Grave visits are common during the summer Obon season, but the form of burial in Japan is undergoing significant change, with the trend of closing graves—known as “haka-jimai”—on the rise and new burial options emerging. (News On Japan)

A research team from the Okinawa Churashima Foundation and the University of Tokyo has announced the discovery of a new coral species named Ryukyu Coral. The coral was collected in 2013 during a deep-sea survey off the east coast of Okinawa’s main island. (News On Japan)

Japan’s gross domestic product for the April to June period rose at an annualized rate of 1.0%, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth. (News On Japan)

The Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Nagoya’s Chikusa Ward launched its annual ‘Night Zoo & Garden’ on August 9th. (News On Japan)

A foreign woman was fatally struck by a train near a shrine in Arita, Saga Prefecture, on August 13th, in what police believe may have been an accident while she was attempting to photograph the train. (News On Japan)

In the parking lot of a supermarket in Akaiwa, Okayama Prefecture, cars were seen drifting and spinning in the rain, repeatedly performed dangerous maneuvers. (News On Japan)

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, which decided to change coaches mid-season, held its first training session under new head coach Shingo Shibata, 40, as it begins its push to return to the J1 league within a year. Despite setting a return to the top division as its highest priority, the club has been languishing in 10th place in the J2 standings. (News On Japan)

More than 100 carp and other fish were found dead in the outer moat of Osaka Castle on the morning of August 13th, in what experts believe was caused by a lack of oxygen in the water. (News On Japan)

Foreign tourists are flocking to Kansai in record numbers, but along with the economic boost comes an unwelcome side effect: a surge in abandoned suitcases. In Osaka’s bustling Minami district, police and business owners are increasingly encountering luggage left on sidewalks and in alleys, some still in usable condition. (News On Japan)

Japan has long been known for its rich martial arts tradition. From the precise throws of judo to the striking artistry of karate and the high-paced battles of kickboxing, the country has produced countless fighters and styles that are respected worldwide. (News On Japan)

During the Obon holiday, Shinjuku’s Kabukicho To-Yoko area has drawn large numbers of young people, prompting Tokyo authorities to issue warnings. (News On Japan)

A peaceful town in Okayama, Kurashiki is often called Japan’s own Venice for its scenic canals and historical ambiance. This Kurashiki travel guide highlights the timeless charm of the Bikan Historical Quarter and its picturesque canal rides. Discover Ivy Square, a former cotton mill beautifully transformed into a vibrant cultural space. (Happy Trip)

The Kamakura Shogunate is set to fall and the Ashikaga will come to rise as a new ambitious Emperor, Go-Daigo, plunges Japan into a new age of war! This is the finale of the updated Setting the Stage series, as now, the stage is set for the eruption of the Sengoku period that is to come... (The Shogunate)

The Nikkei Stock Average rose for the second consecutive day to reach a new record, surpassing 43,000 yen for the first time on August 14th. The rally was fueled by expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut as early as next month and relief that the worst-case scenario from planned Trump tariffs had been avoided. (News On Japan)

Eighty years ago, the fall of Saipan played a decisive role in intensifying air raids on cities such as Osaka and Kobe. Located only about three hours by air from the Japanese mainland, the island was seen by the U.S. military as a strategic base for launching attacks, while Japan regarded it as a vital line of defense. (News On Japan)

Tokyo's Nikkei surpassed its previous all-time high set in July 2024 when trading resumed this week, a move attributed to eased trade concerns, a weaker yen, and investor momentum driven by fear of missing out. (News On Japan)

A popular summer attraction in Kyoto’s Kibune district was the scene of a serious accident on Tuesday, when a riverside dining platform collapsed, sending six guests into the water. (News On Japan)

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at a record high of 42,718 yen on August 12th, surpassing the previous peak of 42,224 yen set on July 11th last year for the first time in over a year. The benchmark index gained more than 1,100 yen at one point before ending the day 897 yen higher than last Friday’s close. (News On Japan)

Record rainfall in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture has caused a section of road to collapse, sending three vehicles tumbling over a cliff and injuring three people. (News On Japan)

An excavation experience is being held at the Tokushima Prefectural Museum, giving children a chance to dig for fossils using stones from a layer of rock dating back about 130 million years. (News On Japan)