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Latest News

In March alone, the number of non-Japanese international passengers using Narita Airport rose 11% from a year earlier to 2,003,482, a record high for the month.
JAPAN
Apr 24, 2025
Narita Airport reports 16% increase in passengers
The airport's overall passenger count in fiscal 2024 totaled 40,774,055, topping 40 million for the first time in five years.
Under new rules, those who use smartphones while riding a bicycle would be subject to the maximum fine of ¥12,000.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Apr 24, 2025
Japan set to fine cyclists on the spot for rule violations from 2026
Until now, police have usually responded to cycling violations by issuing verbal warnings or handing out red tickets that can lead to prosecution.
Regional lenders Daishi Hokuetsu Financial Group and Gunma Bank have entered into an agreement to consolidate their businesses in 2027.
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 24, 2025
Regional lenders Daishi Hokuetsu and Gunma Bank agree to consolidate
The banks have entered a memorandum of understanding to integrate their businesses under a holding company structure on or around April 1, 2027.
Toyota Motor’s sales rose 8% from a year earlier to 231,336 units, while Honda Motor recorded a 13% jump, according to data released Thursday.
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 24, 2025
Japanese carmakers’ U.S. sales surge ahead of Trump tariffs
Toyota Motor’s sales rose 8% from a year earlier to 231,336 units, while Honda Motor recorded a 13% jump, according to data released Thursday.
Japan is planning to implement by March 2029 a new online screening system in which foreign visitors who don’t need a visa apply for a certification before entering the country.
JAPAN
Apr 24, 2025
Japan brings forward deadline for electronic travel authorization system
In fiscal 2028, Japan aims to introduce the system for certifying foreign visitors who don't need a visa ahead of their arrival in the country.
A Sudanese soldier prays in front of a burned-out armored vehicle in Khartoum, Sudan, on March 28.
WORLD
Apr 24, 2025
'No one else will': Sudan's journalists risk all to report the war
Since fighting erupted between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023, at least 28 reporters have been killed, according to Sudan's journalist union.
Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is is expected to meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington.
BUSINESS / Economy
Apr 24, 2025
U.S. indicates no hard target for yen ahead of key trade talks
The United States has argued that the yen is too weak, making its value against the dollar a top agenda item in trade discussions.
Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward is expected to be the top pick in the NFL draft on Thursday.
MORE SPORTS / Football
Apr 24, 2025
Titans expected to take QB Cam Ward with top pick of NFL draft
Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns for Miami last season.
Former rugby league player Jordan Mailata won the Super Bowl with the Eagles last season.
MORE SPORTS / Football
Apr 24, 2025
Australians eye NFL draft in hopes of finding next Jordan Mailata
Mailata's ascent to the pinnacle of the game was big news in Australia.
An Apple store in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward in September. Prices for the newest iPhone models start at around ¥100,000 ($700) in Japan.
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 24, 2025
Amid uncertain tariffs, is now the time to buy a new iPhone?
The tariffs add another layer of uncertainty for consumers already hesitating due to the yen's weakness and inflation.
The Celtics'  Kristaps Porzingis is helped off the court after suffering a cut during the second half against the Magic in Boston on Wednesday.
BASKETBALL / NBA
Apr 24, 2025
Celtics beat Magic in physical battle in Game 2
The Celtics took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
KDDI President and CEO Hiromichi Matsuda is interviewed in Tokyo last week.
BUSINESS / Companies
Apr 24, 2025
KDDI aims to use direct satellite link for drones
A direct link with satellites will make it easier to operate drones in mountainous areas and other regions where radio waves are hard to reach
Henriette Jaeger crosses the finish line win a women's 400-meter heat at the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, on March 7.
MORE SPORTS / Athletics
Apr 24, 2025
Norwegian athletes advised to avoid meat in China over doping fears
The 2025 World Athletics Relays will take place in early May at the Guangdong Olympic Stadium in Guangzhou, while the Diamond League event in Shanghai is scheduled for May 3.
Japan Post conducted a nationwide survey after it was revealed in January that a post office in Hyogo Prefecture had neglected to perform the required checks.
JAPAN
Apr 24, 2025
Improper alcohol and health checks on drivers found at 75% of Japan Post offices
The irregularities included fabricating records without conducting the checks.

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.