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Aging Japanese village turns to Peru in search of new residents

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/24/japan/society/aging-village-japan-peru/

Published: October 24, 2026 02:24

Village officials in Nanmoku, Gunma Prefecture, are hoping a sister-city agreement will help attract young people from Peru.

Government to review gasoline subsidies as costs mount

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/24/japan/gas-subsidies-review/

Published: October 24, 2026 01:06

Japan is providing subsidies to oil wholesalers to curb the average retail price of regular gasoline in the nation at about ¥170 per liter.

Revised Imperial House Law comes into effect, but challenges remain

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/24/japan/new-imperial-house-law/

Published: October 24, 2026 01:06

The new law aims to address the declining number of imperial family members, but specific operational details remain undecided.

Two Japanese climbers die on remote Himalayan peak in Nepal

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/24/japan/nepal-japan-climbers-dead/

Published: October 24, 2026 01:06

The climbers were attempting the first summit of the 7,140-meter Gangapurna West in alpine style, but lost contact after Oct. 15.

Japan to simulate cyberattacks as PHP flaws roil global internet

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/24/japan/japan-cyberattack-simulation/

Published: October 24, 2026 01:05

Websites across the world went offline this week after the disclosure of critical vulnerabilities in the widely used programming language.

Farmers to tourists: Gifu’s rural festivals court new crowds to survive

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/10/24/lifestyle/festivals-japan-depopulation-matsuri-rural-life-tourism/

Published: October 23, 2026 23:05

With aging populations, the region's once-famous festivals find themselves relying on outside help to keep homegrown traditions going.

Can a traditional ‘ryokan’ inn go global?

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/10/24/travel/gora-kadan-ryokan-hotel-travel-luxury-expansion/

Published: October 23, 2026 23:00

One of Japan's most acclaimed inns is embarking on an expansion project that might see it open up properties overseas.

Government calls for stronger energy supply structure in white paper

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/japan-energy-white-paper/

Published: October 23, 2026 11:30

The fiscal 2025 white paper on energy highlighted the need to strengthen Japan's energy supply-and-demand structure to prepare for future emergencies.

Japanese prefectures showcase tourism and food culture in New York

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/japan-tourism-new-york/

Published: October 23, 2026 11:29

The six were Toyama, Shizuoka, Mie and Nagano, as well as Miyagi in the country's northeast and Chiba.

Japan calls for more support amid rising youth suicides

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/society/japan-youth-suicides-white-paper/

Published: October 23, 2026 11:29

The white paper emphasized the importance of support aimed at reducing the risks of self-harm among young people.

[Update 3] Notice and Advisory for Business Partners and Former Employees Regarding Unauthorized Access to Group Managed Server and Potential Data Exposure

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/press/2026/10/23/notice-ransomware-incident-3rd-report/

Published: October 23, 2026 11:00

The Japan Times, Ltd. and News2u Holdings, Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter "our Group") hereby provide an update on the current status and response for our business partners and former employees regarding unauthorized access to our Group managed…

【第3報】お取引先および退職者の皆さまへ、当社グループ管理サーバーへの不正アクセスおよび情報漏えいの可能性について注意喚起のお願い

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/press/2026/10/23/notice-ransomware-incident-3rd-report-jp/

Published: October 23, 2026 11:00

株式会社ジャパンタイムズおよび株式会社ニューズ・ツー・ユーホールディングス（東京都千代田区、以下「当社グループ」）は、当社グループ管理サーバーへの不正アクセスおよび情報漏えいの可能性につきまして、お取引先および退職者の皆さまに以下の通り現状報告と対応についてご連絡いたします。

Musk’s political donations top $445 million ahead of U.S. midterm elections

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/politics/musk-445m-midterm-donations/

Published: October 23, 2026 09:22

With a net worth of $905.8 billion, the world's richest person's overlapping empire of companies is heavily exposed to regulation by federal agencies.

‘The Potentials’ unpacks the dilemmas of a manga assistant in middle age

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/23/film/the-potentials/

Published: October 23, 2026 09:00

Shoichi Morimoto and Takuma Sato's "The Potentials" is an engaging tale about art, life and everything that gets in the way.

