Takeda appoints first female CEO in its history.

Julie Kim will become Takeda Pharmaceutical's first female CEO in June, succeeding Christophe Weber, pending shareholder approval.

Julie Kim is making history as she’s set to replace Christophe Weber as the new CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical, making her the first woman to lead this 240-year-old Japanese giant. She’s been running Takeda’s U.S. operations since 2022 and will officially take the helm next June, pending shareholder approval. This transition comes at a strategic time for Takeda, which is eyeing a competitive growth outlook with new product launches hitting shelves starting in late 2026. Weber, who became Takeda’s first non-Japanese CEO in 2015, leaves behind a transformed company with a strong global presence. Under his leadership, Takeda evolved into a biotech powerhouse, diving into gastroenterology, cancer, neurology, and more, even pulling off a $62 billion acquisition of Shire PLC in 2019. The payoff? Takeda just reported a massive 86% jump in operating income, hitting ¥417.5 billion, thanks to booming product demand and a favorable currency environment.
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Shinjuku Alta shuts down after 45 years.

The Shinjuku Alta building, a popular meeting spot for 45 years, will close its doors after decades of business.

Japan has the world's smallest park, which is incredibly tiny.

Nagaizumi in Shizuoka Prefecture now holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest park, measuring just 0.24 square meters.

Takashi Murakami collaborates with MLB for Tokyo Series.

Takashi Murakami is collaborating with MLB on a collection featuring unique products for the Tokyo Series between the Dodgers and Cubs.

U.S. war with Japan depicted only in 'Captain America.'

In "Captain America: Brave New World," the U.S. faces conflict with Japan over the newly discovered resource, adamantium.