National
Japan ranks worst among G7 in 2025 world press freedom rankings
Japan trailed other members of the Group of Seven countries in the 2025 world press freedom rankings as government pressure on news outlets has become common practice, a media freedom group said Friday. Of the 180 countries and regions surveyed, Japan moved up four places from last year to 66th.… Read
Number of foreign students in Japan hits record high; one country accounts for over 35%
Japan is in the middle of a huge inbound tourism surge, but not everyone from overseas who’s getting off a plane at Haneda, Kansai, or one of the country’s other international airports is here for sightseeing. Some of them are here for academics, and a recent study shows that Japan has… Read
Inflation, hotel prices curtail Golden Week travel
Japan's annual Golden Week holiday period gets into full swing Saturday, but inflation and hotel prices sent soaring by record inbound tourism have left domestic travelers less eager to pack their bags. Traditionally, Golden Week -- which includes three consecutive public holidays -- gives Japanese workers one of their longest… Read
'Spirited Away' hot spot limits crowds to protect retro charm
People seeking to melt away their stress at one of Japan's famous hot springs are instead finding themselves immersed in throngs of tourists and cars jamming the streets. Ginzan Onsen has become such a hotspot that it has begun restricting visitors amid concerns about overtourism. Once a busy silver mine,… Read
British pavilion at Osaka expo improves afternoon tea set after online stir
The British pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka has improved the quality of its 5,000 yen afternoon tea set, with the drinks now served in ceramics instead of paper cups, following online criticism. "We have improved a part of our service after it has been brought to our attention… Read
Wind turbine breaks in Akita; man found dead nearby
A blade of a wind turbine on the coast of Akita, northeastern Japan, has broken off, and a man found collapsed nearby was confirmed dead Friday, local authorities said. First responders found the 81-year-old resident Takashi Shishido unresponsive with head injuries after receiving an emergency call around 10:15 a.m. reporting… Read
Truck driver's body recovered from huge sinkhole after three months
Japanese rescuers have recovered the body of a truck driver who was swallowed by a huge sinkhole in Saitama Prefecture three months ago, an official said on Friday. A road in the city of Yashio caved in during morning rush hour on January 28 while the 74-year-old man was driving… Read
India, Brunei open expo pavilions; Nepal's not ready due to unpaid fees for builders
The India and Brunei pavilions for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka opened Thursday, leaving Nepal as the only overseas participant with an unopened pavilion 18 days into the global event. The Indian pavilion, showcasing a blend of traditional arts, cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, attracted a flock of visitors… Read
Workers observe May Day in Japan with marches and demonstrations
Shouting “banzai!” or “live long,” thousands of people gathered in a Tokyo park on Thursday and marched through the streets to the banging of traditional drums, as Japan kicked off celebrations to mark May Day. The holiday, also known as International Workers' Day or Labor Day, marks the struggles and… Read
Body found off Hokkaido after man falls in sea while fishing
A body was found Thursday off the coast of Hokkaido, local police said, saying it was a 54-year-old man who fell into the sea while fishing. The man fell into the sea at a port in Obira in northwestern Hokkaido early in the morning on Tuesday as he tried to… Read
