Tokyo, April 24, 2025 — Starting April 1, 2026, cyclists in Japan aged 16 and older will face fines of up to 12,000 yen ($85) for traffic violations under a new penalty system, the National Police Agency (NPA) announced. The NPA drafted revisions to the Road Traffic Law’s enforcement order on April 24, outlining penalties for 113 types of violations, with the plan set to be … [Read more...] about Japan to Enforce Fines for Cyclists’ Traffic Violations Starting April 2026
Viral Disaster Rumor Impacts Japan’s Tourism Industry
Tokyo, April 28, 2025 — A baseless rumor predicting a catastrophic disaster in Japan on July 5, 2025, has spread rapidly online, causing a significant decline in tourist bookings and affecting the country’s tourism industry. The rumor, amplified by social media and sensationalist content creators, has led to widespread anxiety among potential visitors, particularly from Asian … [Read more...] about Viral Disaster Rumor Impacts Japan’s Tourism Industry
Japan’s Oldest Person, Okagi Hayashi, Dies at 115
Toki, Gifu Prefecture, — Okagi Hayashi, recognized as Japan’s oldest person, passed away at the age of 115 on Saturday, April 26, 2025, due to heart failure, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced Monday. Hayashi, born on September 2, 1909, died in a hospital in her hometown of Toki, Gifu Prefecture. Hayashi had been acknowledged as Japan’s oldest living … [Read more...] about Japan’s Oldest Person, Okagi Hayashi, Dies at 115
Demand for Pet Funerals Surges in Japan
Tokyo, April 30, 2025 — The demand for pet funeral services in Japan has reached unprecedented levels, reflecting a growing trend among pet owners to honor their deceased animals with formal ceremonies. According to industry reports, pet funeral businesses are experiencing a significant increase in requests for services ranging from cremations to memorial rituals, driven by the … [Read more...] about Demand for Pet Funerals Surges in Japan
Top 6 Websites to Search Stigmatized Properties
Moving to Japan is an exciting adventure, but finding the perfect home can feel daunting, especially when you stumble across suspiciously cheap rentals. Could they be jiko bukken—stigmatized properties with a dark past? For foreigners eager to dive into Japan’s real estate market and uncover insider knowledge, understanding stigmatized properties is key to making informed … [Read more...] about Top 6 Websites to Search Stigmatized Properties