A large number of families gathered at Oigawa Railway in Shimada, Shizuoka Prefecture, on May 5th for Children’s Day, where the popular “Percy” steam locomotive from the Thomas the Tank Engine series drew enthusiastic crowds. (News On Japan)

A police officer was seriously injured after being struck and dragged by a vehicle while conducting a traffic enforcement operation in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, on May 4th, with a suspect later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. (News On Japan)

A Japanese lawmaker visiting Russia said on May 4 that Moscow has indicated its readiness to hold a foreign ministers’ meeting with Japan if Tokyo expresses interest, raising the possibility of renewed high-level dialogue between the two countries. (News On Japan)

A proposal to eliminate Japan’s consumption tax on food for two years, long promoted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is facing complications, with a reduced 1% tax option now gaining traction within the government due to technical constraints that could delay full implementation. (News On Japan)

The issue surrounding rules related to pregnancy and childbirth in professional shogi has drawn renewed attention, with leading female player Kana Fukuma expressing lingering concerns over newly proposed revisions despite acknowledging some progress. (News On Japan)

Sales of the "Dream Jumbo Lottery," offering a combined top prize of 500 million yen including adjacent number bonuses, began nationwide on May 1st. (News On Japan)

The number of children in Japan continued its long-term decline, with those aged 15 and under falling by 350,000 from a year earlier to a record low of 13.29 million as of May 4th, just ahead of Children’s Day, according to data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. (News On Japan)

A children’s book sales event held in a park in Tokyo’s Ueno area on May 4th drew 18,300 visitors including families, highlighting the resilience of the children’s book segment even as overall print publishing continues to decline. (News On Japan)

A tanker carrying Russian crude oil arrived off the coast of Imabari in Ehime Prefecture on the morning of May 4th, marking the first such import since the United States launched an attack on Iran and reflecting a government-led effort to diversify energy procurement sources. (News On Japan)

A purification ritual known as the "Misogi no Gi" was held ahead of the Aoi Festival, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, as the Saio-dai and other participants underwent a traditional cleansing ceremony at Shimogamo Shrine. (News On Japan)

As Japan’s Cabinet ministers fan out across the globe during the Golden Week holiday period, Prime Minister Takaichi’s visits to Vietnam and Australia have drawn attention for their carefully calculated strategic significance, revealing a diplomatic push centered on securing resources, strengthening supply chains, and expanding human capital ties. (News On Japan)

A Brazilian man armed with scissors barricaded himself inside an apartment in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, on May 4th before being subdued by police after a tense standoff lasting around two and a half hours. (News On Japan)

More than 20 vehicles parked at a highway rest area in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, had their windows shattered in quick succession on May 4th afternoon, with strong winds believed to have caused the damage and left two people with minor injuries. (News On Japan)

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s 1st Infantry Regiment halted use of a newly created logo just four days after its release, following a wave of criticism over its design and the use of generative AI. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi, visiting Australia on May 4th, held talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and announced a joint declaration on economic security cooperation that includes strengthening supply chains for energy and critical minerals, as Japan’s cabinet approval rating rose to 74%. (News On Japan)

A collection of bonsai carefully preserved and passed down by staff of the Imperial Household Agency’s garden division continues to play an important role within the Imperial Palace grounds, where roughly 500 trees across about 90 varieties are maintained and around 300 are used annually in official settings. (News On Japan)

A Shibukawa city government employee was arrested on the spot on May 3rd in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, on suspicion of attempting to start a fire after pouring approximately 9 liters of kerosene at the entrance of a home where he lived with his partner following a dispute. (News On Japan)

As Golden Week travel picks up across Japan, a growing number of tourist destinations are introducing “dual pricing” systems that differentiate between local residents and visitors, with Takeshima Aquarium setting admission fees at more than double for non-residents compared to city citizens, while the central government moves to formalize guidelines for the practice. (News On Japan)

A preview video for the program "Hokkaido Fact: Who Fights Discrimination—Ainu and the Majority" is set to air from 3:24 p.m. to 4:24 p.m. on May 10th, examining the evolving nature of discrimination surrounding Japan’s indigenous Ainu people and the growing debate over how society should respond. (News On Japan)

A former professor at Hokkaido Education University who had been detained in China on suspicion of espionage while temporarily visiting the country seven years ago and later sentenced to six years in prison has been released, though concerns remain over his situation. (News On Japan)