Japan

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Tokyo festival turns streets into a giant water fight

Crowds drench mikoshi bearers with buckets, hoses and water pistols during Tokyo's triennial Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri on 16 August 2026.

17/08/2026

Economy

Japan's 10-year bond yield hits 30-year high as growth data misses

Japan's 10-year government bond yield climbed to its highest level since 1996 on Monday as fresh data showed the world's fourth-largest economy grew far more slowly than expected in the second quarter.

17/08/2026

Japan

US backs Japanese sovereignty over disputed islands after Putin visit

The US ambassador said Washington was "unwavering" in recognising Japanese sovereignty, after Putin's visit to the four islands occupied by the Soviet Union in 1945 prompted Japan to summon Moscow's ambassador and consider tightening sanctions against Russia.

14/08/2026

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Unprecedented rainfall in Japan leaves at least four dead in Chiba prefecture

Unprecedented rainfall battered Japan on Thursday, leaving at least four people dead and flooding parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. Authorities issued the region’s highest-level rain warning for the first time, while landslide alerts and power cuts affected thousands of residents.

14/08/2026

No Comment

Putin watches Russian navy drills off Russia's Sakhalin Island

Russia's President Vladimir Putin observed naval exercises off Sakhalin Island on Thursday before travelling to the disputed Kuril Islands, prompting a strong protest from Japan.

13/08/2026

Japan

Tokyo slams Putin for visiting disputed islands near Japan

The four islands, occupied by Russia during World War II, have gained importance since the war's end, providing the Kremlin with strategic military bases.

13/08/2026

Business

TSMC and Sony to invest billions in advanced chip sensor plant

Sony Corp. and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) are planning to invest around $6.3 billion (€5.4bn) in a joint venture to produce advanced image sensors in Japan, according to Nikkei.

10/08/2026

Japan

Nagasaki 81st anniversary sparks debate over nuclear deterrence

Nagasaki marked on Sunday the 81st anniversary of the US atomic bombing of the southwestern city, as the mayor called nuclear weapons “absolute evil,” denounced growing support for nuclear deterrence, and called on the Japanese government to adhere to its three postwar non-nuclear principles.

09/08/2026

Ecotech

A Japanese inventor is turning soil into a source of electricity

A Japanese designer has developed a technology that generates tiny amounts of electricity from everyday materials such as soil, water, food and construction waste.

07/08/2026

Japan

Hiroshima marks 81 years since atomic bombing that ended WWII

Survivors have expressed frustration and worry over growing support for the possession of nuclear weapons for deterrence by the international community, including Japan.

06/08/2026

Destinations

Which city could become Japan's 'second capital'?

Japan’s search for a potential secondary capital is putting a spotlight on destinations beyond Tokyo. Here’s why these contenders are worth adding to your travel bucket list.

05/08/2026

Japan

Suspected heatstroke kills three lions at Japan zoo

Ten of the 16 lions in Tama Zoological Park have suffered symptoms such as "loss of appetite and decreased activity" since mid-July, and three lionesses died, the zoo said in a statement.

04/08/2026

Japan

PM visits quake-hit southern Japan as cleanup begins in intense heat

More than 46,000 households remained without water and many also face fuel shortages as the region suffers sweltering heat, stoking fears of heat-related illness.

03/08/2026

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Japan mall explosion after 7.1 quake captured on dashcam footage

Dashcam footage shows a shopping mall explosion after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Kumamoto, Japan, as rescuers search for survivors.

30/07/2026

Japan

Death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 30 as rescue efforts continue

Rescue efforts are continuing as time runs down on the critical three-day window for rescues following the quake. Officials have not detailed how many people were reported missing but local media say dozens remain unaccounted for.

30/07/2026

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Japan earthquake shakes Kumamoto newsroom as staff shelter under desks

Footage shows newsroom staff taking cover as a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto in southwestern Japan, killing 13 people.

29/07/2026

Japan

13 people found dead after 7.1 magnitude quake hits southwestern Japan

Dozens more remain trapped underneath the rubble as authorities race against the clock to save as many people as possible during the critical 72 hour rescue period. The tremor is the most powerful to hit the region in 10 years since a 7.0 magnitude quake recorded in 2016.

29/07/2026

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Japan issues tsunami alert after 7.1 magnitude quake in Kyushu

Japan issued a tsunami alert after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kyushu, damaging buildings, cutting power and prompting emergency response efforts.

28/07/2026

Moments

This Hello Kitty ‘hotel’ allows guests to check-in but not stay

At this hotel-inspired exhibition in Tokyo, Sanrio fans can check-in with a room key, explore rooms, a garden and beach zone, but can’t stay the night.

27/07/2026

Japan

Japan revises succession law but retains ban on female emperors

Nationwide opinion polls in Japan have suggested broad public support for a female emperor, but some conservative political figures remain opposed to the idea.

17/07/2026

Climate

Tokyo workers told to wear shorts to work to save on AC

People in Japan - where many workers are forced to wear suits to work - are divided over whether shorts are appropriate for work, with one saying, “I just don't think hairy legs look very neat”.

16/07/2026

Residences

This Hokkaido lakeside retreat has open-air bathing and stunning décor

For a peaceful escape in northern Japan, WE Hotel Toya, Dusit Collection offers guests a scenic night’s sleep overlooking Lake Tōya. There are also Japanese and Thai delicacies to choose from, made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as a spa and indoor hot baths.

06/07/2026

Markets

Japanese yen sinks to 40-year low against the US dollar

The Japanese yen has dropped to its lowest level against the US dollar in four decades, putting markets on alert for urgent action by Tokyo to halt a slide that record intervention and higher interest rates have so far failed to stop.

30/06/2026

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Japan fans flood Shibuya as World Cup draw with Sweden sets up Brazil clash

Japan reach World Cup last 32 after 1-1 draw with Sweden on 26 June, prompting celebrations across Tokyo. , sparking huge celebrations in Tokyo’s Shibuya. They now face Brazil in the knockout stage.

26/06/2026

Travel News

Japan unveils ‘supreme class’ bullet train cabins

Already renowned for their speed and comfort, Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains are about to become even more luxurious, with new private suites set to launch this autumn featuring lockable doors, reclining seats and dedicated Wi-Fi.

23/06/2026

Japan

Japan to increase visa fees by more than five times starting on 1 July

Japan wants to help manage the rising costs of its immigration system by making tourist visas significantly more expensive in the first fee increase in nearly half a century.

22/06/2026