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
Nearly 45% of Japanese Full-Time Workers Engage in Quiet Quitting, Mynavi Survey Finds
A survey conducted by Mynavi, a Japan-based job-matching company, revealed that 45% of full-time employees in Japan identify as “quiet quitters,” workers who perform only the minimum required tasks. The survey, released last week, included 3,000 respondents aged 20 to 59 and showed that 46.7% of those in their 20s reported adopting this approach, indicating a trend among … [Read more...] about Nearly 45% of Japanese Full-Time Workers Engage in Quiet Quitting, Mynavi Survey Finds
Nankai Trough Megaquake Could Damage ¥1,466 Trillion in Economic Losses, Engineers Warn
A megaquake along the Nankai Trough could lead to ¥1,466 trillion (approximately $10 trillion) in economic damages over a 22-year recovery period, according to a revised estimate by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers released on June 11, 2025. This figure reflects a 4% increase from the 2018 estimate of ¥1,410 trillion, attributed to updated economic data and expanded flood … [Read more...] about Nankai Trough Megaquake Could Damage ¥1,466 Trillion in Economic Losses, Engineers Warn
Japanese Photographer Kimiko Nishimoto, Known as “Selfie Grandma,” Dies at 97
Tokyo, June 12, 2025 – Kimiko Nishimoto, a Japanese photographer widely recognized as the "selfie grandma," passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 97 due to bile duct cancer. Nishimoto gained international attention for her playful and humorous self-portraits, which she began creating at the age of 72, amassing a significant following on Instagram. Nishimoto’s … [Read more...] about Japanese Photographer Kimiko Nishimoto, Known as “Selfie Grandma,” Dies at 97