Stories from Japan

Kosugi Real Estate opened a new branch in Ozu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, on May 21, 2026.

Fukuoka Mayor Tagawa has announced his resignation, citing a desire to minimize impact on citizens' lives following a finding of sexual harassment.

A 47-year-old junior high school teacher and a 31-year-old elementary school teacher have been dismissed from their positions.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been appointed as the honorary chairman for the 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition.

Japan's Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama suggested an extra budget of approximately $19 billion. She downplayed the potential impact of this additional spending on government finances.

Nice Mobile has launched a new service called MAXHUB AI Meeting Minutes, which utilizes AI for real-time transcription and summarization of meetings.

A 'HUGGY BOOM Firework Bomb Doll' figure from the game Honkai: Star Rail will be released in November 2026.

US military forces conducted live-fire drills using HIMARS rocket launchers on May 20th at the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Japan. The drills took place in the vicinity of Gotemba. The drills aim to enhance readiness and interoperability. These drills are part of ongoing joint security operations.

A radio play adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, titled 'Sherlock Holmes #6', is scheduled for July 2026 at the Nikkei Hall in Tokyo.

Japanese police recovered human remains this week from a mountainous area in western Tokyo following a suspected bear attack. The location was near the site of another recent bear attack.