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, 2025, Japan's Ministry of Education proposed 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 2025 Buzzword of the Year went to PM Sanae Takaichi's "Work, Work, Work, Work, Work" quote, sparking debate on work-life balance. Explore reactions to Japan's first female Prime Minister's controversial statement and the awards' selection process.
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.
Organized attacks on Pakistani residents in Ebetsu, Hokkaido. YouTuber-spread misinformation triggered violence including rocket firework attacks and baseball bat intimidation. Examining the truth behind illegal construction issues and challenges of multicultural coexistence in local communities.
Japan's foreign worker population hit a record 2.3 million in 2024 amid severe labor shortages in logistics, nursing care, and construction. The government expanded the acceptance quota to 820,000, yet a 3.84 million worker deficit is projected by 2035. Explore the latest data and diverse perspectives from Japanese and international voices on this controversial expansion.
In December 2024, Finance Minister Kato expressed strong concern over yen weakness reaching 157 per dollar, warning of "appropriate response to excessive movements" and hinting at potential currency intervention. Analysis of Japan's over ¥15 trillion interventions in 2024, the US-Japan interest rate gap driving yen weakness, and impacts on living costs.