TOP STORIES
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Technology Originator Profile to Verify Online Information Sources
The Yomiuri ShimbunA panel of academics comprising, from left, Eijiro Mizutani, Hidemi Suzuki, Yuya Shibuya and moderator Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, discusses Originator Profile technology at a symposium in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on Oct. 27. The Yomiuri Shimbun [posttime] JST, [postdate] A symposium on the effectiveness of Originator Profile (OP), a digital technology being developed to make online …3 hours ago -
Politics & Government Up to 199,000 Deaths Estimated From Mega-Tsunami; Most Recent Occurrence Took Place in 17th Century
Government estimates warn that up to 199,000 people could die from a major tsunami following an earthquake along the Japan and Chishima trenches.
8 hours ago -
General News Japan Authorities Urge Vigilance After ‘Subsequent Quake Advisory’; Past Warnings Did Not Spur Residents to Action
The Cabinet Office is calling for heightened vigilance for the next week, due to the larger earthquakes that have occurred in the past after earlier tremors along the Japan and Chishima trenches.
December 10, 2025 -
Companies Asahi Breweries Sales Drop in Nov.
Asahi Breweries Ltd., which suffered a cyberattack in September, saw its sales in November below 80% of last year’s sales for the same month, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. announced Wednesday.
December 10, 2025 -
Companies JR East to Unveil Suica’s New Mascot around Nov. 2026
A new mascot character for the Suica transit IC card will be unveiled around Nov. 18 of next year, East Japan Railway Co. announced on Tuesday. The date marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Suica service.
December 10, 2025 -
Politics & Government Govt to Broaden Definitions of Dangerous Driving for Speeding, Concentration of Alcohol in Effort to Toughen Law
The Legislative Council, an advisory entity for the justice minister, proposed toughening punishments for acts of dangerous driving causing death or injury at its meeting on Tuesday, indicating numerical criteria about vehicle speeds and alcohol concentration of alleged drivers.
December 10, 2025
LATEST NEWS
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Federal Reserve Likely to Cut Rates, May Signal Just One More Reduction Next Year
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will almost certainly reduce its key interest rate Wednesday, but the bigger question for financial markets and the economy is what signals Chair Jerome Powell may send regarding the central bank’s next steps.
December 10, 2025 -
Nearly 900 Had Driver’s Licenses Suspended for Drunk Cycling in Jan.-Sept.; Large Increase Follows Establishment of New Penalties in Nov. 2024
Across Japan, a total of 896 people nationwide had their driver’s licenses suspended for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol between January and September this year, up from just two people during the same period last year, according to the National Police Agency (NPA).
December 10, 2025 -
Art Museum in Akita Holds Exhibition Focusing on ‘Gazing,’ Inviting Guests to Connect Relationship Between Sight, Art
AKITA — Akita Senshu Museum of Art in the city of Akita is running a special exhibition called “Enjoying Art by Gazing” that focuses on five themes related to approaches to viewing artwork.
December 10, 2025 -
NHK’s New President: Public Broadcaster Should Meet Expectations for Worthy Programs
NHK faces a severe business environment, including a growing tendency for people not to watch television and a decline in subscription contracts. It is hoped that the broadcaster’s new president will resolve each issue and also reexamine the fundamental role a public broadcaster should play.
December 10, 2025 -
Quake of Upper-6 Intensity in Aomori: Prepare for Potential Subsequent Earthquakes for the Time Being
Many people must have been startled by the strong earthquake that occurred late at night. Earthquakes and tsunamis can happen anytime and anywhere. People must recognize again that they should always remain on alert for them.
December 10, 2025 -
Villagers Struggle with Aftermath of Record-breaking Iberian Wildfires
GALICIA, Spain (Reuters) — “The fire started on my birthday,” says taxi driver Simon Rodriguez, hauling jugs of water out of the back of a car four months later. “And here we are, fighting it!”