Kushima briefed by industry ministry officials on nuclear waste site survey

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/society/nuclear-waste-survey-miyazaki/

Published: October 23, 2026 08:52

The survey would take about two years and examine potential risks from volcanoes and faults based on geological maps and other documents.

Billionaire Brazilian brothers emerge as Bolsonaro’s foes in presidential runoff

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/politics/billionaire-brazilian-brothers-runoff/

Published: October 23, 2026 08:46

Joao and Walter Moreira Salles are major donors to progressive and left-leaning congressional candidates.

India warms to French cooking as economic growth fuels fine-dining boom

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/asia-pacific/society/india-french-cooking-schools/

Published: October 23, 2026 08:33

The rise of a middle class that travels more and increasingly eats at plush establishments is creating demand for high-end hospitality workers.

Japanese inflation breaks 2% for the first time this year

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/23/economy/cpi-september-inflation/

Published: October 23, 2026 07:21

The September reading puts pressure on the Bank of Japan to raise rates by the end of the year.

Japan weighs how to evacuate thousands of tourists if Mount Fuji erupts

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/mount-fuji-eruption-foreign-tourists/

Published: October 23, 2026 07:08

Japan's highest peak is often overlooked as being an active volcano. But with the risk of eruption ever-present, disaster preparedness is key.

Japanese novelist Ryu Murakami dies at 74

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/23/books/novelist-ryu-murakami-obituary/

Published: October 23, 2026 06:25

Murakami's works, which explored sex, violence, and youth culture, were translated globally.

Shigeru Miyamoto named first video game-related recipient of Japan’s Order of Culture

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2026/10/23/digital/order-of-culture-miyamoto/

Published: October 23, 2026 06:11

The legendary Nintendo figure will be officially conferred with the award in a Nov. 3 ceremony.

Nippon Steel to invest $3 billion in new U.S. Steel hot-strip mill

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/23/companies/nippon-steel-hot-strip-mill/

Published: October 23, 2026 05:37

The project is expected to be the largest under Nippon Steel's commitment to invest $11 billion by 2028.

Venezuelans call for elections in first national protest in nearly two years

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/politics/venezuela-election-call-protest/

Published: October 23, 2026 04:59

Maria Corina Machado's proxy won the 2024 election, according to vote tallies released by the opposition, but the government backed Nicolas Maduro.

Africa faces ‘complex’ Ebola outbreak after spread to Nigeria, WHO warns

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/science-health/africa-complex-ebola-outbreak/

Published: October 23, 2026 04:37

Nigeria, the continent's most populous nation, is the fourth African country affected by the outbreak.

At least 16 dead in Tibet quake, Chinese state media says

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/asia-pacific/tibet-magnitude-7-quake/

Published: October 23, 2026 04:03

More than 300 houses collapsed in the 7.0 magnitude quake, which struck on Thursday at 10:33 p.m.

New York bans horse-drawn carriages after decadelong battle

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/society/new-york-horse-carriages-ban/

Published: October 23, 2026 03:59

New York's City Council voted 40 to 7 to pass the bill Thursday, which Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to sign.

Musk wants to merge SpaceX and Tesla: Here’s what to know

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/23/companies/why-merge-spacex-tesla/

Published: October 23, 2026 03:43

The combination of the two companies would be worth about $3.5 trillion and would be the largest corporate deal in history.

Student protests mushroom across Europe, exposing bleak views of the future

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/society/student-protests-europe/

Published: October 23, 2026 03:09

The protesters' gloom reflects a Continent that is struggling to find a way forward, with Europe's populations aging and debt rising.

Canada warns its diplomats to avoid being seen with U.S. candidates

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/politics/canada-diplomats-us-candidates/

Published: October 23, 2026 02:38

Nearly 500 Canadian diplomatic staff work in the U.S., including at its embassy in Washington and across 12 consulate offices.

Former star slugger Hideki Matsui to become next manager of Giants in NPB

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/23/baseball/japanese-baseball/hideki-matsui-giants/

Published: October 23, 2026 02:26

Matsui hit 332 home runs during his career in Japan with Yomiuri.

