The Japan Times
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News, features and commentary from the oldest (est. 1897) and most widely read English-language media outlet in Japan.
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JT staff on Bluesky: https://jtim.es/bskysp
Our newsletters: https://jtime.es/newsletters
Elsewhere: jtim.es/m/social
Pinned
Japan’s internet can look a bit weird to outsiders — dense pages crammed with text and details as mascots fly across in technicolor. But a closer look reveals that beneath Japan's chaotic digital design runs a complex cultural logic. 👉 ebx.sh/wlOCf2
Fifteen people were injured in a stabbing spree at a rubber factory in Shizuoka Prefecture on Friday, during which an unspecified liquid was also sprayed.
14 injured after stabbing spree at Shizuoka tire factory
The seriousness of the injuries was unknown, although NHK said all victims remained conscious.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Fifteen people were injured in a stabbing spree at a rubber factory in Shizuoka Prefecture on Friday, during which an unspecified liquid was also sprayed.
Commentary: There are many different answers to why there is an increase in bear attacks, but the common denominator across them all is Japan’s aging population.
Japan’s growing bear crisis reveals deeper issues
Currently, there are only around 220,000 licensed hunters in Japan, substantially lower than the 532,265 registered in 1970.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Commentary: There are many different answers to why there is an increase in bear attacks, but the common denominator across them all is Japan’s aging population.
We take a look at the Tokyo restaurants that stole our hearts (and stomachs) — as well as those that left us — in 2025.
Tokyo dining in 2025 was defined by sushi and cutting-edge fare
The city’s restaurant scene had no shortage of drama this year as culinary stars set up new shops, Italian stalwarts left and iconic establishments reemerged from their renovation.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 12:36 PM
We take a look at the Tokyo restaurants that stole our hearts (and stomachs) — as well as those that left us — in 2025.
Isao Yukisada’s drama “Kaede” is the latest reminder that hit songs make potent movie fuel. 👉 ebx.sh/VrwiFI
December 26, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Isao Yukisada’s drama “Kaede” is the latest reminder that hit songs make potent movie fuel. 👉 ebx.sh/VrwiFI
The education ministry revised the calculation method for Japan’s university entry rate, after it was learned that the initial rate didn’t reflect graduates from schools for those with disabilities.
Japan corrects inappropriate calculation of university entry rate
The revision comes after the initial entry rate had been calculated without reflecting the rate of graduates from schools for children with disabilities.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The education ministry revised the calculation method for Japan’s university entry rate, after it was learned that the initial rate didn’t reflect graduates from schools for those with disabilities.
Japan’s military aid program is likely to expand from eight to at least 12 recipient countries in the next fiscal year after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved a record budget for the framework.
Japan to expand military aid as OSA budget more than doubles
The Cabinet agreed on a 125% — or ¥10 billion — year-on-year increase in military aid funding, raising the budget to ¥18.1 billion ($116 million) for fiscal 2026.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Japan’s military aid program is likely to expand from eight to at least 12 recipient countries in the next fiscal year after the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi approved a record budget for the framework.
Buichiro Kuroda, new chief of the Imperial Household Agency, has pledged to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.
New Imperial Household Agency chief promises 'maximum efforts'
Buichiro Kuroda, who took office as grand steward of the agency Wednesday, described the imperial family as “an emotional anchor” for the public.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Buichiro Kuroda, new chief of the Imperial Household Agency, has pledged to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.
In tomorrow's edition of The Japan Times Weekend: A shrinking Japan looks to 2050
December 26, 2025 at 10:19 AM
In tomorrow's edition of The Japan Times Weekend: A shrinking Japan looks to 2050
Japanese screenwriter Makiko Uchidate, known for writing scripts for many television drama series in the country, died of acute left-side heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on Dec. 17. She was 77.
Japanese screenwriter Makiko Uchidate dies at 77
The drama scriptwriter died of acute left-side heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on Dec. 17.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Japanese screenwriter Makiko Uchidate, known for writing scripts for many television drama series in the country, died of acute left-side heart failure at a hospital in Tokyo on Dec. 17. She was 77.
“Osechi ryōri” need not always be about preserved foods. Put together some ball-shaped beef sushi for a change. www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/12...
December 26, 2025 at 9:41 AM
“Osechi ryōri” need not always be about preserved foods. Put together some ball-shaped beef sushi for a change. www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2025/12...
Japan’s Cabinet has approved a defense budget request exceeding ¥9 trillion for the first time ever, including some ¥100 billion to build a drone “shield” to help defend the country’s southwestern periphery.
Amid China tensions, Japan’s defense budget tops ¥9 trillion for first time
The request includes ¥100 billion to build a drone “shield” to help defend the country’s southwestern periphery amid rising concerns over Chinese military moves in the area.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Japan’s Cabinet has approved a defense budget request exceeding ¥9 trillion for the first time ever, including some ¥100 billion to build a drone “shield” to help defend the country’s southwestern periphery.
Commentary: In the new global economy that emerges over the longer term following the return to the White House of U.S. President Donald Trump, America will have lost its hegemony.
Trump and the end of American hegemony
His unlawful policies following his return to the White House have already upended the postwar era of globalization.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Commentary: In the new global economy that emerges over the longer term following the return to the White House of U.S. President Donald Trump, America will have lost its hegemony.
The number of small-size initial public offerings in Japan this year fell to its lowest in more than a decade, as the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s reform push prompted private companies to reconsider quick listings.
