A joint research team from SOKENDAI and Peking University has revealed that cave lions (Panthera spelaea) roamed widely across the Japanese archipelago tens of thousands of years ago. DNA analysis of fossils previously thought to be tigers confirmed their true identity, unveiling a lost ecosystem where lions coexisted with Naumann's elephants and giant deer.

The Oxford English Dictionary added 11 Japanese-origin words including yokai, senpai, and mottainai in its December 2025 update. Driven by global anime and manga popularity, Japanese language influence continues expanding in English-speaking countries. Full list and cultural context explained.

Japan's National Treasure "Prince Shotoku Illustrated Biography" (1069 CE) is now free to view online with ultra-high-definition 3.6 billion pixel images. Available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. This groundbreaking digital archive project launched in January 2026 lets you explore details invisible to the naked eye from anywhere in the world.

Ruby creator Yukihiro Matsumoto (Matz) warns against the "juniors are unnecessary" narrative in the AI era. If training opportunities for young engineers disappear, technical knowledge transfer will cease, leaving the IT industry a "scorched earth." Exploring Japan's IT talent challenges and global trends.

In a taxonomic twist, the Japanese sea bass (Suzuki) has been reclassified out of the Perciformes—the order named after it in Japanese. Thanks to advances in molecular phylogenetics, this massive fish order containing over 10,000 species is being dismantled. Discover how DNA analysis is rewriting what we know about fish evolution.

Duolingo English Test introduces groundbreaking "Ear Scan" technology to detect wireless earbuds and hidden audio devices using machine learning. This biometric security measure ensures fair online testing for university admissions worldwide. Learn how this innovation is reshaping remote exam integrity.

Experience ukiyo-e like never before at "Moving Ukiyo-e Exhibition OSAKA" in Grand Front Osaka. Over 300 masterpieces by Hokusai, Sharaku, and other legendary artists come alive through cutting-edge 3DCG and projection mapping in this award-winning immersive digital art museum.

Japan's Tsukuba Botanical Garden has successfully achieved artificial pollination of Welwitschia mirabilis (Kisoutengai), an endangered "living fossil" from Namibia's desert. Discover the extraordinary biology of this plant that grows only two leaves in its 2000+ year lifespan, and why this breakthrough matters for global conservation efforts.

Discover why rugby players are highly sought after in Japan's corporate world. From the "One for All, All for One" spirit to Japan's unique "taiikukaikei" sports culture, we explore what makes rugby athletes ideal candidates for Japanese companies and how this reflects broader Japanese workplace values.

Nagasaki University researchers solved a 160-year taxonomic mystery dating back to Siebold's era, discovering that Japan's common red stingray actually comprises multiple species. The team formally described the new species Hemitrygon ariakensis, found primarily in the Ariake Sea, resolving confusion that began when specimens were first collected in the Edo period.

The Kakeya Conjecture, proposed by Japanese mathematician Sōichi Kakeya in 1917, has finally been proven in 3D space after 108 years. This historic proof by Hong Wang (NYU) and Joshua Zahl (UBC) is expected to have far-reaching applications in harmonic analysis, signal processing, and cryptography.

In 2025, French and British mathematicians proved a 40-year-old conjecture about the "spectral gap" of hyperbolic surfaces. Building on the late Maryam Mirzakhani's research, this discovery has potential applications in quantum chaos and efficient communication network design. We explain this complex mathematical world in accessible terms.

In 2025, a team of American mathematicians partially solved Hilbert's sixth problem, unresolved for 125 years. This groundbreaking achievement mathematically proves how microscopic particle motion gives rise to macroscopic fluid laws, shedding new light on the mystery of the "arrow of time."

On December 22, 2025, mysterious street artist Banksy's latest mural appeared in Bayswater, west London. What message lies behind the artwork depicting children pointing at the sky? Explore reactions from around the world and Japanese perspectives.

On December 22, 2024, Japan's Ministry of Education announced a major reform incorporating AI and data science fundamentals into mandatory high school subject "Mathematics I." Starting 2032, all students regardless of major will learn these skills. Emphasizing real-world connections through "Mathematics for Understanding Society," accelerating digital talent development. Includes reactions from educators and global trends.

What happens when a child mails a letter addressed only to "Santa" without an address before Christmas? Discover Japan Post's surprising answer and learn the proper ways to actually send letters to Santa Claus from Japan.