This week in Japan
Japan experienced severe weather this week, with Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures issuing special heavy rain warnings, leading to landslides, flooding, and emergency safety alerts across multiple towns. In other news, Chubu Electric announced falsified construction reports related to the decommissioning of the Hamaoka nuclear plant. Additionally, avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama died at 97, and a high-value watch theft occurred in Tokyo.
About Japan
Japan is a captivating island nation renowned for its unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, playing a pivotal role in the global economy and culture. Its dynamic media landscape, while largely free, is influenced by a powerful kisha club (press club) system that can shape access and coverage, alongside instances of self-censorship on sensitive topics. Major national dailies boast enormous circulation, reflecting a deeply ingrained print culture.
Visiting Japan
Media landscape
Japan's media environment is robust, characterized by a mix of influential traditional print and broadcast outlets, alongside rapidly growing digital platforms. Despite a free press, the pervasive kisha club system and occasional self-censorship can lead to a degree of uniformity in reporting on certain issues.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Japanese news, consult a variety of sources, including English-language publications like The Japan Times or Nikkei Asia, to access diverse perspectives.
Sources we track 1
Typhoon 24 Forms South of Japan and Could Approach the Southwest Islands
Typhoon 24 formed in waters south of Japan on the morning of Sept. 1. The system could move north and approach the Southwest Islands. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged people to pay attention to f…
Agriculture minister Suzuki announces plan to buy back 210,000 tons of government rice reserves
Japan’s Agriculture Minister Suzuki has formally announced plans to buy back 210,000 tons of government rice reserves released last year. Speaking at a news conference after a Cabinet meeting on the f…
Legal speed limit on residential streets falls to 30 kph from today
Japan is lowering the legal speed limit on narrow roads that run through residential areas to 30 kph from Sept. 1, with some roads excluded. Drivers will need to take greater care and drive safely acc…
Schools Reopen in Kumamoto City That Recorded Japan’s Strongest Earthquake Shaking
Elementary and junior high schools in Uki, Kumamoto Prefecture, reopened on August 31 after an earthquake that registered a seismic intensity of 7. Pupils and students returned while damage to school …
Aerial footage shows fire in central Ise, Mie Prefecture
A fire broke out in a shopping district near Ise Jingu in central Ise, Mie Prefecture, on the afternoon of the 31st. The fire started west of Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station. Firefighters continued extingu…
Japan Faces Its Biggest Monthly Wave of Food Price Hikes This Year in September
More than 4,900 food products in Japan are set to become more expensive in September, making it the biggest monthly wave of food price increases recorded this year, according to a private research com…
Centrist party discusses response after Constitutional Democrats rule out merger
The Centrist Reform Alliance met on the morning of Aug. 31 to discuss its response after the Constitutional Democratic Party indicated that it would not merge with the alliance and Komeito. The meetin…
Japan’s Financial Services Agency considers inspection of Sony Life over improper payments
Japan’s Financial Services Agency is considering an on-site inspection of Sony Life after a series of improper financial dealings came to light. A former employee allegedly approached customers with i…
Japan Nears Request for Nuclear Waste Survey in Hitachiomiya
Japan’s Economy Ministry is making final arrangements to ask Hitachiomiya in Ibaraki Prefecture to host a literature survey related to the permanent disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The surve…
US military strikes Revolutionary Guard position near Strait of Hormuz
The US military attacked Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said the strike caused several deaths and injuries. US government officials indicated that the ope…
Japan moves closer to seeking nuclear waste survey in Hitachiomiya
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is nearing a decision to ask Hitachiomiya in Ibaraki Prefecture to undergo a literature survey for a possible final disposal site for high-level radioac…
Nepal Landslides Kill 797, Isolating Residents as Aid Effort Faces Urgency
Landslides in the Nepal-China border region have killed 797 people, while more than 3,000 others remain missing. Many affected communities have been cut off after roads and bridges were damaged. The s…
NASA launches next-generation space telescope with a field of view more than 100 times wider than conventional telescopes
