Posts using vegetable and broccoli emojis—commonly seen on social media—are in fact coded messages referring to cannabis, as authorities warn that such disguised posts are contributing to a rapid increase in drug use among young people. (News On Japan)

A coalition of more than 40 countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, issued a joint statement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked, calling for the restoration of stable maritime operations along one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. (News On Japan)

An unseasonal heavy snowfall struck Hokkaido, with Kushiro City recording a record 21 centimeters of snow for April, while rising temperatures on April 3rd prompted warnings over falling snow from rooftops. (News On Japan)

Three individuals, including the operator of a Tokyo-based outcall sex service, were arrested for allegedly providing locations for prostitution to Vietnamese women believed to have entered Japan on short-term visas, authorities said. (News On Japan)

As the new fiscal year began on April 1st, companies across Japan welcomed fresh employees with distinctive entrance ceremonies while some firms drew attention by offering sharply increased starting salaries. (News On Japan)

The number of people apprehended nationwide for cannabis-related offenses, including possession and use, reached a record 6,832 over the past year, with more than 70 percent of those involved aged 20 or younger, highlighting the growing spread of the drug among younger generations, according to data compiled by the National Police Agency. (News On Japan)

Prolonged tensions involving Iran are beginning to affect medical sites, while in South Korea, the spread of misinformation has triggered panic buying and shortages of garbage bags, highlighting the broader ripple effects of global instability. (News On Japan)

Cherry blossoms have reached full bloom in Kyoto, where the World Heritage-listed Toji Temple is drawing visitors with its striking combination of sakura and the iconic five-story pagoda reflected in a nearby pond. (News On Japan)

The Japan Shogi Association is considering new rules to address concerns raised by female players who have effectively been forced to forfeit matches due to pregnancy and childbirth, with a review committee presenting its interim report on March 31st. (News On Japan)

Prince Hisahito visited Kyoto over two days from February 26th to 27th, 2026, making a private pilgrimage to sites including the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji following the completion of his coming-of-age ceremony, with previously undisclosed photos later released by the Imperial Household. (News On Japan)

Japan’s divorce system is undergoing a major transformation from April 1st, introducing optional joint custody and a new legal framework that allows child support to be claimed without prior agreement between parents, sparking both support and concern among divorcees and legal professionals as the country adapts to a new era of family law. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government is stepping up efforts to expand overseas markets for fashion and cosmetics as part of its broader Cool Japan strategy, with discussions held on March 31st to review progress toward its goals. (News On Japan)

As Japan’s fiscal year draws to a close on March 31st, a range of systems and services are being phased out, including the so-called “3G mobile network service” once synonymous with traditional feature phones known as “garakei,” which officially ended on March 31. (News On Japan)

KDDI announced the results of an investigation into an accounting fraud involving its subsidiaries, revealing that 99.7% of revenue in its advertising agency business was generated through fictitious transactions. (News On Japan)

Japan’s national football team secured a historic 1-0 victory over England in an international friendly held on March 31st in London, marking their first win in four encounters against the traditional powerhouse known as the “home of football,” and providing valuable momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. (News On Japan)

A large bear, its massive body swaying as it walked sluggishly, was recently spotted just after emerging from hibernation, already showing signs of hunger as it devoured food in early spring. (News On Japan)

Kansai International Airport’s low-cost carrier terminal has undergone a major renovation in response to rising passenger numbers, with the updated domestic flight area unveiled to the press on March 31st. (News On Japan)

A series of revised laws, including measures to make high school tuition free, were enacted in the Diet on March 31st, the final day of the fiscal year, with the changes set to take effect from April 1st. (News On Japan)

Japan’s national soccer team completed final preparations on March 30 ahead of an international friendly against England, scheduled to kick off at 7:45 p.m. on March 31 (3:45 a.m. on April 1 Japan time) at Wembley Stadium in London, marking their last match before the squad announcement for the World Cup set to begin in June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. (News On Japan)

The first League of Legends Pacific League Spring Split marked the end of CTBC Flying Oyster's dominance and brought several other surprising twists. (News On Japan)