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The Japan TimesJapan's Upper House approved legislation on July 13, 2026, to establish a new disaster management agency under the Cabinet. The measures also target election-related misinformation on social media.
news.sky.comAuthorities issued heatstroke alerts across western Japan as dangerous temperatures are forecast to persist for several days. A strong high-pressure system will expand the heat eastward starting Tuesday while Tropical Storm Bavi transitions into an extratropical cyclone.
Officials removed a line from a draft policy document that had raised questions about monetary policy independence. Markets reacted with higher bond yields and a weaker yen before the change.
japantimes.co.jpThe legislation converts the existing Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office into a National Intelligence Council and National Intelligence Bureau. It marks Japan's first centralized intelligence structure since World War II.
matcha-jp.comThe 10-year Japanese government bond yield dropped 16 basis points on Friday to 2.71 percent after reaching 2.90 percent the prior day. The move followed comments from the finance minister on directing more pension assets domestically.
After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, multiple Russian intelligence operatives moved to Japan, citing the country's relatively weak counter-espionage laws and advanced technology sector. The relocation has drawn attention from Japanese security officials monitoring foreign act…
news.sky.comJapan’s internal affairs ministry has begun exploring autonomous AI agents to handle routine work at local governments facing labor shortages. A new study group held its first meeting Thursday and will issue reports through summer 2027.
thewire.inSatsuki Katayama said the government would pursue policies encouraging pension funds to increase Japanese asset purchases. The announcement on July 11 caused the yen to rise, The Japan Times reported.
Japan’s space agency completed the first liftoff and landing test of a reusable rocket prototype on Saturday. The vehicle reached about 10 meters in altitude and returned to the ground after a 40-second flight.
The Japan TimesThe agriculture ministry on Friday granted nationwide GI protection to Japanese tea for the first time. Two regional products also received registration, bringing the total to 170 items.
coindesk.comThe Tokyo-based firm is examining tokenized credit instruments collateralized by its 43,000 BTC holdings. Partners include JPYC and Progmat, with Siiibo Securities set to join after its July 13 rename.
The Japan TimesThe Lower House approved legislation on Friday that permits female imperial family members to retain their status after marriage and allows male members of former branches to rejoin through adoption. The bills now move to the Upper House for final review before the current parlia…
globalnews.caA government white paper released Friday reported that 72.2% of 522 surveyed lodging facilities experienced labor shortages. Midsize properties reported the highest rate at 77.1%. Officials said addressing the shortages is needed to support sustainable tourism growth.
The Japan TimesHousework, childcare and nursing care present larger obstacles to women than men seeking to return to education, the government's 2026 white paper on gender equality stated. A Cabinet Office survey found a 7.4-point gender gap in respondents citing these responsibilities as the t…
japantimes.co.jpOsaka payments firm Zentoshin filed for bankruptcy this week after years of suspected falsified statements. Regional banks and lenders hold the bulk of ¥115.16 billion in claims.
Japan TimesA group of 148 legal academics submitted a petition on July 9 opposing a bill that would criminalize damaging the national flag. The measure cleared the Lower House last week and could reach the Upper House later in July.
Japan TimesThe 10-year Japanese government bond yield reached 2.9 percent on July 9, 2026. Analysts differ on whether the Bank of Japan has fallen behind the market in raising rates.
focustaiwan.twTyphoon Bavi, packing 180 kph winds, is forecast to cross Okinawa's Sakishima islands between Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways canceled dozens of flights, and ferry services were suspended for two days.
Japan TimesAn Intage survey found average summer travel budgets reached ¥58,902, up ¥1,618 from last year. The June poll of 5,000 people covered plans for the July 18 to Sept. 30 period.
tokyoreporter.comThe Supreme Public Prosecutors Office is examining a 48-year-old prosecutor who led an LDP political funds inquiry. The prosecutor questioned a woman in her 30s between 2023 and 2024 and later began a relationship with her.
