Benchmark land prices released on September 15 showed continued gains in urban areas across Kansai, led by strong increases in central Osaka and parts of Kyoto, with experts expecting the upward trend to continue for the time being while warning of growing effects on housing costs and regional disparities. (News On Japan)

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Kyoto City on September 15 for Ronald McDonald House Kyoto, a residential facility where children undergoing medical treatment will be able to stay together with their families. (News On Japan)

A cruise ship that will serve as an accommodation base for athletes and other participants in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games arrived at Nagoya Port on September 15, ahead of the opening of the competition this week. (News On Japan)

Tokyo Disney Resort will launch its annual Disney Halloween event on September 16, with a special parade previewed ahead of the opening and visitors allowed to enjoy the parks in costume during the event period. (News On Japan)

Digital art projections will illuminate the Aichi Prefectural Government Office and Nagoya City Hall from September 17 through October 24 as part of celebrations surrounding the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, which will be held in September and October. (News On Japan)

Japan's benchmark land prices rose for a fifth consecutive year on average, with commercial land posting stronger gains as demand for hotels and other properties remained firm in major cities, according to figures released by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government entered a decisive political week on September 15 after approving an outline for food-tax relief and household payouts without settling how the package will be funded, keeping fiscal concerns alive just days before the Bank of Japan is expected to decide whether to raise interest rates again. (News On Japan)

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft went missing over international waters about 50 kilometers north of Tottori Prefecture on September 15, with floating debris and oil later found in the area where communications were lost. (News On Japan)