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September 30, 2025
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September 30, 2025
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Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi touts his own "experience and achievement" during the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election candidate debate at Nihon Kisha Club in Tokyo on September 24.
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Japan’s ‘Mr. 119’ might be facing his biggest challenge yet
By Eric Johnston
Time is running out for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi to convince colleagues in the Liberal Democratic Party that he is best suited to lead them.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi touts his own "experience and achievement" during the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential election candidate debate at Nihon Kisha Club in Tokyo on September 24.
The Tokyo government revised its flood prevention guidelines to implement preventive measures for underground spaces that are considered to be at the highest risk of flooding, such as subway stations.
JAPAN / Society
Tokyo revises flood guidelines amid recent years’ abnormal weather
By Yukana Inoue
The revision, the first since 2008, incorporates the use of artificial intelligence for risk assessments and updates flood prevention measures.
Japanese researchers estimated that as of 2023, there were 316,900 people in Japan with ulcerative colitis and 95,700 with Crohn’s disease.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Japan sees 40% surge in chronic bowel disease cases over eight years
By Jessica Speed
On a population basis, a study published this month shows prevalence is now 254.8 cases of ulcerative colitis and 77.0 cases of Crohn’s per 100,000 people.
Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi at a debate at the Japan National Press Club with other candidates for the Liberal Democratic Party presidency on Sept. 24
BUSINESS / Economy
Takaichi moots U.S. tariff deal do-over when asked about $550 billion pledge
By Francis Tang
The woman who could become Japan’s next prime minister raises questions about the agreement.
Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
JAPAN / Society / Longform
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?
By Alex K.T. Martin
Soaring property costs, foreign investment and scarce supply are reshaping who can afford to live in central Tokyo.
Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.

JAPAN

Hokkaido is reconsidering the possibility of hosting a casino resort, several years after Gov. Naomichi Suzuki halted plans for one.
Hokkaido cities consider fresh bet on casino resort
By Eric Johnston
Citing concerns over gambling addiction and possible environmental impacts, Hokkaido's governor said it will be challenging to gain public acceptance for a casino bid.
Itsumi Tanaka smiles as she is complimented during lunchtime at Grandma’s Cafe in the city of Fukuoka.
‘Grandma’s Cafe’ offers purpose and income for elderly
A company in Fukuoka Prefecture is operating unique eateries where elderly women, some with dementia, welcome guests with homestyle cooking.
Parliamentary vote to select new prime minister eyed for Oct. 14 or later
Japanese woman strives to promote sake in India
Osaka Expo visitors exceed breakeven point
Chinese ship spotted within Japan's EEZ off island in Kagoshima

BUSINESS

A Toyota dealership in Beijing. Toyota’s record sales run, including steady growth in China and North America, lost steam in August.
Toyota buoyed by China and North America as Japan sales slump
By Nicholas Takahashi
The world’s biggest carmaker has seen steady growth throughout the year in most major markets despite the recent downturn in Japan and trade turmoil.
Sony Financial Group CEO Toshihide Endo strikes the trading bell during the company's listing ceremony at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Monday.
Sony Financial surges in spinoff listing in Tokyo trading debut
By Yasutaka Tamura
The reference price for Sony ’s financial unit was set at ¥150 last week, which would translate into a market capitalization of about ¥1 trillion ($6.7 billion).
Mizuho vies with Nomura to manage money for Japan’s wealthy
By Ryo Horiuchi and Taro Fuse
China's new K visa beckons foreign tech talent as U.S. hikes H-1B fee
By Eduardo Baptista
Nidec shares slide after widening accounting scandal hurts trust
By Yuki Furukawa
Magnificent Seven is passe, but what can take its place?
By Ryan Vlastelica

WORLD

Officials in South Korea have not given a timetable for the full restoration of disrupted services caused by a fire that broke out during routine maintenance in a server room at the state-run National Information Resources Service in Daejeon on Friday.
South Korea scrambles to restore digital services after server fire
By Heejin Kim and Heekyong Yang
Authorities said 62 government services had been restored of about 647 systems affected after a fire broke out at the state-run National Information Resources Service on Friday.
Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was directing the U.S. military to deploy to the city
National guard troops called up after Trump's Portland announcement
By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart and Nate Raymond
The U.S. president on Saturday announced plans to send troops into Portland to protect federal immigration facilities against "domestic terrorists."
Hong Kong activist Nathan Law says he was denied Singapore entry
Strings of identity: Kashmir's fading music endures
By Mukhtar ZAHOOR
'Clog the toilet' trolls hit Indian visa holders rushing back to U.S.
By Bill MCCARTHY and Anuj Chopra
Botox under burqas: Cosmetic surgery in vogue in Afghanistan
By Claire Gounon

Sports

Onosato's victory at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament gave him his fifth Emperor’s Cup at the age of 25.
Onosato’s fifth title cements preeminent position in Japan’s national sport
By John Gunning
The question now is just how many Emperor’s Cups can the massive yokozuna win?
India and Pakistan trade barbs after Asia Cup trophy debacle
Hawks take step toward Japan Series redo with Pacific League title
By Jason Coskrey
Guardians complete historic comeback to beat Tigers to AL Central crown
Rory McIlroy labels unruly fan behavior at Ryder Cup 'unacceptable'

Opinion

Shipping containers near the Yangshan Deepwater Port in Shanghai. The U.S. under President Donald Trump has revived mercantilist trade policies to favor American industry, but China is outpacing the U.S.
Why America will lose its mercantilist game to China
John Authers
There is already one country that has been practicing mercantilism for decades and it appears to be a step ahead of the U.S. as it starts to play the same game: China.
Indictment of Comey subverts justice and the Trump administration’s credibility
By Barbara McQuade
For whom the Ukrainian bell tolls
By Anna Husarska
Trump vs. universities: Can the innovation ecosystem be rebuilt?
By Kousuke Saitou
Donald Trump’s self-aggrandizing peacemaker hype
By Brahma Chellaney

