Government creating AI system to find vacant houses.
Japan's infrastructure ministry is using AI to identify vacant houses by analyzing local government data like water usage and resident records.
Tokyo to subsidize epidurals; hospitals' readiness uncertain.
Tokyo plans to become the first prefecture to provide financial support for epidurals if everything proceeds as intended.
Japan business failures exceed 10,000 in 2024, marking the highest rate in 11 years.
Corporate bankruptcies in Japan rose 15.1% in 2023, surpassing 10,000 for the first time in 11 years.
Tokyo governor plans study abroad grant system with monthly activity allowance.
Tokyo’s mayor proposes grants to encourage more young Japanese to study abroad amid declining interest in international experiences.
2025 cherry blossom maps suggest warm winter doesn't ensure early blooms.
Japanese cherry blossoms are expected to bloom in major cities starting March 21, 2025, with varying dates across the country.
Japan's tourism surge raises costs, hurting local business travelers.
Yoshiki Kojima's employees stay in capsule hotels due to rising tourism costs making regular rooms too expensive for business travel.
Nozawa Fire Festival: Traditional event in Nozawa Onsen, Japan, featuring fire-laden rituals, community participation, and celebration of cultural heritage.
The Nozawa Fire Festival, held on January 15, involves a ceremonial fiery battle to purify participants for the new year.
Japanese KitKat collaborates with Pizza Hut for a new limited edition.
KitKat and Pizza Hut collaborate to create a unique, luck-infused pizza aimed at supporting Japanese students during exam season.
Japan bank lending reaches record high by end of 2024.
Japan's bank lending reached a record ¥605.8 trillion in 2024, driven by strong corporate demand and rising raw material costs.
Japan-ify your cooking for unique flavors.
Sonoko Sakai's life influences her cookbook "Wafu Cooking," featuring quick, unique recipes that blend Japanese and Western culinary traditions.
Kyoto plans to raise hotel guest taxes, aiming for Japan’s highest accommodation tax.
Kyoto plans to raise its accommodation tax to 10,000 yen per person per night, targeting high-end hotel guests by 2026.
Overseas anime market surpasses Japan; potential cultural tipping point.
In 2023, anime's overseas revenue exceeded Japan's for the second time, driven partly by currency fluctuations, reaching 3.3465 trillion yen.
Fast Retailing increases starting monthly salary to ¥330,000.
Fast Retailing will raise starting salaries by 10% to attract talent, enhancing pay and benefits for new and existing employees.