Economists predict rising wages and prices in Japan for fiscal '25.

Japanese economic growth is expected in fiscal 2025 due to wage hikes and price increases, with interest rates likely rising.

Shirase icebreaker arrives at Showa Station, Antarctica.

The Japanese icebreaker Shirase arrived at Showa Station, Antarctica, after a 40-day journey, delivering goods and fuel.

Hayao Miyazaki wishes Studio Ghibli fans a Happy New Year with new art for the Year of the Snake.

Hayao Miyazaki creates a special New Year’s card artwork for his zodiac Year of the Snake, celebrating his 84th birthday.

Sou Fujimoto's 'Grand Ring' will symbolize unity at Osaka Expo.

The Grand Ring, a wooden structure for Expo 2025 in Osaka, symbolizes unity and honors Japan's architecture amid cost critiques.

Reinvent yourself in the Year of the Snake.

The Year of the Snake promotes introspection, calmness, and resilience, contrasting the active and bold Year of the Dragon.

Japan's ¥10 trillion startup investment goal increasingly unlikely.

Japan aimed to boost startup investment tenfold by 2027, but has significantly fallen short of this target.

Kumamoto schools adapt to increase in Taiwanese students.

Kumamoto's public schools are seeing a surge in Taiwanese students due to TSMC's factory opening, increasing from a few to twenty.

Toru Fuyuki, 'Ultraseven' theme song composer, dies at 89.

Japanese composer Toru Fuyuki, known for the "Ultraseven" theme, died at 89 from aspiration pneumonia in Tokyo.

Japan's year-end banknote balance decreases for second consecutive year.

Japan's banknotes in circulation are expected to reach ¥124.1 trillion in 2024, marking a second consecutive annual decline.

Man stole beef, tracked by police 1,000 km across Japan.

A thief was tracked and arrested over 1,000 kilometers away for stealing two packs of ground beef in Japan.

Japanese bookstores partner with libraries for survival.

In Japan, declining bookstores are partnering with libraries for survival, prompting government support and a 2025 survey to address issues.

Japan tackling school bullying with local support.

The Children and Families Agency is engaging local governments to combat rising school bullying through a new pilot consultation program.