Japan eyes health checkup support for truant students

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/truant-students-health-checkup-support/

Published: October 23, 2026 02:14

Some municipalities allow truant students to undergo health checkups on days and times when they would not meet other students at school.

Education ministry to offer one-year teaching license course for working adults

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/teacher-licensing-working-adults/

Published: October 23, 2026 02:07

The ministry is aiming to secure more teachers in Japan by making it easier for working adults to switch careers to teaching.

Koizumi to meet Finnish defense chief, with nuclear policy shift to top agenda

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/japan-finland-nuclear-weapons-defense-ministers/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:58

The talks come after Finland revised a law allowing nuclear weapons into the country — a decision that came as Japan weighs a similar shift in policy.

Ex-University of Tokyo professor gets suspended sentence over bribes

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/crime-legal/former-university-of-tokyo-professor-suspended-sentence/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:56

According to the ruling, the 63-year-old former professor, Shinichi Sato, received a total of about ¥1.83 million worth of entertainment.

Can Japan become a player in the Arctic?

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/japan/politics/japan-arctic-policy/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:28

Tokyo's stake in the region has only been amplified as receding sea ice creates new possibilities for maritime transport and resource development.

French authorities seek to ban or curb fresh protests

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/crime-legal/france-protest-curbs/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:26

Officials in France are still reeling from the clashes, widespread looting and vandalism of public buildings that broke out on Oct. 17.

Lewis Hamilton hints at extending career in order to realize ‘dream’ of racing in Africa

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/23/more-sports/lewis-hamilton-africa-race/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:18

The Ferrari driver will be 42 in January and has a contract for 2027. Fernando Alonso, the oldest active F1 driver, is 45 and recently signed up for another season.

How to keep safe online in the wake of AI-supercharged hacking

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/23/tech/online-safety-ai-hacking/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:09

There are basic steps everyone should take to protect themselves.

Around 150,000 rally in Belgrade as Serbia heads to pivotal poll

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/politics/serbia-poll-rally/

Published: October 23, 2026 01:02

A leaderless movement of student-backed candidates is the biggest threat former President Aleksandar Vucic has faced ahead of elections this weekend.

Russia-Ukraine conflict continues despite prospects of renewed talks

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/23/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-talks/

Published: October 23, 2026 00:32

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Russia was ready to resume U.S.-mediated talks with Ukraine next month.

Daiki Hashimoto captures gold in men’s all-around at world championships

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/23/more-sports/daiki-hashimoto-world-title/

Published: October 23, 2026 00:15

Hashimoto secured his seventh world title and fourth consecutive all-around crown.

Takashi Miike pushes the envelope with ‘Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo’

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/23/film/takashi-miike-bad-lieutenant-interview/

Published: October 22, 2026 23:00

Veteran director Takashi Miike reflects on his first major international coproduction and the existential questions that drive his work.

Nearly all coral reefs risk collapse in 50 years: IUCN

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2026/10/22/climate-change/coral-reefs-collapse-50-years/

Published: October 22, 2026 12:58

In its first global assessment, the world authority on threatened wildlife classified 96% of coral reef systems as "critically endangered."

Japan switching to post-departure tax refunds in November

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/japan-refunds-post-departure/

Published: October 22, 2026 12:12

The new system is intended to prevent illegal acts by ensuring that purchased items are taken out of Japan through customs inspections.

Musk’s political baggage clouds prospects for SpaceX-Tesla deal

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/musk-baggage-spacex-tesla-merger/

Published: October 22, 2026 11:32

Musk revived speculation about a tie-up this week, calling a combination "a good idea."

Republican backlash over Russia policy poses challenge for Trump in Congress

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/trump-russia-backlash-challenge/

Published: October 22, 2026 11:24

The backlash could pose new hurdles for Trump after the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

U.K. politicians are testing their messages on AI-generated focus groups

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/politics/uk-politicians-ai-focus-groups/

Published: October 22, 2026 11:12

Firms are using data from real focus groups and surveys to build AI personas able to react to political messages within minutes.