December 10, 2025 -
Hokkaido Gov. Announces Approval for Tomari Reactor Restart
Sapporo, Dec. 10 (Jiji Press)—Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki on Wednesday announced his approval for the restart of the No. 3 reactor at Hokkaido Electric Power Co.’s Tomari nuclear power plant in the northernmost Japan prefecture.
December 10, 2025
SOCIETY
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Nearly 900 Had Driver’s Licenses Suspended for Drunk Cycling in Jan.-Sept.; Large Increase Follows Establishment of New Penalties in Nov. 2024
Across Japan, a total of 896 people nationwide had their driver’s licenses suspended for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol between January and September this year, up from just two people during the same period last year, according to the National Police Agency (NPA).
December 10, 2025 -
Hokkaido Gov. Announces Approval for Tomari Reactor Restart
Sapporo, Dec. 10 (Jiji Press)—Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki on Wednesday announced his approval for the restart of the No. 3 reactor at Hokkaido Electric Power Co.’s Tomari nuclear power plant in the northernmost Japan prefecture.
December 10, 2025 -
Aomori Quake Occurs in Area Hit by M7, M8 Earthquakes in Past, Hypocenter Located in Region of Anticipated Japan Trench Quake
The powerful earthquake that struck late on Monday, with its epicenter off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture, occurred in an area that has been hit by quakes in the past measuring magnitude 7 and magnitude 8.
December 10, 2025
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Aichi Assembly to Recognize Fetuses as Accident Victims; Move Spurred by Death of Pregnant Woman in Collision
Following the death of a pregnant woman who was struck by a car in May, the Aichi prefectural assembly is expected to pass an opinion paper that recognizes fetuses killed or injured in accidents as victims.
December 10, 2025 -
Aomori Quake Disinformation Spreads on Social Media
Tokyo, Dec. 10 (Jiji Press)—Disinformation regarding a powerful earthquake that mainly hit Aomori Prefecture and other parts of Japan’s Tohoku northeastern region Monday night is being spread on X and other social media platforms, including a claim that the temblor was created artificially.
December 10, 2025 -
Strong Tremors, Tsunami Warnings Remind Residents of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
The powerful tremors that rattled the Tohoku region and Hokkaido late Monday and subsequent tsunami warnings reminded many residents of the terror of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
December 10, 2025
IMPERIAL FAMILY
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Japan’s Empress Turns 62, Reaffirms Pledge to Peace
The Empress turned 62 on Tuesday and reaffirmed her pledge to peace, with this year marking 80 years since the end of the World War II.
December 9, 2025 -
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Japan’s Princess Aiko Turns 24, Expands Scope of Official Activities
Princess Aiko, the only daughter of the Emperor and the Empress, turned 24 on Monday.
December 1, 2025 -
Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino Stresses Importance of Peace as He Turns 60
Crown Prince Akishino stressed the importance of thinking about peace, during a recent press conference held to mark his 60th birthday on Sunday.
November 30, 2025
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Japan’s Prince Hitachi, Brother of Emperor Emeritus, Turns 90
Prince Hitachi, the younger brother of the Emperor Emeritus and uncle of the Emperor, turned 90 on Friday.
November 28, 2025 -
Japan’s Princess Aiko Returns From Laos, Expresses Thanks for Warm Hospitality
Princess Aiko, the daughter of the Emperor and the Empress, has returned home from her first official overseas visit to Laos. She arrived at Narita Airport on a commercial flight on Saturday.
November 22, 2025
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YOMIURI EDITORIAL
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NHK’s New President: Public Broadcaster Should Meet Expectations for Worthy Programs
NHK faces a severe business environment, including a growing tendency for people not to watch television and a decline in subscription contracts. It is hoped that the broadcaster’s new president will resolve each issue and also reexamine the fundamental role a public broadcaster should play.
December 10, 2025 -
Quake of Upper-6 Intensity in Aomori: Prepare for Potential Subsequent Earthquakes for the Time Being
Many people must have been startled by the strong earthquake that occurred late at night. Earthquakes and tsunamis can happen anytime and anywhere. People must recognize again that they should always remain on alert for them.
