The nominal wages received by Japan's workers in April increased by 2.1% compared to the same period last year, but real wages, which account for changes in prices, decreased by 0.7%. This marks the 25th consecutive month of decline in real wages, the longest on record. (News On Japan)

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has revealed that Japan's birth rate in 2023 was the lowest on record, with approximately 730,000 births. The number of marriages also fell to around 470,000, dropping below 500,000 for the first time since 1933. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has designated four prefectures and three cities as special financial and asset management zones, introducing policies that include the creation of new visas for specific foreign investors. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has announced its aim to expand Japan's content industry globally, targeting an economic impact of 50 trillion yen. (News On Japan)

Empress Masako participated in the traditional silkworm feeding ceremony, known as ‘Okyuusou’, at the Imperial Palace on June 4. This event involves providing mulberry leaves, the primary food source for silkworms, to those being raised at the palace. (News On Japan)

NTT Docomo has announced that it will be the first in the world to implement a 'flying base station' in the stratosphere to communicate with the ground by 2026. (News On Japan)

Kyoto City, facing the issue of overcrowded city buses due to overtourism, has launched a new initiative in June. What are the goals and challenges of this new measure? (News On Japan)

Japan will introduce new banknotes in July for the first time in 20 years, featuring Shibusawa Eiichi on the 10,000 yen note, Tsuda Umeko on the 5,000 yen note, and Kitasato Shibasaburo on the 1,000 yen note. However, the change poses challenges for vending machine replacements. (News On Japan)

A cargo plane departing from Narita Airport for the United States experienced a malfunction, prompting it to return and make an emergency landing at Narita Airport at 11:25 a.m. on June 4th. (News On Japan)

Until recently, Kumamoto Castle held the top spot for the most Instagram followers among Japanese castles. However, at the end of May, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano surpassed Kumamoto Castle to become the most followed. What led to this change? (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has confirmed that the Emperor and Empress will visit the UK as state guests from June 22 to 29. The decision was made at Tuesday morning's cabinet meeting. (News On Japan)

Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism conducted a raid on Toyota Motor Corporation's headquarters on Tuesday morning after discovering fraudulent activities related to the certification of 'type approval,' which is necessary for mass production of vehicles. (News On Japan)

In the U.S. Women's Open Golf Championship, five Japanese players finished in the top ten, with Yuka Saso claiming victory and Hinako Shibuno securing second place. We spoke to Hitoshi Takakuwa of the golf media outlet ALBA Net to uncover the secrets behind this impressive performance. (News On Japan)

A giant sunfish, causing even experienced fishermen to shiver, has been caught in a net off the coast of Mie Prefecture, while a rare sight of sunfish feeding on jellyfish has been captured at an aquarium in Yamaguchi Prefecture. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has decided not to request power conservation this summer. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) held an expert meeting on June 3 and presented the latest outlook on power supply and demand. (News On Japan)

The former CEO of a company involved in selling 'marijuana gummies' has been arrested for the third time. (News On Japan)

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has revealed that an internal investigation prompted by a series of fraudulent vehicle certification tests by Daihatsu Motor and others has uncovered similar fraud by Toyota and four other companies. (News On Japan)

When it comes to business energy comparison, managing costs effectively is crucial. Energy consumption is one of the most significant expenses for any business. (News On Japan)

Empress emerita Michiko has tested positive for COVID-19, while Emperor emeritus Akihito remains negative. It has been reported that Michiko is currently resting quietly. The 89-year-old began experiencing symptoms, including a cough, in the early hours of June 2. She underwent a PCR test on the morning of June 3, which confirmed the infection. (News On Japan)

The Boeing 747, once dubbed the 'Queen of the Skies' and a mainstay for airlines like ANA and JAL, is nearing the end of its operational life. Known as the Jumbo Jet, this super-large aircraft is now rarely seen in Japan, with only Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), based at Narita Airport, still flying it. (News On Japan)