Stories from Japan

The Bank of Japan maintained its benchmark interest rates at current levels following a policy meeting. The average interest rate for Treasury Bonds on April 30, 2026, was recorded at 3.403%. The Bank of Japan announced on Friday that it will maintain its current interest rates.

Baywave FM discussed AI's role in music creation and featured a segment on a band whose members were inspired by 70s music.

Nexon's 2026 fiscal year first-quarter investor presentation has revealed new game information. Nexon released its Q1 2026 investor results, coinciding with a trending discussion on Zhihu about the high vacancy rates in newly opened commercial spaces.

Police have arrested a minor on suspicion of robbery and murder following a home invasion in Tochigi Prefecture.

The Takamatsu District Public Prosecutors Office determined that he can be held criminally responsible for the act.

A man carrying a bladed object is on the run in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Yamanashi Prefectural Teachers Union (Yamkyo) has confirmed its intention to nominate multiple candidates from within the organization for the prefectural assembly election next April.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred 93 km east-northeast of Miyako, Japan. The earthquake had a depth of 35 km.

A tourism pass is available in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, offering access to 40 facilities for 4500 yen.

A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The earthquake was at a depth of 10 km and was felt by residents. This is considered an aftershock of a previous M7.4 earthquake.