YonhapNorth Korea on Thursday called military cooperation between South Korea and Japan a foolish act of courting self-destruction. A commentary from the Korean Central News Agency said the cooperation would not weaken North Korea's nuclear deterrence.
Zentoshin, which served 200,000 shops, filed for bankruptcy on Monday. The filing marks Japan's largest corporate bankruptcy this year and will force writedowns at five regional banks.
japantimes.co.jpParliament passed legislation on July 8 extending a special measures law and adding six islands to those eligible for state aid. The changes aim to promote settlement, stay-based tourism and efforts against depopulation on remote border islands.
Japan TimesThe government updated its annual economic and fiscal agenda on July 8 to call for monetary policy that supports stable price increases. The change replaces earlier wording focused solely on achieving a stronger economy.
The Japan TimesJapanese and NATO officials met in Ankara on Tuesday to address concerns over China's military activities. The meeting included defense and foreign ministers from Japan and three other Indo-Pacific nations.
Japan TimesPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura agreed Tuesday evening to postpone debate on a bill to reduce Lower House seats until after the current parliamentary session. Neither leader provided details of the agreement after their seven-min…
The Japan TimesThe Tokyo Metropolitan Government is weighing an end to its 18-year ban on hunting Asian black bears. Officials cite population estimates of 120 to 378 animals and a recent hiker injury in western Tokyo.
en.antaranews.comThe Japanese crypto exchange reported 2 million registered accounts across VCTRADE and BITPOINT as of July 7, 2026. The total roughly doubled from 2025 levels following its merger with BitPoint Japan.
A Japanese cryptocurrency platform reported crossing two million registered accounts. Several Japanese companies have started offering Bitcoin and XRP in shareholder loyalty programs as the yen weakens.
Japan TimesShizuoka Prefecture has agreed to sign a nature conservation agreement with Central Japan Railway, ending years of delay over environmental concerns for the Chuo Shinkansen maglev project. The 9-kilometer section through the prefecture can now proceed.
Japan TimesPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended an Upper House committee meeting on Monday while her administration works to advance legislation ahead of the July 17 parliamentary close. The Japan Innovation Party is pressing for fulfillment of an October coalition deal on two contested m…
forbes.comSuntory has started buying Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare for ¥246.5 billion. The Japanese beverage company will take full ownership in about three years to expand into over-the-counter drugs and self-care products.
Japan TimesThe Japan Coast Guard stated Tuesday it ordered two Chinese coast guard vessels to leave waters near the Senkaku Islands after they approached a Japanese fishing boat. The incident marks the first such approach since June 10.
The Japan TimesOsamu Izawa, Japan's ambassador to NATO, said in a Brussels interview that shared values make European stability a Japanese interest. He added that NATO remains unified ahead of its Ankara summit.
Japan TimesResidents across western Japan held flower-offering ceremonies and moments of silence on July 6, 2026, to honor more than 300 victims of the 2018 torrential rain disaster. Local mayors and survivors stressed the need to pass on lessons from the event that struck 14 prefectures.
pakistantoday.com.pkA health ministry survey estimates around 350,000 people in Japan have tried cocaine as of fiscal 2025. Arrests for possession also hit a record 804 that year.
japantimes.co.jpFinance Minister Satsuki Katayama repeated standard warnings that authorities will act as needed. An Oxford Economics analyst said the approach to intervention may be shifting.
The Japan TimesThe Japanese Defense Ministry introduced Luup electric scooters and bicycles at its 25-hectare Ichigaya site in July 2026. Three stations with 10 scooters and five bicycles serve only ministry staff. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi addressed productivity goals and data concerns…
focustaiwan.twFour climbers were stranded for more than three hours on a 2,141-meter mountain in Hokkaido after spotting a brown bear. Emergency services airlifted the group to safety with no injuries reported.
news.google.comRyoma Hudzeleu took first place in the senior men’s solo category at the International Ballet Competition held July 4 at the Bolshoi Theater. Two other Japanese dancers also earned medals in their respective categories.
focustaiwan.twThe Reconstruction Agency will close in 2030. Fukushima residents worry that its duties may shift to a new Disaster Management Agency and dilute recovery efforts. Construction of the F-REI research facility in Namie continues toward a fiscal 2030 opening.
yna.co.krThe Japan Cleft Palate Foundation dispatched 58 medical professionals to Vinh Long province for free surgeries from March 21 to 29. The Nagoya-based group has run annual volunteer missions in the Mekong Delta region for 34 years.
