Japan

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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

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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

Japan

Restart of world's biggest nuclear plant paused, Japan's TEPCO says

The restart, initially scheduled for Tuesday, had been pushed back after another technical issue related to the control rods' removal was detected last weekend.

22/01/2026

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"Subzero forest": Ice forest created at mountain inn in Takayama

An inn in Takayama, Japan, creates a stunning ice forest each winter by spraying water onto trees and slopes, forming icicles and ice layers that draw visitors nationwide.

21/01/2026

Japan

Man who killed former Japanese prime minister gets life in prison

Abe was serving as a regular lawmaker after leaving the prime minister's job when he was killed in 2022 while campaigning in the western city of Nara.

21/01/2026

Japan

Meloni meets Takaichi in Tokyo upgrading ties to strategic partnership

The partnership between Italy and Japan — its third-largest trading partner in Asia — centres on defence and security, economic security and critical minerals, and cooperation in Africa.

16/01/2026

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Japan: Traditional rice pounding ceremony held in snowy Aomori village

In Aomori, Japan, women in kimonos performed the Taue Mochitsuki rice pounding ceremony amid snowfall, aiming for a good harvest and family protection.

16/01/2026

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Japanese and Italian PMs discuss defence and trade in Tokyo on Meloni's birthday

Japan and Italy upgraded their relationship to a special strategic partnership, emphasizing economic and energy security and marking 160 years of diplomatic ties.

16/01/2026

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Prime Minister Takaichi and President Lee share drum session in Tokyo

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung surprised everyone by playing drums to K-pop hits after formal talks in Tokyo.

14/01/2026

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Japan: 100 worshippers endure icy waters for Shinto ritual in Tokyo

The annual Kanchu Misogi ritual saw around 100 worshippers plunge into icy water at a Tokyo shrine on Sunday.

12/01/2026

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Largest projection show on Tokyo Government Building mesmerizes crowds

Every evening, crowds in Shinjuku watch Tokyo Night & Light, a large-scale projection on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, using 40 solar-powered projectors.

08/01/2026

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Powerful 6.2 earthquake hits Japan's Shimane Prefecture

A strong 6.2 quake hit Shimane Prefecture, Japan, shaking nearby areas but causing no injuries or damage. Authorities confirmed no tsunami risk or nuclear plant issues.

06/01/2026