The shortage of rice is causing prices to increase, and this is affecting packaged rice products, which are known for their long shelf life. (News On Japan)

Buying a home is often considered the biggest purchase of one’s life. A mortgage is essential, with the standard repayment period being 35 years. However, Keiyo Bank has caused a stir by becoming the first regional bank in the Tokyo metropolitan area to introduce a 50-year mortgage plan. (News On Japan)

The increase in inbound tourists has led to growing financial burdens for Japan’s credit card industry. When cards issued overseas are used at domestic stores, Japanese companies must pay fees to foreign issuers, resulting in annual losses estimated to reach 30 billion yen. (News On Japan)

Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Saito has expressed his intention to establish a new organization for public-private collaboration in ridesharing aimed at resolving the issue of 'transportation gaps,' areas where securing transportation options is challenging. (News On Japan)

Japan's healthcare costs exceeded 47 trillion yen ($323 billion) last fiscal year, marking the third consecutive year of record spending, according to a summary by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. (News On Japan)

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said Monday she is against the planned acquisition of United States Steel Corp. by Japan's largest steelmaker, promising to build an economy that is good for working-class people, as her race for the White House against Donald Trump heads into the final stretch. (Kyodo)

A commemorative ceremony was held ahead of the early opening of the "Umekita Phase 2 District," dubbed the "last prime location in Kansai," set to open on September 6th. (News On Japan)

As the number of individuals sending parcels through flea market apps increases, a new service is being introduced that allows packages to be dispatched directly from in front of apartment doors, bypassing the barrier of the building’s auto-lock system. (News On Japan)

As the Japanese rice harvest season approaches, Tadahiko Komatsu, Chairman of the JA Zenno Akita Steering Committee, has made an emotional appeal: "We are hoping to raise rice prices to help out farmers, even if just a little." (News On Japan)

A total of 2.5 million customer records have been leaked. It was revealed that four major non-life insurance companies illicitly obtained competitor contract information through dispatched employees at insurance agencies. (News On Japan)

New Year postcards for 2025 have been unveiled, celebrating the 'Year of the Snake,' along with other designs including ever-popular Disney characters. (News On Japan)

The arrival of Typhoon No. 10 has exacerbated concerns among Japanese farmers, particularly those beginning their new rice harvests. (News On Japan)

NTT has announced the launch of its next-generation high-speed, large-capacity communication infrastructure, "IOWN," across international borders for the first time. The network, which leverages optical technology, is globally recognized for its advanced communication capabilities, featuring a latency that is only 1/200th of standard networks—virtually imperceptible to users. (News On Japan)

As rice shortages continue in some supermarkets, sales of glutinous rice produced in Thailand are on the rise. (News On Japan)

Japan's first digital currency-based corporate settlement service, protected by technology to prevent counterfeiting and unauthorized access, is set to launch. (News On Japan)

The largest domestic exhibition dedicated to end-of-life services and products, including funerals, memorials, and inheritance planning, has begun in Tokyo. (News On Japan)

Costco stores are opening across Japan, sparking hopes for regional revitalization while also raising concerns among local residents about the potential impact on daily life, particularly traffic congestion. (News On Japan)

Budget haircut salons are gaining popularity across Japan. A close look at their innovative approach reveals how they manage to offer such low prices. (News On Japan)

Duty-free sales at department stores in Japan have already surpassed last year's total by July, driven by strong demand for luxury goods. (News On Japan)

Rice shortages have persisted across Japan, raising concerns about the future of the industry. Although the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries maintains that the balance between supply and demand is being preserved, doubts remain over whether sufficient stock is truly available. (News On Japan)