Mysterious circular patterns resembling crop circles have appeared at a shrine in Tosu City, Saga Prefecture, where traditional rituals for health and well-being are performed. A notice posted at the shrine reads: “Visitors are finding this unsettling. Please stop making these markings.” (News On Japan)

Nagahama, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to numerous sites connected to the legacy of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From Nagahama Castle, where visitors can view Hideyoshi’s handwritten documents and the scenery he once gazed upon, to Kunitomo, a major center of firearm production that supported Japan’s unification, the area offers a rich tapestry of historical insights. (News On Japan)

The launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been postponed due to a technical issue with ground equipment. (News On Japan)

A yellow dust storm originating in China has led to the first warning of the year, with forecasts predicting its arrival in Japan, particularly in Hokkaido and the Tohoku region. (News On Japan)

An abandoned hospital in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, has become a popular destination for ghost hunters, causing concern among local residents. The former Himekawa Hospital, which closed in 2007 due to financial struggles, has been vandalized, with broken windows, graffiti, and frequent trespassing. (News On Japan)

The White House press secretary has criticized Japan over a tariff it imposes on US rice imports. (NHK)

The Japanese city of Kamaishi was almost entirely destroyed in the earthquake and ensuing tsunami of 2011. It was the biggest natural disaster to hit Japan, killing nearly 20,000 people. (Al Jazeera)

Construction has begun on a fence under the Glico sign in Osaka's Minami district, known as 'Gurishita,' to prevent loitering and address crime-related issues. (News On Japan)

For over half a century, Nagasaki Prefecture has waged a relentless battle against biker gangs, groups known for their reckless, illegal street racing that disturbed public order and endangered lives. Now, after years of intensified crackdowns, Nagasaki police have announced the virtual eradication of biker gangs, culminating in the recent disbandment of the last remaining group in January 2025. (News On Japan)

Nissan Motor says its president and CEO will step down. Uchida Makoto is seen as responsible for the Japanese automaker's worsening business, among other issues. (News On Japan)

People across Japan are remembering tens of thousands of lives lost 14 years ago. (News On Japan)

Osaka’s policy of tuition-free high school education, which was implemented ahead of the national government, appears to be shifting student preference toward private schools. This trend has led to a growing number of public high schools failing to meet their enrollment quotas. (News On Japan)

McDonald's Japan announced that starting March 12th, it will raise prices on 40% of its core menu items, including hamburgers, fries, and nuggets, at select locations. (News On Japan)

The redevelopment plan for the former Nakano Sunplaza site has been scrapped due to soaring project costs, causing widespread reaction. (News On Japan)

North Safari Sapporo, which brands itself as 'Japan's most dangerous zoo,' has announced it will close at the end of September, after operating for two decades despite being in an urban planning control zone where development is restricted. (News On Japan)

Osaka Customs has urged travelers using Kansai Airport to be cautious of counterfeit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights and has called for information sharing on such items. (News On Japan)

The 17th World Scallop Fishing Championship took place in Toyoura, Hokkaido, a town known for its thriving scallop farming industry. (News On Japan)

Toyota will halt production at some of its plants starting the morning of March 10th following an explosion at a parts supplier in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, that left one person dead and two others injured. (News On Japan)

The Nagoya Women’s Marathon was held on March 9th, with Saya Sato finishing second overall and first among Japanese runners, clocking a personal best of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 59 seconds. Her strong performance significantly bolstered her chances of securing a spot in the World Championships. (News On Japan)

Japanese and Chinese students came together on March 8th for a joint coming-of-age ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in China. (News On Japan)