Japan

AI Enhancing Indoor Farming in JapanAugust 25, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--Companies are turning to artificial intelligence and sensor technology to improve the efficiency of indoor farming in Japan as the country faces a growing shortage of farmers. Oishii Farm Corp., which runs a strawberry factory in the United States, recently established a new research and development base in Hamura, a city […]
Japan to Raise Foreigners' Residency Fees in Oct.August 25, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's government adopted an ordinance Tuesday to raise fees for foreigners to renew and change their residency status to up to 75,000 yen from a uniform 6,000 yen at present, effective in October. New fees for people who take necessary procedures at an administrative office counter will include 10,000 yen for […]
Japan PM Pledges to Steadily Continue Sanctions on RussiaAugust 25, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to steadily continue its sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Attending online a leaders meeting of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine on Monday, Takaichi said that "we will continue steadily imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine" as four and […]
Lawson, Seven-Eleven Japan to Cut Rice Ball PricesAugust 25, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--Major Japanese convenience store operators Lawson Inc. and Seven-Eleven Japan Co. have announced price cuts for their "onigiri" rice ball products. Lawson said Monday that it will cut the prices of 20 onigiri products, including six items on sale across the country and products available in limited areas, by 10 yen […]
Japan Govt Rapped for Weak Response to U.S. Sanctions on ICC HeadAugust 25, 2026
Tokyo, Aug. 25 (Jiji Press)--A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers has criticized the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for its weak response to U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan. "Japan's response to the sanctions is far weaker than those shown by other countries," the group said in a statement […]

With Kamakura: Traditional Snow-Country Architecture in a Sunny Seaside NeighborhoodAugust 24, 2026
The café With Kamakura is located in a unique building reconstructed from three traditional farmhouses transported across the country, and combines architectural heritage with local, seasonal dining.
Aizu-Wakamatsu’s Tsurugajō Castle: Where the Samurai Era EndedAugust 20, 2026
Tsurugajō Castle was the site of a prolonged siege during the turbulent years marking the transition from the Edo period (1603–1868) to the Meiji era (1868–1912). Today, the red-roofed castle is a symbol of Fukushima Prefecture that stands in a large park encompassing the former castle grounds. Defended to the last by loyal supporters of […]
“The Tale of the Heike”: Japan’s Military EpicAugust 15, 2026
Originally popularized by traveling musicians, The Tale of the Heike is a grand military epic known for its themes of transience.
Hiyashi Chūka: A Chilled Noodle Favorite for Japanese SummersAugust 11, 2026
When it is too hot to eat ramen, hiyashi chūka is a delicious, cool alternative.
Lantern Festivals Light Up the Evening SkiesAugust 5, 2026
Festivals in Japan present their most magical faces after dark, and the enchanting glow of paper lanterns is a key part of many events. We take a look at three leading festivals where the thousands of lanterns on display are a major part of the festivities.