Stories from Japan

Japanese 15-year bond yields have reached approximately 3.6 percent following a Bank of Japan meeting where interest rates remained unchanged. High oil prices and strength in Japanese equities are cited as negative factors for the Bank of Japan.

A project aimed at creating sake using yeast grown in space has resulted in the completion of 100cc of sake. A project involving the International Space Station successfully produced 100cc of sake using Japanese yeast. The project successfully completed 100cc of sake using yeast that fermented for two weeks in orbit following an October launch. A 100cc sample of sake produced from yeast fermented on the International Space Station was successfully brought back to Earth in March. A Japanese alcohol manufacturer has successfully conducted an experiment to produce sake raw materials in Earth's orbit. The experiment took place within the Kibō module on the International Space Station. The process involved using lifting mechanisms and systems for managing gas, liquid, and electrical power supplies.

An adult-only funeral ceremony held at Toei Uzumasa Eigamura in Kyoto is facing criticism following its appearance on social media.

The new basic plan for the Kochi Prefectural Gymnasium has been presented in Kochi City.

Japan's FX chief stated he has been in contact with his US counterpart around the clock. He hinted that Japan has a green light from Washington to take action if needed. The Japanese yen has risen 1.6% against the US dollar. The Hang Seng Index fell by 3 percent at one point during trading.

Chinese spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang criticized Japan's recent modifications to its Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles and operational guidelines. China urged relevant nations to stop creating division and confrontation. Representatives from China and Japan engaged in a heated exchange during a meeting on April 27 regarding maritime activities. Japan accused China of expanding its maritime presence and increasing regional pressure. China refuted these claims, stating that China has not lost control of the relevant waters and instead accused Japan of sending vessels into Chinese territorial waters to change the status quo. The Chinese representative said the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and warned against interference in Taiwan-related issues.

NATO representatives conducted a visit to a United States naval facility located in the vicinity of Tokyo.

Ishinomaki City is enhancing its 'Smile Start Package' support program starting April 2026 to promote migration and settlement. Ishinomaki is expanding its Smile Start Package in April 2026 to include a new support project for newlyweds under age 39.

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake occurred 106 km east-northeast of Kuji, Japan, at a depth of 35.555 km. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 35.555 km, located 106 km ENE of Kuji.

Rakuten Wallet has introduced new capabilities for users in Japan to convert loyalty points into XRP. The update also enables spot trading and allows QR code payments at over 5 million merchants.