Worn-out Pikachu plushies, tired teddy bears, and stained stuffed animals are finding new life at a specialized Japanese laundry service that restores cherished toys to squeaky-clean perfection. Cleaning expert Masakazu Shimura, with…
Category: Asia
Japan, Saudi Arabia Partner on Oil Bypass Route
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday sought Saudi Arabia’s further cooperation for Tokyo to secure more energy supplies amid the continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi, speaking with Saudi…
Japan Lifts Decades-Old Arms Export Bans, Eyes Warship and Missile Sales Abroad
Japan announced its most significant defense export policy shift in generations on Tuesday, eliminating longstanding curbs on overseas arms sales. This paves the way for exporting advanced gear like warships, missiles, and…
Japanese PM Sends Ritual Gift to Yasukuni Shrine Amid Spring Festival
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi offered a traditional masakaki evergreen branch to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday, coinciding with the start of its three-day spring festival. The site remains a flashpoint for China…
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the eastern sea on Sunday, heightening regional tensions.
North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the ocean on Sunday, ramping up its testing pace amid escalating Iran conflict and speculation about potential U.S. and South Korean summits. Experts interpret Pyongyang’s aggressive…
From YouTube to rakugo, Japanese kids explore new forms of expression
Japanese kids are stepping into creative roles like mock diplomats and video editors, meeting the rising need for strong communication skills from a young age. Extracurricular programs fostering imagination and expression are…
Police warn of scam artists posing as cops to collect fines for breaking new bike rules
Japan rolled out the “blue ticket” (aoikippu) system on April 1, treating cyclists more like drivers with on-the-spot fines up to 12,000 yen for offenses like running red lights, phone use, umbrella…
Chinese Embassy in Japan Reports Threats, Blames Police Inaction Amid Rising Tensions
The Chinese Embassy in Japan accused local authorities Thursday of ignoring repeated reports of threats against its staff and facilities, as bilateral tensions intensify. Acting Ambassador Shi Yong said the embassy received…
Takaichi among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people
Time magazine has included Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in its selection of the world’s 100 most influential people this year, along with other world leaders. Also on the list are Alysa…
Japan Parties Convene on Imperial House Law Overhaul
Japan’s lower house speaker announced plans for parliament to develop a position this year on updating legislation to sustain the imperial family’s size, following discussions among parties from both legislative chambers over…