The Japanese legislature is advancing a proposal to allow the imperial family to adopt distant male relatives, aiming to address the dwindling number of royals and ensure the continuity of the imperial line.

Three Japanese individuals have been charged in Ludhiana, India, for an alleged machinery fraud amounting to Rs 61 lakh. Authorities stated they would pursue the suspects even if they fled to Japan.

Japan's legislature is drafting a plan to allow the imperial family to adopt distant male relatives to address the dwindling number of royals, sparking debate over the possibility of a female emperor.

Japan's Emperor and Empress have arrived in the Netherlands for an official visit. Their arrival marks the beginning of their diplomatic engagements in the country.

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has issued an apology after making the difficult decision to end Liverpool captain Wataru Endo’s World Cup dreams due to an injury, impacting the team's roster.

PayPay (PAYP) and T&D Holdings have entered into an alliance focused on developing AI-driven solutions within the insurance and fintech sectors.

Japan has launched a new digital tool that allows users to easily examine the financial health of local governments. The platform provides insights into revenues, expenditures, and fiscal indicators through interactive graphs and color-coded maps.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to face criticism at the upcoming G7 meeting in France over Tokyo's diplomatic engagement with Moscow, potentially fueling concerns about G7 unity.

The Tokyo Freedom Toastmasters Club provides a space for participants to openly discuss various emotional experiences, including grief and trauma, in a bilingual environment.

Japan is experiencing a significant increase in bear attacks, leading to growing concern and a complex 'love-hate relationship' with the animals. Experts are investigating the reasons behind this rise in incidents.

Japan is moving forward with a new cryptocurrency bill aimed at reclassifying digital assets and reducing taxes on crypto gains to 20%.

The Hokkaido-based rock quartet TV Tairiku Ondo is gaining traction after a viral 90-second track in 2024, now performing at various venues and working on their debut album.

An adult black bear, estimated at 100 kg, was captured with a tranquilizer gun after sending a Japanese city into lockdown and sparking a multi-day search.

The Japanese government has updated its megaquake preparation plan for the Tokyo area, aiming to significantly reduce potential deaths and structural damage from a major earthquake.

A proposed consumption tax cut on groceries in Japan could lead to less confidence in the nation's fiscal state, a weaker yen, higher interest rates, and slower economic growth.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is set to impose fines on 30 construction companies for their involvement in bid-rigging. The firms allegedly pre-selected contractors for competitive bidding processes on large-scale condominium renovation projects in the Kanto region.

Sanae Takaichi emphasizes the importance of acquiring new capabilities to build resilience and effectively tackle the emerging challenges in today's turbulent global environment.

Japan's primary challenge with artificial intelligence is identified as a problem of trust rather than a technological deficiency. The article suggests that a lack of trust can lead individuals to remain silent and not seek help, impacting AI adoption and integration.

The Japanese government has commenced work on drafting an amendment to the Imperial House Law, with hopes to submit the legislation to the Diet later this month for enactment during the current parliamentary session.

The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates to a 31-year high, while also potentially dropping hawkish signals in its upcoming policy announcement.

A Pulse Asia survey indicates that most Filipinos prefer the government to collaborate with the United States, Japan, and other Western-aligned countries to bolster the defense of the West Philippine Sea.

Emperor Naruhito has sought public support for a plan concerning the imperial family, while refraining from commenting on the specifics of a recent consensus proposal by lawmakers.

French creative prodigy and sneaker designer Philéo Landowski shares his guide to Tokyo, highlighting the capital's coolest bookstores, thrift finds, and noodle spots.

Japan is reportedly tapping into its reserves and seeking new suppliers in an effort to circumvent an ongoing oil blockade.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has approved a bill to reduce the number of seats in the Lower House by 45, specifically targeting proportional representation seats. This move aims to reform the parliamentary structure.

The legacy of the late LDP dove Yohei Kono is being discussed, particularly his landmark 1993 statement expressing Japan's 'sincere apologies and remorse' regarding 'comfort women', which caused significant domestic and international controversy.

Asian central banks are increasingly intervening in offshore markets to counter currency speculation, as their traditional onshore methods face limitations. This shift reflects a broader effort to manage currency stability amidst global economic pressures.

Analysis suggests that Japan's governance reforms are poised to open up a substantial $1.8 trillion cash hoard, potentially impacting the country's economy.

Japan's defense and turbine manufacturing giant, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is reportedly scrambling to manage an $82 billion order backlog. Analysts question whether the company is investing capital quickly enough to ensure future growth.

