Japan
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Israeli Model Mali Levy Trapped in Japan Train During False Earthquake Alert
Israeli model Mali Levy shared her terrifying experience on a Japanese underground train after a false 9.9 earthquake alert halted her transport mid-tunnel, causing widespread panic.
Back to the Womb: Tokyo Opens Unique Sauna for Adults Seeking Childhood
A new wellness complex in Tokyo named SAUNA MOTHER offers adults a two-hour experience simulating the stages of early life, from a womb-like sauna to a robotic mother's embrace.
Arkia Delays Tokyo Direct Route Following Japanese Regulatory Rejection
Israeli airline Arkia announced a delay in launching its direct Tokyo route after Japanese authorities refused wet-lease operations. The company is offering affected passengers alternative connections, destination changes, or full refunds.
Japan Turns National Fatigue Into a Competitive Sleeping Championship in Tokyo
Japan has turned national sleep deprivation into a competitive sport with the "Matt Race" tournament in Tokyo, where contestants competed for a cash prize by falling asleep the fastest.
Inside Static's Luxury Tokyo Getaway: A $5,000-a-Night Stay in Japan
Israeli pop star Static is vacationing in Tokyo at the ultra-luxurious Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, featuring historic gardens and a famous sea of clouds experience.
Japanese Child Star Rona Hirata Passes Away at Eight From Flu Complications
Japanese child star Rona Hirata, known as Luna-chan, has died at age eight from influenza-induced myocarditis, her family announced in a heartbreaking statement.
The Murder of Lindsay Hawker: How Japanese Police Tracked a Fugitive Killer
The 2007 murder of British teacher Lindsay Hawker in Japan by Tatsuya Ichihashi sparked a massive manhunt before his capture and life sentence in 2011.
Japan Reforms Boost Markets as China Housing Steps Disappoint Julius Baer
Julius Baer's daily analysis highlights diverging Asian markets: corporate reforms in Japan drive stock records toward a Nikkei target of 75,000, while China's housing measures disappoint investors.
Static and Adi Biti Fuel Romance Rumors With a Subtle Reflection in Japan
Static and Adi Biti continue to fuel relationship rumors after a subtle reflection in a new photo from their Japan trip captured the pair standing side-by-side.
Japan Village Celebrates Legend That Jesus Survived the Cross and Died at 106
Deep in northern Japan, the village of Shingo celebrates an unusual legend claiming Jesus Christ escaped the cross, fled to Japan, and lived to 106. Despite being a proven forgery, the annual festival attracts record crowds.
Starbucks Explores Selling Controlling Stake in Japan Unit for $3 Billion
Starbucks is reportedly exploring the sale of a controlling stake in its Japanese division in a deal valued at around $3 billion, marking a major strategic shift for the coffee giant.
Japan Centenarians Exceed 100,000 for the First Time Amid Aging Crisis
Japan's centenarian population has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, highlighting extreme demographic aging that poses severe challenges to the nation's economy and workforce.
9 Secret Principles of a Japanese Doctor Who Lived to 105
Discover the 9 true longevity principles of Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, a legendary Japanese physician who lived to 105, offering timeless wisdom for a vibrant life.
How Onitsuka Tiger Secured Its Massive Global Retail Comeback
Japanese sneaker brand Onitsuka Tiger is experiencing a massive global comeback fueled by retro fashion trends, tourism in Tokyo, and a weak yen, with sales surging significantly.
Drama in global markets: How Japan's economic shift is changing the rules
After decades of zero interest rates, a dramatic change in the Japanese bond market is causing investors to repatriate billions of dollars. This shift could lead to higher mortgage and credit costs in the West.
Shocking abuse in Japan: High school employee arrested on suspicion of torturing and killing dozens of hamsters
A high school employee in the city of Miyako and two women were arrested on suspicion of conducting a shocking campaign of killing and torturing about 50 hamsters. Investigators uncovered graphic videos and correspondence on the suspect's mobile phone in which they planned the acts and carried them out in "love hotels."
Japanese Yen Surges Against the Dollar: What Is Behind the Unusual Move
The Japanese currency is strengthening sharply as statements from the Bank of Japan and American support increase market bets on a shift in monetary policy.
"Stability at risk": USA explains the unusual step
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warns that the collapse of the Japanese currency threatens global markets. In an official letter, he reveals why Washington was forced to intervene in a rare move.
