JR Kyushu High-Speed Ferry is planning to withdraw from the Japan-Korea high-speed ferry business following the revelation that it concealed water leakage incidents while operating the high-speed ferry 'Queen Beetle,' which runs between Hakata and Busan, South Korea. (News On Japan)

The Japanese giant salamander, one of the world’s largest amphibians and often referred to as a 'living fossil,' is facing a conservation crisis. (News On Japan)

Today we explore the quieter side of Kyoto, on a side-trip from Osaka. We visit two atmospheric temples, a ramen district, take part in a sake brewery tour and end the day with a stroll in a nostalgic shopping arcade. (japan-guide.com)

Japan's an overwhelming place to explore. Spend your 21 days wisely! (Abroad in Japan)

In the bustling Umeda district of Osaka, women believed to be engaging in prostitution are often seen standing on the streets, waiting for customers. This activity, known as "standing prostitution," has reportedly been rampant in the area for over a decade. (News On Japan)

Japan’s café industry is witnessing a surge in competition as diversification and the arrival of international chains reshape the market. In response, several leading domestic café chains have adopted unique strategies to distinguish themselves, with their top executives sharing insights in a recent roundtable discussion. (News On Japan)

Japan’s aerospace ambitions have faced a turbulent journey, with the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet) project standing as a stark reminder of the challenges in the competitive global aviation industry. (News On Japan)

In preparation for the New Year, Oita Prefecture’s Kenkokujinja Shrine has unveiled one of Japan’s largest hamaya (traditional arrow talismans) and kumade (decorative rakes). (News On Japan)

Tourists are flocking to a park in Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture, where the snow-capped Mt. Fuji can be viewed alongside a five-story pagoda. The park, Arakurayama Sengen Park, has become a hotspot for foreign visitors due to its picturesque scenery, with approximately 150,000 people visiting last month, marking a record high. (News On Japan)

Imitation Japanese rice, originating from countries like the United States and China, is increasingly being sold abroad under Japanese-style packaging. These products often use Japanese characters and branding to mimic authentic Japanese rice, leveraging its reputation for high quality. (News On Japan)

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly killing a male acquaintance by driving a vehicle into the sea at a port in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture. (News On Japan)

Two junior high school students returning from cram school were stabbed at a McDonald’s in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture on Saturday night. One of the students, a 15-year-old girl, was killed. The suspect, a man in his 40s, fled the scene. (News On Japan)

In this video, we’ll take you through 10 incredible things to do during the winter season in this stunning city. (TabiEats)

A man impersonating a plainclothes police officer has been arrested for extortion in Tokyo's Akihabara district, allegedly accusing store customers of illicit filming and coercing them into paying money. (News On Japan)

Choshi Electric Railway, a small local railway in Chiba Prefecture, is advancing plans to convert its train cars into tourist attractions. To fund the project, the company has introduced figurines modeled after its employees (News On Japan)

The number of dairy farms in Japan has halved over the past 15 years, dropping below 10,000 for the first time, raising the alarm about the future of domestic milk production. (News On Japan)

Season’s strongest cold wave is causing a sharp increase in snowfall, particularly in northern Japan. Heavy snow is expected to continue until December 15th, with potential disruptions to transportation. (News On Japan)

Geiko and maiko in Kyoto's hanamachi districts participated in the traditional 'Kotohajime' event on December 13th, offering gratitude to those who supported them over the past year and extending early New Year's greetings. (News On Japan)

The Lower House of Japan's Diet has passed a supplementary budget bill worth around 91 billion dollars to pay for a new stimulus package. (NHK)

A dusting ceremony was conducted at Shinkyo Bridge of Nikko Futarasan Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (News On Japan)