Although the government released 210,000 tons of reserve rice into the market, only about 10 percent has reached supermarkets and restaurants, equivalent to the nation’s average daily rice consumption. (News On Japan)

Following a wave of disturbing cases in which women were emotionally manipulated into debt and coerced into prostitution through exploitative tactics used by hosts, the revised Entertainment Business Act aimed at cracking down on abusive host club practices passed Japan's Lower House on Tuesday. (News On Japan)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to waive basic water charges for all ordinary households in the city this summer, covering approximately 8 million households. (News On Japan)

About 14,000 babies will die in 48 hours if aid does not reach them, a UN humanitarian chief warns.

Fighter jets hit sites including a school in Gaza City, the Hamas-run civil defence agency says.

Fighter jets hit sites including a school in Gaza City, the Hamas-run civil defence agency says.

The seven-metre tall sauropod sculpture - named Boom Boom - has divided local opinion.

Three people have been killed in Bengaluru after the city received heavy rainfall from Sunday night.

Acclaimed Russian ballet choreographer, Yuri Grigorovich, received top Soviet and Russian honours.

Acclaimed Russian ballet choreographer, Yuri Grigorovich, received top Soviet and Russian honours.

France, the UK and Canada are among nations that have sharpened their criticism of Israel's ground offensive.

France, the UK and Canada are among nations that have sharpened their criticism of Israel's ground offensive.

With rice prices continuing to hover at historically high levels and empty store shelves becoming more common, the Japanese government is under increasing pressure to implement consumer- and producer-friendly policies. In response, authorities are revising the bidding system for releasing reserve rice stocks, aiming to make it more accessible to smaller wholesalers. (News On Japan)

With rice prices continuing to hover at historically high levels and empty store shelves becoming more common, the Japanese government is under increasing pressure to implement consumer- and producer-friendly policies. In response, authorities are revising the bidding system for releasing reserve rice stocks, aiming to make it more accessible to smaller wholesalers. (News On Japan)

Starting in 2027, the number of giant snow sculptures produced by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the Sapporo Snow Festival will be reduced from two to one, due to increasing demands on personnel for disaster response and winter training. (News On Japan)

For much of Japan’s history, particularly in rural areas, a now-banned tradition called yobai—or “night crawling”—was a common courtship practice. Until the early 1900s, it was socially accepted for young men to sneak into women’s homes at night for consensual sex, with variations depending on the region. (News On Japan)

The former Miss Grand International winner had heavily touted the gummies on social media.

The former Miss Grand International winner had heavily touted the gummies on social media.

A group of around 220 Ainu from across and beyond Hokkaido performed traditional dances at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on May 17th, conveying the Ainu spirit of mutual support and the importance of diversity and coexistence. (News On Japan)

In Okinawa, the construction industry is exploring the potential of 3D printing as a solution to pressing labor shortages and to reduce project timelines. A demonstration event showcasing this emerging technology was held in the prefecture for the first time. (News On Japan)