For the first time in 27 years, since the 118th prize in 1998, both the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize were left without a recipient, marking only the sixth instance in the prize’s history that such a decision has been made. (News On Japan)

A teacher who spent four months conducting research at Japan's Showa Station in Antarctica shared her experience with students during a special lesson held at Seisho Prefectural Elementary, Junior High, and High School. (News On Japan)

With Japan’s junior high school entrance season in full swing, attention is turning not just to test content, but to how students and parents should prepare. At Seikou Gakuin Junior High, for example, the Japanese language exam tests precise word usage, with questions such as the correct usage of similar-sounding words like “setsujoku” (to fulfill a humiliation) versus “kutsujoku” (to clear a disgrace). Such nuanced questions demand a refined linguistic sense, often beyond elementary-level knowledge. (News On Japan)

What shape will appear from the soft blur of water and pigment? In this video, I use masking fluid and wet-on-wet watercolor techniques to gently build up a painting where a soft afternoon light, blooming roses, and a resting cat by the window slowly emerge from layers of color. (Watercolor by Shibasaki)

An incident involving a Chinese national attempting to take the TOEIC exam on behalf of someone else has led to revelations that over 800 people were involved in similar cheating schemes. (News On Japan)

A completely different feel from watercolor—brilliant colors and stunning texture.In this video, Master Harumichi Shibasaki creates a serious piece using acrylic gouache, which will be featured in his upcoming solo exhibition in Shinjuku.　 (Watercolor by Shibasaki)

At the Turkmenistan Pavilion near the East Gate, one of the most striking displays isn’t just the golden horses or traditional costumes—but a set of Japanese-language textbooks used in Turkmen schools. (News On Japan)

This episode of Sengoku Jidai explores Tokugawa Ieyasu’s rise during Japan’s chaotic Warring States era, focusing on his conquest of Totomi Province, alliance with and betrayal of the Takeda clan, and the climactic Battle of Mikatagahara. (Kings and Generals)

Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested two men, including an executive of a meat distribution company, on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act by selling imported chicken falsely labeled as domestically produced to a school lunch center. The suspects, including Kenzo Namiki, allegedly sold cheap foreign chicken to the Fuchu City public school lunch center in 2023, falsely labeling it as poultry from Miyazaki Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A recent survey by a nonprofit organization providing food assistance to low-income single-parent households has revealed that during summer vacation, when school lunches are unavailable, one in three children in these families eat only two meals or less per day. (News On Japan)

Saitama City has quietly emerged as Japan's undisputed leader in English education, with its junior high school students ranking first nationwide for six consecutive years. The secret lies in the city’s distinctive approach to classroom instruction. (News On Japan)

As competition for junior high school entrance exams intensifies in Japan, many families are turning their attention to university-affiliated schools, which continue to enjoy strong and growing popularity. These schools offer a rare sense of security in an education system often dominated by relentless testing and high-stakes competition. By guaranteeing admission to their affiliated universities, they allow students to avoid the grueling entrance exam race and instead focus on broader intellectual development, extracurricular pursuits, and early preparation for specialized qualifications. (News On Japan)

Hair removal is rapidly growing in popularity across all age groups in Japan, with a sharp increase seen even among children. Some clinics now report cases of children as young as nine undergoing hair removal treatments, often due to teasing from classmates or a desire to feel confident during swimming classes. (News On Japan)

Fujimura's fascination with archaeology began in the 1960s, when as a young boy he unearthed a piece of ancient pottery in his backyard. This chance discovery triggered a lifelong obsession with stone tools and ancient artifacts. (Linfamy)

The All-Japan Youth Soroban Championship brought together super kids aged 15 and under from across Japan in Osaka. For first-year high school student Yuzu, one of the title favorites, this would be her final competition. (News On Japan)

The Tokai region experienced unusually dangerous heat for June on June 17th, with temperatures expected to exceed 35°C for the third consecutive day. (News On Japan)

As local news coverage continues to expand, offering more practical information closely tied to residents' daily lives, attention turns to a feature marking eighty years since the end of the war. With fewer people remaining who can speak from personal experience about the Battle of Okinawa, the question of how to preserve and pass down these memories has become increasingly urgent. (News On Japan)

Mold is a common household issue that can have serious implications for both your health and your home's integrity. (News On Japan)

The Diet has passed legislation to establish the Science Council of Japan as an independent corporation, separating it from direct government control. (News On Japan)

With the Genpei War now finished, Minamoto no Yoritomo is set to establish his new samurai military government or "Shogunate." Yet first he must tie up some loose ends before the Kamakura Bakufu can truly rise. (The Shogunate)