Japan

Residences

New hotels in Japan: The standout openings to book in 2026

From Kyoto heritage stays to a converted prison in Nara, Japan’s newest hotels reflect a shift towards design, identity and experience-led travel.

26/04/2026

Nature

Giant 19-metre-long octopuses may have ruled the ancient seas

Researchers studied the jaws of 15 ancient octopus fossils to determine how big the creatures may have been.

24/04/2026

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A robot Sony built with AI is defeating human pros at table tennis

Japanese electronics giant Sony built the robotic arm it calls Project Ace and pitted it against professional athletes.

23/04/2026

Earth News

Japan reveals a new official name for ‘cruelly hot’ days

‘Kokushobi’ will be used in weather forecasts to warn that extreme heat is on the way.

20/04/2026

Japan

Japan issues tsunami warning after powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake

Authorities have urged residents of the affected areas to seek higher ground, heed safety instructions and exercise caution.

20/04/2026

Tech News

Japan targets AI robot brains as China dominates humanoid race

At Japan’s first robotics expo, Tokyo turns to ‘physical AI’ as China and the US dominate robot manufacturing

18/04/2026

Travel News

Travelling to Japan? All the changes to tourist taxes and fees in 2026

Some of the increased fees apply to all travellers, but some can be avoided depending on when you visit and where you stay.

15/04/2026

Economy

Japan passes biggest ever budget at €664bn amid spending push

The upper house of the Japanese parliament has enacted a state budget of ¥122.3 trillion (€664bn), the largest allocation in the country's history. The move reflects PM Takaichi's goal of an expansionary fiscal policy.

07/04/2026

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Revellers parade giant phalluses at Japan’s fertility festival

Crowds pack Kawasaki for Kanamara Matsuri, Japan’s colourful fertility festival using phallic shrines to celebrate life and challenge sex taboos.

06/04/2026

Japan

Macron lauds Europe's 'predictability' in apparent swipe at Trump

Macron's office had expressed surprise at Trump's criticism of France for not letting planes carrying military supplies for the conflict fly over its territory.

01/04/2026

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Office chair Grand Prix rolls through Japanese streets

The ISU-1 Grand Prix in Japan is a two-hour office chair race where teams rotate riders, entertain crowds and compete for a grand prize of 90 kilos of rice.

30/03/2026

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Japan: Tokyo sakura season begins with Ueno Park picnics

Japan officially entered cherry blossom season in Tokyo on Thursday after the Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed the first blooming of Somei Yoshino trees at Yasukuni Shrine.

27/03/2026

Residences

Luxury farm resort from the founder of Aman to open in Japan

Azuma Farm Koiwai, which has just 24 guest rooms, was created in collaboration with Adrian Zecha’s Azumi brand and East Japan Railway Company (JR East).

20/03/2026

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