Japan TimesYoung adults in Mizoram are taking Japanese-language courses to seek employment in Japan. An Indian educational startup operates a training program in Aizawl focused on caregiver positions.
airedale.futurecdn.netJapan’s Fire Hydrant Sign Co., Ltd. completed a technical demonstration of a Starlink-supported Wi-Fi network near its Kanagawa Branch on Thursday. The trial used existing signs to test emergency connectivity options. @SawyerMerritt reported the details of the demonstration.
Japan TimesTokyo and Osaka police on July 5 issued arrest warrants for three people, including Hu Shi, over alleged immigration control law breaches involving a residence card. Hu, initially arrested last month, is believed to be second-in-command of a U.S.-sanctioned fraud organization.
Domestic investors purchased the largest weekly total of Japanese stocks on record while foreign funds recorded their largest weekly outflow since March. The purchases followed two prior weeks of net retail selling.
The Japan TimesThe Environment Ministry reported 36,760 lithium-ion battery incidents, up sharply from the prior year. The Finance Ministry separately said tax revenues reached a sixth straight record at ¥84.22 trillion.
news.google.comJapan generated 17.3 terawatt-hours from gas-fired plants in June, down 16 percent from the prior year. Coal-fired generation rose 4.6 percent over the same period.
yna.co.krRengo, Japan's largest union group, released final survey results showing companies offered an average 5.01 percent raise. The figure is below the 5.25 percent average from the prior year.
FortuneNissan reported a 533 billion yen net loss for the fiscal year ending March 31 2026, down from 671 billion yen the prior year. New CEO Ivan Espinosa unveiled cost cuts and a return to modest profit next year.
tokyoweekender.comThe government will increase fees for foreign nationals applying to change or renew residence status and for permanent residency from October 1. The changes follow an amended immigration law enacted in May that raised the statutory ceiling on such fees.
SemaforIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met July 2 in New Delhi. They highlighted nearly 120 business agreements and more than $10 billion in Japanese investment. Companies from both nations ran welcoming newspaper advertisements.
Japan's largest LNG importer announced the formation of a new wholly owned unit to handle global trading activities. The subsidiary will oversee LNG, upstream, shipping and lower-carbon fuel businesses from its base in Singapore.
FortuneIndia and Japan reached new agreements on defense technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and maritime security during bilateral talks. The two countries also adopted a joint roadmap on economic security and reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Japan TimesJapan is moving forward with a domestic AI model and a target of 10 million robots as part of a $2.3 trillion technology initiative. The plan focuses on building local capabilities in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Japan TimesA government draft released July 2 indicates the national average minimum wage may reach ¥1,500 per hour next decade instead of by 2030. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signaled slower increases than earlier plans foresaw.
rt.comThe Tokyo District Court ruled Thursday that it will display one hour of prosecutor interrogation footage during oral proceedings next month in a lawsuit filed by Naoyuki Ikuta. Ikuta seeks damages over alleged improper questioning in a fraud case that led to his 11-year prison s…
zerohedge.comJapanese investors sold overseas bonds and stocks while foreign investors reduced holdings of Japanese securities during the week ending June 27. Data showed net outflows across both bond and equity markets.
japantimes.co.jpKarakuri ningyo were showcased at an event on Friday. Craftsman Tamaya Shobei IX performed two types and explained their Edo Period origins.
citizen.co.zaTwo Japanese nationals employed by Fuji Electric were arrested in June after detention in Dalian in May on suspicion of smuggling banned goods. Japanese officials confirmed consular access and no health issues for the detainees.