Aug 24 (Nikkei) - More than 40,000 tax-free shops are ready to welcome overseas tourists to Japan -- even those who step into more rural regions.
The stores, which exempt visitors from paying consumption tax on certain purchases, numbered 40,532 in Japan as of April 1, an increase of 15.1% on the year. The number in Japan's three major metropolitan areas surrounding Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya climbed 14.9% to 24,931 stores. The number elsewhere increased 15.5% to 15,601 stores.
Osaka City has issued an administrative order to stop feeding pigeons and crows following continuous complaints about droppings and noise.
The biannual Spring Garden Party, hosted by the Emperor and Empress, took place at Tokyo's Akasaka Imperial Garden on Tuesday, with Princess Aiko gracing the event, warmly engaging with the guests.
Pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has taken to social media to share the excitement of her first pregnancy.
Major American IT companies like Microsoft and Oracle have announced substantial investments totalling 4 trillion yen ($26 billion) in data centers in Japan, sparking concerns about digital sovereignty and AI development.
A former host admitted to knowingly receiving approximately 25 million yen that had been deceitfully obtained by convicted scammer "Riri-chan," in a trial held on April 23.
A cherry tree located at one of Kyoto's busiest pedestrian streets, Sanneizaka, a main pathway to Kiyomizu Temple, suddenly fell at 11:45 AM on Tuesday, trapping a school teacher beneath.
The biannual Spring Garden Party, hosted by the Emperor and Empress, took place at Tokyo's Akasaka Imperial Garden on Tuesday, with Princess Aiko gracing the event, warmly engaging with the guests.
The site of the former Tsukiji Market is set for a major transformation, including a stadium with a capacity of 50,000 people and a launch pad for flying cars.
