Japan Forward

21/12/2025

When saying "thank you," what matters is not the form, but the heart behind it, says Haruto Tsuchiya, as he explores how best to communicate with new audiences.

When saying "thank you," what matters is not the form, but the heart behind it, says Haruto Tsuchiya, as he explores how best to communicate with new audiences.

21/12/2025

Recently, activists have been promoting dialogue with companies, encouraging business improvement, as author and lawyer Shin Ushijima explains in Chapter 4.3.

Recently, activists have been promoting dialogue with companies, encouraging business improvement, as author and lawyer Shin Ushijima explains in Chapter 4.3.

20/12/2025

In an uneasy regional security environment, the supplemental budget allows the nation to reach the defense spending target of 2% of FY2014 GDP two years early.

In an uneasy regional security environment, the supplemental budget allows the nation to reach the defense spending target of 2% of FY2014 GDP two years early.

20/12/2025

Chinese buyers lead among foreign land purchases in Japan, but the regulatory framework remains insufficient to address security-sensitive acquisitions.

Chinese buyers lead among foreign land purchases in Japan, but the regulatory framework remains insufficient to address security-sensitive acquisitions.

20/12/2025

The earliest evidence of rugby in Japan dates to 1866 in Yokohama, but the heart of the game, fought by universities and pros alike, lies in a shrine in Kyoto.

The earliest evidence of rugby in Japan dates to 1866 in Yokohama, but the heart of the game, fought by universities and pros alike, lies in a shrine in Kyoto.

20/12/2025

In Sumida Ward, police discovered the severed head and limbs of a newborn baby in a refrigerator at a sex-related business. On December 18, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's First Criminal Investigation Division arrested 22-year-old Rei Obara, a homeless employee of the establishment, on suspicion of abandoning and mutilating a co**se.

Obara admitted the allegations, saying, "I lost consciousness during the birth, and when I woke up, the baby had discolored. I couldn't leave it as it was, so I decided to dismember it." The infant was confirmed to be a girl.

20/12/2025

A symbol of Ryukyuan culture, Shuri Castle's main hall was unveiled as reconstruction continues after the 2019 fire, with completion expected in autumn 2026.

A symbol of Ryukyuan culture, Shuri Castle's main hall was unveiled as reconstruction continues after the 2019 fire, with completion expected in autumn 2026.

19/12/2025

Revelations at Nidec point to a series of improper accounting practices, intensifying pressure on management and shaking financial markets.

Revelations at Nidec point to a series of improper accounting practices, intensifying pressure on management and shaking financial markets.

19/12/2025

Shapeshifting from temple guardians to companions and literary muses, cats have left indelible pawprints across Japan's history, folklore, and everyday life.

Learn more: https://japan-forward.com/cat-fever-is-japan-the-epicenter-of-feline-obsession/

19/12/2025

The Mori Memorial Foundation's Institute for Urban Development announced the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2025 on December 17. Tokyo ranked second for the first time, marking its highest position ever.

Gains in cultural appeal, international exchange, and environmental initiatives contributed to the rise. At the same time, the survey pointed to challenges, including a relative decline in economic competitiveness.

Learn more: https://japan-forward.com/global-power-city-index-2025-tokyo-ranks-second-for-the-first-time/

19/12/2025

Kana Fukuma challenged rules that effectively penalized women for pregnancy and childbirth, and the Japan Shogi Association quickly relaxed its rules.

Kana Fukuma challenged rules that effectively penalized women for pregnancy and childbirth, and the Japan Shogi Association quickly relaxed its rules.

19/12/2025

China's grip on rare earths is disrupting global auto supply chains, pushing Japanese manufacturers and automakers to develop advanced magnets and motors.

China's grip on rare earths is disrupting global auto supply chains, pushing Japanese manufacturers and automakers to develop advanced magnets and motors.