Autumn foliage has reached its peak in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, where brilliant red and gold leaves have drawn large crowds over the three-day holiday weekend. Under clear skies, the scenic views of Lake Chuzenji and the 97-meter Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most famous waterfalls, offered picture-perfect sights, while the winding Irohazaka road formed a striking tunnel of autumn colors visible even from passing cars. (News On Japan)

Condominium prices show little sign of cooling as even secondhand units in central Tokyo are routinely listed above 100 million yen, with a recent survey indicating the average price of new condominiums launched in the 23 wards in the first half of this fiscal year reached about 133.09 million yen and resale units have exceeded 100 million yen for five consecutive months, underscoring a market in which construction and labor costs have jumped, demand has spilled over into used stock, and buyers are being urged to scrutinize properties more carefully. (News On Japan)

Two Japanese regions — Okuizumo in Shimane Prefecture and Arida-Shimotsu in Wakayama Prefecture — have been officially recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), receiving their certification in Rome, Italy. (News On Japan)

Explore Iriomote Island, Okinawa, with a guided tour including kayaking through lush jungle to a stunning waterfall. Enjoy a delicious noodle lunch and snorkeling amongst vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. This day trip offers a unique glimpse into a secluded Japanese island. (Jumping Places)

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. (News On Japan)

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at a record high of 52,411 yen on October 31st, up 1,085 yen from the previous day, marking the first time in history it has ended above the 52,000-yen level. This is the third consecutive day the index has reached a new all-time closing high. (News On Japan)

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged. (News On Japan)

A man accused of killing and injuring four family members with a crossbow in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, was sentenced to life in prison on October 31st, after the Kobe District Court rejected the prosecution’s demand for the death penalty. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has quickly become Japan’s newest fashion icon. Since taking office just ten days ago, the 63-year-old leader’s signature style -- defined by her understated black tote bag and soft pink pen -- has sparked a nationwide shopping craze. (News On Japan)

A test lighting was conducted on October 30th at Hashiguiiwa, a nationally designated natural monument located in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, ahead of its annual illumination event. The unique rock formations rising from the sea were bathed in shades of orange and blue, creating an ethereal coastal scene. (News On Japan)

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions. (News On Japan)

太陽光発電の新たな選択肢として注目されている「フレキシブルソーラーパネル」。軽量で曲面にも設置でき、アウトドアや災害時はもちろん省スペースな住宅にも最適です。 (News On Japan)

Astronaut Yui Kimiya, currently on a long-term mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), successfully captured a newly developed supply spacecraft using the station’s robotic arm in the early hours of October 30th. (News On Japan)

Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward has installed barricades around the Hachiko statue in front of Shibuya Station as part of safety measures ahead of Halloween on October 31st. (News On Japan)

In a quiet neighborhood of Osaka stands a four-story building with around 40 rooms. Yet more than 100 companies are registered there, despite the absence of any visible workers. (News On Japan)

Two tea buyers from London arrived in Fukuoka on October 28th to explore the unique appeal of Yame tea, one of Japan’s most celebrated green teas. The visit, organized by Fukuoka Prefecture as part of efforts to expand agricultural exports, aimed to introduce the rich aroma and depth of Yame tea to the United Kingdom, a nation long associated with black tea culture. (News On Japan)

The traditional ritual of Paantu, in which masked gods covered in mud ward off evil spirits, took place on October 28th in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, filling the village with laughter and screams. (News On Japan)

Bear sightings have surged across Japan, and in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village—home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go—local authorities held a nighttime drill on October 28th to prepare for possible emergencies. (News On Japan)

The number of disciplinary actions at public elementary and junior high schools in Aichi Prefecture during the first half of 2025 has exceeded three times that of the same period last year, prompting growing concern among parents over how to engage with schools. (News On Japan)

Hokkaido is now in the peak of autumn foliage season, with its vast landscape dotted by countless scenic spots displaying vibrant colors unique to each location. From golden ginkgo-lined avenues stretching nearly 380 meters to crimson leaves reflecting off blue lakes, visitors can experience the full spectrum of autumn hues. (News On Japan)