The sweet potato weevil, first eradicated from Japan's Kume Island in 2012 using the world's first successful sterile insect technique on beetles, reinvaded in 2021. A Gifu University-led team verified that rapid response with 3 million sterile insects achieved re-eradication in record time, proving the power of Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) for global pest management.
Electric scooter sharing service LUUP has achieved full coverage across all 23 Tokyo wards in February 2026. With over 16,000 ports and 5 million app downloads, Japan's largest micromobility service is booming—but rising accidents and traffic violations have sparked fierce public debate. How does Japan navigate the global micromobility challenge that led Paris to ban rental scooters?
After removing approximately 20,000 invasive American crayfish over one year, a Japanese pond saw a dramatic ecological comeback—with clear water, thriving aquatic plants, and the return of endangered species. A look at Japan's frontline battle against invasive species and the resilience of native ecosystems.
Fuji Media Holdings completed a $1.5 billion share buyback, ending a high-profile standoff with activist investor Yoshiaki Murakami. With plans to divest its profitable real estate unit, the Japanese broadcaster faces a pivotal transformation. An analysis of corporate governance and media industry shifts in Japan.
Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain began charging a €2 ($2.35) entry fee on February 2, 2026, to manage over 9 million annual visitors. Explore how this overtourism measure compares to similar efforts in Venice, Kyoto, and other global destinations struggling to balance tourism and preservation.
Japan's child poverty rate stands at 11.5%, soaring to 44.5% for single-parent households. A survey by Good Neighbors Japan reveals how inflation is forcing families to cut meals, with 90% of respondents unable to afford basic staples like rice, meat, and vegetables. Inside the "invisible poverty" crisis hiding in plain sight in one of the world's wealthiest nations.
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.
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 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.