NASA has launched a next-generation space telescope from Florida with a field of view more than 100 times wider than conventional telescopes. The telescope is expected to support observations aimed at…
Japan’s Next Budget Requests Close Today, With Total Expected to Reach a Record High
Japanese government ministries are due to close their preliminary budget requests for the next fiscal year on Aug. 31. The total general-account demand is expected to reach a record high. The projecte…
CDP, Chudo and Komeito to hold another leaders’ meeting amid calls to accept a split
Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party has signaled that it will not merge with the Chudo Reform Alliance and Komeito, prompting the three parties to arrange another leaders’ meeting on the 31st. The…
Decontaminated soil from Fukushima reused in Sendai
In Sendai City, a project is underway to reuse soil decontaminated following the 2011 accident at the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. On August 29, construction w…
Japanese Paper Firm Subsidiary: Federal Investigation Cites Insufficient Tank Thickness in Fatal Accident
An investigation into a deadly accident at a U.S. plant owned by a subsidiary of Japan's Nippon Paper has revealed critical safety concerns. In May, a chemical storage tank at the facility ruptured, l…
Unstable atmospheric conditions raise fears of heavy rain in Hokuriku region again
Japan is facing a renewed threat of heavy rainfall, particularly in the Hokuriku region, which recently experienced record-breaking downpours. Unstable atmospheric conditions, fueled by a weather fron…
Constitutional Democratic Party Declines Merger, Focus Shifts to Middle-of-the-Road and Komeito Parties
The Constitutional Democratic Party has officially communicated its decision not to pursue a merger with the Middle-of-the-Road Reform Alliance and Komeito. This stance signals a potential shift in th…
Yokohama Mayor Resigns Amid Harassment Findings; Election Looms
Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamashina has submitted his resignation, effective immediately, after an official finding confirmed significant power harassment against his staff. The resignation triggers a s…
Crustal Movement Continues After Kumamoto Earthquake, Similar to 10 Years Ago; Long-Term Preparedness Urged
Geological activity persists in the wake of the Kumamoto earthquake, which struck last month. The seismic event, occurring on the 28th, is thought to have been triggered by a shift along a segment of …
Yokohama Mayor Faces Resignation Pressure After Power Harassment Finding
Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamashita is facing intense pressure to resign following a finding that he engaged in significant power harassment against a city official. The mayor is expected to address his…
Trump orders renaming of Lake Ontario to 'America Lake' amid trade dispute
In a move that escalates tensions amid a bitter trade dispute, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario to 'America Lake.' The decision directly impacts one of …
UN Secretary-General calls for global cooperation as Ebola cases rapidly spread in DRC
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued an urgent appeal for global cooperation to combat the escalating Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gu…
Chubu Electric Faces Scrutiny Over Decommissioning Work Irregularities
Chubu Electric is once again under scrutiny following revelations of falsified reports related to the decommissioning of its Hamaoka nuclear power plant's units 1 and 2. The company admitted to alteri…
Linear rainband develops in Kushiro region of Hokkaido, severe alert issued
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a severe weather alert for the Kushiro region of Hokkaido, warning of the development of a "linear rainband." The alert was issued at 4:38 AM on August 28th,…
Emperor and Empress to Visit Kumamoto Earthquake Disaster Areas in Late September
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are preparing to visit the disaster-stricken regions of Kumamoto Prefecture in late September. The Imperial couple plans to conduct a day trip, focusing on …
Avant-Garde Artist Yayoi Kusama Dies at 97
Yayoi Kusama, the internationally acclaimed avant-garde artist renowned for her distinctive polka-dot motifs and vibrant use of color, has died at the age of 97. She passed away on August 14th in a To…
Chubu Electric announces falsification of construction reports for Hamaoka nuclear plant decommissioning
Chubu Electric has formally announced that it improperly claimed costs for the decommissioning of Units 1 and 2 at its Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture. The company admitted to falsi…
Linear rainband develops in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture; severe alert issued