Japan spent a record $96.4 billion to support the yen
Japan spent 15.4 trillion yen ($96.4 billion) on foreign exchange interventions between July 30 and August 26. This record monthly expenditure reflects the government's determination to curb the yen's depreciation.
History in motion: 1,800 people pulled an ancient castle weighing 360 tons
Nearly two thousand volunteers mobilized for an extraordinary operation at Hirosaki Castle in northern Japan. Using a traditional method and giant ropes, they managed to move the watchtower, which weighs hundreds of tons, more than two meters in two days. The historic structure was reconstructed after its predecessor was destroyed by a lightning strike.
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama has passed away at the age of 97
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, one of the most prominent figures in avant-garde art, has passed away at the age of 97. The news was announced this morning on her official website.
Japanese Prime Minister on the cockroach 'eliminated' in her home: 'I felt sad'
Japan's leader Sanae Takaichi is used to working long hours alone in her official residence, but a nightly encounter with a cockroach disrupted her routine. After she refused to kill it due to her beliefs, her aides intervened and destroyed it. She admitted: 'I felt relieved, but at the same time a little lonely and even sad.'
Father abandons 7-year-old son on Mount Fuji to continue climb
A father in Japan left his 7-year-old son alone at an altitude of 2,500 meters after the boy grew tired during a climb up Mount Fuji. The child was found by a mountain worker in rain and fog. Police ordered the father to return and reprimanded him for his reckless behavior.
Trump opened a front against The Hague — and now relations with Japan are paying the price
The Trump administration has expanded sanctions against the International Criminal Court and blacklisted President Tomoko Akane, who helped issue warrants against Netanyahu and Putin. In Japan, they warn of damage to international law and relations with the US.
Mixed trend in Asia; inflation in Japan rose to its highest level this year
The Nikkei index is down 0.4%, the Kospi is up 0.8%, and the Hang Seng is climbing 0.7%. Japan's inflation rate reached 1.9% in July amid rising energy costs.
Young Israeli missing in Japan: Police request public assistance
The Israel Police is seeking the public's help in locating 23-year-old Amir Ambarbar from Ramle, who has been missing in Japan for approximately three weeks. According to official reports, Ambarbar departed Israel on April 20, 2026, and entered Japan on August 2, with no further contact since.
Route bypassing Hormuz: Saudi and UAE initiative to expand oil reserves in Asia | Report
Against the backdrop of turmoil in the oil market and continued disruptions to shipping routes in the Middle East, the Gulf is no longer waiting for a solution: "You cannot rely on Donald Trump."
Putin Touches Japan's Most Sensitive Point: Moscow and Tokyo in Collision
The Russian president's visit to Iturup, one of the four islands Tokyo demands be returned, sparked an exchange of protests between the countries. Japan criticized the move, Moscow summoned the ambassador, and Sergey Lavrov accused Tokyo of having "crossed the line of good taste."
Ending dependence on the US: Japan overhauls intelligence and returns to the 'spy game'
After decades of a fragmented intelligence apparatus, Japan is establishing a new National Intelligence Bureau and a National Intelligence Council. Plans also include an anti-espionage law and a foreign intelligence agency amid regional threats and doubts regarding US reliability.
Private consumption in Japan disappointed: GDP grew by only 1.1% in the second quarter
Japan's economy expanded by 1.1% in the second quarter, missing the 2% growth forecast. The slowdown was driven by weak private consumption, which declined for the first time in eight quarters.
The space race heats up: Japan and China compete for Martian samples
The Japanese MMX mission is scheduled for launch in 2026 to collect at least 10 grams from Phobos, with the return of samples to Earth in 2031. At the same time, China is planning Tianwen-3, which aims to bring samples from the surface of Mars itself around 2031.
4 dead in floods, thousands stranded at international airport: unprecedented rains hit Japan
At least four people have died in widespread flooding that struck Chiba Prefecture. More than 360 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours, causing severe transport disruptions and power outages. About 7,000 passengers were stranded at Narita Airport due to blocked roads and railways.
Why are Japanese companies not rushing to adopt artificial intelligence?
Japan, despite its status as a technological powerhouse, remains cautious in adopting artificial intelligence. While facing severe labor shortages and an aging population, the country lags significantly behind the US and the UK in integrating AI into the workplace.
"Resort weather": Putin visits disputed islands and infuriates Japan
Vladimir Putin has visited the Kuril Islands, which are disputed between Russia and Japan, for the first time. The visit, which sparked a sharp protest in Tokyo, took place against the backdrop of Russian military exercises and a North Korean ballistic missile launch.