December 10, 2025 -
U.S. National Security Strategy: ‘America First’ Approach Will Benefit China, Russia
The foreign and security policies that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to advance carry the risk of overturning and collapsing the postwar world order led by the United States based on democracy and the rule of law.
December 9, 2025 -
Next Year’s Shunto: Significant Wage Increases Must Be Actively Sought
Next year’s shunto spring wage negotiations will be a critical moment for overcoming prolonged high prices. The labor and management sides are urged to deepen dialogue more actively than ever to achieve increases in real wages.
December 9, 2025 -
Radar Directing: An Extremely Dangerous Provocation by China
This act by the Chinese Navy could lead to unforeseen events and is extremely dangerous.
December 8, 2025 -
Reconstruction of Syria: Another Flash Point Must Not Be Added to Middle East
Despite the collapse of a half-century-long dictatorship, Syria is in ruins after nearly 14 years of civil war, and conflicts stemming from sectarian and ethnic differences have intensified.
If Syria’s reconstruction stalls, and the country becomes an easy target for neighboring countries seeking to expand their influence, the Middle East could become even more unstable. The international community must support Syria’s reconstruction.
December 8, 2025
POLITICS
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Govt to Broaden Definitions of Dangerous Driving for Speeding, Concentration of Alcohol in Effort to Toughen Law
The Legislative Council, an advisory entity for the justice minister, proposed toughening punishments for acts of dangerous driving causing death or injury at its meeting on Tuesday, indicating numerical criteria about vehicle speeds and alcohol concentration of alleged drivers.
December 10, 2025 -
PM Leads Disaster Response Operations Until Early Hours Following Earthquake off Aomori Prefecture
Shortly after the powerful earthquake off the east coast of Aomori Prefecture hit the Tohoku region and Hokkaido on Monday night, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi went inside the Prime Minister’s Office and led disaster response operations until the early hours on Tuesday.
December 10, 2025 -
140 Chinese Aircraft Takeoffs, Landings Conducted From Liaoning, Japan’s Defense Ministry Says
Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning conducted about 40 takeoffs and landings of aircraft on Monday, bringing the total number since Friday to around 140, according to the Defense Ministry.
December 10, 2025
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Economic Security Info to be ‘Specially Designated Secrets’; Legal Revisions Also Meant to Improve Security Clearance Assessment
The government plans to put highly confidential information about economic affairs under the jurisdiction of the Law on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, according to draft revisions of the enforcement guideline for the law that The Yomiuri Shimbun has obtained.
Information about important materials, supply chains for advanced technologies and other matters related to the nation’s security will be thoroughly protected under the law.
December 10, 2025 -
Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi Says China Did Not Issue Advance Notice About Military Drill
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Tuesday that China did not issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a navigation warning, regarding the incident in which Chinese military aircraft directed radar at Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets.
NOTAM is a notice to inform others that an exercise is taking place in a maritime zone or airspace.
December 9, 2025 -
Chinese Side Did Not Respond to Hotline Regarding Radar Directed at Japan ASDF Jets, Japanese Govt Sources Say
Chinese defense authorities did not respond when the Japanese side attempted to make contact using a dedicated hotline regarding Chinese military aircraft directing radar at Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter jets, according to Japanese government sources.
December 9, 2025
BUSINESS
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Asahi Breweries Sales Drop in Nov.
Asahi Breweries Ltd., which suffered a cyberattack in September, saw its sales in November below 80% of last year’s sales for the same month, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. announced Wednesday.
December 10, 2025 -
JR East to Unveil Suica’s New Mascot around Nov. 2026
A new mascot character for the Suica transit IC card will be unveiled around Nov. 18 of next year, East Japan Railway Co. announced on Tuesday. The date marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Suica service.
December 10, 2025 -
Cumulative Sales of TOTO’s Washlet Exceed 70 Million Units; Sales Surge in U.S.
