Nakagawa in northern Hokkaido is actively fighting population decline through a series of innovative policies. With only about 1,300 residents, the town offers 240 low-cost municipal houses to attract newcomers, with rents for a 3LDK apartment starting at 22,000 yen, depending on income. (News On Japan)

The mayors of Tokyo's Shibuya and Shinjuku wards have urged people to refrain from drinking on the street during the Halloween period. (News On Japan)

Retirees in Japan face harsh financial realities due to unexpected costs like serious illnesses and funeral expenses. Pension amounts often fall short, with some retirees receiving as little as 50,000 to 125,000 yen per month. (News On Japan)

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) released its October Regional Economic Report, known as the "Sakura Report," announcing an upward revision of the economic outlook for two of the country's nine regions, Hokuriku and Tokai. (News On Japan)

During China's 'Golden Week' holiday, millions of tourists swarmed popular destinations across the country, creating chaotic scenes. Many Chinese travelers extended their holiday abroad, flocking to Japan's Izu region. (News On Japan)

Rice snack manufacturers are facing a tough business environment as the price of rice soars. (News On Japan)

Kyoto has been grappling with the issue of over-tourism, a problem that has persisted since the COVID-19 pandemic. As the peak tourist season approaches, what is the current situation in Kyoto? (News On Japan)

In the hustle of daily life, balance can feel like an elusive dream. Juggling work, family, and other responsibilities can make it challenging to find the time to nurture the most important relationship of all—the one with your partner. (News On Japan)

Even though basketball isn't the first sport that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand, it has been making its mark since the beginning of the 1900s. (News On Japan)

It was a case of fifth-time lucky for Shigeru Ishiba, who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Japan on 1 October 2024. After four unsuccessful attempts to win the leadership of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) between 2008 and 2020, and his increasingly isolated position as an outsider within the party, it looked like he had missed his chance. His perseverance has now paid off. (East Asia Forum)

Sanriku Railway, a third-sector company operating along the coast of Iwate Prefecture, began offering the 'Awabi Train' and 'Matsutake Train' services on October 6th, featuring luxurious bento boxes filled with locally sourced abalone and matsutake mushrooms. (News On Japan)

In Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are facing off in the division series. This is the first postseason for Dodgers star Ohtani Shohei. (NHK)

Tokyo University's iconic Red Gate, which has long been a symbol for prospective students to pass through, has remained closed for the past three years, leaving many students unable to experience walking through it. (News On Japan)

Disney's exclusive merchandise releases in Japan have sparked a new controversy, not just over traditional resale but also a trend known as 'proxy shopping.' (News On Japan)

A painting of a man floating in water has recently gone viral on social media. The sunlight reflected off the water makes it look as if it is genuinely shining, prompting many on social media to ask, ‘How is this painting glowing without any lights?’ (News On Japan)

The used smartphone market in Japan is booming, particularly following the release of Apple's latest iPhone model. Despite the new iPhone 16 hitting the market last month, more consumers are opting for pre-owned devices due to their significantly lower prices. (News On Japan)

After the pandemic, the movement towards 'solo activities' has been accelerating in Japan, signaling a shift in the image of 'being alone' from negative to positive. (News On Japan)

Police have arrested four individuals, including Kiwata Kahata, in connection with a robbery and injury case that took place 12 years ago at a pachinko parlor in Yosano Town, Kyoto Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A whale shark, the world's largest species of fish, has been relocated from a research facility in Kochi Prefecture to the Kaiyukan aquarium in Osaka and was opened to the public on October 3rd. (News On Japan)

Reigning MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has won the Japanese Grand Prix in Motegi to complete a weekend double and cut his gap to rival Jorge Martin at the top of the world championship down to 10 points. (Al Jazeera)