ENVIRONMENT

Data storage tapes at the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center facility in Berkeley, California. Data centers consume massive amounts of electricity and water, and that will only rise as generative artificial intelligence takes off in earnest.
Japan faces fresh energy challenge as it seeks to expand power-hungry data centers
By Eric Margolis
The growth could have major effects on both Japan’s standing in the fight against climate change and its industrial competitiveness on the world stage.
Beijing takes the lead with new climate plans amid Washington’s denial
By Valerie Volcovici and Yukun Zhang
In bid to upend global energy policy, Trump denies climate change in U.N. speech
By Brian Kahn
The unexpected upside of Canada's wildfires 
By Ed White
As Japan keeps buying gas, Aboriginal Australians pay the price
By Mara Budgen

CULTURE

Yuanhui Li's illustration is one of the awardees in the student category of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators' annual award for artists.
Architecture art exhibition highlights unsung industry artists
By Zoria Petkoska
For only the second time in its 39-year history, the “Architecture in Perspective” exhibition will take place in Japan's capital.
Nodoka Okisawa is carrying the baton for Seiji Ozawa in Matsumoto
By Chiho Iuchi
‘Hero’s Island’: Okinawa-set epic is lavishly realized but lacks bite
By James Hadfield
The familiar is made surreal in ‘After the Quake’
By Mark Schilling
Finding jazz in J-pop: Patrick Bartley’s musical second language
By Ryne Hisada

LIFE

The Osaka Expo will release a wave a new products in October, including a limited edition Labubu Myaku-Myaku figurine.
Myaku-Myaku gets the Labubu treatment at the Osaka Expo
By Alyssa I. Smith
With just weeks left before its final day, Osaka Expo is dialing up the ugly cuteness of its beloved blobby mascot and tapping into the global Labubu craze.
Oh, Ed(o)! Where have all the vowels gone?
By Peter Backhaus
Tokyo Game Show 2025 leans into renewal and rebirth
By Gendel Gento
With new Tokyo bar, Shingo Gokan's bartending journey comes full circle
By Melinda Joe
‘Pluriversal’ Singapore Design Week brings solution-oriented works
By John L. Tran

COMMUNITY

The Kyoto International Entrepreneur Community brings together local and global professionals from a range of industries, backgrounds and ages and collaborates with government-sponsored entities and nonprofit organizations.
Stirred, not shaken: Kyoto business platform blends local and global
By Samantha Seghers
Since its launch in 2018, the Kyoto International Entrepreneur Community has amassed a diverse membership and built solid relationships with local organizations.
Linda Joyce: ‘We hope people recognize the benefits of exploring rural areas’
By Louise George Kittaka
Tax-advantaged investments no lost cause for U.S. residents of Japan
By Gendel Gento
The journey of Peru’s Nikkei: Finding identity in Japan
By Christoph Sponsel
When a typhoon isn’t really a typhoon, I’ll be there to tell you about it
By Daniel Traylor

Editors' Picks

CULTURE
Architecture art exhibition highlights unsung industry artists
By Zoria Petkoska
Yuanhui Li's illustration is one of the awardees in the student category of the American Society of Architectural Illustrators' annual award for artists.
MORE SPORTS
Can Japan crack the China code in table tennis?
By Mai Yoshikawa
Tomokazu Harimoto waits for China's Wang Chuqin to serve during the men's singles final at the WTT Champions Yokohama 2025 tournament on Aug. 11.
LIFE
Auberge Eaufeu brings French flair to a quiet village in Ishikawa
By Robbie Swinnerton
Located in the village of Kanagaso in Ishikawa Prefecture, Auberge Eaufeu is housed in a former elementary school that has been converted into a French-style inn.
JAPAN
Taiwan showcases chipmaking prowess as a private exhibitor at Osaka Expo
By Tomoko Otake
Visitors wait in line to enter the Tech World pavilion at the Osaka Expo on Thursday.
LIFE
Tokyo retains Michelin crown with 160 starred restaurants for 2026
By Weiwen Lin
Tokyo's current crop of three-Michelin-starred establishments includes six Japanese restaurants, five specializing in French cuisine and one that does Chinese cuisine.

Podcast

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

Longform

Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?
By Alex K.T. Martin

JT Directory Service

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SUSTAINABLE JAPAN

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 6th annual Sustainable Japan Award.
We are pleased to announce the winners of the 6th annual Sustainable Japan Award.
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WHAT’S TRENDING

JAPAN
Japanese team detects gradual seafloor caving near Nankai Trough
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at the Prime Minister's Office on Sept. 1 during an anti-disaster drill simulating an earthquake in the Nankai Trough.
JAPAN
Osaka Expo visitors exceed breakeven point
The Osaka Expo in Osaka on Sept. 13. The daily number of visitors to the expo has topped 200,000 since mid-September as its Oct. 13 closing approaches.
JAPAN
Is living in central Tokyo still affordable?
By Alex K.T. Martin
Growing families are being priced out of Tokyo’s condo market, forced to choose between downtown convenience and suburban space.
BUSINESS
Japan private-sector pay hits record in 2024
The average salary for men was ¥5.87 million, up 3.2%, and that of women was ¥3.33 million, up 5.5%, both marking record highs.
JAPAN
Japan revises 30-year probability rate of Nankai Trough megaquake
A newspaper headline in Japanese about a possible Nankai Trough earthquake. In a report issued Friday, the government's Earthquake Research Committee widened the probability range for a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake occurring off the country's Pacific coast within the next 30 years from "around 80%" to 60% to 94.5% or higher.