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September 17, 2025
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September 17, 2025
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Smoke rises from Gaza City, in the Gaza Strip, after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the border on Tuesday.
WORLD
Israel unleashes massive ground assault on Gaza City
A U.N. commission accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the Palestinian territory, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials had incited the crime.
Smoke rises from Gaza City, in the Gaza Strip, after an explosion, as seen from the Israeli side of the border on Tuesday.
Tyler Robinson, 22, the suspect in the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, appears by camera before Judge Tony Graf of the 4th District Court on Tuesday for his initial appearance in Provo, Utah.
WORLD / Politics
Prosecutors to seek death penalty for suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination
By Brad Brooks and Joseph Ax
The killing sparked denunciations of political violence but also raised concern that Kirk's murder might beget more bloodshed.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attends a news conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Sept. 7
JAPAN / Politics
Ishiba may visit South Korea for talks with Lee, sources say
The trip, if realized, would be Ishiba's first visit to South Korea since taking office in October last year.
Taiwanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei
JAPAN
Taiwan and China clashed at Japan envoy's residence in Denmark
The two sides clashed during a reception celebrating the Japanese emperor's birthday, with China's irate ambassador ultimately leaving the room.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces his intention to resign during a news conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Sept. 7. The Japanese leader decided to step down following weeks of calls for his departure in the aftermath of a second national election setback. 
COMMENTARY / Japan
Can anyone save the fracturing Liberal Democratic Party?
Michael MacArthur Bosack
This is shaping up to be an even less predictable race than the last one, when Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pulled off a surprise victory.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces his intention to resign during a news conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Sept. 7. The Japanese leader decided to step down following weeks of calls for his departure in the aftermath of a second national election setback. 

JAPAN

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announces he will run in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, on Tuesday in Tokyo.
Hayashi throws hat in the ring for LDP leadership race
By Eric Johnston
The chief cabinet secretary is seen as a counterbalance to the more right-leaning former economic security ministers Sanae Takaichi and Takayuki Kobayashi.
Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi announces his bid for the Liberal Democratic Party's presidency in Tokyo on Tuesday.
In LDP leadership bid, Kobayashi touts ‘moderate’ stance as selling point
By Gabriele Ninivaggi
Kobayashi pledged to make Japan a tech powerhouse again, boost defense spending and push through a generational change in the LDP if elected party chief.
New Japanese political party to install AI leader
Woman admits killing ex-boyfriend found dead in suitcase
Japan dispatches five language education 'partners' to India
Older people using electric wheelchairs and bikes warned of fall risks

BUSINESS

Pastry shop Chez Shibata opens on the newly renovated basement floor of Seibu Ikebukuro on Tuesday in Tokyo's Toshima Ward.
Seibu's Ikebukuro store to open new 'depachika' food floor
A highlight of the renovated basement floor is the opening of 10 new cake shops, including Chez Shibata, which is opening its first shop in the Kanto region.
"Laughter is important when you're in a difficult situation," said Katsunori Takemoto, president of Choshi Electric Railway, on Aug. 5 in Choshi, Chiba Prefecture.
Struggling train firm in Chiba Prefecture turns to self-deprecating humor
Along with a nickname referencing its financial woes, Choshi Electric Railway is selling "Mazui-bo," a snack named after the company's mazui, or "bad" fiscal situation.
Nikkei 225 breaks 45,000 for the first time ever
By Francis Tang
South Korean Presidential Office says tariff talks with U.S. stalled
Astroscale anticipates more satellite orders from U.K. and Japan
By Reina Sasaki
U.S. tariffs on Japanese autos formally cut to 15% from 27.5%
By Francis Tang

WORLD

Visitors look at a model of the China's Fujian aircraft carrier at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, China, last November.
China offers latest hint that newest aircraft carrier could soon enter service
By Jesse Johnson
Observers say that a commissioning ceremony could come as early as next month, though training for carrier-based aircraft must still be conducted.
Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house in Gaza City on Tuesday.
Israel says 'Gaza is burning' as it launches ground assault
Gaza health officials reported at least 24 people killed, most of them in Gaza City, in the early hours of the assault.
The communist warrior stranded for decades in an ‘American colony’
By Choe Sang-Hun
He risked everything to leave China for the U.S. Then he was sent back.
By Vivian Wang and Berry Wang
China says Philippine ship ‘deliberately rammed’ coast guard vessel in South China Sea
By Jesse Johnson
Lack of successor keeps U.K.'s Starmer safe as Labour mulls his ouster
By Alex Wickham

Sports

Fans cheer on the home favorites during the women's marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday.
Japanese athletes inspired by raucous home fans at World Athletics Championships
By Sam Byford
The atmosphere at National Stadium has been raucous in the opening days of the championships, particularly when hometown heroes are on the track or field.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone breaks U.S. record on way to 400 final at worlds
By Jason Coskrey
Muratake misses out on medal as Tinch takes 110-meter hurdle gold
By Sam Byford
Japanese baseball grapples with shrinking player base
Cycling fears spread of race-halting protests after Vuelta chaos
By Jacques KLOPP

Opinion

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announces his intention to resign during a news conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Sept. 7. The Japanese leader decided to step down following weeks of calls for his departure in the aftermath of a second national election setback. 
Can anyone save the fracturing Liberal Democratic Party?
Michael MacArthur Bosack
This is shaping up to be an even less predictable race than the last one, when Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pulled off a surprise victory.
Trump 2.0 and the U.S.-South Korea alliance
By Kohtaro Ito
‘Perfect Days’ spent pondering the Japanese potty
By Brad Glosserman
Can Australia achieve a third economic golden age?
By Daniel Moss
Is violence policy in Donald Trump’s new America?
By Jan-Werner Mueller

