Japanese content demand surges post-'Shogun' success.

The success of "Shogun" has increased demand for authentic Japanese content, prompting local creators to adapt their works.

Japan ministers agree to halve drug prices.

Health ministers plan drug price cuts to reduce patient costs while increasing out-of-pocket expenses for some to lower public health spending.

Japan seeks greater school autonomy in curriculum updates.

Education minister Toshiko Abe seeks to revise school curriculum guidelines, allowing more flexibility in class hours and improving media literacy.

Shizuoka residents have the longest healthy lifespan in Japan.

As of 2022, Shizuoka Prefecture has the highest healthy life expectancy in Japan, while Iwate Prefecture has the lowest.

2024 marked Japanese TV's rise in prestige.

The new FX adaptation of "Shogun" captivated audiences and won Emmys, highlighting Japan's rising creative prowess in global television.

Ramen rule: one person, one bowl.

A ramen restaurant declined service to a couple for trying to share one bowl, emphasizing each person must order separately.

One Piece collaborates with LA Lakers for anime/basketball crossover.

The Straw Hat Pirates will celebrate One Piece Night with the Lakers on February 28 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Low-wage small businesses face labor shortages.

Masato Shiota's papermaking business in Kochi Prefecture struggles with labor shortages, limiting production and threatening its profitability.

Japan startups face longest decline ever as rate hike approaches.

Japan’s startup stocks face record annual losses due to rising interest rates and a weak yen, while broader markets gain.

Tokyo to implement free daycare to increase birth rate.

Tokyo will provide free day care for all preschool children starting in September to alleviate financial pressures and address low birth rates.

Japanese condos now cost 10x average salary, study finds.

New condos in Japan now exceed 10 times the average salary, driven by rising costs and increased foreign buyer interest.

Emergency teams to get unmanned water-cannon robots.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency will deploy unmanned water-cannon robots to improve fire response and firefighter safety nationwide.