Stories from Japan

A cryptocurrency political action committee, backed by Anchorage and Chainlink, has announced endorsements for the 2026 midterm elections. Separately, AI agents are being used to address labor shortages in food distribution, as presented at FOOMA JAPAN 2026 in Tokyo.

Nine companies, including Mitsubishi Chemical, have launched a new feasibility study to establish a stable supply system for high-quality recycled plastics for automobiles.

Beard Papa has released a new limited-edition dessert, the "Lemon Cake Cream Puff." This item is available in June and combines the flavors of a lemon cake with their signature cream puff.

A social media post questioning the excessive packaging of Japanese bento boxes, specifically "double-bottomed" designs, has gained traction.

Mitsui Chemicals and Mitsubishi Chemical are reducing ethylene production at their Osaka, Chiba, and Ibaraki plants.

Viaggio Blu is holding a special pop-up store at Nagoya Takashimaya from May 27 to June 2, 2026.

A flood warning has been issued for Niigata Prefecture, specifically for the cities of Kamo and Tagami.

A Japanese health ministry panel stated that heated tobacco products may be more harmful than regular cigarettes. The panel indicated these products could produce greater amounts of cancer-causing substances. This is a routine public health advisory.

An earthquake with a magnitude of over 5 struck the southern Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The Yamagata Prefecture in Japan is anticipating a cherry harvest exceeding 10,000 tons for the first time in three years.