A growing number of young people from Nepal are increasingly viewing Japan not just as a study destination, but as a structured route to work and long-term opportunities.

SoftBank Group's attempt to secure a downsized $6 billion margin loan, backed by its OpenAI stake, has stalled after facing hesitation from lenders.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the stability of Malaysia's Unity Government, rejecting talks of betrayal following PAS's decision to end ties with Bersatu. His statement aims to reassure the public about the government's cohesion.

Global stock markets, including Seoul shares, opened sharply lower due to a slide in US tech stocks and renewed concerns over escalating tensions with Iran. The Japanese stock market also saw a significant drop.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, 74, has been hospitalized for medical treatment and will miss the central bank's policy meeting scheduled for June 15-16.

SoftBank's attempt to borrow $6 billion against its OpenAI stake was followed by a 9.7% plunge in shares, raising questions about the AI boom's sustainability.

An analysis of hours of livestreams from major gaming companies like Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox reveals key trends, trailers, and surprises from the Summer Game Fest, including a focus on horror and Chinese action games.

Japan has successfully launched Asia's first osmotic power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy from mixing seawater and sewage.

A Japanese parliamentary panel has approved a draft proposal on revising the Imperial House Law, aiming to prevent the dwindling number of imperial family members.

A gorilla named Kiyomasa at a Japanese zoo has gained attention for its contemplative appearance, with many observers noting its seemingly deep thoughts.

Japan has officially adopted a new legal framework allowing education boards to choose between print, digital, or hybrid textbooks for schools under their jurisdiction.

Mitsubishi Electric has been awarded a subsidy from JAXA to advance the development of inter-orbit space vehicles.

Argus has adjusted its rating for Prudential Financial (PRU) to 'Hold,' indicating that the firm is awaiting further clarity regarding the company's operations in Japan.

Analysts suggest that Japan's export of retired military equipment to partner nations could yield decades of strategic returns.

K-pop boy group TWS has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for their fifth EP, "No Tragedy," after surpassing 250,000 shipments in the country.

Wage gains at smaller Japanese companies are at risk as the Iran war continues to drive up costs, with many firms lacking the pricing power to pass these increases on to customers.

Japan's producer prices have seen another increase, primarily driven by elevated energy costs, indicating inflationary pressures in the economy.

A 13-year-old gorilla named Kiyomasa has gone viral after a video captured him in deep thought following a disagreement with a female gorilla at a Japanese zoo.

A commentary piece suggests that Japan's Taisho period, characterized by artistic decadence, liberalism, and political radicalization, offers more relevant historical parallels to contemporary global issues than Germany's Weimar Republic.

An internal struggle at Honda saw the company's traditional leadership attempt, but fail, to remove the current CEO amidst challenges of balancing legacy businesses with EV development.

JR East announced its plan to replace magnetic train tickets with QR code-based tickets starting in 2027. This shift aims to modernize the ticketing system for commuters.

Residents of Utsunomiya, Japan, expressed relief after a bear that had roamed the city's streets for four days, forcing school closures, was finally caught.

A family friend of James 'Weston' Higginbotham, the Auburn student who died in Japan, claims he would not have harmed himself and enjoyed long hikes for 'decompression.'

Reports highlight the current state and trends of garment exports from Bangladesh to Japan, indicating specific trade dynamics.

Two American men were ordered to pay fines of 300,000 yen (US$2,000) each after illegally entering a restricted monkey enclosure at a zoo in Japan's Chiba Prefecture.

A US student who went missing after a dispute over ChatGPT has been found dead near Kyoto, Japan. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Japan's Financial Services Agency plans to ease bank capital adequacy requirements to encourage public-private funding and support small regional companies and startups.

Japanese companies have received a record number of shareholder proposals from activist investors this year, with 139 proposals submitted to 51 firms as of Friday, surpassing the previous year's total.

Fujikura is increasing prices on its fiber-optic cables for data centers, a strategic move aimed at surpassing its financial outlook after a disappointing forecast triggered a selloff of Japanese tech stocks.

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have used simulations to show that a small, newly developed X-ray telescope could be instrumental in unlocking the Moon's hidden chemistry.

Japan is initiating a new language support project for foreign children in public schools, as the number of students requiring special Japanese-language instruction reached a record high of 84,759 in fiscal 2025.