LDP presents compromise proposal on Lower House seat cut

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/politics/ldp-lower-house-cut/

Published: October 22, 2026 11:02

The LDP hopes to reach a conclusion by the end of this month based on its latest proposal, but it remains to be seen if an agreement will be clinched.

Japan megabanks to skip third batch of U.S. investments

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/megabanks-us-investment-skip/

Published: October 22, 2026 10:54

The three — MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking — are making final arrangements to forgo participation.

Women’s expectations for Takaichi turn to disappointment

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/politics/takaichi-women-disappointed/

Published: October 22, 2026 09:39

"Many expected progress on policies related to women, but little visible progress has been made," said an Ochanomizu University professor.

Japan considers broader definition of security spending to inflate defense outlays, sources say

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/security-outlays-japan-budgets/

Published: October 22, 2026 09:30

The government is looking at whether spending on areas like AI, satellites and infrastructure could be classified as defense-related costs.

TSMC seeks factory-equipment alternatives to thwart China’s rare earths grip, sources say

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/tsmc-rare-earths-supply/

Published: October 22, 2026 09:29

Rare-earth magnets are used in motors that power moving parts in industrial equipment, including machinery found in highly automated factories.

Lula hopes older voters can help power him to victory against Flavio Bolsonaro

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/lula-older-voters-bolsonaro/

Published: October 22, 2026 09:20

Lula's campaign is now actively targeting the so-called "Lula generation" — seniors age over 70, close in age to the 80-year-old president.

‘In my DNA’: Why Osaka’s high-risk danjiri festivals refuse to slow down

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/society/danjiri-festival-safety-concerns/

Published: October 22, 2026 09:00

A pair of fatal incidents this month has revived a long-running debate: Does Osaka's high-risk danjiri festival still have a place in modern society?

Japan’s biggest labor union federation calls for 6% wage hike in 2027

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/economy/japan-rengo-union-wage-hike-demand/

Published: October 22, 2026 08:31

Member unions typically submit their wage demands by around February, with companies responding from March onward.

NPA suspects police in Kanagawa used old drivers’ licenses illegally

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/crime-legal/kanagawa-police-drivers-license/

Published: October 22, 2026 08:08

The national police agency has instructed Kanagawa police to confirm the facts in full detail, and has set up a team to conduct a probe nationwide.

SoftBank market value halves from peak as AI fears grow

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/companies/softbank-market-value-halves/

Published: October 22, 2026 07:42

After briefly overtaking Toyota as Japan's biggest company, SoftBank's market capitalization is now smaller than that of Hitachi and Recruit.

Liberte, egalite, misere? Why France is burning

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/10/22/world/why-france-is-burning/

Published: October 22, 2026 07:34

It's not only France that's feeling the heat. Anger about inflation, from energy prices to housing costs, has led to clashes in Italy and Portugal.

Taiwan’s resilience must be built before a crisis

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/10/22/world/building-taiwan-resilience/

Published: October 22, 2026 07:03

Taiwan has focused heavily on military readiness against China, but it now faces a tougher question: how its society will deal with prolonged duress.

Oil rises as deadly attacks in Saudi Arabia fan Middle East supply fears

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/oil-saudi-attacks/

Published: October 22, 2026 06:38

A strike on a Saudi Aramco facility killed two people while an attack on the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, killed one.

Bank, business and ministry websites halted after PHP vulnerabilities announced

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/tech/japan-php-vulnerabilities/

Published: October 22, 2026 06:26

International authorities have urged site administrators to immediately update software to prevent unauthorized access and potential data exposure.

An estranged mother and daughter face the music in ‘Echoes of Motherhood’

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/22/film/echoes-of-motherhood/

Published: October 22, 2026 06:15

Despite some perplexing plot holes, Ryutaro Nakagawa's "Echoes of Motherhood" is marked by a powerhouse performance by Naomi Kawase.

Japan to introduce cashless traffic fine payments from July

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/japan-police-traffic-tickets-cashless-payment/

Published: October 22, 2026 05:00

Fines are currently payable only at bank or post office counters, which are unavailable outside business hours.

