As Japan gears up to welcome the world for Expo 2025 in Osaka, one structure is capturing global attention for its scale and vision—the world's largest wooden structure ever built. In contrast to the usual steel-and-glass landmarks often seen at international expos, this ambitious creation stands out for its focus on sustainability, cultural heritage, and modern design … [Read more...] about Inside the World’s Largest Wooden Structure Built for Expo 2025 Osaka
Culture
Honda has become Japan’s first private company to launch and land a reusable rocket
In a surprising leap into the aerospace sector, Honda R&D Co., Ltd., the research and development arm of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket on June 17, 2025, at its facility in Taiki Town, Hokkaido, Japan. The test, announced as a milestone toward achieving suborbital spaceflight by 2029, marks the … [Read more...] about Honda has become Japan’s first private company to launch and land a reusable rocket
Japan’s First “Smartphone Dementia” Clinic Opens in Gifu Prefecture to Address Memory Loss Linked to Excessive Smartphone Use
In a groundbreaking response to a growing public health concern, Japan has opened its first clinic dedicated to treating “smartphone dementia,” a term coined by Japanese medical professionals to describe memory and cognitive impairments associated with excessive smartphone use. The Okumura Memory Clinic, led by neurosurgeon Dr. Ayumu Okumura in Gifu Prefecture, is at the … [Read more...] about Japan’s First “Smartphone Dementia” Clinic Opens in Gifu Prefecture to Address Memory Loss Linked to Excessive Smartphone Use
Japanese Monk Rescues ‘Too Loud’ Dog, Gets Life Saved in Return
A Japanese Buddhist monk was rescued from a bear attack by his adopted Beagle, Chico, near Youkoku Temple in Niigata Prefecture on May 29, 2025. Tougen Yoshihara, the 45-year-old abbot of the historic temple, was walking the one-year-old dog in nearby woods when a 1.6-meter-tall bear appeared. Yoshihara, known for his muscular physique, panicked and fell while attempting to … [Read more...] about Japanese Monk Rescues ‘Too Loud’ Dog, Gets Life Saved in Return
Inside Japan’s Hikikomori Crisis: Understanding Social Isolation in the Land of Harmony
When most people imagine Japan, vivid images of neon-lit cityscapes, quiet temples, and cutting-edge innovation often come to mind. Tourists flock to experience the country's meticulous hospitality, delicious cuisine, and deep-rooted traditions. Yet, behind this vibrant surface lies a quiet, sobering reality that even many foreign residents may overlook: the growing population … [Read more...] about Inside Japan’s Hikikomori Crisis: Understanding Social Isolation in the Land of Harmony