Kick streamer Oblivion sparked controversy during a June 8 livestream in Japan after being removed from a FamilyMart store and questioned by police over filming without permission. The incident, which happened while he was traveling with Ryan Garcia, has drawn comparisons to Johnny Somali and ignited debate over livestreaming etiquette in Japan.

Global capitalism is heavily investing in an AI-driven future, a trend that is causing alarm among voters. Some AI leaders warn that the technology may accelerate into a potentially dangerous new phase.

Europe and Japan are collaborating to advance supercomputing technology, aiming to make these powerful machines more reliable and efficient for critical applications like climate change prediction and medical research.

Opposition lawmakers in Japan have criticized Minister Sanae Takaichi for her move to revise imperial law, arguing it could undermine previous Diet discussions aimed at forming a consensus on the measures.

The Japanese government is exploring legislation to define the responsibilities of social media users during election periods. The aim is to enact this law during the current parliamentary session, which concludes in July.

Bar Trench Kyoto, the first location outside of Tokyo for the renowned Ebisu cocktail institution, opened in March, expanding its presence in Japan.

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched after an earlier setback, marking its return to flight. This launch is a significant step for Japan's space program.

A Japanese venture company is conducting the first clinical trial of a heart disease treatment, testing the catheter injection of heart muscle cells made from iPS cells. This minimally invasive method aims to reduce patient burden by avoiding open-chest surgery.

The Japan Airlines boss received a pay cut after two cabin attendants drank the day before a flight in May, causing a 40-minute delay. Japan's transport ministry reprimanded the airline and demanded preventive measures.

Japan's fertility rate has tumbled to its lowest level since 1899, reaching a point the government did not expect for another 15 years, as the punishing cost of living convinces more young people…

Italian design is taking center stage at the Interior Lifestyle event in Tokyo, a leading international exhibition in Japan dedicated to furniture and home accessories for industry professionals.

The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates, potentially reaching a 31-year high, as it moves away from its long-standing ultra-loose monetary policy.

In 2025, drunken driving was responsible for 43 out of 386 accidents involving specified small motorized two-wheel vehicles, including electric kick scooters, in Japan.

A Lower House panel in Japan has approved a bill aimed at reforming the retrial system, which is expected to pass the Lower House and be enacted during the current Diet session ending in July.

Almost 40% of older adults in Japan express a desire to continue working, primarily motivated by the need for income and the belief that work helps maintain health and slow aging.

Japan's industrial output growth for April has been revised lower to 0.5%, with the adjustment attributed to ongoing supply chain risks stemming from the Middle East.

A Reuters poll indicates that Japan's core inflation is projected to stay below the Bank of Japan's target for the fourth consecutive month in May.

As awareness grows, more Japanese adults are identifying as neurodivergent, highlighting the challenges faced within Japan's conformist culture.

The illness of Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is complicating the central bank's communication efforts ahead of a crucial policy board meeting where a landmark 1% interest rate move is anticipated.

Yuta Shimotsu's sophomore feature, 'New Group,' uses human pyramids and gymnastic formations as an ominous metaphor, but the film's ambitious reach is noted to exceed its grasp.

Japan's oil imports are projected to return to pre-Iran war levels in July, according to Takaichi, as the country has significantly diversified its supply chain despite previous heavy reliance on the Middle East.

Seven-Eleven Japan has formed a joint venture, Seven-Eleven Ad Connect, with Dentsu Group Inc. and CyberAgent Inc. to distribute advertisements to digital signage in its stores based on purchase data.

A review highlights the best games of 2026 to date, featuring titles that allow players to explore open roads, scale mountains, and interact with post-apocalyptic Pokémon from the comfort of their homes.

Police in Japan are seeking cooperation with businesses to gather information on potential signs of individuals making firearms or explosives alone, such as unusual smells and noises, to prevent terrorist attacks.

The South China Morning Post compiled seven popular lifestyle stories from the past week, featuring topics such as Tokyo restaurant Sézanne's lost Michelin stars and a Hongkonger's significant weight loss.

Shin-Etsu Chemical is planning to build a new rare-earth refinery in Fukui Prefecture, its third in the region, to ensure a stable supply of rare-earth products and magnets.

Five teenagers were arrested in Tokyo for allegedly assaulting a high school student and attempting to extort ¥150,000, reportedly using ChatGPT to decide the extortion amount.

The hospitalization of Bank of Japan Governor Ueda has fueled market nerves, raising concerns over potential impacts on central bank messaging and policy.

