The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved a draft review on April 30th confirming that safety measures at Hokkaido Electric Power’s Tomari Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 comply with the country’s updated safety standards. This effectively clears the unit for restart, making it the 18th reactor at 11 nuclear plants nationwide to pass the review under the new regulatory framework. (News On Japan)

Vegetables that were destined for disposal are being given a new purpose as crayons that retain their natural colors and even a faint trace of their original scent. (News On Japan)

One of the main attractions at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the "flying car," experienced an unexpected malfunction, raising concerns about safety and delaying its return to operation. (News On Japan)

What does it feel like to have Restless Legs Syndrome? To me, it’s like being buried in sand, with a deep heavy ache, and trying to resisting the urge to move making it even more unbearable. (News On Japan)

Organic fluorine compounds known as PFAS—suspected to be harmful to human health—have been detected at concentrations exceeding the national provisional target in rivers and groundwater at 242 sites across 22 prefectures, according to a government survey. (News On Japan)

Kyoto University and its research team have revealed that several former employees of Daikin Industries developed lung diseases, potentially linked to exposure to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of chemical compounds used in industrial manufacturing. (News On Japan)

Amazon held a product briefing for its security brand "Ring" in Fukuoka City on April 21st, aiming to boost recognition in Fukuoka Prefecture, where the population continues to grow. (News On Japan)

Concerns are mounting over the discovery of illegal radio signals believed to originate from "fake base stations" mimicking cell towers in Tokyo and Osaka, with experts warning of the risk of personal data theft and potential fraud. (News On Japan)

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi has been appointed commander of the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the third Japanese to assume the role. (News On Japan)

A new treatment for Parkinson's disease using iPS cells developed by Kyoto University has shown a certain level of effectiveness in clinical trials. (News On Japan)

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition affecting a significant number of women over the age of 40, yet remains largely under-recognized. It occurs when organs in the pelvic region, such as the bladder or uterus, descend due to weakened support muscles, often as a result of childbirth or aging. (News On Japan)

As the new school term begins, a concerning trend is emerging with whooping cough—caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium—spreading across Japan and posing a potentially life-threatening risk, especially to infants who may suffer severe complications or even death from persistent coughing fits. (News On Japan)

A new treatment using iPS cells, known for their ability to transform into any type of cell in the body, is poised to become the first of its kind in the world. A venture from Osaka University has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval to manufacture and market the innovative therapy. (News On Japan)

Construction of the Hokkaido Shinkansen extension to Sapporo reached a major milestone on April 8th with the breakthrough of the Nodao Tunnel in Yakumo Town, southern Hokkaido, after 10 years of work. (News On Japan)

A museum dedicated to rockets and space has opened in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, home to Japan's first private rocket launch site. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago. (News On Japan)

A rare pure white snow crab is now on display at Kinosaki Marine World in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. (News On Japan)

Infectious gastroenteritis cases are spreading rapidly across Japan, with the number of patients in March reaching the highest level in the past ten years for this time of year. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government on March 21st released a report outlining countermeasures for volcanic ash in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, including a four-stage evacuation plan based on ashfall volume. (News On Japan)

A new facility for the research and production of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been completed in Osaka's Nakanoshima district and was unveiled to the press on March 19th. (News On Japan)