Cool Japan: Human fridge chills workers in extreme heat
Feeling dizzy and unwell after cycling to work in Japan's punishing summer heat, warehouse worker Isao Tabuchi headed for his company's newest acquisition: a refrigerator for humans.
Science
phys.org
25.08.2026
Japan continues work to end drunken driving 20 years after tragedy
A drunken driving incident in Fukuoka Prefecture that killed three children in 2006 became a turning point for the prefecture and the government to impose stricter regulations.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Firms in Japan seek new hedges, bracing for long era of yen weakness
The yen is far and away the worst-performing G10 currency, having lost more than 30% against the dollar over the past five years.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan’s only high-speed trader Dharmacapital moves to Singapore citing tax rates
Comparatively high income tax rates and language barriers are among the factors cited by some finance professionals for choosing other cities over the Japanese capital.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan’s government sets recommended specifications for bear repellent
Human casualties from bear attacks have been increasing in recent years, heightening interest in deterrent sprays, according to the Environment Ministry.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan police report highlights response to cybercrimes
The white paper on police listed the development of a recovery tool for ransomware attacks and Japanese contributions to international joint investigations as accomplishments.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Firms tap AI and sensors to boost indoor farming as Japan faces farmer shortage
The government is promoting the adoption in agriculture of advanced technologies, with a target of ¥4.6 trillion in public and private investment by fiscal 2040.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan’s weather agency to extend daily forecasts to two weeks
The Japan Meteorological Agency plans to make longer-term weather forecasts more detailed and accurate, to help people and businesses better prepare for extreme weather events.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
New cars sold in Japan from September 2031 must have driver monitoring systems
Such systems monitor driver attention, alerting them if there are signs of drowsy driving or if they are suspected to be looking at their phones.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan to set up expert panel on CBRNE terrorism
The government will establish an expert panel to improve initial responses to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive attacks.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Satellite data used to boost cabbage sales in Japan
The initiative will use satellite data on cabbage color and size to forecast shipment volumes eight weeks in advance.
World
japantimes.co.jp
25.08.2026
Japan enlists 1,800 people to drag a 360-tonne castle keep using ropes and rollers
After repairs to Hirosaki Castle in Aomori prefecture, officials employed a technique known as hikiya to move the structure more than two metresTo chants of “so-re, so-re”, about 1,800 people came tog
World
theguardian.com
25.08.2026
Chiikawa is small in stature but huge at the box office
Following the success of "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of Mermaid Island," interactive and immersive screenings are planned across Japan.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
Japan lawmakers visit China amid deep freeze in bilateral ties
The exchange between lawmakers in each nation may only have a limited impact in terms of repairing the official relationship between the governments.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
‘Beauty sleep’ treatments spark controversy in Japan
Some clinics have prescribed sleeping pills and psychotropic medications while promoting the concept of "achieving beauty through quality sleep."
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
Japanese lawmakers travel to Beijing, seeking to mend ties after fallout
Japanese lawmakers have traveled to Beijing to meet with Chinese officials
World
abcnews.com
24.08.2026
Lawson to cut rice ball prices in Japan as costs ease
The convenience store chain will lower prices on most of its hand-wrapped onigiri by ¥10 starting Sept. 29, a company spokesperson says.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
Japan’s power prices climb to highest since 2023 on heat wave
The nationwide next-day power price rose 20% on Monday from the previous week to ￥25.18 ($0.16) a kilowatt-hour, the highest since January 2023.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
Bessent’s bond gambit seen as possible prelude to closer Japan-U.S. coordination
The two countries could start to address fiscal weaknesses together and make sure the market knows they are getting their houses in order.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026
Miyu Yamashita ties record en route to nine-shot victory in Canada
Not only did the rising star from Japan collect her fourth LPGA victory in 13 months, her 257 tied the tour's 72-hole record for the lowest gross score of all time.
World
japantimes.co.jp
24.08.2026