A hotel in southwestern Japan has announced its decision to remove a stone monument dedicated to a Korean independence activist from the colonial era. The move comes after protests from conservative groups in Japan.

K-pop group BTS has set a new record for an international artist in Japan, with their hit song 'Dynamite' surpassing 900 million streams, according to Oricon's data.

The restart of a reactor at Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, has brought renewed attention to the country's unresolved plans for managing radioactive waste.

Section L, an apartment-hotel brand in Japan, is innovating extended stays with a focus on home-like comfort and efficient technology, having been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan has announced a $312 million loan aimed at bolstering energy security and economic resilience in a recipient country, as reported by The Daily Star.

Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities has announced plans to increase its retail wealth assets by $62 billion.

Intel is collaborating with Hitachi to advance physical AI, with discussions also touching upon Intel's stock valuation.

Two Matsuya companies have teamed up in Tokyo to offer upscale takeout dishes, including premium beef-on-rice bowls, at the Matsuya Premium Ginza store.

A new report by Colliers indicates that Asia-Pacific cities host 39% of top global financial services companies and 36% of leading financial centers, supported by strong labor markets and venture capital.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Democratic Party for the People (DPP) are set to discuss a bill aimed at criminalizing the vandalism of the national flag, with the DPP seeking to clarify what constitutes a crime.

Asian tech stocks, including SoftBank, Samsung, and SK Hynix, experienced a significant tumble, with SoftBank sinking 10%, as the artificial intelligence rally showed signs of deflating. This decline tracked losses seen on Wall Street, indicating a broader market correction.

The misuse of the diabetes drug Mounjaro for weight loss among women in Japan, one of the world's leanest nations, has ignited a health debate.

Experts note that 'oshikatsu' activities, where older individuals support their favorite idols, help them find purpose in life, with the trend expected to grow further due to live streaming.

Japan's Producer Price Index (PPI) for May surged by 6.3%, exceeding market forecasts and reaching its highest level in over three years, indicating rising inflationary pressures in the economy.

Seven individuals, including a company executive and a self-proclaimed 'messenger of God,' have been arrested in Japan for allegedly confining the executive's teenage son to a relative's house in Yokohama.

K-pop group Treasure has achieved chart-topping success in Japan with their fourth EP, "New Wav," selling over a million copies in its first week.

Japan's wholesale prices surged by 6.3% year-on-year in May, marking the fastest acceleration in three years. This increase was primarily driven by elevated energy costs, impacting producer prices across the country.

Japan's major banks are reportedly planning to collaborate on issuing stablecoins by March 2027. This initiative aims to leverage digital currencies in the financial sector.

Japan is bracing for what could be one of its worst typhoon seasons on record, raising concerns about the country's disaster defenses and the summer tourism industry.

Institutional investors have pushed short bets on the Japanese Yen to their highest level since 2024, indicating a significant bearish sentiment towards the currency.

Olympic silver medalist Matthew Hudson-Smith, a 400m specialist, has candidly discussed the personal battles he has faced since his success, emphasizing that there are 'no excuses' for his past performance.

Following a visit by Xi, the Japanese government is actively gathering intelligence on potential discussions regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons development, raising concerns about strengthening military ties between China and North Korea.

A former Bank of Japan official suggested that the BOJ might raise its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point in both June and October, marking the first adjustment since December.

Japan's defense outlook is undergoing a significant transformation, characterized by record-high spending, which is driving changes in its military capabilities and strategic posture.

A dayslong hunt for a bear in Utsunomiya, the capital of Tochigi Prefecture, concluded with the animal's capture. The city had been on high alert since the weekend following reports of bear sightings near schools and residential areas.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust is considering an investment of up to ¥380 billion in digital initiatives, alongside plans to spend ¥30 billion on operational optimization and repositioning 900 employees to client-facing roles.

A team of Japanese researchers observed cats' reactions to both silver vine and catnip, finding that cats consistently preferred silver vine when given free access.

Hitachi and Google Cloud have announced an expanded alliance aimed at advancing the development and application of physical AI technologies.

Despite various efforts, Japan is still finding it difficult to break free from its long-standing 'old normal' economic conditions.

Daiwa Real Estate's unit is planning to increase rents to counteract the impact of higher interest rates and is expanding its team of rent negotiators to improve lease agreement terms.

Japanese government bond (JGB) yields have risen as investors focus on an upcoming 30-year auction and the Bank of Japan's monetary policy meeting.

South Korea's president has expressed the need for an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with Japan, recalling a similar deal that stalled in 2012 due to strong criticism in South Korea.

