Study: Hundreds in Indonesia legally named after anime characters like Naruto, Inuyasha.

In Indonesia, many people are naming their children after anime characters, reflecting the medium's growing global popularity.

Japan's inflation paradox leads to unequal benefits and detriments.

Chieko Sugai, a struggling 72-year-old widow, faces financial hardship due to rising costs and low pensions in Murakami.

Foreign guest overnight stays surpass pre-pandemic levels in 39 prefectures.

In 2025, Japan saw a 55.6% rise in foreign overnight stays, driven by regional tourism growth post-pandemic, especially in Ehime.

Tram from Hiroshima bombing now featured in limited-time history tour.

Hiroshima's "Peace Loop 653" tour offers a unique tram experience, connecting visitors to the city’s atomic bomb history and recovery.

Foreign residents in Japan's preferences for end-of-life location.

As Japan's population ages, the rising foreign residents face questions about their preferred end-of-life wishes during the Bon holiday.

Japanese arcade chain offers crane game coaches for winning prizes.

Natsuno learns crane game techniques at Benex, winning various prizes and gaining confidence with the help of the Assist Crew.

Japan launches H3 rocket carrying Michibiki satellite.

JAXA successfully launched the H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 satellite, marking a return to reliable satellite missions.

7-Eleven Japan introduces doughnut-like tonkotsu ramen fried chicken.

7-Eleven introduces unique fried chicken inspired by tonkotsu ramen flavor and a new snack for enhancing ramen.

Japan’s language rules for permanent residency should ensure applicants demonstrate proficiency in the Japanese language.

Japan proposes language and orientation requirements for permanent residency, marking a shift toward better integration of foreign residents.

1,400+ Japanese cities: foreign populations increase, total populations decrease.

Japan's foreign resident population is increasing significantly, while the native population continues to decline, according to government data.

Gut bacteria linked to Japan's colorectal cancer cases.

A Japanese study found colibactin toxin in nearly half of colorectal cancer cases, linking it to genetic mutations and potential prevention.

Japan's government debt reached a record ¥1.3 trillion by the end of June.

Japan's central government debt reached a record ¥1.34 trillion, reflecting ongoing borrowing due to spending exceeding tax revenues.

Sony, TSMC to invest ¥1 trillion in joint Japan chip plant.

Sony and TSMC are planning a ¥1 trillion factory in Japan for next-gen image sensors, starting production in 2029.

Weekly Shonen Jump's circulation dips below one million, signaling the end of a manga era.

Weekly Shonen Jump remains Japan's top manga magazine, but its print circulation has fallen below one million for the first time.

Japan's food self-sufficiency ratio is 37%, below the 45% goal for 2030.

Japan's food self-sufficiency ratio dropped to 37%, far below the 45% target for 2030, highlighting its vulnerability to food supply issues.

7-Eleven Japan introduces Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie, innovating convenience store beverages.

A unique grilled corn smoothie is exclusively available at select 7-Eleven stores in Tokyo's Chuo and Chiyoda wards.

Japan extends Type 2 foreign workers' stay by five years.

The Immigration Services Agency plans to introduce a five-year stay for specified skilled foreign workers starting January, 2024.

Haneda Airport sets stricter luggage check-in deadlines for domestic flights.

JAL and ANA will require bag check-in 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights, starting soon.

Pokémon Center Online now requires a Japanese ID card for purchasing certain Pokémon items.

Only residents of Japan can purchase specific Pokémon items online due to new ID requirements aimed at preventing scalping.

Japan's aging homeless face perilous summers.

Eighty-two-year-old Ito, homeless in Tokyo, navigates extreme summer heat by finding cool spaces while facing numerous safety risks.

Young South Koreans seek jobs in Japan due to domestic employment challenges.

Moe Kasugai started a service to connect Korean job seekers with Japanese employers after noticing their job search struggles.

Cooling strips on upper body: effective against Japan's summer heat?

Mr. Sato hilariously covered himself in 68 cooling patches to combat the heatwave, daring the sun while seeking relief.

Kids used smartphone to call for help, demonstrating its life-saving potential.

Three fifth-graders found an elderly woman in distress and Yuito called emergency services using his smartphone for help.

Long lines at Tokyo store selling Kumamoto goods post-quake.

Since the earthquake, Tokyo's Kumamoto shop has seen long lines as customers buy goods and donate to support affected residents.