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a critical weather alert on August 27th, announcing the development of a "linear rainband" over Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture. The alert, issued at 8:48 AM, si…
Landslide in Himi, Toyama Prefecture Captured on Video
Dramatic video footage from Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, shows the immediate aftermath of a significant landslide that occurred before dawn on August 27th, 2026. The images reveal a stark landscape w…
Heavy Rain Halts Ainokaze Toyama Railway Services
Heavy rainfall has forced Ainokaze Toyama Railway to suspend all services between Isurugi and Tomari stations in Toyama Prefecture. The disruption began with the first train on August 27 and is expect…
Japan Issues 'Emergency Safety Assurance' for Nakanoto Town Amid Heavy Rains
Nakanoto Town in Ishikawa Prefecture has issued an 'Emergency Safety Assurance' for its entire population, affecting approximately 6,600 households and over 16,200 people. The alert was triggered by t…
River Overflowing in Ishikawa Prefecture as Heavy Rains Continue
Heavy rainfall has caused the Akiyama River in Hakui City, Ishikawa Prefecture, to overflow its banks. The incident occurred around 5:10 AM on August 7th, near the Akiyama Bridge, as reported by Ishik…
Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture issues 'Emergency Safety Assurance' for entire city due to flooding
Hakui City in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture has issued an "Emergency Safety Assurance" for its entire municipal area, impacting roughly 8,500 households and over 19,000 residents. The alert was issued a…
Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, reports landslides and flooding
Himi City in Japan's Toyama Prefecture is grappling with the aftermath of severe weather, as residents report a surge in incidents including landslides, road flooding, and water damage to homes. The c…
Japan Issues Heavy Rain Emergency Warnings for Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures
Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) are holding an emergency press conference this morning following the issuance of Level 5 heav…
Record heavy rain near Shiga Town, Ishikawa; disaster risk looms
Shiga Town in Ishikawa Prefecture is facing imminent disaster risks due to record-breaking heavy rainfall. Radar analysis by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) indicates that the area received appr…
Spending Time in Heat During Mid-Pregnancy Increases 'Premature Birth' Risk
Exposure to high temperatures during the middle stages of pregnancy significantly elevates the risk of premature birth, according to information highlighted by NHK ONE. This period of gestation is par…
Luxury Watch Worth 200 Million Yen Stolen in Nakano Broadway
A high-value luxury watch has been stolen from a store located in Nakano Broadway, a popular shopping complex in Tokyo. The estimated value of the stolen timepiece is approximately 200 million yen (ab…
Japan Ministry to Seek Tax Breaks for Childcare and Household Help
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is preparing to request tax incentives for household support and babysitting services. The move aims to alleviate financial pressure on families …
JR East assessing earthquake damage, aiming for morning service resumption
JR East is currently assessing the extent of damage and gathering information following an earthquake, with a decision on whether to resume train operations from the start of service expected around 4…
Earthquake Alert: Magnitude 5.9 Tremor Shakes Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, and Tokyo; No Tsunami Expected
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.9 struck southern Ibaraki Prefecture early Friday morning, August 23, 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake occurred around 2:00…
Earthquake of Intensity 5-Low Strikes Tokyo and Surrounding Prefectures
An earthquake registering intensity 5-low on the Japanese seismic scale shook several prefectures, including Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba, and Tokyo, early on August 23, 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agen…
JR Joban Line to Resume Full Service From First Train
Services on the JR Joban Line are set to fully resume starting with the first trains on [Date]. The line, which had experienced disruptions, will return to its normal operating schedule, allowing pass…
Traffic signal sinks into ground near Tokyo Station; heavy rain suspected cause
A traffic signal near Tokyo Station unexpectedly sank into the ground on Monday, June 23, causing disruption in the busy area. The incident occurred in a location currently undergoing construction wor…
Kumamoto Faces Intense Heat; Heatstroke and Earthquake Precautions Urged
Kumamoto Prefecture is bracing for another day of extreme heat, prompting urgent calls for residents to prioritize heatstroke prevention measures. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings, …
