Amid mounting financial strain and work reform policies, Japan’s university hospitals are struggling to maintain the quality of their medical research, threatening the future of healthcare in the country. A recent survey of approximately 3,000 physicians working in university hospitals revealed that 60% spend less than five hours a week on research, with 22% reporting zero research time. The main reason: they are simply too busy with clinical duties to conduct research. (News On Japan)

A butterfly fossil discovered 37 years ago in Shinonsen, Hyogo Prefecture, and kept in a local museum has been identified as a new species and the largest butterfly fossil ever found globally. (News On Japan)

Japan’s leading industrial and electronics firms are accelerating efforts to commercialize next-generation batteries, with Toyota, Toshiba, TDK, and China’s CATL unveiling advanced technologies that promise breakthroughs in performance, safety, and supply chain resilience. (News On Japan)

Nissan has unveiled the latest model of its proprietary hybrid system, e-POWER, by showcasing the updated Qashqai equipped with the technology. The company says it has significantly improved fuel efficiency during high-speed driving—an area that had previously been seen as a challenge. (News On Japan)

In Japan, iPhones make up over 60% of the market share. The pretty design and the reliability have been ͏incorporated into the market because Japanese people consider it a daily need due to apps and features. (News On Japan)

A small celestial body made headlines earlier this year when it was briefly thought to pose a threat to Earth. But the true stars of this story are not those 60-meter objects zipping past our planet, but two massive asteroids—Ceres and Vesta—each hundreds of kilometers wide and orbiting between Mars and Jupiter. (News On Japan)

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has drafted a new strategy aimed at giving Japan an advantage in shaping international standards for emerging technologies such as next-generation solar cells. (News On Japan)

Panasonic Holdings has unveiled for the first time its research facility at its Kadoma, Osaka headquarters, where it is developing technologies that stimulate the five senses—sound, lighting, and scent—to enhance comfort, particularly in sleep environments, with applications aimed at improving daily life. (News On Japan)

Fukuoka Airport has became the first in Japan to introduce biofuel-powered ground vehicles, as Japan Airlines began fueling some of its service vehicles with plant-based biofuel refined from used cooking oil. (News On Japan)

With its vivid petals and delicate appearance, the Atsumigesi poppy may seem like a beautiful addition to the landscape—but beneath its beauty lies a serious danger. Known for its exceptionally strong reproductive capabilities, the plant is now being discovered in various parts of Japan during its blooming season. (News On Japan)

In Okinawa, the construction industry is exploring the potential of 3D printing as a solution to pressing labor shortages and to reduce project timelines. A demonstration event showcasing this emerging technology was held in the prefecture for the first time. (News On Japan)