ENVIRONMENT

Artificial intelligence avatar Una will appear at the U.N. pavilion at Osaka Expo later this month as part of initiatives to combat climate change.
Japan-backed AI avatar to promote climate action at expo
The anime-inspired female character, Una, was developed as part of climate initiatives supported by the Japanese government.
Malaysia's largest island state aims to be region's 'green battery'
By Jan HENNOP
Rising oceans to threaten 1.5 million Australians by 2050, report says
By Laura Chung
U.S. moves to scrap emissions reporting by polluters
Scientists link major carbon emitters to worsening heat waves
By Coco Liu and Eric Roston

CULTURE

A statue of young swordsman Tanjiro Kamado, the main character in the "Demon Slayer" anime franchise, is on display at a cinema in Tokyo's Ikebukuro neighborhood.
Japan’s box office belongs to 'Demon Slayer' as latest film ranks second all time
By Tomohiro Osaki
“Infinity Castle” entry has overtaken “Spirited Away,” making the franchise the undisputed king of Japan’s all-time box office.
Robert Redford, screen idol turned director and activist, dies at 89
'Adolescence' and 'The Studio' dominate television's Emmy Awards
By Andrew Marszal
Mei Ehara’s third album finds clarity in the noise
By Patrick St. Michel
‘100 Meters’ brings kinetic energy to rivalry drama
By Matt Schley

LIFE

A stay at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is one of Bali's priciest choices — but also one of its most uncompromisingly luxurious.
In Bali, the Ritz-Carlton’s ultraluxury Mandapa hotel marks 10 years
By Owen Ziegler
One of just nine “Reserve” properties around the world, Mandapa offers a delightfully unsanitized take on a rainforest retreat.
From tofu to teriyaki: Japanese essentials for the home cook
By Simon Daly
The sweet rise of Okinawan rum
By Miriam Gradel
'He's a regular man, not unlike us': Marking 40 years of Mario games
By Kilian Fichou and Mathias Cena
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s announcement hits all the right notes in Japan
By Yuko Tamura

COMMUNITY

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Swastika Jajoo (fourth from right) began attending the daily radio calisthenics routine at Sendai’s Kitasanbancho Park and struck up unexpected friendships with a group of elderly residents.
Calisthenic companions bridge cultures and generations
By Swastika Jajoo
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a doctoral student in Sendai found friendship in unexpected places.
Melos Han-Tani: ‘Figuring out what you value is valuable for any artist’
By Gendel Gento
Gentle care is the key to Cymbal’s heart
Canadian-born politician tackles Ibaraki’s issues big and small
By Gendel Gento
Smiley, spirited Hampen will run into your arms

Editors' Picks

MORE SPORTS
Pole vault rivals in awe after Duplantis has another historic night in Tokyo
By Jason Coskrey
Sweden's Armand Duplantis competes in the men's pole fault final during the World Athletics Championships at National Stadium in Tokyo on Monday.
CULTURE
Japan's major art events converge this fall
By Zoria Petkoska and Thu-Huong Ha
Shinji Ohmaki’s “Tokinokage” exhibited at Fuji Textile Week 2021 shows the use of fabric as art.
MORE SPORTS
Tara Davis-Woodhall leaps to gold and finds redemption at world championships
By Jason Coskrey
Tara Davis-Woodhall celebrates after winning the women's long jump final at the World Athletics Championships at Tokyo's National Stadium on Sunday night.
LIFE
An aesthetic escape to Hakone’s art-drenched hills
By Erik Augustin Palm
Between traditional examples of fine art and sleek, modern exhibitions that blend with nature, Hakone offers a unique escape from Tokyo's urban sprawl.
BUSINESS
Niinami’s ouster quick but not unusual as corporations protect reputation
By Kazuaki Nagata
Takeshi Niinami resigns as chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo’s ‘stadium of desire’

Longform

Sumadori Bar on Shibuya Ward's main Center Gai street targets young customers who prefer low-alcohol drinks or abstain altogether.
Rethinking that second drink: Japan’s Gen Z gets ‘sober curious’
By Alex K.T. Martin

JT Directory Service

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SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

Foreign wrestlers have a long history in sumo
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WHAT’S TRENDING

JAPAN
Haneda Airport security staff arrested over theft
Tokyo police have arrested a 21-year-old security inspector at Haneda Airport after he allegedly stole cash from a passenger during a baggage inspection.
JAPAN
Japan's elderly population down at around 36.2 million
The estimated number of people age 65 or older in Japan stands at 36.19 million as of Monday, accounting for record 29.4% of the country's total population, according to the internal affairs ministry.
JAPAN
SDF spots China’s biggest aircraft carrier for first time
By Sakura Murakami
The Fujian aircraft carrier is seen in Shanghai in May 2024 as it leaves for its first sea trial.
WORLD
White House threatens broad crackdown on liberal groups
FBI Director Kash Patel (right) listens to senior White House adviser Stephen Miller speak in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Monday.
JAPAN
Why more hotels in Japan are offering room-only service
Nipponia Hotel Ise Kawasaki Merchant Town in Ise, Mie Prefecture