The Japan Times
Japan · English · Newspaper
A Japanese English-language newspaper covering national and international news, business, and culture.
- 40 stories today
- 56/day · 7-day avg
- Top beat: Politics
- Tracked since 2026
- 8 Japan peers
Today’s stories
- TV Tairiku Ondo channels the chaotic creativity of youthTV Tairiku Ondo, a rock band formed by high school students in Sapporo, gained viral attention in 2024 and performed an unusual water-chugging stunt during a live show.
- In a first, consumer consultations in Japan about social media top 100,000In 2025, Japan saw over 100,000 consumer consultations about social media for the first time, according to a government report. Consultations increased across all age groups, with those in their 50s and older making up over half of the total. The report also noted rising concerns about business malpractices and AI usage.
- Japan aiming to live up to heightened expectations with deep run at World CupJapan's 2026 World Cup campaign begins with high expectations after recent improvements under coach Hajime Moriyasu, following previous group stage exits in 2014 and cautious optimism in 2018 and 2022.
- 10% of e-scooter accidents in Japan resulted from drunken driving in 2025Drunken driving contributed to 10% of e-scooter accidents in Japan in 2025, with the total number of such accidents rising to 386. The traffic death toll reached a 77-year low, while accidents involving foreign drivers of rental cars increased.
- Kioxia becomes Japan’s most valuable firm as AI mania goes onKioxia Holdings became Japan's most valuable company as AI demand boosts semiconductor stocks, surpassing Toyota Motor. Its market value exceeded ¥44 trillion, driven by a 7.6% share surge. Toyota's decline reflects challenges in the auto industry amid global shifts.
- Japan revises megaquake preparation plan for Tokyo areaJapan revised its earthquake preparedness plan to reduce deaths and building losses from a potential Tokyo-area quake to half of previous estimates, targeting 18,000 deaths and 400,000 buildings destroyed. The plan includes installing seismic circuit breakers in most households by 2035.
- Lower House panel approves retrial system reform billA Japanese parliamentary panel approved a bill to reform the retrial system, including provisions for regular reviews of evidence use and limiting prosecutors' appeals against retrial decisions.
- Consumption tax cut on groceries could do more harm than goodA consumption tax cut on groceries is proposed to help Japanese households with inflation, but analysts warn it could harm markets and worsen fiscal issues.
- Nearly 40% of older adults in Japan want to keep working
- LDP pushes tougher land and visa rules while avoiding nationality trap
- The U.S. and Israel can’t hide their differences on IranThe U.S. and Israel face growing tensions over differing interpretations of a ceasefire agreement with Iran, with Israel continuing military operations against Hezbollah despite the deal.
- Ukraine’s AI drones have given Kyiv a fresh edge on the battlefield
- Japan’s FTC to fine 30 firms over condo renovation bid-riggingJapan's FTC plans to fine 30 construction companies and issue cease and desist orders to 40 companies for bid-rigging in condominium renovation contracts, violating antimonopoly laws.
- South Korea rallies past Czech Republic to open World Cup campaignSouth Korea rallied to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their World Cup opener, securing three points in Group A.
- South Korea rallies past Czech Republic to open World Cup campaignSouth Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening World Cup Group A match, with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu. South Korea joined Mexico at the top of the group standings after Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa.