2008 to 2023, dazzled the audience with a medley of their songs including "Polyrhythm," which appeared on the soundtrack for the Pixar Animation Studios film "Cars 2."

Perfume, which consists of members fondly known by fans as A-chan, Kashiyuka and Nocchi, was formed in 1999 in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, and had their major-label debut in 2005.

Before their performance, A-chan said, "We each want to come back more powerful than ever, so it would be great if you will continue to support us warmly until the day we can meet again."

With "Chocolate Disco" and "Laser Beam" also among their hit songs, the group has been familiar in the Japanese music scene.

It has also extended its reach overseas, having performed in Asia, Europe and the United States at events such as the Coachella festival in California in 2019.

"To take on new challenges, we decided to end this chapter," Perfume said in a statement announcing its hiatus on Sept. 21, the 20th anniversary of its major-label debut with the single "Linear Motor Girl."
 
 

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 struck near the southern islands in Japan on Tuesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake was recorded at a depth of ten kilometers at 9:12 am CET. Its epicenter was registered 20 kilometers north-northeast of the Japanese town of Wadomari, located on the island of Okinoerabujima, which is classed with the Amami archipelago between the Japanese islands of Kyushu and Okinawa.

There were no initial reports of casualties or material damage, and no tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake.
 
 

One of Japan's largest events for lovers of manga and anime opened in Tokyo's Koto Ward on Tuesday.

The Comic Market, also known as Comiket, is marking its 50th anniversary after being launched in Tokyo's Toranomon in 1975.

Visitors formed a long line at its venue Tokyo Big Sight before it opened at 10:30 a.m.

More than 12,000 groups are showcasing and selling self-published works, including those based on popular anime characters, as well as their original creations.

A section has been set up for visitors to write messages to commemorate the event's 50th anniversary. Some of the messages expressed hope that Comiket will continue for many years to come.

A man in his 20s said that his father took part in the event more than 20 years ago through cosplay, and that he felt great to be able to participate in the convention's 50th anniversary.

He added that he wanted to enjoy the year-end event to his heart's content.
Co-head of the Comic Market's preparatory committee, Ichikawa Koichi, said he believes Comiket has lasted all these years as it creates new trends, new comics and new encounters every time it is held.

He also expressed hope that it will continue past its 100th anniversary.
The event runs through Wednesday.
 
 

 

The cabinet of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on December 26 approved $58 billion (9.04 trillion yen) defense spending for fiscal year 2026, as Tokyo faces growing military pressure from three nuclear-armed neighbors—China, North Korea, and Russia—and U.S. calls for higher defense outlays.

The draft budget represents a 3.8 percent increase from the current fiscal year, marking a record high for the 12th consecutive year.

The defense budget, expected to pass Japan’s bicameral legislature in coming months, aims to bolster unmanned defense systems and standoff missile capabilities to address the country’s deteriorating security environment.

In its defense budget, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) secured funding for the construction of four types of JMSDF vessels, as well as the procurement of various aircraft. Key maritime-related items in the budget are as follows:


The establishment of the national multi-layered coastal defense system called “SHIELD” ($640.6 million)

The defense ministry plans to acquire an unspecified number of surface ship-launched UAVs, small ship-based UAVs, and small multi-role USVs for the JMSDF to build SHEILD. The name stands for “Synchronized, Hybrid, Integrated and Enhanced Littoral Defense.”

The ministry said the plan would involve purchasing existing UAVs and USVs, primarily from foreign manufacturers. It also said that surface-launched UAVs will attack enemy ships from JMSDF ships. Meanwhile, small ship-based UAVs will improve the intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities of surface vessels, and will also be able to attack enemy vessels.

In July, JMSDF officials told Naval News that the U.S. aerospace and defense technology company Shield AI’s V-BAT is being considered as an UAV to be installed on the upgraded Mogami-class frigate—known in Tokyo as the “New FFM” and also called as the 06FFM.

The JMSDF has already decided to equip its new Sakura-class　offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), with a standard displacement of 1,900 tons, with the V-BAT. Under the Defense Buildup Program adopted in December 2022, the MoD plans to acquire 12 OPVs over the next decade. The fiscal 2025 defense budget earmarks 4 billion yen for the procurement of six V-BAT systems for new patrol vessels.

In addition, the Defense Ministry was allocated $14.1 million to conduct demonstration tests for simultaneous control of a large number of various unmanned assets.


Construction of one New FFM ($667 million)

The ministry earmarked $667 million to build the sixth ship of the upgraded Mogami-class, which has a full-load displacement of about 6,200 tons. The lead ship of the New FFM class is scheduled to be laid down in fiscal year 2025 and commissioned in fiscal year 2028.