Meteorological Agency mistakenly sends email information to disaster agencies
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a correction regarding an earlier email transmission. The agency confirmed that it had mistakenly distributed information via email to disaster prevent…
July Trade Balance: 634.5 Billion Yen Deficit, Third Consecutive Month
Japan's trade balance for July revealed a deficit of 634.5 billion yen, extending a trend of negative balances for the third consecutive month. This figure indicates that the value of the nation's imp…
NHK ONE service explained for subscribers
NHK ONE is presented as a service accessible to all individuals who have completed their NHK reception contract. The service aims to provide a comprehensive range of content and features to its user b…
NHK ONE service details released for all users
NHK ONE, a service offered by Japan's public broadcaster NHK, is accessible to everyone, regardless of their subscription status. For households that already have an NHK reception contract, access to …
Kumamoto City faces dangerous 38C heat on August 19, seismic activity also a concern
Kumamoto City is bracing for extreme heat as temperatures are forecast to reach a dangerous 38 degrees Celsius on August 19. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings, urging residents to ta…
Long-term Japanese government bond yields rise to 2.945% amid inflation concerns
Tokyo – The yield on Japanese government bonds (JGBs) has climbed to 2.945%, reflecting growing market expectations of accelerating inflation. This upward movement signals a shift in investor sentimen…
Junior High Student in Critical Condition After Drowning in Tama River
A junior high school student is in critical condition after nearly drowning in the Tama River in Fuchu, Tokyo. The incident occurred while the student was reportedly playing in the water. Emergency re…
Ueno Zoo's Panda Enclosure to Be Demolished; Visitors Bid Farewell
The giant panda enclosure at Ueno Zoo is set to be dismantled beginning tomorrow, marking the end of an era for the popular exhibit. The demolition follows the recent return of the zoo's resident gian…
Chunichi Dragons' Kazuma Okamoto Reaches 100 Hits for the Season; Team Secures Second Consecutive Victory
Chunichi Dragons' Kazuma Okamoto has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 100 hits for the current season. This accomplishment comes as the Dragons secured their second consecutive win, adding a…
Japan's Ruling Coalition Seeks to Codify Emergency Powers in Constitution; Opposition Divided
Japan's ruling coalition is advocating for the formal inclusion of emergency provisions within the nation's constitution. This move aims to grant the government expanded authority to respond effective…
Japan PM Kishida to Skip Yasukuni Shrine Visit on War Anniversary
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reportedly set to forgo a visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on Japan's "end of war" anniversary, August 15. This decision signals a continued effort by the Jap…
Heavy Rain Disrupts Transportation Services Across Japan
Heavy rainfall across Japan has led to widespread transportation disruptions, affecting both rail and road networks. Several routes have experienced service suspensions, impacting daily commutes and t…
Plateau Erosion and "Yatsu" Terrain Cited as Factors in Japan's Frequent Flooding
Frequent flooding in certain regions of Japan may be linked to the erosion of plateaus, leading to the formation of "Yatsu" terrain, characterized by depressions. This geological phenomenon is being e…
Forecaster Explains Future Rain Outlook, Warns of Thunderstorms
Chiba Prefecture in Japan is grappling with the aftermath of record-breaking heavy rainfall, which has led to significant damage, including widespread flooding and landslides. As of August 14, 2026, t…
Chiba Prefecture Convenes Disaster Meeting After Severe Rainfall Causes Fatalities and Widespread Damage
Chiba Prefecture is convening a disaster response headquarters meeting at 8 a.m. following extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall. Governor Kentesu will lead prefecture officials in assessing the e…
Japan Considers Retaliatory Measures After Putin Visits Northern Territories
Japan's government is reportedly considering retaliatory measures against Russia after President Vladimir Putin visited the Northern Territories, a move Tokyo deems "completely unacceptable." The gove…
Heavy Rain Disrupts Tokyo Transport; Chiba Sees Record Downpours
Chiba Prefecture in Japan experienced record-breaking rainfall starting on the evening of August 13th, as linear rainbands repeatedly generated intense downpours exceeding 100 millimeters per hour. Th…
Japan: Chiba Opens Shelters as Heavy Rain Causes Widespread Flooding
Chiba Prefecture is facing severe disruptions due to intense rainfall, with Chiba City and Funabashi City particularly affected. The downpour has made it impossible for many residents to return home, …
