School absenteeism among Japanese elementary and middle school students has surged to approximately 300,000, with many students struggling to return after long holidays like Golden Week. In this context, a sixth-grade girl who overcame school absence shared her story. (News On Japan)

In a survey conducted by a major life insurance company to coincide with Children's Day on May 5th, it was revealed that over half of the respondents felt uneasy about saving for their children’s education. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has revised a Justice Ministry ordinance to tighten rules for granting student residence status. This comes after it came to light in 2019 that a university in Tokyo had lost contact with more than 1,600 of its foreign students. (NHK)

Naoya Inoue, Japan's undisputed super bantamweight world champion said Saturday he has high hopes for the defense of his four belts against Mexico's Luis Nery when they fight on Monday. (Kyodo)

Approximately 500,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) are in full bloom at a tourist facility in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, drawing many holidaymakers. (News On Japan)

Ahead of Children's Day, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released an estimate of the country's child population, revealing a decrease of 330,000 compared to the previous year. The population of children under 15 dropped for the 43rd consecutive year, reaching a record low since data collection began in 1950. (News On Japan)

The U23 Japan National Soccer Team, having secured a spot in the Paris Olympics, defeated Uzbekistan in the final to claim the U23 Asian Cup title. (News On Japan)

In the case where the bodies of a couple were found burned in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, it has been revealed that a man, suspected to be the one giving instructions, stated that he was directe to go to the empty house, where the assault is believed to have taken place. (News On Japan)

Constitution Memorial Day, on May 3rd, marked 77 years since the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution. On May 3, 1947, a ceremony to commemorate the enforcement of the Japanese Constitution was held at the Imperial Palace Plaza. Despite the rain, approximately 10,000 people gathered. (News On Japan)

A memorial service for the former Imperial Japanese Army kamikaze pilots who died during the Battle of Okinawa at the end of World War II was held on May 3rd in front of the Chiran Peace Kannon Hall in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture. (News On Japan)

Sony Pictures Entertainment, under the Sony Group, in partnership with an American investment firm, has proposed a joint acquisition of the U.S. media giant Paramount Global for approximately 4 trillion yen ($26 billion), as reported by multiple American media sources. (News On Japan)

Nippon Steel has announced a postponement of its acquisition timeline for major American steel manufacturer U.S. Steel, from the end of September to the end of December. (News On Japan)

The wailing of babies filled the air during the "Crying Sumo" event at Hakusan Shrine in Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture, on Friday, held to pray for children's health and growth. (News On Japan)

Kyoto, the ancient capital bustling with tourists, has commenced a special exhibition of cultural properties at 15 temples and shrines, allowing visitors a rare glimpse into normally private cultural assets, deepening the appreciation of their historical significance. (News On Japan)

At Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, the traditional Yabusame (horseback archery) ritual was performed on Saturday, with riders galloped across a 500-meter stretch at full speed while aiming arrows at targets, praying for the safety of the upcoming Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's three major festivals. (News On Japan)

During the Golden Week holidays, the "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival," known for attracting the largest number of visitors nationwide, has commenced. Blessed with clear weather, the city of Fukuoka is completely enveloped in the festive spirit. (News On Japan)

Kings and Generals animated historical documentary series on the history of Japan continues with a video on the history of the shogunate and various dynasties that ruled it, including Tokugawa, Ashikaga and Kamakura, as well as the end of the shogun as the shogunate gets abolished in the XIX century. (Kings and Generals)

As harsh summer heat is expected nationwide, applications for insurance against the risk of heatstroke have surged, reaching approximately 4,000 in just one week since sales began. (News On Japan)

A new cruise ship terminal has been completed at Tempozan in Osaka, and it was unveiled to the press on May 2nd. (News On Japan)

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Kishida, as chair at the OECD Ministerial Council, declared his commitment to removing employment barriers facing women and the elderly. (News On Japan)