TOTO Ltd. announced on Tuesday that cumulative sales of its ‘Washlet’ warm-water electric bidet toilet seats surpassed 70 million units in November. This milestone was reached in just three years and three months since the 60-million-unit mark in August 2022. Growth has been particularly strong in the United States, accelerating the product's global adoption.
December 10, 2025
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Junichi Hanzawa Expected to Be Promoted to MUFG President, Group CEO Hironori Kamezawa to Become Group’s Chairperson
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) has started final coordination to promote MUFG Bank President Junichi Hanzawa to MUFG president and the bank’s Senior Managing Executive Officer Masakazu Osawa to become the bank’s president.
December 9, 2025 -
Japan’s Steelmakers Turn to Hydrogen in Decarbonization Efforts, but High Costs Hinder Progress
Major Japanese steel companies are conducting tests utilizing hydrogen in the extraction of iron from iron ore in the pursuit of decarbonization.
December 8, 2025 -
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in Final Stages of Promoting MUFG Bank President Junichi Hanzawa to President
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. has entered the final stage of arrangements to promote Junichi Hanzawa, 60, to its president next spring, according to sources.
December 8, 2025 -
Japan Pulls out of Vietnam Nuclear Project, Complicating Hanoi’s Power Plans
HANOI, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Japan has dropped out of plans to build a major nuclear power plant in Vietnam because the time frame is too tight, Japanese ambassador Naoki Ito told Reuters, potentially complicating Vietnam's long-term strategy to avoid new power shortages.
December 8, 2025
WORLD
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8 Japanese Nationals Stranded on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island
JAKARTA — Eight Japanese nationals have been left stranded as of Monday due to torrential rain that hit Aceh Province on Indonesia’s Sumatra Island, according to the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia.
December 1, 2025 -
H.K. Authorities Order Closure of Volunteer Supply Station Near Apartment Fire Site, Wary of Resurgence of Protests
HONG KONG — A volunteer-run relief supply station set up near the site of a high-rise apartment fire in Hong Kong was removed on Saturday following instructions from H.K. authorities.
November 30, 2025 -
North Korean Hackers Suspected in Massive Crypto Theft in South Korea, Methods Follow Similar Pattern to 2019 Case
SEOUL — South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit suffered a massive cryptocurrency theft on Thursday, which the South Korean government believes was carried out by North Korean hackers, according to Yonhap News Agency.
November 29, 2025
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Mozambican Cooking Class Held in Matsuyama, Ehime Pref.; Participants Don Aprons, Bandanas Made from Traditional Mozambique Fabric
MATSUYAMA — A Mozambican cooking class was held Monday in Matsuyama to continue the cultural exchange between Ehime Prefecture and the African nation, which began during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.
November 25, 2025 -
Takaichi Holds Telephone Talks with Trump; Receives Update on U.S.-China Relations
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi spoke via telephone with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday morning, during which she received an update on recent U.S.–China relations, including a telephone conversation between Trump and Xi Jinping on Monday.
November 25, 2025 -
China Steps Up ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy Against Japan, Hurling Accusation About Plutonium Stockpile
China is ratcheting up its wolf warrior diplomacy to spread its claims and exert pressure on Japan via international organizations and overseas diplomatic missions, in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remark on a possible Taiwan contingency.
November 23, 2025
NEWS SERVICES
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Federal Reserve Likely to Cut Rates, May Signal Just One More Reduction Next Year
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will almost certainly reduce its key interest rate Wednesday, but the bigger question for financial markets and the economy is what signals Chair Jerome Powell may send regarding the central bank’s next steps.
December 10, 2025 -
Japan’s Topix Index Touches Record High in Tentative Trade before Fed, BOJ (UPDATE 1)
TOKYO, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Japan's broad Topix gauge of shares touched a record high before losing momentum on Wednesday, as investors awaited key central bank decisions at home and abroad.
