Complaints are mounting across a wide range of industries over shortages of naphtha-related materials, but the government insists the issue is not a lack of overall supply, describing it instead as a “bottleneck” in distribution and processing. So what exactly is happening behind the scenes? (News On Japan)

The University of Tokyo's annual campus festival, known as the May Festival, resumed suspended events on May 17th after disruptions caused by a bomb threat the previous day, with long lines forming outside the main gate as visitors underwent newly introduced baggage inspections. (News On Japan)

A bear sighting in a residential area of Hachioji, western Tokyo, at the end of April has heightened concerns among local residents as encounters involving bears continue to increase across Japan. (News On Japan)

A 28-year-old woman was arrested following a fatal hit-and-run incident in Ginan Town, Gifu Prefecture, that claimed the life of a 59-year-old American man, with the driver partially denying the allegations, telling police she didn't think it was a person. (News On Japan)

An event allowing participants to enjoy rugby while covered in mud took place in pre-planting rice paddies in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, on May 17th. (News On Japan)

A previously unidentified landform believed to be a "square earthen platform" has been discovered in the front section of the Daisen Kofun in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, the Imperial Household Agency revealed on May 17th, raising the possibility that the structure may have been used as a burial facility. (News On Japan)

Police investigating the robbery-murder of a woman in Tochigi Prefecture, in which four teenage boys have already been arrested, detained a married couple in their 20s on May 17th on suspicion of acting as ringleaders in the attack. (News On Japan)

South Korea’s presidential office announced on May 17th that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be welcomed with treatment “equivalent to that of a state guest” during her visit to South Korea beginning May 19th. (News On Japan)

In Ukraine, local officials report eight injured in overnight Russian drone strikes and shelling.

A 28-year-old man believed to have directed a deadly robbery attack in Kamimikawa, Tochigi Prefecture, was arrested at Haneda Airport as police continue investigating the murder of a woman killed during a home invasion. (News On Japan)

Trump threw his full support behind Julia Letlow in Louisiana's high-stakes contest, branding the incumbent "disloyal".

The agency added that the outbreak, with around 246 cases and 80 deaths, does not meet the criteria of pandemic emergency.

After four years of flops, the BBC has to think hard about how it approaches Eurovision in 2027.

Bulgarian singer Dara stormed to victory in the contest, while Ukraine broke the record for the longest note ever sung at Eurovision.

A fire broke out Saturday night at a temple in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, that dates back to the Muromachi period, with flames and thick black smoke seen rising from the roof as the blaze continued for nearly nine hours. (News On Japan)

Experts say two espionage cases in the US highlight China's attempts to peddle influence globally over the past decade.

The all-female supergroup has sold out venues across the UK and Ireland, toured stadiums with Ed Sheeran, and built a global following - all without releasing a debut record.

BBC Verify has examined dozens of videos of fibre-optic drone attacks carried out by the Lebanese armed group.

BBC Verify has examined dozens of videos of fibre-optic drone attacks carried out by the Lebanese armed group.

Foreign visitors to Goa have nearly halved from their pre-Covid peak even as domestic tourism is booming.