According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, if construction proceeds smoothly, all 12 vessels are expected to be in service by fiscal year 2032.

Securing construction costs for one New FFM in one year is very unusual because the MoD in Tokyo has so far earmarked the construction costs for two ships in the 2024 budget and three ships in the 2025 budget.

The move came as the Australian government selected the upgraded Mogami-class as the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet of general-purpose frigates in August.

The Japanese defense ministry is believed to have prioritized near-term shipyard slots and supply-chain resources at MHI’s Nagasaki shipyard for Australia, taking into account Canberra’s urgent push to strengthen its naval capabilities.


Construction of two Sakura-class OPVs ($182.3 million)

The defense ministry was allocated $182.3 million to build the fifth and sixth ships of the new Sakura-class OPVs. The JMSDF plans to acquire a total of 12 patrol vessels over roughly 10 years.


Construction of one Taigei-class submarine($773 million)

The MoD earmarked $773 million to build the 10th Taigei-class submarine, Japan’s latest diesel-electric submarine with a displacement tonnage of 3,000 tons.


Construction of one Awaji-class minesweeper ($217.5 million)

The defense ministry was allocated $217.5 million to build the 690-tonne seventh Awaji-class minesweeper, which has improved capabilities to deal with various types of mines, including deepwater mines. The planned number of Awaji-class vessels is nine.


Preparation for various tests of two Aegis system equipped vessels – ASEVs ($510 million)

The MoD secured $510 million as expenses related to the acquisition of two Aegis system equipped vessels. Specifically, it made mention of costs associated with preparation for various tests.

The ASEVs are an alternative to the two land-based Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense (BMD) system, which was cancelled in June 2020 over concerns that falling components from missile interceptors might hit heavily populated areas over Japan.

The defense ministry explained that the new ships will be 190 meters long, 25 meters wide, and have a standard displacement of 12,000 tons.
The JMSDF is expected to take delivery of the first ASEV during fiscal year 2027, with the second one in the following fiscal year.


Modifications of Izumo-class helicopter carriers（$182.3 million)

The JMSDF earmarked $182.4 million to continue modifying its two Izumo-class helicopter carriers – JS Izumo and JS Kaga – into aircraft carriers capable of enabling Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter aircraft operations.

As for the Izumo, the defense official said $5.8 million was allocated to install deck status lights on the ship, which allow deck workers to share the status of the deck, and to cover the test cost of the landing guidance system on the Izumo.

As for the Kaga, $176.6 million was allocated for hull modifications, including upgrades to hangar facilities.

The Ministry of Defense said JS Izumo‘s modification is scheduled to be completed in fiscal 2027, and JS Kaga‘s in fiscal 2028.

According to the ministry, the cost of modifying the Izumo-class helicopter carriers, including funding in next year’s budget, will total $687.2 million.


Acquisition of the ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 SSM ($228.4 million)

The MoD began mass production of the long-range, ship-launched, improved version of the Type 12 SSM in the current fiscal 2025.

The JMSDF will begin operating this new missile on the refurbished JS Teruzuki (DD-116) in fiscal 2027.


Acquisition of submarine-launched missiles ($102.4 million)

The MoD also began mass production of the new submarine-launched missile in the current fiscal year. It is a long-range cruise missile that can be launched from a submarine’s torpedo tubes.

The MoD explained that the missile will be installed on the JMSDF’s Taigei-class submarines.


Adding Tomahawk launch function to two Aegis destroyers ($7.7 million)

The MoD plans to equip the JMSDF’s two Aegis destroyers Myoko (DDG-175) and Atago (DDG-177) with a function to launch U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles during fiscal 2026.

Defense officials said three Aegis destroyers, namely Chokai (DDG-176), Haguro (DDG-180), Kirishima (DDG-174) have already undergone for the addition of a Tomahawk launch function during this current fiscal 2025.

The JMSDF currently possesses a total of eight Aegis destroyers: four Kongo-class, two Atago-class, and two Maya-class. This means the remaining three JS Kongo (DDG-173), JS Ashigara (DDG-178) and JS Maya (DDG-179) will also be given Tomahawk capabilities in the near future.


Acquisition of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs ($489.4 million)

The defense ministry secured $489.4 million to acquire four more MQ-9B SkyGuardian UAVs for the JMSDF. 

The JMSDF plans to use the SeaGuardian for persistent surveillance of surface vessels and submarines, with crewed P-1 and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft conducting anti-submarine warfare once any submarine is detected.

The JMSDF ultimately aims to acquire a total of 23 aircraft by around fiscal 2032, with roughly half to be deployed at the service’s Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture and the remainder at Hachinohe Air Base in Aomori Prefecture.
 
