Kevin Kobayashi

Japanese KitKat collaborates with Pizza Hut for a new limited edition.

KitKat and Pizza Hut collaborate to create a unique, luck-infused pizza aimed at supporting Japanese students during exam season.

Japan bank lending reaches record high by end of 2024.

Japan's bank lending reached a record ¥605.8 trillion in 2024, driven by strong corporate demand and rising raw material costs.

Japan-ify your cooking for unique flavors.

Sonoko Sakai's life influences her cookbook "Wafu Cooking," featuring quick, unique recipes that blend Japanese and Western culinary traditions.

Kyoto plans to raise hotel guest taxes, aiming for Japan’s highest accommodation tax.

Kyoto plans to raise its accommodation tax to 10,000 yen per person per night, targeting high-end hotel guests by 2026.

Overseas anime market surpasses Japan; potential cultural tipping point.

In 2023, anime's overseas revenue exceeded Japan's for the second time, driven partly by currency fluctuations, reaching 3.3465 trillion yen.

Fast Retailing increases starting monthly salary to ¥330,000.

Fast Retailing will raise starting salaries by 10% to attract talent, enhancing pay and benefits for new and existing employees.

Japan's deadliest food poses risks, yet it remains a New Year’s tradition.

Despite its choking hazards, mochi remains a cherished New Year's tradition in Japan, symbolizing vitality and good fortune.

Tokyo aims to alleviate childbirth's physical and financial burdens.

Tokyo plans to offer a subsidy for epidural childbirths in 2025 to support women and address declining birth rates.

Japan's traffic deaths reach third-lowest level in 2024.

In 2024, Japan's traffic deaths fell to 2,663, the third-lowest ever, with an increase in fatalities among seniors.

Japanese parties fail to leverage social media well.

Japanese political parties are leveraging social media for the upcoming House of Councilors election, aiming for viral content without populism.

Honda displays U.S.-made EVs, weighs slowing investments.

Honda plans to launch two electric vehicle prototypes in 2024, aiming for 30 new models by 2030, but may adjust investments if demand declines.

Economy minister advocates for ongoing wage growth.

Economy minister Yoji Muto urged business leaders to raise wages to ensure Japan's sustainable economic growth this year.