Forbes has released its list of Japan's 50 wealthiest individuals for the year 2026. The publication highlights the top fortunes in the country.

A community is mourning the death of an Alabama student who was found dead in Japan, with details emerging about the incident.

Japanese TV personality Bobby Ologun has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Ologun reportedly denies the allegations against him.

A German envoy has expressed hope for Japan's participation in the Eurodrone project, which currently includes Germany, Italy, and Spain, with India observing.

Japan has added Indonesia to its 'network of navies,' following similar agreements with Australia and the Philippines, aiming to strengthen maritime security in the region.

A new sake brewery in Niigata is gaining recognition and winning awards, breathing new life into the region's sake brewing tradition after decades of inactivity.

Informed sources indicate that Komeito plans to announce its intention to join the CRA in July and formally approve the merger at a party convention by September.

Japan's education ministry plans to launch a pilot program in fiscal 2027 to provide basic Japanese language instruction to children of foreign nationals, addressing the growing need for support in schools.

An old textile town in Japan's Okayama Prefecture has successfully transformed its denim production into a source of craft, identity, and tourism.

An analysis evaluates whether ORIX Corporation (IX) represents a favorable investment opportunity for stock buyers.

Physicists in Tokyo have resolved a 25-year-old nanotechnology mystery by successfully creating atomically precise 1-nanometer tubes.

Executives from leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, are planning to attend the G7 summit.

Those in their 50s and older accounted for more than half of the total social media-related consultations to consumer affairs centers.

Japanese developers are rolling out AI-powered tools designed to identify the possible causes of baby cries, aiming to alleviate anxiety for parents navigating early childcare.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is advocating for stricter land and visa regulations, while aiming to avoid nationality-based restrictions that legal experts warn could conflict with domestic and international law.

Japan's flagship H3 rocket has successfully returned to flight, debuting a new low-cost variant after previous struggles.

K-pop group BoyNextDoor has achieved the No. 1 spot on Oricon's Daily Album Ranking with their first studio album 'Home,' which is nearing 1 million sales.

Yohei Kono, a prominent Japanese political figure known for his historic 1993 apology for wartime atrocities and his role as a backchannel between Japan and China, has died at the age of 89.

A unit of NTT is reportedly seeking $1 billion to develop data centers in the United States, while Anthropic is pursuing data center leases and financial backing from Google. These moves highlight significant investment in expanding data infrastructure.

Meiko Kaji, star of 1970s action films like 'Lady Snowblood,' looks back on her early career, the serendipitous events that shaped it, and her dedication to honing her craft.

The restart of a Japanese reactor has reignited concerns about the country's dwindling storage space for spent nuclear fuel and the lack of a comprehensive plan for radioactive waste disposal.

Japanese financial firms are partnering with NEC and Anthropic in an AI collaboration aimed at enhancing financial services for customers and strengthening cybersecurity measures.

Japanese chipmaker Rapidus, aiming for mass production of semiconductors, has announced cooperation with public institutions in the United Kingdom and Italy. This collaboration focuses on technology development to advance their semiconductor manufacturing goals.

Police have arrested a man, an acquaintance of a 17-year-old high school girl, after her body was discovered in eastern Japan, suspecting he has information regarding the circumstances of her death.

Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover have warned that the European Union's proposed 'Made in Europe' plan could jeopardize investment and jobs within the automotive industry. The companies expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on their operations and workforce in Europe.

A report highlights the often-overlooked issue of child labor in South Korea, focusing on children who take on significant caregiving responsibilities, a modern form of child labor distinct from historical factory or farm work.

Market observers believe a Bank of Japan rate increase to 1% is a certainty due to inflation and a weak yen, although further intervention in the currency market remains a possibility.

Injured player Takumi Minamino has taken on a mentoring role for Japan's World Cup team, fueling support with his fighting words. His leadership is seen as a key factor in the team's morale.

As Japanese and South Korean multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) manufacturers shift focus to high-end AI server demand, Chinese firms are seizing opportunities in lower-end market segments.

Osaka police have arrested 41 individuals in connection with an alleged side-job scam that defrauded approximately 2,300 people. Victims were lured through social media with promises of high earnings if they first paid for training courses.

A psychiatrist in Japan is experimenting with a novel approach to online counseling for depression, using anime avatars and digitally altered voices for therapists to interact with participants.

Japan's business mood deteriorated in the April-June quarter, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East cited as a significant factor impacting economic sentiment.

