Ogaki City's digital regional currency "Gaki Pay" has gone viral on Japanese social media due to its quirky name. Learn about Japan's innovative approach to combating inflation through digital local currencies, the story behind the unusual name, and how regional currencies are transforming local economies across the country.

A new mineral called Takanawaite discovered in Mt. Takanawa, Ehime Prefecture contains rare earth elements. However, commercial development faces three major barriers: mining volume, stable supply, and radioactive waste processing. This article explores Japan's path to becoming a "resource power" alongside the Minamitorishima seabed development project.

China threatens rare earth export bans following PM Takaichi's Taiwan comments. After 15 years since the 2010 Senkaku crisis, Japan's preparedness through supply chain diversification is now the model for the US, Europe, and Australia accelerating their "de-risking" from China.

In January 2026, the Nikkei 225 closed above 54,000 yen for the first time in history. The "Takaichi Trade" reignites amid speculation of snap elections, with foreign investors buying large-cap stocks. Driven by yen weakness and expectations of expansionary fiscal policy, the index may reach 60,000. Explore Japanese reactions and market outlook.

As the yen plunges to 159 per dollar for the first time in 18 months, Japan's Vice Finance Minister Mimura warns that "all measures are on the table" for currency intervention. Explore the background of the rapid yen depreciation amid dissolution election reports, Japan's intervention history, and what lies ahead for the currency markets.

Osaka Expo 2025 closed in October with 29.02 million visitors, a ¥280 billion operating surplus, and ¥3.6 trillion economic impact—exceeding pre-event projections. Discover what made this expo profitable and explore the factors behind successful World Expos.

Japan's beloved ikura (salmon roe) reaches record-breaking prices due to severe salmon shortages. Discover how climate change and declining catches in Hokkaido are transforming sushi restaurants and Japanese dining tables, and what this means for the future of Japanese cuisine.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is reportedly considering dissolving the House of Representatives for a snap election. This analysis explores the timing, political motivations, and potential economic impacts on Japanese markets under both victory and defeat scenarios.

Japanese hospitals are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Rising costs, staff shortages, and government policies are forcing healthcare facilities to close across the nation. Discover the factors behind this growing crisis and how it may reshape Japan's renowned healthcare system.

In September 2024, Japan's Ministry of the Environment officially declared the complete eradication of the invasive small Indian mongoose from Amami Oshima island. This world-first achievement took 24 years of dedicated effort, protecting endangered species like the Amami rabbit and restoring the island's unique ecosystem.

On January 5, 2026, a purple sea urchin from Hakodate, Hokkaido sold for a record-breaking 35 million yen ($228,000) at Tokyo's Toyosu Market - five times last year's record. Learn about Japan's unique New Year auction culture and the $6,500 uni bowl it will become.

At Toyosu Market's 2026 New Year auction, a 243kg Oma bluefin tuna sold for a record ¥510.3 million ($3.2M). Learn why Japan's "ichiban maguro" tradition commands such astronomical prices and what it means for fishermen, businesses, and Japanese food culture.

Japan's government announced plans to raise visa fees for foreign nationals by approximately five times starting in fiscal year 2026. The move, part of the initial budget approved on December 26, 2025, aims to align fees with Western standards after remaining unchanged since 1978. The policy is expected to generate ¥120 billion in revenue while addressing overtourism concerns and rising administrative costs.

Learn about "Kani-Kani Scam," a rising telephone fraud in Japan where scammers impersonate Hokkaido seafood vendors to sell overpriced, low-quality crab via cash-on-delivery. Discover how to protect yourself from this growing threat.

Japan's JAMSTEC will conduct the world's first rare earth mud mining test from 6,000m deep ocean off Minamitorishima in January 2026. A historic project key to Japan's economic security strategy to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission launches investigation into unauthorized use of news articles by AI search services. Major newspapers sue Perplexity for copyright infringement. Analysis of antitrust concerns and market dominance issues in generative AI industry.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry allocates approximately 300 billion yen for generative AI in its 2026 budget proposal. Supporting domestic AI development with 1 trillion yen over 5 years in partnership with private companies like SoftBank. Also advancing next-generation nuclear reactor development to strengthen Japan's industrial competitiveness.

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.

Japan's Finance Minister Katayama signals strong willingness to intervene in currency markets amid persistent yen depreciation. Despite the Bank of Japan's rate hike in December 2025, the yen continues to weaken to 157-level against the dollar, raising market concerns about potential intervention based on Japan-U.S. joint statement.

Japan's new smartphone competition law, effective December 18, 2025, brings major changes to Google Play's billing system. Learn about external payment redirects, third-party payment options, and how these regulations impact both users and developers, along with reactions from Japanese consumers.