Corporate bankruptcies in Japan have reached their highest level in a decade, driven in part by labor shortages. According to a report released by Tokyo Shoko Research on July 5, the number of corporate bankruptcies in the first half of this year increased by 21.9% compared to the previous year, totaling 4,931 cases. This marks the third consecutive year of increases. (News On Japan)

The top 5 things to experience in Yokohama - Japan. (japan-guide.com)

Hitachi Zosen has announced that its subsidiaries, Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine and Aimex, falsified fuel efficiency data for ship engines. The tampering involved 1,364 engines shipped since September 1999, with data altered to minimize discrepancies. (News On Japan)

On July 5, geisha and maiko from Kyoto's Gion district participated in the 'Ochi-do' ceremony at Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto. The event, held to pray for the improvement of their performing arts skills and for good health during the summer, takes place annually in early July as the excitement of the Gion Festival builds up toward the Yamahoko Junko parade on July 17. (News On Japan)

A ceremony for the Japanese team participating in the Paris Olympics, which begins on July 26, was held on the 5th at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 2 in Tokyo with the attendance of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. Misaki Emura, the flag bearer and a female saber fencer from Tachihi Holdings, expressed her determination by stating, 'I will carry the awareness and responsibility of representing the nation, and fight with integrity to the very end.' (News On Japan)

A man died after being pinned by a microbus that started moving without a driver following a funeral in Hiroshima. (News On Japan)

A video camera was discovered in a girls' restroom at a high school in Fukui Prefecture, raising concerns of voyeurism. The camera, which had the owner’s name on it, was found in a cubicle. (News On Japan)

With rising sea temperatures, the habitats of marine life are changing, and some of these changes involve dangerous creatures that require caution. One such creature is the venomous Blue-Ringed Octopus, which has poison hundreds of times more potent than cyanide. (News On Japan)

The 'Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival,' known as one of Japan's premier Tanabata festivals, began on July 5 in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A 30-something male elementary school teacher has been arrested for breaking into the home of a female high school student who was once his pupil, using a spare key he had made five years ago. The teacher reportedly took the original key during a school event and secretly made a copy. (News On Japan)

Two employees at a Kyoto cleaning shop have been arrested for allegedly injuring a fellow worker by putting him in a large washing machine. The victim, who has an intellectual disability, is believed to have suffered regular abuse. (News On Japan)

A U.S. Marine was arrested on July 4 for allegedly groping a woman's breast on a staircase in Okinawa, sparking urgent protests over the lack of transparency in the handling of such incidents by local authorities. (News On Japan)

According to Teikoku Databank, the number of bankruptcies among businesses operating yakiniku restaurants has reached 20 cases by last month this year. (News On Japan)

A 34-year-old woman from Kitakyushu City visiting Niigata had her trip cut short after being arrested for an 'eat and run' escapade without paying at a restaurant and karaoke bar back in May, and subsequently splashing tea on an investigating police officer at a Niigata police station on Wednesday. (News On Japan)

Michelin, renowned for its restaurant guide, has unveiled its first-ever hotel rating system in Japan. The top honor, the '3 Michelin Keys', equivalent to three stars in the restaurant guide, was awarded to six accommodation facilities. (News On Japan)

In the Kaga Onsen region, situated between Ishikawa's Kanazawa City and Fukui City, local municipalities are leveraging the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in March 2024 to boost tourism. (News On Japan)

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) unveiled its summer water event on July 2, giving visitors a sneak preview. (News On Japan)

Joint training exercises were conducted by the police and fire departments in Tochigi Prefecture to prepare for water accidents in rivers, ahead of the summer vacation season and the approaching typhoon season. (News On Japan)

Seven-Eleven, a major convenience store chain, has entered the pizza delivery market with a focus on delivering freshly baked pizzas. Delivery staff from Seven-Eleven, carrying large backpacks, are now delivering piping hot pizzas. (News On Japan)

Japan's new banknotes, which began widespread circulation on July 4th, have sparked a frenzy among collectors and the general public alike. At the Mitsubishi UFJ Bank's main branch in Marunouchi, Tokyo, many people lined up to exchange their old bills for the new ones on the second day of issuance. (News On Japan)