December 10, 2025 -
GOP Lawmakers Wary of Trump Escalating beyond Boat Strikes in Venezuela
Congressional Republicans have largely expressed public support for the Trump administration’s strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea that the Defense Department claims are carrying narcotics to the United States, even as the tactic has come under withering criticism from Democrats.
December 10, 2025
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Molly Yeh’s ‘Embroidery’ Cookies Turn Frosting Dots into Seasonal Designs
The list of visual art mediums that I’m really bad at is long. My pottery “skills” peaked at summer camp 20 years ago, painting is about as foreign to me as contact sports (very foreign), and my 6-year-old draws better Disney princesses than I ever could. The fact that I have forged a career through baking is more representative of my past life as a mathlete than it is some nonexistent talent for creating elaborate sugar structures on multitiered wedding cakes.
December 10, 2025 -
This Musician Taught an Octopus to Play the Piano
The white package that arrived at Mattias Krantz’s home in Sweden after a five-hour flight contained an octopus that Krantz saved from becoming someone’s meal.
December 10, 2025 -
Australia Says It Will Meet ‘Challenges’ of AUKUS Nuclear Submarine Timeline
SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was "very self-critical" as it looked to address challenges, including skilling its workforce, for the AUKUS nuclear submarine programme, ahead of AUKUS defence ministers meeting in Washington.
December 10, 2025 -
Australia Begins Enforcing World-First Teen Social Media Ban
SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australia on Wednesday became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking access to platforms including TikTok, Alphabet's GOOGL.O YouTube and Meta's META.O Instagram and Facebook.
December 10, 2025
EDITORIAL & COLUMNS
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In Global Politics, U.S. and China Are in Charge
It has been less than a year since Donald Trump came to power. Yet the world continues to be hit by multiple shocks in such a short time.
Trump’s initiative to broker a peace in Ukraine may come at the expense of Ukraine and America’s European allies. He has also imposed tariffs on imports, ignoring World Trade Organization rules.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, for his part, said in a joint declaration adopted at a Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Sept. 1 that mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and not using force, among other principles, were “the foundation for the stable development of international relations.” Nonetheless, on Sept. 3, Xi appeared with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who leads the war against Ukraine, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has sent his country’s troops to the war. Xi was reviewing a military parade that commemorated the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in its resistance against Japan as if to keep Putin and Kim in line.
December 5, 2025 -
5 Japanese Business Dinner Mistakes to Avoid — and What They Taught Me About Business in Japan
When I first started doing business in Japan in 2016, the initial cultural lesson was the meishi kokan — the business card exchange.
December 1, 2025 -
JIP Lawmaker Takashi Endo Is the ‘Glue’ the Holds the LDP-JIP Coalition Together
A House of Representatives member playing an unusual dual role is making his presence felt in the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
November 29, 2025
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Can U.S. Universities Safeguard Their Independence?
By Takenori Inoki / Special to The Yomiuri Shimbun [posttime] JST, [postdate] After U.S. President Donald Trump launched his second administration, a feud between the White House and prominent U.S. universities quickly came to the fore as the federal government intensified its demands. Among other things, the government insisted that universities redress what it called their …November 28, 2025 -
12-Day War on Iran by Israel, U.S. Had No Winners; Tehran’s Nuclear Efforts Likely to Go On
I spent three years in Tehran as the Iran correspondent for The Yomiuri Shimbun, starting in 2015 — the year a nuclear deal was reached with the United States and others to lift sanctions and integrate Iran into the global economy.
November 22, 2025 -
Melting Sea Ice Reveals Importance of Arctic Region
By Shigeru Kitamura / Special to The Yomiuri Shimbun [posttime] JST, [postdate] In 2019, during his first term, U.S. President Donald Trump floated the possibility of purchasing Greenland, sending a major shock through the international community. “Essentially, it’s a large real estate deal,” Trump said. “And, strategically, for the United States, it would be nice.” His …November 21, 2025
RAMEN OF JAPAN
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Ramen Map
Map of ramen shops in Japan featured on the Ramen of Japan
A useful map for ramen lovers is now available. You can quickly find the locations of the ramen outlets featured on our Ramen of Japan. The number of shops keeps growing. Read the stories and visit there!
