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, 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 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.
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.