The number of people killed in bear attacks across Japan in 2025 has risen to nine—the highest ever recorded—prompting urgent responses from both the government and local authorities as incidents continue to spread from forests to residential areas. (News On Japan)

Once considered the “model of price stability” at the Japanese table, eggs are now facing another crisis. The price of eggs, a staple ingredient used daily across the country, has surged once again, prompting concern among both businesses and consumers. (News On Japan)

After nearly a decade of construction, the newly rebuilt Haneda Line of the Metropolitan Expressway, one of Tokyo’s key arteries linking the city center with Haneda Airport, has been unveiled to the media ahead of its official switch to a new road on October 29th. (News On Japan)

The Jidai Festival, one of Kyoto’s three grand festivals, was held as a parade of people dressed in costumes representing different historical eras made its way through the streets of the ancient capital. (News On Japan)

The newly launched Takaichi Cabinet moved into full operation on October 22nd, with early personnel decisions revealing a clear conservative tone. Satsuki Katayama was appointed as finance minister and Kimi Onoda as minister in charge of foreign resident policy, underscoring what observers are calling the emergence of a distinct “Takaichi color.” (News On Japan)

South Korean newspapers extensively covered Prime Minister Takaichi’s inauguration on October 23rd, with some highlighting her remark about liking Korean seaweed as a sign of familiarity toward South Korea. (News On Japan)

The Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly’s special committee on the preservation and proper use of Mt. Fuji held its fourth meeting on October 21st, hearing from officials of Fujiyoshida City in neighboring Yamanashi Prefecture about their initiatives to curb “bullet climbing” — the practice of ascending the mountain overnight without adequate rest or preparation. (News On Japan)

A photograph of fireworks soaring above the Edo River in Chiba’s Ichikawa City — forming what looked like a glowing Mount Fuji — was taken down from city hall just one day after being displayed, following a single citizen complaint. (News On Japan)

Cold air brought Japan its lowest temperatures of the season on October 22nd, with even northern plains in Hokkaido blanketed by snow. (News On Japan)

A new chapter opened in Japan’s political history on October 21st as Sanae Takaichi was elected the nation’s first female prime minister. Following her appointment by the Diet, Takaichi declared that her new cabinet would be one of “decision and progress,” pledging to move swiftly on policies from the very first day. (News On Japan)

Automakers are ramping up a fierce price war in the electric vehicle (EV) market as sales growth slows, with Chinese manufacturer BYD leading the charge by introducing EVs priced around 2 million yen at Aeon stores. U.S. rival Tesla is also pushing price cuts for its core models, while Japanese giants Toyota and Nissan are responding by lowering prices on improved models with extended driving range. (News On Japan)

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Sanae Takaichi and Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) leader Hirofumi Yoshimura held a joint press conference in Tokyo after signing a coalition agreement. The deal aims to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and policy alignment on economic reform and national security. (News On Japan)

A prolonged system failure caused by a cyberattack at Asahi Group Holdings is now rippling into Japan’s year-end gift season, forcing major brewers to scale back their offerings. (News On Japan)

Amazon’s cloud computing platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) suffered a major system failure on October 20th, disrupting services across the globe, including online games and web conferencing tools. (News On Japan)

A next-generation hydrogen-powered vessel that operated during the Expo is set to expand its role beyond the event. (News On Japan)

Police have arrested a former host and several associates for allegedly coercing female customers into sex work after exploiting their romantic feelings and saddling them with massive debts. (News On Japan)

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors. (News On Japan)

Around Osaka Station, nine long-distance bus terminals operate in close proximity, making the area one of Japan’s most competitive hubs for highway bus travel. Despite the speed of planes and shinkansen, the affordability and convenience of buses continue to attract a loyal following. (News On Japan)

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives. (News On Japan)

Maebashi Mayor Akira Ogawa announced his decision to remain in office during an emergency press conference held on October 17th at 3:30 p.m., following public criticism over a scandal involving a meeting with a married city employee at a hotel. (News On Japan)