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Kyoraku / Ginza’s Beloved Mellow Chuka Soba; Third-Generation Owner Starts Making Noodles from Scatch
I set out for Tokyo’s Ginza to get a bowl of ramen and knew Kyoraku, approaching its 70th anniversary, would satisfy my purpose. The shop, founded in 1956, serves Japan’s most traditional and simple ramen: the chuka soba. It took a leap toward becoming an even more thriving establishment when third-generation owner Kazuhiko Nakano, 39, began serving noodles made from scratch. As I wandered through Ginza amid the year-end rush, I stopped by the shop, which always seems to have people lined up.
December 10, 2025 -
Noodle Dining Shunsai / Rich Oyster Ramen to Savor at Odasaga; Experienced 68-year-old Owner Creates Numerous Ramen Varieties
Odakyu Sagamihara Station in Kanagawa Prefecture is affectionately called “Odasaga” by locals. In the residential area north of the station, opposite the commercial district in the south, stands the distinctive ramen shop “Noodle Dining Shunsai.” Owner Yasunori Okamoto, 68, who has experience with both Japanese and Italian cuisine, serves a variety of unique ramen centered around seafood. Intrigued by his seasonal oyster ramen, I visited the shop.
November 27, 2025
SPORTS
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Sumo Scene / Use of Real Names in Ring Increasing, with Wrestlers Popularizing Even Common Japanese Names
When No. 5 maegashira Yoshinofuji walked off with the Technique Prize at last month’s Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament for an outstanding performance that included a victory over yokozuna Onosato, some fans might have been wondering, “Who is he?”
December 10, 2025 -
Shohei Ohtani Is the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year for Record-Tying 4th Time
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is catching up with more legends.
December 10, 2025 -
Roberts Says World Baseball Classic a ‘Very Delicate’ Matter for Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Admitting participation by Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in the World Baseball Classic is “very delicate” following a World Series that stretched into November, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts isn't sure whether any limits will be placed on his team's Japanese stars.
December 9, 2025
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Ikuma Horishima Prevails in Moguls Season-Opener
RUKA, Finland — World moguls champion Ikuma Horishima, showing little effect of a knee injury that delayed his preseason preparation, won the opening World Cup freestyle meet of the Olympic season on Sunday in Ruka, Finland.
December 8, 2025 -
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Pitcher Sasaki Encourages Kids in Noto Through Baseball
SUZU, Ishikawa — Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki visited Suzu in Ishikawa Prefecture to put on a baseball clinic to children on Sunday. Suzu was severely hit by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
December 8, 2025 -
Matsuyama Rallies to Win in the Bahamas. Neergaard-Petersen and Reitan Earn Masters Spots with Wins
NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Hideki Matsuyama holed out from the 10th fairway for eagle on his way to an 8-under 64 and stuffed his 9-iron to 2 feet on the 18th hole in a playoff to defeat Alex Noren and win the Hero World Challenge for the second time.
December 8, 2025 -
Nearly Half the Tickets for Milan Cortina Olympics Still Unsold with 2 Months to Go
ROME (AP) — Construction on the main hockey arena is still not finished. Spectator and media areas at the controversial sliding venue also need to be completed.
December 7, 2025
SCIENCE & NATURE
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Originator Profile to Verify Online Information Sources
The Yomiuri ShimbunA panel of academics comprising, from left, Eijiro Mizutani, Hidemi Suzuki, Yuya Shibuya and moderator Tatsuhiko Yamamoto, discusses Originator Profile technology at a symposium in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on Oct. 27. The Yomiuri Shimbun [posttime] JST, [postdate] A symposium on the effectiveness of Originator Profile (OP), a digital technology being developed to make online …3 hours ago -
Villagers Struggle with Aftermath of Record-breaking Iberian Wildfires
GALICIA, Spain (Reuters) — “The fire started on my birthday,” says taxi driver Simon Rodriguez, hauling jugs of water out of the back of a car four months later. “And here we are, fighting it!”
