Stories from Japan

Wildfires in Yamagata Prefecture have entered their seventh day of burning. The wildfire in Yamagata has entered its seventh day and is largely under control as of the morning of April 28. As of the morning of April 28, the fire has burned 1,633 hectares and is reported to be largely under control.

The Nikkei 225 index fell by 710 points, representing a 1% decline. Market analysts noted that a series of shocks have interrupted progress and priced out a rate cut for 2026. The Nikkei index fell 0.5 percent to 60,238 points during the trading day in Tokyo. The broader Topix index also declined by 0.8 percent to 3,075 points. In contrast, the Hang Seng rose by 331 points and the Shanghai index increased by more than 16 points. The Hang Seng Index fell by 591 points to 4,106. The Shenzhen Component Index dropped 48 points to 15,072. Gold in London was bought at 4,549.08 USD and sold at 4,550.91 USD. The Nikkei average index fell by 752 points to close at 59,165. South Korea's Kospi index declined by 1.38 percent. These market drops follow the United States Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates. Major Asian markets closed with losses.

JR West is in final adjustments to establish a capital and business alliance with Resona Group.

A Kashima defender has been issued a two-match suspension and a fine following a red card just five minutes into a match.

The Shonan Youth Orchestra will hold its 35th regular concert on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. The orchestra is transitioning to a model that allows participation from children to adults. The performance is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the Zushi Cultural Plaza Nagi Hall. The event will feature musical works including Wagner's Lohengrin. The orchestra has performed over 90 pieces under the guidance of Kazuo Maezawa.

Zushi city officials announced plans to revise sewage usage fees to stabilize the waterworks business finances.

Obu City in Aichi Prefecture is switching to stretch film recycled materials for garbage bags.

The Hayama Arts Festival is currently taking place in the Shonan region of Kanagawa Prefecture. The event includes art workshops and product sales organized into four distinct categories. The festival utilizes an open house format for its various activities. Participants can set their own schedules during the approximately three-week event duration. The festival aims to allow attendees to experience art while engaging with the natural environment of Hayama. Organizers receive over 100 applications for projects annually. The festival will include bamboo construction workshops held from May 3 to May 17. A bamboo dome-making workshop is scheduled for May 3 and May 4, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM. The workshop is open to both elementary school students and adults, with children requiring a guardian. The festival activities are part of the local cultural programming in Hayama.

This statement was made on April 17th, the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki by the Qing government. The statement is seen as a demonstration of Japan's intent to counter the People's Liberation Army and defend energy routes in the Taiwan Strait.

Japan's first canned juice, Meiji Natural Orange Juice, was released on this day in 1954. The station noted that modern cans are designed for easy opening, unlike older styles that required a can opener. This innovation has made canned beverages more convenient for consumers.