The risk of having personal information exposed online is something nearly everyone now faces. An investigation revealed that even a seemingly harmless photo can contain hidden risks, and that there are people who specialize in "identification" as a profession. (News On Japan)

A recent incident involving the attack on Takashi Tachibana has raised concerns over the lack of available information about the suspect, Miyanishi. Despite the rapid flow of information in the digital age, very little has surfaced regarding his background beyond his residence and employment status. (News On Japan)

Mount Fuji will officially become a paid climb, as the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly approved an ordinance on March 17th requiring hikers to pay a 4,000 yen entry fee. Following Yamanashi’s lead, Shizuoka will implement the fee starting in the summer of 2025. (News On Japan)

A foreign man was caught trespassing on the Imperial Palace grounds early on March 16th and was arrested on the spot. (News On Japan)

The controversy surrounding Prime Minister Ishiba’s 100,000-yen voucher program continued to face scrutiny in the Diet on Monday, with opposition parties intensifying their criticism. Within the ruling party, concerns are mounting that Ishiba may be an electoral liability. (News On Japan)

The gender pay gap in Japan has reached its smallest level on record, as the average monthly salary for full-time workers posted its highest growth in 33 years, according to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (News On Japan)

The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft carrying astronaut Takuya Onishi, 49, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and three others arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on March 16th at around 12:00 a.m. (Japan time: March 16th at around 1:00 p.m.), completing a journey of approximately 29 hours since launch. (News On Japan)

Six teenagers have been caught for repeated reckless motorbike riding in Tokyo’s Hino and Hachioji, ignoring traffic signals and weaving through the streets. (News On Japan)

A single-family home in Yokohama for 3.8 million yen? A two-story 3LDK in Narashino, Chiba, for 9.8 million yen? What makes these properties so cheap? We investigated the reasons behind these bargain-priced homes. (News On Japan)

Watermelon farmers have expressed concerns over the potential impact of emergency pest control measures aimed at preventing the spread of the Segroulimibae fruit fly. (News On Japan)

Kansai International Airport’s Terminal 1 has undergone a major renovation, with the previously separate north and south immigration halls now connected by a passageway, allowing arriving passengers to be distributed based on congestion levels. (News On Japan)

A newly built ship elevator at the Yodo River Weir in Osaka City saw its first passage on March 16th, reopening a historic waterway that had been severed for 42 years. The route, which connects Kyoto's Fushimi district to Osaka Bay, is now accessible again, allowing direct boat access to Yumeshima, the artificial island that will host the Osaka-Kansai Expo. (News On Japan)

Okinawa’s ruling and opposition lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on March 13th regarding revisions to the 2025 fiscal general budget, with the Washington office’s operational expenses emerging as a key point of contention. The debate remained deadlocked. (News On Japan)

Ten Ukrainian students who fled the war and studied at a university in Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture, graduated on March 11th, all securing employment with Japanese companies. (News On Japan)

The men's beauty market is expanding, with a growing number of middle-aged men investing in personal grooming. Over the past five years, the price of men's facial lotion has surged by 40%, reflecting the increasing demand. (News On Japan)

Sugi pollen levels have reached their peak in Fukuoka, with daily economic losses from hay fever estimated to exceed 230 billion yen. Clinics are overwhelmed with patients, including young children experiencing severe symptoms. (News On Japan)

A new leisure complex, Gravitate Osaka, opens this week near Aigawa Dam in Ibaraki, Osaka, featuring restaurants, activity areas, and Japan’s longest suspension bridge, stretching 420 meters. (News On Japan)

In this video, I’ll show you how to paint soft, glowing cherry blossoms using layering, shading, and highlighting techniques to enhance depth and realism. (Watercolor by Shibasaki)