As the new fiscal year began on April 1st, companies across Japan welcomed fresh employees with distinctive entrance ceremonies while some firms drew attention by offering sharply increased starting salaries. (News On Japan)

The Japan Shogi Association is considering new rules to address concerns raised by female players who have effectively been forced to forfeit matches due to pregnancy and childbirth, with a review committee presenting its interim report on March 31st. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government is stepping up efforts to expand overseas markets for fashion and cosmetics as part of its broader Cool Japan strategy, with discussions held on March 31st to review progress toward its goals. (News On Japan)

As Japan’s fiscal year draws to a close on March 31st, a range of systems and services are being phased out, including the so-called “3G mobile network service” once synonymous with traditional feature phones known as “garakei,” which officially ended on March 31. (News On Japan)

KDDI announced the results of an investigation into an accounting fraud involving its subsidiaries, revealing that 99.7% of revenue in its advertising agency business was generated through fictitious transactions. (News On Japan)

A large bear, its massive body swaying as it walked sluggishly, was recently spotted just after emerging from hibernation, already showing signs of hunger as it devoured food in early spring. (News On Japan)

Kansai International Airport’s low-cost carrier terminal has undergone a major renovation in response to rising passenger numbers, with the updated domestic flight area unveiled to the press on March 31st. (News On Japan)

Japan’s national soccer team completed final preparations on March 30 ahead of an international friendly against England, scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. on March 31 (3:45 a.m. on April 1 Japan time) at Wembley Stadium in London, marking their last match before the squad announcement for the World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. (News On Japan)

The first League of Legends Pacific League Spring Split marked the end of CTBC Flying Oyster's dominance and brought several other surprising twists. (News On Japan)

JR East is set to enter the QR code payment market under the name “teppay,” as competition intensifies following the withdrawal of services such as LINE Pay, raising questions over whether the railway operator can carve out a position while differentiating the service from its widely used Suica platform. (News On Japan)

The government approved a basic policy at a Cabinet meeting on March 31st aimed at securing shelters for residents in the event of armed attacks, with a focus on promoting the use of private underground facilities such as shopping malls and parking areas, which are considered to offer high levels of safety. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi announced that a task force has been established under Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa, who has been appointed minister in charge of securing the stable supply of critical materials, as Japan moves to respond to the worsening situation in the Middle East. (News On Japan)

Long-running tensions surrounding Iran are expected to push up household electricity bills, with Japanese power companies bracing for higher costs this summer as crude oil prices remain elevated, even as Japan has shifted its energy mix toward renewables, now accounting for more than 20% of total power generation following the Great East Japan Earthquake. (News On Japan)

Former Ito mayor Maki Takubo was indicted while remaining out of custody over an academic credentials fraud scandal in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A large number of people gathered at Ishikari-Numata Station in western Hokkaido on March 31st to witness the final run of the JR Rumoi Line, bringing an end to its 116-year history as trains made their last journey through snow-covered rice fields. (News On Japan)

Japan’s benchmark stock index plunged sharply at the start of the week, at one point dropping more than 2,800 points, as surging crude oil prices driven by tensions surrounding Iran rattled markets and raised fresh concerns over the stability of alternative energy supply routes. (News On Japan)

A month has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and while Japan holds oil reserves equivalent to roughly eight months of domestic consumption, concerns are growing that rising crude prices and supply disruptions could begin to affect everything from plastic bottles to medical IV tubes. (News On Japan)

Today, English football is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The Premier League brings together the best players from around the world, sets current trends and attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of fans across the globe. (News On Japan)

In construction, the cost of even the smallest error is measured not only in money but also in time, reputation, and often the safety of people. (News On Japan)

Many project teams remember when work was primarily based on email chains, phone calls, and endless spreadsheets. However, digital transformation is rapidly changing the way businesses manage plans, tasks, and priorities. (News On Japan)