Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment. (News On Japan)

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has submitted a bill to allow married couples the option of keeping separate surnames, but the initiative has little momentum in the current Diet session due to a lack of support from other parties. (News On Japan)

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been intensifying behind the scenes, despite the recent spotlight on former President Donald Trump. On April 15th, two U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers participated in a joint training exercise with the South Korean Air Force over South Korean airspace. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government held its first meeting on April 25th to address support measures for the Employment Ice Age Generation, a group that has recently become the focus of active policy discussions across political parties. (News On Japan)

In response to a third-party committee confirming five cases of power harassment involving senior officials in Ōnojo, including the deputy mayor, the city government held a press conference on April 24th. (News On Japan)

Tottori Prefecture and the Kingdom of Jordan, both exhibitors at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, have formed a symbolic partnership dubbed the "Sand Alliance," uniting over their shared cultural and environmental connection to sand. (News On Japan)

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has announced fixed price cuts on gasoline. Gasoline prices will be lowered by 10 yen, or about 7 cents, per liter starting in May. (NHK)

George Glass, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Japan, held his first meeting with Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya to discuss tariff measures under the Trump administration and efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. (News On Japan)

A Chinese man sentenced to death for the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen has been executed, according to diplomatic sources. (News On Japan)

Governor Yamashita announced during a regular press conference today that Nara Prefecture will launch a new initiative next month aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from households as part of its broader push toward a decarbonized society. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Ishiba has clarified his stance on ongoing trade negotiations with the Trump administration, stating that security and trade are separate matters and that discussions on security should not be linked to tariffs. (News On Japan)

As former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies—particularly tariffs—once again become a topic of global attention, Japanese citizens are voicing a wide range of opinions. (News On Japan)

Four groups made up of civilians affected by the Pacific War—including victims of air raids, survivors of the Battle of Okinawa, and former foreign BC-class war criminals—held a parade in Tokyo on April 19th to raise awareness about the lack of support for war victims based on their civilian status or nationality. (News On Japan)

The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity has issued a warning about the health risks of excessive thinness and poor nutrition among women, positioning what it calls 'women's underweight and malnutrition syndrome' as a newly recognized health condition. (News On Japan)

Recently, many Japanese people have been complaining about Japanese politicians, saying they treat Chinese people better than Japanese citizens. Today, I want to talk about this issue. To my Chinese friends—this is not a complaint about you. I’m complaining about our government. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Prime Minister Ishiba met with top executives from companies affected by U.S. tariff measures, including the president of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and emphasized the government’s commitment to negotiations and domestic support measures. (News On Japan)

The Ground Self-Defense Force is preparing to conduct Japan’s first-ever domestic live-fire test of an anti-ship missile this June, with a site in Hokkaido under consideration for the landmark drill. (News On Japan)

U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced frustration over the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, stating that Japan has no obligation to defend the United States, and hinted at the possibility of demanding increased defense spending during trade negotiations with Tokyo. (News On Japan)

As fears of a global economic downturn grow due to tariff policies under the Trump administration, discussions within Japan’s ruling coalition have intensified over emergency economic measures, including a temporary cut to the consumption tax and uniform cash handouts. (News On Japan)

A bill to introduce a proactive cyber defense system, allowing preemptive measures against cyberattacks, was passed by the Lower House on April 8th with majority support from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and others. (News On Japan)