On August 1st, a special session of the Diet convened, marking the first appearance of Ishin lawmaker Tai Okazaki, who was elected for the first time in July's House of Councillors election. Okazaki spoke with reporters about his determination for his new role. (News On Japan)

"I think this is the biggest deal ever," said U.S. President Donald Trump excitedly in front of reporters. (News On Japan)

As of July, high school students across Japan have effectively begun their job hunt, entering a job market where demand far exceeds supply. With a record-high job-offer-to-applicant ratio of 4.1, companies are fiercely competing to secure these “golden eggs”—young workers straight out of high school—who are seen as a valuable alternative to university graduates. (News On Japan)

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, increasing tariffs on imports from dozens of countries, including Japan. The administration says the new rates will go into effect from midnight Aug. 7. (NHK)

Peach Aviation has opened a new multi-purpose training facility in Kansai, its first of its kind in the region, as part of efforts to enhance operational quality and evolve as a low-cost carrier. (News On Japan)

Osaka's iconic Glico sign, known for its triumphant runner against a backdrop of blue, red, and white, has taken on a new design this month. On July 18th, the display briefly transformed into a massive QR code—an initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable youth who gather beneath the sign, an area commonly known as "Guri-shita" (under the Glico sign). (News On Japan)

Aeon has announced its 2026 New Year osechi offerings on July 31st, with reservations beginning on August 1st. Among the lineup is its most popular product, the "Kyoen" osechi, which maintains its price while expanding to a record 75 items under the Topvalu brand. The assortment includes a colorful mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes designed to appeal to all age groups. (News On Japan)

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings reported a net loss of 857.6 billion yen for the April to June 2025 quarter, driven by newly booked special losses totaling 903 billion yen. (News On Japan)

A demonstration flight of a "flying car" developed by SkyDrive was held on Thursday at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, ascending to a height of about four meters and hovered for approximately three minutes. (News On Japan)

A bear that broke into a home and rummaged through food in the kitchen has been captured in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture. (News On Japan)

Lawson has launched a trial service at select stores in Chiba Prefecture, allowing overnight stays in its parking lots for travelers sleeping in their cars for 2,500 to 3,000 yen per night. (News On Japan)

A 35-year-old Chinese woman living in Kawasaki has been arrested in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on July 28th on the JR Tokaido Line, where a female passenger was slashed and the suspect fled the scene. (News On Japan)

The Japan Meteorological Agency held a second press conference at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, announcing that elevated tsunami conditions are expected to continue for at least another day. (News On Japan)

Driving school fees in Japan have been steadily increasing. Over the past decade, the nationwide average has risen by about 15%. According to the Internal Affairs Ministry’s Consumer Price Index, as of July, the average cost for automatic transmission training in Tokyo stood at 335,078 yen. (News On Japan)

The mayor of Joetsu City, Kanta Nakagawa, who sparked controversy by saying "Sanda's rice is bad," traveled to Hyogo Prefecture to personally apologize to the people of Sanda, including its mayor and local farmers. (News On Japan)

A Russian woman was found dead in her apartment in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward, and police have arrested her 21-year-old son on suspicion of robbery and murder. (News On Japan)

Three men have admitted to charges related to the concealment of a woman’s body in a household freezer in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, in a case that began at the Otsu District Court on July 29th. (News On Japan)

Mukogawa Women's University in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, has announced it will become coeducational starting in the 2027 academic year. The move highlights a growing crossroads for Japan’s women's universities. (News On Japan)

Toyota Motor has resumed part of its advertising on Fuji TV, returning in late July with sponsorship of a motorsports segment in the evening news after a suspension that began in January. (News On Japan)

Don’t get lost in Shinjuku Station! This complete guide explains how to navigate Japan’s busiest railway hub. Learn the layout of JR platforms including Narita Express, Yamanote Line, and Chuo Line. (Tokyo Kenchan)