Japan’s small IPOs fall to 12-year low amid market reforms
There were 43 initial share sales this year with offering sizes below $50 million, the fewest since 2013.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 8:20 AM
The number of small-size initial public offerings in Japan this year fell to its lowest in more than a decade, as the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s reform push prompted private companies to reconsider quick listings.
Most Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026, a state pollster VTsIOM said, in a sign that the Kremlin could be testing public reaction to a possible peace settlement.
Most Russians expect Ukraine war to end in 2026, state pollster says
The pollster’s findings sign that the Kremlin could be testing public reaction to a possible peace settlement as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Most Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026, a state pollster VTsIOM said, in a sign that the Kremlin could be testing public reaction to a possible peace settlement.
The Japanese government has adopted an outline of its envisaged disaster management agency, including its organizational structure and operations, ahead of its planned launch in 2026.
Japan fine-tunes plans for disaster management agency
The government has adopted an outline of the envisaged agency, including its organizational structure and operations, ahead of its planned 2026 launch.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 7:23 AM
The Japanese government has adopted an outline of its envisaged disaster management agency, including its organizational structure and operations, ahead of its planned launch in 2026.
Japan’s industry ministry is set to nearly quadruple its budgeted support for cutting-edge semiconductors and AI development to about ¥1.23 trillion for the next fiscal year.
Japan to quadruple spending support for chips and AI in budget
The jump in chips and AI spending comes at as Japan is trying to strengthen its capacities in frontier technology, and the U.S. and China race ahead.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Japan’s industry ministry is set to nearly quadruple its budgeted support for cutting-edge semiconductors and AI development to about ¥1.23 trillion for the next fiscal year.
Takaichi’s Cabinet is proposing record spending in the next fiscal year, including the issuing of ¥29.6 trillion of government bonds.
Takaichi’s Cabinet proposes record spending in next fiscal year
The budget will go to parliament for approval when it convenes again early next year.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Takaichi’s Cabinet is proposing record spending in the next fiscal year, including the issuing of ¥29.6 trillion of government bonds.
A 27-year-old man found dead in an apartment in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward on Monday is believed to have been in a relationship with a woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide three days earlier.
Suspected murder-suicide of woman and sons linked to another death
A 27-year-old man found dead in an apartment in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward on Monday is believed to have been in a relationship with the woman.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 6:12 AM
A 27-year-old man found dead in an apartment in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward on Monday is believed to have been in a relationship with a woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide three days earlier.
Otsu District Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by residents of Osaka and Shiga prefectures to shut down three Kansai Electric Power nuclear plants in Fukui Prefecture.
Court dismisses plea to shut down nuclear plants in Fukui
The plaintiffs plan to appeal the ruling to a higher court, while Kansai Electric said that the ruling reflects the court’s understanding of its claims.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Otsu District Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by residents of Osaka and Shiga prefectures to shut down three Kansai Electric Power nuclear plants in Fukui Prefecture.
While the local economy has been boosted by the full-scale launch of operations at TSMC's first Japan plant a year ago, residents remain concerned about its impact on groundwater.
TSMC Kumamoto plant leaves concerns over water impact
About 75% of up to 30,000 metric tons of water used at the plant per day is recycled water, according to the company.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 5:26 AM
While the local economy has been boosted by the full-scale launch of operations at TSMC's first Japan plant a year ago, residents remain concerned about its impact on groundwater.
Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen has expressed hope that Japan will provide peace education for future generations in Gaza to prevent attacks on Israel.
Israel hopes Japan will provide peace education in Gaza, envoy says
Israeli ambassador says that Japan's involvement in infrastructure reconstruction would also be welcome.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Israeli Ambassador to Japan Gilad Cohen has expressed hope that Japan will provide peace education for future generations in Gaza to prevent attacks on Israel.
In his first Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV urged Russia and Ukraine to find the “courage” to hold direct talks and spoke of the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Pope urges Russia and Ukraine dialogue in Christmas blessing
In his first Christmas homily as pontiff, Leo also addressed the dismal conditions in the Gaza Strip.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 4:36 AM
In his first Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV urged Russia and Ukraine to find the “courage” to hold direct talks and spoke of the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
Tokyo’s inflation cooled more than expected as pressures from food and energy prices faded, triggering yen weakness on bets the Bank of Japan may delay the timing of its next interest rate hike.
Yen weakens as Tokyo inflation cools more than expected
Consumer prices excluding fresh food in the capital rose 2.3% in December from a year earlier, slowing sharply from 2.8% in the previous month.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Tokyo’s inflation cooled more than expected as pressures from food and energy prices faded, triggering yen weakness on bets the Bank of Japan may delay the timing of its next interest rate hike.
The United States carried out an airstrike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday.
U.S. launches strike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria
The U.S. military’s Africa Command said the strike was carried out at the request of the Nigerian authorities and killed multiple ISIS militants.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 3:49 AM
The United States carried out an airstrike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria at the request of Nigeria's government, U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.S. military said on Thursday.
Ukraine has said its drones have struck the largest Russian gas processing plant in the Orenburg region.
Ukraine says it has hit a Russian gas processing plant and oil refinery
Ukraine has widened the scope of its attacks on Russian energy assets, targeting not only crude refineries but also pipelines and other facilities.
ebx.sh
December 26, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Ukraine has said its drones have struck the largest Russian gas processing plant in the Orenburg region.