News On Japan
May 06, 2024
Amid global wheat shortages due to abnormal weather conditions and the depreciation of the yen, Japan is seeing price hikes and suspensions in the sale of products like orange juice, leading some to turn to domestic alternatives like mandarin juice. One such alternative gaining attention as a substitute for imported goods is rice flour.
Image of Japan's Rice Flour Revolution: Ministry of Agriculture Forms 'Komeni' Team

Ahead of Children's Day, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released an estimate of the country's child population, revealing a decrease of 330,000 compared to the previous year. The population of children under 15 dropped for the 43rd consecutive year, reaching a record low since data collection began in 1950.

Sony Pictures Entertainment, under the Sony Group, in partnership with an American investment firm, has proposed a joint acquisition of the U.S. media giant Paramount Global for approximately 4 trillion yen ($26 billion), as reported by multiple American media sources.


SOCIETY | May 06, 2024
In the case where the bodies of a couple were found burned in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, it has been revealed that a man, suspected to be the one giving instructions, stated that he was directe to go to the empty house, where the assault is believed to have taken place.
Image of Suspect in Tochigi Double Murder Claims He Acted on Instructions

A memorial service for the former Imperial Japanese Army kamikaze pilots who died during the Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II was held on May 3rd in front of the Chiran Peace Kannon Hall in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

The wailing of babies filled the air during the "Crying Sumo" event at Hakusan Shrine in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, on Friday, held to pray for children's health and growth.

At Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, the traditional Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual was performed on Saturday, with riders galloped across a 500-meter stretch at full speed while aiming arrows at targets, praying for the safety of the upcoming Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals.


Approximately 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) are in full bloom at a tourist facility in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, drawing many holidaymakers.
Image of Fuji Shibazakura in Full Bloom

Kyoto, the ancient capital bustling with tourists, has commenced a special exhibition of cultural properties at 15 temples and shrines, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into normally private cultural assets, deepening the appreciation of their historical significance.

During the Golden Week holidays, the "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival," known for attracting the largest number of visitors nationwide, has commenced. Blessed with clear weather, the city of Fukuoka is completely enveloped in the festive spirit.

Nagano Prefecture's Shiga Kogen is bustling with spring skiers, with significant snow remaining at the Yokoteyama-Shibutoge Ski Resort in Yamanouchi Town.

In this video, we will cover everything there is to know about IC Cards, what they are, how to use them and cover some of the issues you could encounter with them. (japan-guide.com)


The preview for the upcoming episode of the TV anime "Mushoku Tensei II: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu" has been released.
Image of Mushoku Tensei II: Episode 17 'Big Brother's Feelings'

The TV anime "Hibike! Euphonium 3" will air its fifth episode, "Twilight for Two," on NHK E-Tele on May 5th at 5 PM.

In "Weathering with You," Hina, possessing a mysterious ability to clear the skies, takes on her first job as a "sunshine girl" along with Hodaka and her younger brother Nagi. The trio successfully brings sunlight to Tokyo's skies, making their first job a huge success and leaving them excited for future endeavors.

"My Hero Academia" Season 7 kicks off on May 4, airing every Saturday evening at 5:30 PM. The first episode of the new season, Episode 139 titled 'At the Brink - An Incredible Guy,' will be broadcast across a network of 29 stations including Yomiuri TV and Nippon TV.

The TV anime "The Misfit of Demon King Academy II" Episode 16 continues the captivating saga of Anos Voldigoad, the reincarnated Demon King who returns to a world that has forgotten his legacy.


Japan Convenience Stores have a variety of delicious ready-made food, including Onigiri, which is the ultimate comfort food. They come in a variety of fillings and my mother is trying them out for the first time. (TabiEats)

Constitution Memorial Day, on May 3rd, marked 77 years since the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution. On May 3, 1947, a ceremony to commemorate the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution was held at the Imperial Palace Plaza. Despite the rain, approximately 10,000 people gathered.

The U23 Japan National Soccer Team, having secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, defeated Uzbekistan in the final to claim the U23 Asian Cup title.

The Japanese government has revised a Justice Ministry ordinance to tighten rules for granting student residence status. This comes after it came to light in 2019 that a university in Tokyo had lost contact with more than 1,600 of its foreign students. (NHK)


BUSINESS | May 06, 2024
In a survey conducted by a major life insurance company to coincide with Children's Day on May 5th, it was revealed that over half of the respondents felt uneasy about saving for their children’s education.
Image of Concerns Rise Over Children's Education Funding, Survey Reveals

Nippon Steel has announced a postponement of its acquisition timeline for major American steel manufacturer U.S. Steel, from the end of September to the end of December.

As harsh summer heat is expected nationwide, applications for insurance against the risk of heatstroke have surged, reaching approximately 4,000 in just one week since sales began.

A new cruise ship terminal has been completed at Tempozan in Osaka, and it was unveiled to the press on May 2nd.

A consortium led by Mitsui Fudosan, selected to redevelop the former Tsukiji Market site, revealed at a press conference held in Tokyo on May 1st, plans to invest 900 billion yen in creating a multi-purpose stadium capable of accommodating 50,000 people.