Young Japanese officials aiding municipalities as side jobs.

Japan plans to send young officials to assist struggling municipalities, enhancing support for regional revitalization starting in fiscal 2025.

7-Eleven pancakes are popular among American tourists in Japan.

American tourists love pairing 7-Eleven's pancakes with fried chicken in Japan for a tasty sweet and salty treat.

Japan's new no-topping cup ramen: simple, cheap, and somewhat depressing.

Lawson's new ramen lacks toppings to reduce costs, but customers question if the price is justified without additional ingredients.

Japanese junior high students create air freshener using stink bugs.

Students in Japan created a pleasant air freshener from stink bugs, showcasing their unexpected positive attributes despite popular dislike.

Giant rock salt from Aichi town sold on Mercari for ¥420,000.

Higashiura sold two large rock salt blocks for ¥420,000 on Mercari, expected to be displayed in a Fukuoka shop.

Mister Donut offers heart-shaped gourmet donuts for Valentine’s Day, celebrating love for chocolate.

Mister Donut launches new heart-shaped donuts with Pierre Marcolini, perfect for expressing love this Valentine's Day in Japan.

Shibuya's iconic meeting statue displaced due to redevelopment.

The Moyai statue has been relocated within Shibuya, preserving it but making it less convenient as a meeting spot.

Tatami moving from floor to dining table reflects changing design trends and multifunctional spaces.

Sushi Yatagarasu enhances the dining experience by using tatami coasters for smartphones alongside traditional sushi meal preparations.

Japan university students accepting job offers declines.

In Japan, 84.3% of graduating university students accepted job offers, marking the first decline in four years.

Fuji TV scandal involves allegations of unethical practices, including manipulation of ratings, biased reporting, and poor treatment of employees.

Masahiro Nakai's retirement over sexual misconduct allegations has sparked national interest and government involvement in the unfolding scandal.

Japan inflation rises to 3%, bolstering BOJ rate hike argument.

Japan's key inflation gauge rose to 3% in December, prompting expectations of a third rate hike by the central bank.

Pokémon manhole cover in Japan gains fame as the most overprotected, winning hearts nationwide.

The snowy landscape around Pippu Station features Japan's most overprotected manhole cover, beautifully adorned with Pokémon, drawing tourists.