Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and pharmaceutical company Towa announced they began the final phase of clinical trials in May, aiming to treat Alzheimer’s disease using an existing medication. (News On Japan)

To protect workers from customer harassment, such as unreasonable demands from clients or business partners, the revised Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Measures Law and related legislation were passed and enacted in the Upper House on June 4th. The revision mandates that all companies implement measures against so-called "customer harassment" (kasuhara). It also requires the disclosure of data such as the ratio of women in management positions, aiming to promote a society where women can thrive. (News On Japan)

The number of babies born in Japan in 2024 fell below 700,000 for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1899, highlighting the nation’s accelerating demographic crisis. According to population statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on June 4th, the number of births dropped to 686,061—down more than 40,000 from the previous year. (News On Japan)

Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture hosted its traditional Hekokaki Festival on June 1st, where men clad in red fundoshi loincloths prayed for protection from misfortune and good health. The event, held annually at Koura Shrine, is a Shinto ritual dating back to the Edo period and drew around 100 participants from across Japan this year. (News On Japan)

Japan’s men’s beauty market is experiencing rapid growth, reaching 972 billion yen in 2024—an increase of 58.7 billion yen from the previous year—according to a survey by Hot Pepper Beauty. The market, once considered a niche segment, is now being driven by a growing awareness among men of all ages about skincare, grooming, and appearance. (News On Japan)

Three major convenience store chains will soon begin selling government stockpiled rice in small packages of 1 to 2 kilograms. FamilyMart will start selling rice harvested in 2021—classified as old stock—at 20 locations in Tokyo and Osaka starting June 6th. The rice will be priced at 360 yen per kilogram, excluding tax, with plans for a nationwide rollout. (News On Japan)

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and other institutions are moving to revise rules on the use of safe deposit boxes following a string of thefts, with the Japanese Bankers Association now working toward a ban on storing cash in these boxes. (News On Japan)

Shigeo Nagashima, one of Japan’s most iconic postwar figures and known as "Mr. Pro Baseball," has died at the age of 89, it was learned on June 3rd. A native of Chiba Prefecture, Nagashima helped define an era of professional baseball and became a national hero. (News On Japan)

A woman involved in cat rescue activities in Kumamoto City was found to have kept the remains of around 100 cats at her residence, raising concerns over a breakdown in multi-animal care. (News On Japan)

In a world where information equates to power and efficiency, having a robust knowledge management system is essential for any organization's growth and stability. (News On Japan)

Toyota's hydrogen engine vehicle, which competed in a 24-hour endurance race over the weekend, is continuing to evolve with the aim of mass production. (News On Japan)

Shibuya’s once-in-a-century redevelopment is entering its final phase, according to a new announcement by Tokyu Corporation. The massive overhaul of the Shibuya Station area began in earnest with the opening of the Shibuya Hikarie skyscraper in 2012 and has since involved major upgrades to the station and surrounding pedestrian infrastructure. (News On Japan)

Two Japanese men were killed in Dalian, northeastern China, last month, according to an announcement by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (News On Japan)

A Shizuoka Prefecture expert panel overseeing environmental issues linked to the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project met on June 2nd and concluded all discussions related to water resources, ending over a decade of debate. Deputy Governor Hiraki described the outcome as "a major step forward." (News On Japan)

The Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka is drawing attention for its immersive design and distinctive culinary offerings, blending the country’s natural wonders with its unique food culture. The exterior of the building is shaped like a eucalyptus flower, a nod to Australia's iconic flora, and greets visitors with statues of kangaroos and emus—animals also featured on Australia's coat of arms. (News On Japan)

A 34-year-old woman has been arrested in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, on suspicion of harboring a man who fled the scene after a car crash that left two children behind. The incident occurred on June 1st when a car veered off a municipal road and fell onto the Tōmei Expressway in the city’s Chūō Ward. (News On Japan)

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo site, a large outbreak of insects has raised concern, with the Expo Association announcing on June 2nd that the source is likely the water features fed by seawater located within the venue. (News On Japan)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry convened a panel of experts to discuss Japan’s national energy policy, focusing on how to address the expected rise in electricity demand driven by the spread of artificial intelligence and other technologies. A central topic was the energy consumption of data centers, which has raised growing concerns. (News On Japan)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on June 2nd unveiled its new unmanned cargo spacecraft, the HTV-X, at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. Designed to transport supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), the HTV-X is undergoing final preparations for launch within fiscal 2025. (News On Japan)

A woman in her 20s and her two young daughters were found dead in their apartment in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, on the morning of June 2nd, while the body of the father was discovered on a nearby road. Police suspect the man killed his family before taking his own life in a case of murder-suicide. (News On Japan)