Record rainfall near Yachimata City, Chiba Prefecture, with disaster danger imminent
As of midnight on August 14, 2026, the area near Yachimata City in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, experienced an extraordinary downpour, with radar analysis indicating approximately 120 millimeters of rain …
Record Rainfall Triggers Disaster Warnings in Chiba, Japan
Chiba Prefecture in Japan is facing a severe weather crisis following record-breaking rainfall on August 13, 2026. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported intense downpours, with some areas experienc…
Chiba Prefecture: Emergency safety alert issued for 12 cities amid heavy rainfall
Chiba Prefecture is facing severe weather conditions as an "Emergency Safety Assurance" has been issued for 12 municipalities due to torrential rainfall. The alert, which urges residents to prioritize…
Putin Strongly Warns Japan Over Northern Territories Issue
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued strong remarks directed at Japan concerning the ongoing dispute over the Northern Territories, also known as the Southern Kurils. The specifics of Putin's w…
Kumamoto Earthquake: Niece Shares Memories Holding Uncle's Posthumous Sneakers
In the aftermath of the powerful Kumamoto earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6-plus in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, a woman has spoken about the profound loss of her uncle. The disas…
Typhoon No. 15 to Disrupt Transportation on August 11
Typhoon No. 15 is poised to significantly disrupt transportation networks across Japan on August 11. Authorities are closely monitoring the storm's trajectory and its potential impact on various modes…
Typhoon No. 15 Threatens Kanto Region with Landslides and Strong Winds
The Kanto region of Japan is bracing for the potential landfall of Typhoon No. 15 tonight. Weather authorities are issuing strong warnings, urging residents to be prepared for a range of hazardous con…
Live Footage Shows Obon Holiday Travel Congestion at Haneda Airport and Expressways
Japan is experiencing significant travel congestion as many people take advantage of the Obon holiday period to return to their hometowns or embark on vacations. Haneda Airport's domestic departure lo…
US Official: Maritime Blockade Could Be Lifted If Navigation Is Not Hindered by Agreement
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, is reportedly nearing a resolution to its navigational disputes. A US official suggested that a blockade could be lifted if an agr…
Typhoon No. 13 Intensifies, Threatening Okinawa and Amami with Violent Winds and Landslides
A large and extremely strong Typhoon No. 13 is currently moving westward, engulfing the Okinawa main island and Amami regions within its storm surge. Residents in Okinawa and Amami are experiencing pr…
Kumamoto Earthquake: Over 36,000 Households Still Without Water, Restoration Expected by End of Month
Ten days after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, more than 36,000 households are still without running water. The extensive damage to the water distribution pipes is prolonging the res…
Kumamoto braces for extreme heat and strong winds amid typhoon threat
Kumamoto Prefecture faces a dual threat of extreme heat and strong winds on August 7, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency…
Myanmar Junta Leader Visits Thailand to Bolster Economic Ties
Min Aung Hlaing, the president of Myanmar's military-influenced government, met with Thailand's prime minister in Bangkok to discuss enhancing economic cooperation between the two neighboring nations.…
Honda Production Affected by Earthquake Damage to Parts Supplier
Automaker Honda has announced that its vehicle production is currently impacted due to damage sustained by a group company's auto parts manufacturer. The facility, located in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefec…
Koshien Championship: Day Two Preview Features Kyushu Derby
The National High School Baseball Championship, known as Koshien, is set to continue with its second day of competition. Two games are scheduled, with a later start time of 4 p.m. to allow players res…
Japanese Soldier Claims Embassy Intrusion Aimed to Alter China Policy
A member of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force is facing trial for allegedly trespassing into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo earlier this year. During a hearing to explain the reasons for his detention, …
North Korea's Kim Yo Jong condemns Japan's Tomahawk missile test
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has strongly criticized Japan's recent live-fire test of Tomahawk missiles. The test, conducted from a Maritime Self-Defense For…
Typhoon No. 13 Approaches Okinawa, Amami with Strong Winds and High Waves
A large and extremely powerful typhoon, designated No. 13, is on a path to approach the Okinawa and Amami regions of Japan. Authorities are issuing urgent warnings for high waves and severe winds, urg…
