Panda Parting: Iconic Animals Returning to China from Japanese Zoos
Japan’s beloved panda population is dwindling, with four of the adorable creatures set to return to China from Adventure World in Wakayama, leaving just two at Ueno Zoo. These may soon be returned as well, as their loan agreement is set to expire next February.Politics
Jack Ma Returns? “Xinomics” Struggles with Prolonged Stagnation
China marked GDP growth of around 5% in 2024—a respectable number to claim, but one that falls well short of what the country has aimed for since its economic modernization. As US President Donald Trump deals blows to global trade with his tariffs and Chinese domestic consumption continues to sag, “Xinomics” is facing tall challenges.World
Survey Finds Strong Preference for Domestically Produced Food Among Japanese Shoppers
Around 90% of Japanese shoppers prefer to buy domestically grown rice, with most saying that they never purchase any other kind.Economy
Exploring Expo 2025
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai kicks off on April 13, 2025, to run for a half-year through October 13. Below we take a look at the main facilities, national pavilions, and attractions of the all-new World Expo.Travel
Standing Image of Virudhaka (Zōchōten) at Taimadera
This image of a protective deity at Taimadera in Nara evokes the exotic air of mainland Asia. Standing reverently in the stillness of the temple hall, the figure conveys a powerful presence, determined to defend the Buddhist Law against all threats.Culture
Established Organized Crime Syndicates Continue to Age and Decline in Japan
Japan’s long-established crime syndicates like the Yamaguchi-gumi are declining in membership, only to be replaced by tokuryū, fast, fluid groups that have been drawing headlines for their online recruiting and fraudulent activities.Society
Growing Opposition to Japan’s Death Penalty
Japan’s death penalty has come under the spotlight once more. Many nations moved away from this form of punishment in the second half of the twentieth century, but Japan remains one of the few developed countries to retain it as an option. Relatively broad public support for the ultimate punishment in Japan has kept it on the books, but the freeing of a wrongly accused death row inmate and pressure from the United Nations are prompting a rethinking of capital punishment.Society
The Japan-US Alliance Loses a Longtime Friend: Richard Armitage, 1945–2025
The US diplomat Richard Armitage passed away in April 2025. An outsized presence in the Japan-US bilateral relationship, he made a splash soon after the 9/11 attacks with his calls for Japan and other allies to “show the flag” in support of the United States. Japanese politician Nagashima Akihisa, who had close ties with Armitage for three decades, remembers him.Politics
News in Brief
LDP's Moriyama Seeks Concrete Results on Japan-China Issues
Politics
System Failure Hits Sumitomo Mitsui ATMs
Economy
Iwaya, Guterres Reaffirm Need for U.N. Security Council Reform
Politics
Japan's Iwaya Calls for Collaboration for Nuke Nonproliferation
Politics
Japan Recognizes 3,990 People in Spring Honors
Politics
Items of A-Bomb Victim Who Died on Day of Enlistment to Be Displayed
Society
Tokyo Metro Logs 16.2 Pct Net Profit Rise in FY 2024
Economy
Tokyo Disney Operator Targets 1-T.-Yen Sales in 10 Years
Economy
Retail Rice Price Hits Fresh Record High in Japan
Economy
Japan Defense Chief, U.S. Envoy Vow to Boost Alliance
Politics
Osaka Expo Ring May Be Partially Preserved
Guide to Japan
Okagi Hayashi, Japan's Oldest Person, Dies at 115
Society
Global Military Spending Up 9 Pct in 2024; Japan Up 21 Pct
World
TEPCO Finishes 1st Round of FY 2025 Treated Water Release
Society
2 Japanese Place 1st in Int'l Youth Ballet Competition
Culture
Spring Japan Medal Recipients Include Rakugoka Ryutei Ichiba
Politics
Nostalgic Games, Toys Spark Renewed Interest in Japan
Economy
Japan's Liberty Island Euthanized after Injury in Race
News
In-depth Deeper takes on the issues that shape the nation.
Japan-ROK Relations After Yoon: Shaking Hands to Survive the Trump Shakeup
On June 3 this year, six months after the declaration of martial law that led to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, the Republic of Korea will hold a snap presidential election, with the left-wing candidate heavily favored to win. What does the change portend for Japan–South Korea relations as our countries grapple with the chaos of Trump 2.0?Politics
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How Anime Songs Rose to Conquer the World
Culture
History as a Weapon of Cognitive Warfare: Japan Faces New Obstacles to Reconciliation with China
Politics
Making Common Cause with Free Trade Allies: The Best Tariff Defense
Economy
Midcareer Hiring Boom Shakes Up Japan’s Job Market
Economy
The Conservative Argument Against Nuclear Power in Japan
Society
Too Much Information: Osaka Expo Website’s Excessive Personal Data Demands
Society
Japan Data Basic information on Japan with easy-to-understand statistics and diagrams.
Japanese Households of Children Who Have Lost a Parent Struggle Financially
Society
Asō Tarō Wealthiest Among Japan’s House of Representatives Lawmakers
Politics
Survey Points to Happiness Deficit in Japan
Society
Tōhoku University Tops Japanese Higher Education Ranking for Fifth Consecutive Time
Education
Guide to Japan Tour the country's well-known and out-of-the-way destinations. Guide to Japan