Japanese films awarded at Berlin Film Festival.

"Futsu no Seikatsu" won the Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival, while "Umibe e Iku Michi" received a Special Mention.

Japan faces matcha shortages.

Last year's matcha demand strained Japan's tea industry, causing shortages, particularly for first-flush matcha now favored by consumers.

Sleep in a futuristic space pod hotel near Tokyo.

Hotel Galaxy Pod in Saitama offers an affordable space-themed capsule experience just outside Tokyo, starting at around $26 per night.

Starbucks Japan launches matcha cherry blossom Frappuccino for sakura season.

Starbucks is releasing two special cherry blossom drinks: a Matcha Frappuccino and a Hojicha Latte with sakura mochi.

Website launched 30 years post-Tokyo subway sarin attack.

The Public Security Intelligence Agency launched a website to educate the public about the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack.

War book for students gaining popularity in Japan.

A Japanese book explains wars to junior high students, using manga and the Ukraine invasion, marking the invasion's third anniversary.

Japan excels in innovative toilet humor.

Toto, known for toilets, has found significant profit in semiconductor materials, contributing over 30% to its earnings recently.

Japan will allow shooting of wild bears encroaching on towns.

Japan's government allows local municipalities to shoot "urban bears" to ensure safety in response to rising bear attacks.

Japan's Cat Day boosts economy as companies capitalize on feline-themed promotions.

Sales related to cats are soaring in Japan, projected to reach ¥2.9 trillion by 2025 due to growing interest.

Kyiv school promotes peace via language education.

A Kyiv school promotes friendship through language learning, with students studying Japanese thanks to Japan's support amid the ongoing war.

Maid cafe in Akihabara adds translation panels for foreigners.

Technology is enhancing the maid cafe experience in Akihabara by using translation devices to bridge language barriers for international visitors.

Japanese motorhome evokes bubble-era Tokyo bar, now for sale.

A Japan-based company has created a retro-style mobile lounge, called Fusion, reminiscent of 1980s bars in a Toyota HiAce van.