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Japan sets monthly record with 3.31 million visitors in October
Japan welcomed a record 3.31 million visitors last month, official data showed on Wednesday, as the weak yen propelled a tourism boom that is pouring money into the nation's coffers. The number of foreign visitors for business and leisure rose from 2.87 million in September and exceeded the previous monthly… Read
Japan says it will watch China's military activity after Beijing admits violating its airspace
Japanese officials said Wednesday they are closely watching to see if China keeps its promise to prevent further violations of Japan's airspace after explaining that an incursion by a Chinese military aircraft nearly three months ago was unintentional and caused by turbulence. Tokyo protested and sought an explanation from Beijing… Read
Gov't ordered to pay damages over noise at Atsugi air base
A Japanese court on Wednesday ordered the government to pay damages to residents around Atsugi air base near Tokyo over excessive noise but rejected their call for suspending Self-Defense Forces and U.S. military flights. The Yokohama District Court ordered the state to pay approximately 5.9 billion yen for past disturbances… Read
Children’s slippers stolen at Japanese preschool; police identify weasel who did it
When entering a preschool in Japan, you’re supposed to take your shoes off. Just like at a Japanese home, the idea is that the soles of your shoes have undoubtedly gotten dusty and dirty while walking around outside, and you don’t want to track all those unsightly, possibly unhygienic debris… Read
Tip of 4-year-old girl’s finger bitten off by horse during feeding experience at riding club
The tip of a 4-year-old girl’s finger was bitten off by a horse while she was feeding the animal at a riding club in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, police said Tuesday. Police said the incident occurred at around 2:15 p.m. on Monday. TV Asahi reported that the girl was visiting the… Read
Japan reaches its lowest-ever ranking on Education First’s 2024 English Proficiency Index
Every year since 2011, Switzerland-based international education company Education First (EF) has released an English Proficiency Index (EPI), the largest of its kind throughout the world. EF’s recently released 2024 EPI compiles the testing results of 2.1 million people from 116 countries and regions for which English is not considered the mother tongue. Exams were scored out of 800 points and… Read
Japanese poet Shuntaro Tanikawa, who translated 'Peanuts,' dies at 92
Shuntaro Tanikawa, who pioneered modern Japanese poetry, poignant but conversational in its divergence from haiku and other traditions, has died. He was 92. Tanikawa, who translated the “Peanuts” comic strip and penned the lyrics for the theme song of the animation series “Astro Boy,” died Nov. 13, his son Kensaku… Read
Mount Fuji tram idea derailed by environmental concerns
The Yamanashi prefectural government said Monday it has given up its proposal to build a light rail connection to the fifth station on Mount Fuji amid public concerns over its environmental impact and is now considering introducing a rubber-tired tram. The central Japan prefecture had explored the possibility of connecting… Read
Japanese study aims to reduce disease risk for low birthweight babies
A recent study by a Japanese team could pave the way for the development of treatments aimed at reducing health issues like kidney disorders for low birthweight babies, while also working towards breaking the intergenerational cycle of related diseases. The research comes as a growing number of babies in Japan… Read
Japan confirms U.S. Space Force to launch unit in Tokyo in December
Japan and the United States have confirmed that the U.S. Space Force will launch a unit in Tokyo in December as planned, the Defense Ministry said, with the aim of strengthening bilateral deterrence capabilities. The Japanese ministry said the arrangement was reaffirmed by Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his U.S.… Read
