News On Japan
January 10, 2025
A legendary creature has appeared atop a mountain in Ehime Prefecture. What is its true identity?
Image of Pegasus Appears on Ehime Mountain

Kyoto City’s accommodation tax, introduced in 2018, is likely to see an increase, with the maximum rate potentially rising to 10,000 yen.

The New York Times has released its list of "52 Places to Go in 2025," selecting Toyama and Osaka among the featured locations.


SOCIETY | January 10, 2025
A streetlight collapsed and struck an elementary school boy, leaving him with a serious injury.
Image of Streetlight Falls, Severely Injures School Boy

A leader of a massive scouting group has been arrested on suspicion of introducing women to illegal 'fuzoku' establishments. The group is believed to have earned around 7 billion yen through tactics described as akin to human trafficking.

This year marks 80 years since the end of World War II, yet some individuals in the Philippines, torn apart from their Japanese parents during the war, continue to live as "stateless" citizens. An investigation sheds light on the lives of these Japanese descendants.

Reports of wild boars in urban areas are on the rise, creating concern among residents. In Fukuoka Prefecture, a wild boar was seen persistently following a white car waiting to turn at an intersection, refusing to leave its side.


Heavy snowfall has caused damage to Hirosaki Castle, and further precautions are needed as the season’s strongest cold wave is expected to hit starting the evening of January 7th.
Image of Hirosaki Castle Suffers Severe Damage as Heavy Snow Topples Trees

Foreign tourists have arrived in large numbers, joining the New Year crowds across popular locations in Tokyo.

Kyushu, Japan's southern-most main island, offers rich culture, local delicacies and beautiful natural landscapes, however, many international tourists don't make it here. In this video, we go on a 4-day trip to introduce the island's four largest cities. (japan-guide.com)

An annual New Year's event showcasing Plarail collections has kicked off in Osaka’s Nanko district, marking the 65th anniversary of the beloved toy enjoyed across generations.

In Kami Town, Hyogo Prefecture, a traditional ritual praying for health and a bountiful harvest by blackening faces and worshipping the 'Mountain Deity' was held. Boys were seen smearing ink on each other's faces during the event.


Since the war, Japan began to show technological prowess the likes of which the world had never seen. After a shocking betrayal, Sony founded what would become the world's most successful video game console chain. PlayStation was here to stay. We celebrate the 30th anniversary of this console with a documentary that rises to the occasion. (TRNGL)
Image of SONY | The history of PlayStation | 30th Anniversary Documentary

When Kirie runs into Azami in the dead of the night, she's in for the shock of her life. (Netflix Anime)

Asahi Breweries has decided to terminate its commercial contract with Yoshizawa. According to sources, Yoshizawa entered a neighboring apartment without permission while intoxicated.

Ichikawa Danjuro, 47, stars in "Futatsu Gamana Tebon Sansho: Uraomote Chushingura," which opened at the Shinbashi Enbujo theater.

Did you know that there are some VERY inappropriate Japanese things that are hidden in the Mario games? From the real origins of the tanuki suit, to the dark history of the warp pipes, to Mario's sexiest enemy that was cut from the game! Today, we're looking at some of the most controversial things that you never knew about the Mario games! (Mrs Eats)


According to Teikoku Databank, the estimated cost of preparing one serving of curry rice in November reached 377 yen.

In an in-depth interview with Kenjiro Kimura, a mathematics genius and professor at Kobe University, a mathematics genius and professor at Kobe University, uses mathematics to explain the principles behind chemical reactions, which have traditionally relied on empirical rules. The interview delved into what the future might hold if his research succeeds and what Kimura aims to achieve.

The advanced technology trade show "CES" opened in Las Vegas, where Panasonic announced a new strategy to increase AI-related business to 30% of the group's total sales.

At CES, the world's largest cutting-edge technology trade show, Sony Group has unveiled a new device aimed at expanding its entertainment business. The device generates 3D computer graphics (CG) using standard cameras.


BUSINESS | January 10, 2025
Japanese automakers reported last year’s new car sales in China, revealing a year-on-year decline across all three major manufacturers. In response, they are working to restructure operations and strengthen their market strategies.
Image of Japanese Automakers Struggle in China

Fast Retailing, the operator of Uniqlo and other brands, has announced plans to raise its starting salary to 330,000 yen.

The nine-day New Year holiday, often hailed as a "miraculous break," has come to an end, and everyday life is gradually resuming. However, for some, this period marked a turning point—deciding to quit their jobs. One resignation service provider reported a record-high number of client requests.

Ahead of the opening of CES, the world’s largest technology expo, Sony Group and Honda have unveiled their first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) model under the ‘AFEELA’ brand.

The Tokyo stock market opened its first trading session of the year with a sharp decline, raising concerns about the state of Japan’s economy in the months ahead. The Nikkei average fell by more than 600 yen at one point compared to the previous year-end, a disappointing start for investors hoping for an optimistic beginning to 2025.