 

A pile-up involving at least 50 vehicles on a highway in central Japan has left two people dead and 26 injured, according to police.

The incident was caused by a crash between two trucks, sparking a chain reaction that set at least 10 vehicles on fire, local police said.

A 77-year-old woman from Tokyo was killed, and another body was discovered in the driver's seat of a burnt-out truck. Five people were seriously injured and 21 suffered minor injuries, police said.

There was a heavy snow warning in place at the time of the crash. Police believe icy surfaces likely caused the trucks to skid on the roads.

The crash happened on the Kan-etsu Expressway in Minakami, Gunma prefecture, about 160km (100 miles) north-west of Tokyo, at about 19:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on 26 December.

It took about seven and a half hours to put out the fire, police said.
Following the incident, a section of the highway was closed, with a long line of vehicles, many charred beyond recognition, stuck in the outbound lane. Work is under way to tow them away.

A man in his 60s, whose vehicle was involved in the accident, told local media outlet NHK he heard a loud explosion from the far end of the pile-up and saw fire during the crash. The blaze then spread to other vehicles, he said.

He said he was evacuated to a nearby toll gate with about 50 other people and spent the night in the hallway there.

Nexco, which operates the road, said checks were needed to see if the surface was damaged by the fire.

The company is warning travellers not to use the highway.
 
 

Foreign-language babysitting services for foreign tourists are beginning to take off in Japan, driven by demand among wealthy families who wish to enjoy aspects of Japanese culture that may be difficult to experience with young children.

Some services also provide hands-on programs for the little ones, allowing both parents and kids to make the most of their time in different ways. The trend reflects the diversification of traveler needs amid Japan's inbound tourism boom.

In late November, Kelvin Young, who was visiting Japan from California with his family, left his 5-year-old and 2-year-old daughters with a nanny at their hotel.

For about four hours, he and his wife enjoyed a visit to a high-end sushi restaurant in Tokyo that is not well suited to families with young children. The next morning, their daughters excitedly showed them the crafts they had made during that time.

The childcare service was provided by Synk Inc., a company based in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, that employs nine English-speaking nationally certified childcare workers and one nurse.

The company has already handled over 50 requests since launching the service in April 2025, with fees starting from 54,000 yen ($350) for three hours.

In addition to babysitting at the hotel and walks, Synk also offers activities such as Zen meditation at temples and visits to local Japanese nursery schools.

"By providing children with specialized experiences, we want parents to be able to enjoy time for themselves without hesitation," said Synk President Saya Sugahara.

Tokyo-based major childcare provider Poppins Corp. has also stepped up recruitment of foreign-language-speaking babysitters since spring 2025. Meanwhile, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel has begun offering an online service for guests to book such babysitters.

Around 36.8 million foreign visitors came to Japan in 2024, of which about 690,000 were aged 4 or younger, according to government data.

Akane Kakishima, a senior researcher at the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation, noted that such services "could also help revitalize the nighttime economy" as trips with children tend to limit opportunities for adult-focused spending.
 
 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moved into the official residence of the prime minister from the dormitory for members of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, on Monday.

Her husband, Taku Yamamoto, will also live in the prime minister's official residence, located in the Nagatacho district of Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, to receive continued support for his rehabilitation from his wife, according to people close to the prime minister.

Yamamoto, a former lawmaker of the Lower House, has suffered a stroke.
Earlier this month, Takaichi posted on X, formerly Twitter, that she would move into the official residence so that she can swiftly deal with a possible emergency, saying, "Crisis management is crucial for running a country."

The prime minister's official residence sits next to the office of the prime minister. The dormitory for Lower House members is in the Akasaka district of the Japanese capital's Minato Ward, adjacent to Chiyoda Ward.
 
 

Japan's transport ministry and the Cabinet Office announced on Friday a roadmap for revitalizing the country's shipbuilding industry, aiming to double annual ship output to 18 million gross tons by 2035 through sector realignment.

Japan's share of the global shipbuilding market has dwindled due to competition from China and South Korea. The government now hopes to regain a share of around 20 pct.

The roadmap calls for consolidating domestic shipbuilding companies into one to three groups by 2028. It has already been decided that a vessel design firm jointly established by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and Imabari Shipbuilding Co. will receive investments from three major shipping companies.

The roadmap also calls for investing in vessels that carry crude oil and food and those that transport liquefied carbon dioxide, as well as next-generation ships that use ammonia fuel.

Shipbuilding is one of the 17 priority investment areas proposed by the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. At a press conference on Friday, transport minister Yasushi Kaneko said that the roadmap features "ambitious but achievable" goals.