For the first time in Japan, human-to-human transmission of the tick-borne infectious disease SFTS (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) has been confirmed. (News On Japan)

In the ancient capital of Heijo-kyo, Nara, a new discovery has been made of around 1,000 "wooden tablets," with inscribed characters indicating "ayu" (sweetfish), "sumi" (charcoal), and the names of eras. (News On Japan)

In response to the Bank of Japan's decision to end its negative interest rate policy and implement the first interest rate hike in 17 years, the three major Japanese banks have announced an increase in deposit interest rates. (News On Japan)

Tokyo is experiencing a return to colder weather, with temperatures plummeting to 12C on Tuesday, affecting the anticipated blooming of cherry blossoms. (News On Japan)

The Bank of Japan has decided to end the negative interest rate policy introduced in 2016. This marks a significant shift in the massive easing measures, resulting in the first interest rate hike since 2007. (News On Japan)

In an effort to address the severe shortage of teachers, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has decided to implement an exemption from the repayment of scholarships for those who have completed practical training at graduate schools of education or other graduate programs, starting with the successful applicants of the new fiscal year's hiring exams. (News On Japan)

Aiming for future human habitation on the moon, a Japanese private company has announced the world's first initiative to produce hydrogen and oxygen on the lunar surface. (News On Japan)

The limited express Thunderbird has completed its last run, but not without controversy, after a foreigner was caught without a proper ticket, leading to a scuffle with the conductor. (News On Japan)

The Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday approved a bill for the "Japanese DBS," which will verify the presence or absence of sexual offense history for individuals working with children. (News On Japan)

An emergency meeting began on Monday afternoon at the Suginami Ward Office in Tokyo, involving representatives from public elementary and junior high schools and nurseries, following a mysterious incident where a student's water bottle, brought from home, was found to contain an "abnormal" substance. (News On Japan)

A concert by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Central Band and soprano singer Mai Tsugane was held Sunday in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which suffered significant damage from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. (News On Japan)

A popular tourist train will grind to a halt on March 23rd as JR Kyushu retires Japan's oldest active steam locomotive "SL Hitoyoshi." (News On Japan)

A fishing boat was found adrift in northern Japan, with a deceased 75-year-old fisherman inside. (News On Japan)

Monday saw the strongest winds of the year blow across Japan, stoking numerous fires, and creating a dust cloud visible from space. (News On Japan)

The annual March timetable revision for JR has been implemented that includes a new commuter express train coinciding with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension. (News On Japan)

The Imperial Household Agency announced that Princess Aiko, the eldest daughter of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, is scheduled to visit Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture on March 26th. (News On Japan)

The Tokyo stock market rose by more than 1,000 yen on Monday, recovering to the 39,000 yen range at the close of trade. (News On Japan)

Terutsuyoshi, a former top division sumo wrestler known for his dynamic movement and vigorous salt-throwing ritual, has decided to retire. (News On Japan)

In the bid-rigging case surrounding the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, prosecutors have sought a 200 million yen fine for the advertising giant Hakuhodo as a corporation. (News On Japan)

Tokyo's Omotesando is currently filled with photographs of Shohei Ohtani, with an event organized by a major cosmetics manufacturer enlisting the superstar baseballer as its endorser. (News On Japan)