Nippon Steel has successfully raised ¥90 billion in its first bond offering since the acquisition of US Steel. This move signals the company's financial activities following the major takeover.

Yohei Kono, former Speaker of Japan's Lower House, has passed away at the age of 89. Kono was a prominent figure in Japanese politics.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to Japan is centered on bolstering investment, artificial intelligence, and trade relations between the two nations.

SoftBank's shares have fallen by a fifth in the last week, leading to the company no longer being Japan's most valuable. The decline is attributed to concerns in the AI and semiconductor markets, as well as anxieties over the situation in Iran.

Japan is actively working on AI-powered software to assist surgeons by analyzing medical images, creating step-by-step procedures, and highlighting critical points during operations.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made his first official visit to Tokyo, where he was received with a guard of honor. During his trip, Anwar pitched a Malaysia-Japan alliance focusing on chips, AI, and clean energy, and called for leadership with a clear sense of direction at the Nikkei Forum.

A Japanese research team has discovered that penguins utilize group cues to locate foraging grounds. Experts believe these findings will contribute to understanding the evolution of social life in animals and the impact of population decline.

Japan and Malaysia have reached an agreement to deepen their cooperation in maritime defense, strengthening their strategic partnership.

Ahead of a major sumo wrestling tournament in Paris, 200 kilograms of customized Guerande salt have been ordered, highlighting salt's crucial role as an unheralded star in the ancient Japanese martial art.

A new analysis suggests that the burgeoning talent pool among Generation Z in Asia is increasingly being perceived as a significant political threat within the region.

Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe is scheduled for a July flyby of asteroid Torifune, during which JAXA plans to test technology that could help alter the trajectory of asteroids on a potential collision course with Earth.

Japan's largest banks, including megabanks, are collaborating on a new initiative to jointly develop and launch stablecoins, with a target issuance date of March 2027, as bank-issued tokens gain global traction.

Japan's wholesale inflation has extended its surge, driven by the impact of an energy shock, reflecting rising costs across various sectors.

Analysts observing the Bank of Japan (BOJ) anticipate two rate hikes in 2026, with the first expected as early as next week. This signals potential shifts in Japan's monetary policy.

US asset manager Apollo Global Management is reportedly looking to acquire a Japanese life insurer to boost its growth, potentially facing regulatory hurdles due to a preference for domestic players.

Nepal has banned the import of Indian mangoes due to lapses in pest-control procedures, following a similar suspension by Japan last month.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is mulling a proposal to automatically cut 45 seats from the Lower House, presented by Katsunobu Kato, head of the party's task force for political system reform.

A Japanese city has successfully captured a bear that had caused fear among residents and led to the closure of schools.

Georgia and China have elevated their bilateral relations to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.' This move signifies a deepening of ties between the two nations across various sectors.

A bill under consideration in Japan would limit the scope of evidence disclosure and prevent the defense from receiving an evidence list, prompting the sister of an ex-death row inmate to call for full transparency from prosecutors.

With naphtha-made products still in short supply, the prime minister's government is facing questions on using two laws to punish hoarders. Takaichi, however, appears reluctant to enforce these laws to resolve the bottleneck.

Japan is undergoing its most significant budget reform since 1945, according to Minister for Government Revitalization Yoshihiro Katayama. This reform aims to address the nation's fiscal challenges and reshape its financial landscape.

Following a revision to Japan's furusato nōzei system, the internal affairs ministry aims to shift the focus of the hometown donation program away from generous return gifts and towards strengthening local community ties.

Hidehiro Imatsu, Goldman Sachs' Japan chief, is relying on a new generation of leaders to drive growth and make the firm more appealing to younger professionals.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated in a Tokyo lecture that the development of artificial intelligence must be anchored in human values and moral responsibility, not solely efficiency.

Traditional Japanese Izakaya restaurant-bars are facing economic hardship and competition from British-style pubs, forcing them to innovate to survive in a changing market.

A new drug designed to treat renal disease in cats is reportedly close to being made available for practical use in Japan, generating anticipation among cat owners.

A former chief of Japan's Defense Ministry's Joint Staff proposed revising the country's policy of not allowing nuclear weapons on its territory, prompting experts to urge caution.

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son has reclaimed his position as Japan's richest person in 2026, driven by the ongoing AI boom.

Intel's stock surged 12% following news of a pact with Hitachi and reports of Google placing a 3 million TPU foundry order. This development is fueling an AI comeback for the company.