Japan

Japan

Rattled by Trump, Japan seeks closer ties with Europe

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets US President Donald Trump this Thursday in Washington. A long-planned visit upended by the Iran war. It's a tricky moment for the Japanese leader who needs to balance Trump's unpredictability with Tokyo's security needs.

18/03/2026

Destinations

Japan tourism is booming as travellers look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Authentic experiences and adventure are driving growth in Japan, while next year’s Green Expo in Yokohama will bring natural and cultural sites to the fore.

12/03/2026

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Japan marks 15th anniversary of earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster

Japan marked the 15th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster with ceremonies and a nationwide moment of silence.

11/03/2026

Japan

Fukushima reflects on recovery 15 years after nuclear plant disaster

On 11 March 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck northeastern Japan, triggering a tsunami that devastated coastal communities in Tohoku and caused the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Fifteen years on, rebuilding continues.

11/03/2026

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Japanese startup rocket launch fails shortly after takeoff

Japanese startup Space One aborted the launch of its Kairos rocket shortly after liftoff, ending its attempt to become the country’s first private company to put a satellite into orbit.

05/03/2026

Sci-Tech

Japan’s new space pioneers

In partnership with The Government of Japan

Japan is transforming space technology into commercial solutions to safeguard Earth’s increasingly crowded orbit.

03/03/2026

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Japan tests AI robot monk ‘Buddharoid’ to guide Buddhist faithful

An AI powered robot monk called Buddharoid debuts in a Kyoto temple, answering personal questions and raising new questions about faith and technology.

26/02/2026

Sci-Tech

Inside Japan’s biotech scene: personalised DNA and cancer care

In partnership with The Government of Japan

As Japan faces the challenges of a rapidly ageing population, homegrown biotech pioneers are redefining the boundaries of preventative medicine and precision oncology.

23/02/2026

Travel News

New luxury tourist train from Osaka to launch this April

Passengers will be able to explore pilgrimage routes, Shingon Buddhist temples and the largest cemetery in Japan.

22/02/2026

Nature

Teenagers often dress to look older – new study shows fish do it too

Highly territorial, clownfish use colour patterns and size as markers of their social rank.

22/02/2026

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Fans flock to Japan zoo to see viral baby monkey Punch

The baby monkey, named "Punch", has drawn attention online and among visitors who have come to see him in person.

21/02/2026

Economy

Japan narrowly avoids a technical recession in 2025, report shows

Japan's economy grew at only a 0.2% annual pace in the last quarter of 2025, according to a government report released this Monday. Growth for all of last year came in at just 1.1%.

16/02/2026

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Japan: Akiba Festival draws crowds despite winter cold

Japan’s Akiba Festival in Niyodogawa features samurai parades and fire rituals, preserving a 200-year-old prayer for protection from disasters.

13/02/2026

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Snow and ice sculptures draw visitors to winter festival in Japan

Visitors gathered in Sapporo as the annual snow festival concluded after eight days of large-scale snow and ice sculptures across the city.

13/02/2026

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Farmers drive tractors through Madrid to oppose Mercosur agreement

Hundreds of tractors and thousands of farmers entered Madrid on Tuesday to protest against the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement with Latin American countries.

12/02/2026

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Japanese swordsmith sees renewed interest in centuries-old katana craft

A traditional swordsmith in Japan says growing pop culture interest is bringing new, younger audiences to the centuries-old art of katana making.

11/02/2026

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Heavy snowfall in Japan leaves at least 45 dead, more than 500 injured

Heavy snowfall across Japan since January 20 has left at least 45 people dead and 500 injured nationwide.

07/02/2026

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Pokémon theme park opens in Japan as tourism boom drives demand

Japan welcomed a new attraction in Tokyo on Thursday with the opening of PokéPark Kanto, Pokémon’s first permanent theme park.

06/02/2026

Business

Toyota profit slides 43% after finance chief is tapped as new CEO

Japan’s biggest carmaker reports a sharp quarterly earnings drop, citing tariff pressures and rising costs, while announcing a leadership change at the top.

06/02/2026

Travel News

Mount Fuji cherry blossom festival cancelled over tourist behaviour

The local council said issues of traffic congestion, disruption for residents and littering have been growing in recent years.

06/02/2026

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Japan hit by deadly heavy snowfall leaving 30 dead and remote areas buried

Unusually heavy snow in Japan has killed 30 people and buried some regions under 4.5 metres, forcing troops to help clear roads and support the elderly.

03/02/2026

No Comment

Record snowfall triggers chaos across parts of Japan

Weather officials in Japan warn of heavy snowfall along the Sea of Japan coast, with up to 70 cm expected in some regions.

29/01/2026

Destinations

Tokyo pub bans older customers saying they complain too much

The chain claims it merely wants its patrons’ preferences to match its boisterous atmosphere, but the move has sparked controversy.

28/01/2026

Moments

Why visiting Japan in cherry blossom season could cost less this year

Both independent travel and tour packages are seeing more competitive pricing this year.

25/01/2026

Japan

Japan's PM dissolves parliament after only three months in office

The move by Sanae Takaichi is an attempt to capitalise on her popularity to help her governing party regain ground after major losses in recent years.

23/01/2026

Economy

Japan's central bank holds rates steady ahead of elections

The Bank of Japan announced this Friday that its policy interest rate remains unchanged at 0.75%. The decision comes after a huge sell-off in Japanese bonds this week, triggered by Prime Minister Takaichi's call for snap elections, and unfunded tax cuts that fuelled inflation fears.

23/01/2026