A record-breaking 3,000 Steller sea lions have gathered on Benten Island off Hokkaido, Japan. Known as "sea gangsters," they cause $65 million in annual fishery damage. While internationally protected as endangered, local fishermen face devastating economic losses. Explore this complex conflict between wildlife conservation and human livelihoods.

Backcountry skiing accidents involving foreign tourists have surged at Japanese ski resorts. In just 3 weeks, 29 people were rescued—90% foreign nationals. From Niseko to Furano, powder-chasing tourists venturing off-piste face unique risks. Exploring Japan's safety measures, local rules, and cultural differences in mountain safety.

Shimizu Corporation's world-class SEP vessel "BLUE WIND" has arrived in Maizuru, Kyoto. Learn about this massive 142m construction ship with 2,500-ton crane capacity and Japan's offshore wind power development projects.

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambles over 700 times annually at $38,000 per hour. With China's drones increasing and F-15s aging, can the UK-Italy-Japan GCAP sixth-gen fighter solve the crisis? An in-depth look at Japan's air defense challenges.

Kyoto City announces a switch from rear-entry/pay-later to front-entry/prepay bus boarding by FY2028. This overtourism countermeasure aims to reduce congestion and balance residents' daily life with tourism. The tourist express bus impact is also being evaluated.

Japan's private rice imports reached 96,000 tons in 2025—95 times the previous year. Learn how historic domestic rice price surges made foreign rice cost-effective even with high tariffs, reshaping Japan's food security debate.

Hitachi's Physical AI strategy targets a $140 billion market by 2030. Learn how Japan's manufacturing giant is using AI to preserve skilled workers' tacit knowledge and address labor shortages in social infrastructure.

Mitsui Fudosan announces Japan's first full-electric passenger ferry "Nihonbashi e-LINER" with regular service between Nihonbashi and Toyosu starting April 2026. Zero CO2 emissions, silent operation, and emergency response capabilities define this next-generation urban water transport.

NASA officially denies viral claim that Earth will lose gravity for 7 seconds on August 12, 2026. The alleged "Project Anchor" secret document is confirmed as complete fiction. Learn why gravity loss is scientifically impossible.

While Japan faces record bear attacks in 2025 with over 200 casualties nationwide, the resort town of Karuizawa has maintained zero human injuries for 15 consecutive years. Learn how NPO Picchio's innovative approach—using bear dogs, radio tracking, and community cooperation—created a successful model for human-wildlife coexistence that protects both residents and bears.

In January 2026, the yen surged to the 155 level after reports that Japanese and US authorities conducted coordinated "rate checks," signaling potential currency intervention. We explain what this means for the Japanese economy amid election-driven fiscal policy debates.

Japan's 4-day work week adoption is accelerating in 2025, with Tokyo Metropolitan Government and major corporations like ZOZO, Fast Retailing, and Hitachi leading the charge. Explore the three implementation models, benefits, challenges, and what this means for Japan's notoriously long work culture.

Japan welcomed a record 42.68 million foreign visitors in 2025, with spending reaching 9.5 trillion yen. Explore the current state of inbound tourism, overtourism challenges in Kyoto and Mt. Fuji, and Japan's innovative solutions for sustainable tourism.

Japan's 2025 trade deficit halved to ¥2.65 trillion, down 52.9% year-on-year. Record exports of ¥110.4 trillion were driven by strong electronic components and semiconductor shipments to Asia and EU. However, Trump tariffs caused the first decline in US-bound exports in 5 years.

Japan's fiscal outlook takes dramatic turn as Cabinet Office projects ¥800 billion primary balance deficit for FY2026, reversing previous ¥3.6 trillion surplus forecast. Analysis of Takaichi administration's supplementary budget impact and implications for fiscal health targets.

In a historic shift, "civil servant" ranked #1 for the first time among Japanese middle school boys' dream jobs in 2025. "YouTuber," which held the top spot for 5 consecutive years, dropped 9 points. This article explores how economic uncertainty and inflation are driving Japanese teens toward stability-focused career choices.

Japan commits over ¥10 trillion ($65 billion) to semiconductor revival by 2030. Explore Rapidus's 2nm production goals, equipment & materials strengths, and global competition in this comprehensive analysis of Japan's "Crisis Management Investment" strategy.

Japanese space startup ispace has been selected for JAXA's Space Strategy Fund, securing up to $130 million to develop Mission 6 targeting a 2029 lunar south pole landing. The mission will tackle precision landing, extended surface operations, and communication relay satellite deployment—positioning Japan in the global race for lunar water resources.

Japan launched the 12th and final Mogami-class frigate "Yoshii" in December 2025. With 12 ships completed in just 5 years without delays, Japan demonstrates superior shipbuilding capability while Western nations struggle. Australia has selected Japan's New FFM as its next frigate.

Japan's winter ice cream market is booming — spending has doubled in 20 years, with 2024 sales hitting a record 645.1 billion yen. Discover how Morinaga's PARM success, 2000s manufacturing innovations, "kotatsu ice cream" culture, and winter-limited product strategies transformed an industry that once "burned through summer profits in winter."