Gifu’s Mino City has announced that elementary schools will no longer issue report cards for first and second graders starting this academic year, citing concerns over unnecessary feelings of inferiority and the difficulty of report card language for young children. (News On Japan)

Two men who were arrested for forcibly entering an elementary school in Tachikawa City, Tokyo, and assaulting staff members have been identified as friends of a student's mother. One of the suspects denies the charges, claiming he was only brushing people off after being restrained. (News On Japan)

Kobe is a city blessed by both the sea and the mountains. One of its most defining features is Mount Ichizan, part of the Rokko mountain range. Long known as the birthplace of modern mountaineering in Japan, this area is home to a variety of distinctive peaks. Nestled within one of them, in Kobe’s Chuo Ward, lies Juzenji Temple, a Zen temple with a history spanning over 950 years. (News On Japan)

With China's economy mired in a prolonged downturn and pressure from U.S. tariffs persisting since the Trump era, a growing number of Chinese citizens are seeking to leave their country. Among the favored destinations, Japan—and in particular, Osaka—is seeing a surge in Chinese immigrants. What lies behind this trend? (News On Japan)

As many in Japan returned to work or school on May 7th following the Golden Week holiday, a growing number are reporting post-holiday fatigue and sleep deprivation—conditions that experts warn may point to deeper sleep-related issues. (News On Japan)

Mitsubishi Motors has announced that it will procure electric vehicles from Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, marking the first time a major Japanese automaker will receive EVs from the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant. (News On Japan)

Cherry blossoms have begun to bloom in Wakkanai and Kushiro, marking the near completion of Japan's cherry blossom front for 2025. (News On Japan)

Tokyo International School has announced plans to relocate to a new, purpose-built campus in Takanawa Gateway City, with the move scheduled for August 2026. The relocation marks a major milestone in the school's growth strategy, aimed at expanding its educational offerings and embracing Tokyo’s emerging innovation district. (News On Japan)

Kansai Electric Power announced plans to construct one of Japan's largest battery storage facilities on the former site of the Tanagawa Power Station in Misaki Town, Osaka Prefecture, in an effort to stabilize the supply of renewable energy. (News On Japan)

Japan's creative sectors—spanning anime, gaming, architecture, and advertising—are globally renowned for their innovation and quality. (News On Japan)

Police have launched a public awareness campaign to warn local rice farmers about rampant thefts driven by soaring prices. (News On Japan)

The newly established Hokkaido Valley Vision Council aims to create a 'Hokkaido version of Silicon Valley' by promoting development around next-generation semiconductor firm Rapidus and transforming the region from Tomakomai to Ishikari into a hub for advanced technology. (News On Japan)

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group plans to establish a new online-only bank by the end of the next fiscal year, aiming to attract younger customers in an environment where interest-bearing deposits are gaining renewed importance. (News On Japan)

A 61-year-old woman was arrested and sent to prosecutors on May 4th in Togo, Aichi Prefecture, for allegedly throwing a bird carcass into her neighbor’s yard, in what police say was part of a long-running neighborhood dispute. Security footage captured the entire incident. (News On Japan)

A medical certificate, which is frequently a straightforward document, has several vital functions and is important. It mainly certifies a person's health and is essential in several circumstances, including school enrollment, employment applications, and even acquiring legal licenses. (News On Japan)