Father of the Prius passes away: Hiroshi Okuda, who turned Toyota into a giant, dies at 93
Okuda served as president and later as chairman of Toyota Motor between 1995 and 2006. In a 45-year career at the company, he was considered the central figure in the development of the Prius — the first hybrid vehicle launched in 1997, which marked a technological breakthrough.
North Korea has again launched a ballistic missile toward the sea
North Korea launched a ballistic missile overnight from the east of the country toward the sea, South Korean and Japanese authorities reported. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the missile fell into the sea and caused no damage. The launch comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region, days before the start of joint military exercises by the USA and South Korea.
The Japanese Trap: Four Companies, a $100 Billion Loss
Four life insurance giants in Tokyo are stuck with massive losses on government bonds following interest rate hikes. Now, as the yen plunges to record lows and the Americans scramble to calm the currency market, the local complication is becoming a dramatic test for the global economy.
After the summer: 7 destinations to think twice about before visiting
Closed trails, changes in tax laws, and restrictions due to tourist crowds could ruin the vacation you've been planning for a long time. These are the destinations that tourism experts recommend checking carefully before booking.
Storm in Asia: Typhoon "Dolphin" hits Japan and makes its way to the Chinese coast
The powerful storm hit the island of Okinawa, leaving 14,000 buildings without electricity and causing five people to be injured. Now the typhoon is making its way to the Chinese coast, where the alert level has been raised and flights and maritime port operations have been canceled. At the same time, China is using the storm to demand that ships in the Taiwan Strait obey its instructions — a move...
After the earthquake: further factory closures in Japan due to typhoon
The earthquake in Japan was only the beginning: Typhoon "Dolphin" has forced Toyota to halt 17 production lines. The company is prioritizing employee safety and managing disruptions to global shipping routes.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile, USA: "We are aware of the launch"
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the sea for the first time in over a month. Seoul raised its alert level, Japan and the United States condemned the act, against the backdrop of joint exercises and North Korean threats in response to Japan arming itself with Tomahawk missiles.
Dramatic footage from Japan: Doctors shielded patient with their bodies during earthquake
New footage from the severe earthquake in Japan shows moments of horror. Emergency cameras at the hospital in the city of Yatsushiro captured doctors shielding a patient with their bodies during surgery as the building shook.

'The Missing Part' deals with melodrama without becoming one
At its best, 'The Missing Part' dwells on the hero's attempt to create a renewed emotional connection with a girl who last saw him when she was 3. These are the few moments where it manages to touch, but it is simply unmemorable.
Heatwave in Tokyo: Three lionesses died at the zoo
The zoo spokesperson stated, "According to our veterinarian, the suspected cause of death is heatstroke." She explained that the local heat is accompanied by high humidity, unlike the climate in Africa.
Anime, missiles, and economy: Japan refreshes the branding of its military buildup
Japan is presenting its military buildup as an engine for economic growth, calling for investment in the arms industry and new technologies. The government warns that the Chinese threat to Taiwan remains its greatest strategic challenge.
A rare move in the FX market: US sells euros to strengthen the Japanese yen
Washington and Tokyo carried out their first joint intervention in the foreign exchange market in years. The move involved selling euros and buying yen, an unusual step intended to support the Japanese currency without weakening the dollar.
Global turning point: central banks prepare for extraordinary measures
The combination of the war against Iran and stubborn inflation is driving a dramatic policy shift in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Julius Baer provides a special analysis on the expected impact on equity and FX markets.
US intervenes in currency markets: Trump aims to save Japan from economic collapse
The US administration is purchasing yen in the amount of 5–10 billion dollars as the Japanese currency hits 40-year lows. Beyond supporting an ally, the intervention offers a direct benefit to Washington: it may reduce Japan's sale of US bonds, thereby lowering the cost of servicing American debt.
Asian Markets Retreat Amid Oil Price Drop and Yen Strengthening
Following Donald Trump's announcement to cancel an attack on Iran, oil prices fell by over 5%. Asian stock markets are experiencing a negative trend, while the Japanese yen has strengthened following a coordinated intervention by Tokyo and Washington.
The American debt is in danger: The surprising move that is scaring the markets
After yields soared to a 20-year high, the fear of a massive fire sale of bonds by one of the world's most powerful countries threatens to shake the global economy.