December 10, 2025 -
2 Nobel Prize Winners from Japan to Attend Award Ceremony in Stockholm
STOCKHOLM — This year’s Nobel Prize winners from Japan, Shimon Sakaguchi and Susumu Kitagawa, both aged 74, will attend the award ceremony at a concert hall in Stockholm on Wednesday evening.
December 10, 2025
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Aomori Prefecture Joins Race to Host Prototype Nuclear Fusion Reactor, Second Prefecture to Bid after Ibaraki
Aomori Prefecture plans to work toward hosting a prototype reactor to demonstrate power generation using nuclear fusion.
December 9, 2025 -
No Genome-Edited Babies for Japan: Health Ministry to Submit Bill Banning Implantation of Edited Zygotes
A regulatory proposal prohibiting the implantation of fertilized human eggs that have been modified with genome editing technology into human or animal wombs was finalized on Thursday by a joint meeting of specialized committees from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry.
December 9, 2025 -
University of Osaka, Kyoto University Launch Research Funds to Support Japanese Nobel Prize Winners’ Fields
STOCKHOLM — The University of Osaka and Kyoto University have established funds to support the research fields of Nobel laureates Shimon Sakaguchi, a distinguished honorary professor at University of Osaka, and Susumu Kitagawa, a distinguished professor at Kyoto University. The funds will be used for initiatives the two researchers consider important, including the training of young researchers, and donations are being widely solicited.
December 9, 2025 -
Kitagawa Urges Long-Term Scientific Funding Ahead of Nobel Prize Award Ceremony
STOCKHOLM — Susumu Kitagawa, winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year, spoke about the importance of supporting long-term scientific research on Sunday in Stockholm.
December 8, 2025
CULTURE
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Kimetsu No Yaiba Film Nominated For Golden Globe; Winners to Be Announced on January 11
LOS ANGELES — The popular Japanese film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba — Infinity Castle — Akaza Sairai” was nominated for best animated motion picture at the 83rd Golden Globes on Monday.
December 9, 2025 -
‘Wozzeck’ at NTT A Worthy New Production for Opera’s Centenary, with Stellar Performances, Sets, Costumes, More
The recent production of “Wozzeck” at the New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT) was a powerful event, worthy to mark the centenary of the Alban Berg opera that first premiered in 1925.
December 7, 2025 -
‘The World Masterpiece Theater Series’ Celebrates 50 Years; Animator Looks Back on Creating Anime Classics
This year, Nippon Animation Co.’s anime classic “The World Masterpiece Theater Series” celebrates its 50th anniversary.Adapted in part from literary classics from around the world, the series elaborately depicts the daily lives of boys and girls, adorable animals and beautiful landscapes overseas. Beginning with “Dog of Flanders” in 1975, the series became an anime staple for children. To date, there have been 26 works, which are available across various streaming sites.The Yomiuri Shimbun interviewed animator Yoshiharu Sato, 67, who designed characters for “Pollyanna” (1986), “Little Women II Jo’s Boys” (1993) and “Romeo and the Black Brothers” (1995) in the series.Born in 1958, Sato was inspired to become an animator following the broadcast of “Heidi a Girl of the Alps” in 1974, which featured contributions from now esteemed figures in the anime world Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.“Heidi looked so refreshed waking up in the morning, saying ‘Good morning’ and washing her face,” Sato recalled. “It made me yearn for a life in Switzerland, a place I’d never even been.”After “Heidi,” Takahata and Miyazaki became key players in the early days of World Masterpiece Theater. The art style pioneered by “Heidi” — carefully animating natural gestures and subtle emotional shifts — carried over to the subsequent works, starting with “Dog of Flanders.”
