The US CCA program, China's loyal wingmen, and Japan's GCAP-linked combat drones. As nations race to develop AI-powered unmanned combat aircraft, we examine where Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries stand, and the structural challenges Japan's defense industry must overcome.
The Bank of Japan has officially begun selling its massive ETF holdings worth ¥37 trillion ($240B) at book value. With annual sales of just ¥330 billion, this unprecedented unwinding could take over 112 years. Here's what it means for global markets and Japan's financial future.
From Ito-Yokado to Parco and Meitetsu Department Store, commercial facilities across Japan are shutting down at an alarming rate. With e-commerce growth, population decline, and aging buildings converging, redevelopment plans remain uncertain. We explore the impact on local economies and what comes next.
Over 5,200 protected hermit crabs were illegally poached from Japan's UNESCO World Heritage island of Amami Oshima. Explore the growing crisis of wildlife trafficking driven by overseas pet markets, the limits of current law enforcement, and community-led conservation efforts to protect endemic species.
Both the US and Japan are undergoing historic shifts in digital asset regulation in 2026. From Trump's GENIUS Act and Bitcoin Strategic Reserve to Takaichi's 20% flat tax and financial instruments law reform, explore how the world's two largest crypto-friendly economies are reshaping the future of digital finance.
Fujitsu successfully piloted its LLM "Takane" with a Japanese central government agency, automatically classifying and summarizing approximately 120,000 characters of public comment data in about 10 minutes. The company aims to launch a comprehensive generative AI service for policy formulation and legislation by FY2026.
Japan welcomed a record 42.68 million visitors in 2025, with tourism spending reaching ¥9.5 trillion. While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto still dominate, rural prefectures like Tottori (+151%) and Niigata (+69%) are experiencing remarkable growth. Explore how Japan's lesser-known regions are preparing for—and benefiting from—the inbound tourism wave, while tackling overtourism and infrastructure challenges.
Japan's 2026 ehomaki (lucky sushi rolls) generate ¥73 billion in economic impact, yet an estimated ¥1.65 billion worth are thrown away. Explore the structural causes behind Setsubun food waste and the tension between cultural tradition and sustainability.
A record-breaking 3,000 Steller sea lions have gathered on Benten Island off Hokkaido, Japan. Known as "sea gangsters," they cause roughly ¥1 billion (about $7 million) in annual fishery damage. While the species is protected internationally, 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.