East Japan Railway (JR East) is preparing to enter Japan's fiercely competitive mobile payment market with the launch of teppay on October 20, introducing a new QR code payment service through its Mobile Suica platform and potentially tapping into a customer base of 45 million Suica users. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivered an unusually harsh rebuke of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana on October 13, describing his claims about cutting road budgets in areas that failed to support him as "inappropriate" and "really lame," while signaling that she would reconsider whether he should remain in office as opposition lawmakers intensified their demands for his dismissal. (News On Japan)

A fire broke out at a factory handling waste plastic in Nara City on October 13, sending thick black smoke into the air and prompting the dispatch of 12 fire engines after firefighters received an emergency call shortly before 3:30 p.m. from a factory representative reporting smoke rising from inside the building, with all workers safely evacuated and no injuries reported. (News On Japan)

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on October 13, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 67,778, down 1,253 points, as selling in artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related shares dragged the headline index below 68,000 after a three-day holiday weekend. (News On Japan)

Four people, including a 13-year-old junior high school girl, were injured when a large festival float collided with a roadside tree during an autumn festival in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, on October 12th. (News On Japan)

A 46-year-old Cuban national has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a 32-year-old foreign national at a restaurant in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on October 11, fleeing the scene before turning himself in to police the following day. (News On Japan)

Miku Yamanaka, a 32-year-old veteran of women's sumo who has claimed 34 national titles, continues to compete against younger rivals while balancing work and training, demonstrating remarkable determination as she battles through injuries in pursuit of further success at the All-Japan Women's Sumo Championships. (News On Japan)

The proportion of divorces involving couples married for at least 20 years has reached a record high in Japan, driven by greater financial independence among women and longer life expectancy, with women initiating an estimated 70% to 80% of late-life separations. (News On Japan)

Japan's transition away from decades of ultra-low interest rates is placing increasing financial pressure on students, homeowners and property investors, with some university graduates facing more than 1 million yen in additional student loan repayments while rising mortgage costs and record-high apartment prices threaten to slow the country's property market. (News On Japan)

Around 90 self-proclaimed ninjas from across Japan gathered in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, for the 43rd All-Japan Ninja Championship, competing in traditional ninja-inspired challenges including shuriken throwing, castle wall climbing, and running across water to claim the title of Japan's top ninja. (News On Japan)

Japan's Agriculture Minister Kazuo Yana is facing mounting pressure to resign over remarks suggesting that government funding was reduced for municipalities that failed to support him in an election, with opposition parties considering a censure motion that could disrupt parliamentary deliberations on a consumption tax reduction bill. (News On Japan)

A fire broke out at a home in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, on October 12th after flames apparently spread to the building during an operation to remove a wasp nest, burning two residential structures and leaving one worker with minor injuries. (News On Japan)

The new season of Japan’s revamped men’s SV.League begins on October 17. This 1xBet review explains what will change and who is in contention for the title. (News On Japan)

Plumbing leaks can be a homeowner's nightmare, causing water damage, increasing utility bills, and leading to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. (News On Japan)

Plumbing emergencies can disrupt the comfort and safety of your home in unexpected ways. From sudden leaks to persistent clogs, these issues often require immediate attention to prevent further damage. (News On Japan)

Facing a sewer emergency can be one of the most daunting experiences for any homeowner. From unexpected backups to noticeable foul odors, the signs of a sewer problem usually indicate a need for immediate action. (News On Japan)

In an era where water conservation and home safety are paramount, integrating smart technology into Leak Detection systems offers significant advantages. (News On Japan)

For homeowners, dealing with plumbing problems can be a daunting task, especially when they arise unexpectedly. (News On Japan)

In the realm of home maintenance, dealing with drainage issues can be a recurring challenge for many families. Blocked drains not only disrupt daily routines but can also lead to more severe plumbing problems if not addressed promptly. (News On Japan)

The government’s plan to cut the consumption tax on food is turning into a broader fight over public spending, ministerial accountability and whether Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi can keep her autumn Diet agenda focused on household relief rather than political damage control. (News On Japan)