December 5, 2025
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government to Hold Its First International Art Exhibition Next Year
An international art exhibition will be held in the waterfront area of Tokyo from October to December next year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced.
December 4, 2025 -
Ghibli Museum Recreates Studio of ‘Guri and Gura’ Illustrator; Exhibition Features Over 680 Works by Yuriko Yamawaki
Works by picture book illustrator Yuriko Yamawaki, well-known for her “Guri and Gura” series, are on display at a special exhibition at Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Mitaka, Tokyo.
Yamawaki began her long-standing collaboration with her sister, Rieko Nakagawa, by illustrating Nakagawa’s children’s story “Iyaiya-en” (“‘No-no’ Nursery School”). Together they created numerous works, including the “Guri and Gura” series.
December 4, 2025 -
World’s Top Fashion Brands Make Strides in Sustainability; Paris Fashion Week Provides Competition for Eco-Fashion
High-end fashion brands taking part in Paris Fashion Week, which was held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7, vied for excellence in their attempts at sustainability. Fashion is a key industry in France, and the country has introduced laws and regulations on the issue and is working on public-private partnerships to achieve environmental measures.
December 4, 2025
NEWS WITH VIDEO
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Ring-Tailed Lemurs Warm Themselves Up at Japan Monkey Centre in Aichi Pref.
December 8, 2025 -
Toyota Unveils GR GT Hybrid Sports Car at Woven City Test Site
December 5, 2025 -
Dragons, Deities Glow Each Night at Sensoji Temple Event Until Sunday
December 3, 2025 -
Japanese Macaques Enjoy Bathing in Hot Spring in Hokkaido
December 1, 2025 -
‘See You Myaku-Myaku,’ Crowd Gathers for Farewell Ceremony Before Character Monument Relocates to New Home
November 30, 2025
FEATURES
DELICIOUS
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Frozen Vegetables: Demand Rises for Convenient, Tasty Domestic Produce
December 7, 2025 -
‘Backstage Player’ Enhances Sea-Breeze Flavor of Butter-Sauteed Oysters on Shredded Potatoes
December 7, 2025 -
Japanese Chef Re-Creates Italian Dish as Chuck Eye Roll Condito
November 30, 2025 -
Chef Serves 1,500 VIPs During Expo 2025; Proudly Showcases Japanese Cuisine, Including Food From Quake-Hit Region
November 30, 2025
JAPAN IN FOCUS
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Designer Apples with Stencil Designs Auctioned Off with Highest Bid Reaching ¥150,000
December 10, 2025 -
Tokyo ‘Secret Base’ Preserves Idol Boom of Showa Era; Izakaya Offers Nostalgic Tunes, Specialty Cocktails at Retro Prices
December 8, 2025 -
Kumamoto: Public Bath Refurbished as Library Where You Can Chat, Take Photos
December 6, 2025 -
Shiga: World Karuta Championship Held at ‘Holy Ground’ Shrine with 12 Teams Participated
December 6, 2025
TRAVEL SPOTS
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Japan’s Tottori Sand Dunes to Be Illuminated with 450,000 LEDs
December 8, 2025 -
Hiroshima: Light Festival Brings a Fairyland Glow with 1 Million LEDS
December 6, 2025 -
Half-Naked Men Pound Mochi against Ceiling at Temple in Yamagata Prefecture; Nearly 400-Year-Old Ritual Is Held to Pray for Abundant Crops
December 5, 2025 -
Golden Ginkgo Trees Reach Peak Season at Osaka Castle Park in Osaka, Japan
December 5, 2025
TROUBLESHOOTER
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I Still Resent My Father-In-Law 20 Years after He Died
December 7, 2025 -
I’ve Broken Up with My Girlfriend, but We Still Live Together
December 7, 2025 -
My Daughter No Longer Speaks to Me, But I Want to See Her and My Grandchild
November 30, 2025 -
My Daughter is Fed Up Living in Single-Father Family, Ran Away to Stay with Her Boyfriend
November 30, 2025

