Stories from Japan

Japan's health ministry is set to ban the ingredient cannabinol, or CBN, which is derived from cannabis. The ban is scheduled to take effect in June. The ban is part of new regulations on psychoactive substances.

A community in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is seeking funds to maintain equipment for a traditional summer festival.

A magnitude 3.6 earthquake occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The tremor was recorded at a depth of 50,000 meters. The event took place at 18:22:21 JST on May 31, 2026. A magnitude 1.5 earthquake struck 30 km northwest of Gölbaşı, Türkiye.

Police arrested three men from Kanagawa Prefecture on suspicion of home invasion and robbery in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Renofa Yamaguchi FC terminated the contract of player Kōshirō Itohara on May 29, 2026.

Japan's National Police Agency Superintendent General Yutaka Nanri has ordered enhanced measures to combat "Tokuryu" crimes.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of preparing for a gold heist. Specifics of the plot or the gold involved were not disclosed. The details of the heist plan and the amount of gold involved are still under investigation. Tokyo police have arrested two individuals in connection with a plot to steal gold. Details about the amount of gold targeted or the method of the plot are still emerging. The arrests were made by Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Police are investigating the full scope of the operation and any potential accomplices. The value of the intended stolen gold has not been disclosed. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into organized crime. Police intercepted the suspects before the heist could be carried out. Authorities believe the suspects were planning a major heist.

Japan's medical fee system is set for revision, potentially increasing patient costs. A former Bank of Japan policymaker stated that Japan risks repeating policy errors that led to decades of stagnation if interest rates are not raised soon.

Moka Kamishiraishi's new song 'Wanna me' has been chosen as the second cour ending theme for the anime 'Ascendance of a Bookworm: I Raised a Bookworm Family'.

The Bank of Japan has decided to keep its interest rates unchanged following a recent policy meeting. This decision indicates a steady approach to monetary policy. The bank's stance indicates a steady economic outlook. The central bank cited ongoing economic conditions as the reason for maintaining the current rate. The central bank aims to support economic stability.