Keigo Higashino's Latest 'Galileo' Novel Released; Former Editors Discuss His Appeal
A new installment in Keigo Higashino's acclaimed "Galileo" series has been released, just weeks after the celebrated author's passing. The latest book, launched on August 5th, has reignited interest i…
US Treasury Secretary Yellen: Coordinated Intervention Had 'Symbolic Meaning'
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the recent joint currency intervention by Japanese and U.S. authorities as having "symbolic significance." The move was undertaken last week to combat th…
Kumamoto Earthquake: One Week On, 'On-Site Challenges' Emerge
One week after a powerful earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture, registering a maximum intensity of 7, the region is grappling with the aftermath, including the deaths of 38 people and the displacemen…
Secondary Evacuation for Elderly Requires Uninterrupted Daily Care: Experts Q&A
As secondary evacuation plans are being formulated for areas impacted by the recent Kumamoto earthquake, experts are emphasizing the critical need to maintain consistent daily care for vulnerable popu…
Prime Minister Kishida: Consumption tax cut to be decided next month with bill submission planned
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that a decision regarding the reduction of the consumption tax on food products will be made next month. The government plans to finalize the tax system outline …
Japan Defense White Paper Calls for Strengthening Industry to Counter New Warfare Methods
Japan's latest defense white paper underscores the critical need to bolster the nation's defense industry, focusing on production and technological capabilities. This strategic reinforcement is design…
Western Japan saw highest July temperatures on record, linked to global warming
Japan experienced record-breaking high temperatures across the country in mid-to-late July, with Western Japan recording the highest average temperature since meteorological records began in 1946. The…
Government aims to decide on food consumption tax cut by August 5
The Japanese government is moving forward with a plan to lower the consumption tax on food items. The proposed policy aims to reduce the tax rate to 1% for a period of two years, effective from April …
38 dead, 8,556 evacuated after Kumamoto earthquake
The Kumamoto Prefecture is grappling with the aftermath of a significant earthquake, with the latest figures revealing 38 deaths as of 7:30 a.m. Monday. This grim toll includes individuals suspected o…
Trump Says Talks With Iran to Start Monday on Deal to Reopen Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that negotiations with Iran were set to commence on August 3rd, aimed at finalizing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes after Trump deci…
Kumamoto Earthquake Activity Continues; Extreme Heat Expected, Advised to Avoid Outdoor Work
Kumamoto Prefecture is grappling with persistent seismic activity, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) urging continued vigilance. Following a powerful magnitude 7 earthquake that struck on Jul…
Very Strong Typhoon No. 13 Prompts High Wave Warnings for Ogasawara; Okinawa and Amami Brace for Impact
Typhoon No. 13, currently classified as a very strong storm, is tracking westward over the ocean south of Japan. Residents and authorities in the Ogasawara Islands are on high alert, with warnings iss…
Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture to Offer Hotel Stays for Earthquake Survivors Amid 40°C Heat Forecast
Kumamoto Prefecture is preparing to open hotels and inns for "secondary evacuation" for survivors of the Reiwa 8 earthquake, as temperatures are forecast to reach a scorching 40 degrees Celsius (104 F…
Haneda Airport tightens baggage check-in deadline to 30 minutes before departure amid rising delays
Haneda Airport is grappling with a surge in flight delays, impacting its on-time performance and leading airlines to revise operational procedures. To mitigate the growing issue, major carriers such a…
High School Student Dies at Home After Magnitude 7 Earthquake in Kumamoto
A high school student was found dead in her room at her home in Hikawacho, Kumamoto Prefecture, following a powerful earthquake that registered a seismic intensity of 7. The devastating event has left…
Japan strengthens measures against heat deaths after Kumamoto earthquake
Japan's government is bolstering measures to prevent heat-related deaths among those affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, particularly amid the current extreme heatwave. The initiative focuses on proa…
Woman Dies of Suspected Heatstroke in Car After Kumamoto Earthquake
A woman in her 70s has died from suspected heatstroke in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, after seeking shelter in her car following a major earthquake. The incident highlights the dual dangers of natural …