Israel’s election may change its leader, but not Iran war policy

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/israel-election-iran-war-policy/

Published: October 22, 2026 05:00

Israel's security doctrine now rests on three pillars: breaking Iran, holding buffer zones beyond its borders and using force to deter enemies.

Takaichi now has to prove she’s no big spender in her second year in office

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/economy/takaichi-one-year-economy-fiscal/

Published: October 22, 2026 04:48

The prime minister will be under pressure as the bill starts to come due for big promises made.

Most BOJ watchers expect next interest rate hike in December

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/economy/boj-watchers-expect-december-rate-hike/

Published: October 22, 2026 04:28

More than 80% of Bank of Japan watchers anticipate the central bank’s next interest rate increase will come in December, according to a recent survey. None expect a hike when the bank concludes its next meeting on Oct. 30.

Health ministry questions reliability of vasculitis drug approval data

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/science-health/vasculitis-drug-approval-data-question/

Published: October 22, 2026 03:40

Tavneos was launched in Japan in 2022 after being approved by the ministry. Its package insert listed liver dysfunction as a serious side effect.

Japan life insurers’ bond-buying plans set to support JGBs

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/markets/japan-life-insurers-bond-buying/

Published: October 22, 2026 03:24

Insurers have been net buyers of superlong government bonds for four months, a trend strategists say could provide an anchor in upcoming auctions.

What’s holding up Washington’s $14 billion arms sale to Taipei?

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/asia-pacific/us-taiwan-arms-sale/

Published: October 22, 2026 03:06

U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently hailed his "great friendship" with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, has resisted pressure to OK the arms package.

Family of driver who died after truck fell into Saitama sinkhole sues prefecture

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/society/japan-sinkhole-death-family-sues-prefecture/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:56

The family says they suffered extreme psychological distress over an extended period, and that the man had carried out his duties with utmost care.

Two Japanese climbers missing in the Himalayas

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/japan-climbers-missing-himalayas/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:55

The two Japanese nationals have been out of contact since Oct. 15 and local authorities have been searching for them.

Taiwan probes organized crime links to China’s ‘transnational repression’

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/asia-pacific/taiwan-china-organized-crime/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:55

Taipei has complained that Beijing is using various underhanded methods to target Taiwanese nationals viewed as politically suspect.

North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns South Korea, says border loudspeakers to be ready within days

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/asia-pacific/north-korea-kim-yo-jong/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:35

The threats deal a blow to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to ease inter-Korean hostility.

Brewers and Rays set for small-market World Series

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/22/baseball/mlb/brewers-rays-world-series/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:29

The best-of-seven championship matchup between frugal teams flies in the face of claims that only big-spending teams can win the World Series.

Supplies of rare earth yttrium have ‘stalled,’ industry ministry official says

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/rare-earth-supply-stall/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:24

The official described a "supply-demand crunch," with the Financial Times reporting that Tokyo is months away from running out of the critical metal.

Tesla’s spending on AI and robotics trails expectations, clouding outlook

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/22/companies/tesla-ai-robotics-spending/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:23

Heavy spending is needed to help Tesla reorient operations around futuristic business lines, a shift seen as justifying a merger with SpaceX.

Strict rules at shelters deter victims of domestic violence in Japan

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/japan-domestic-violence-shelter-rule/

Published: October 22, 2026 02:04

One major obstacle is a rule barring women from bringing smartphones into shelters, a measure meant to keep abusers from tracking them down.

Wrong national anthems played three times at Asian Para Games

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/japan/japan-asian-para-games-wrong-anthems/

Published: October 22, 2026 01:58

In sitting volleyball, the South Korean national anthem was played instead of the Chinese anthem ahead of a women's match between China and Iran.

Philippines exploring deeper cooperation with Taiwan to protect cables

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/asia-pacific/philippines-taiwan-undersea-cables-china/

Published: October 22, 2026 01:30

The Philippines and Taiwan have repeatedly complained about Chinese activities designed to pressure the countries without direct confrontation.

Japan ends 60-year drought with a bronze medal at gymnastics world championships

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/22/more-sports/japan-artistic-gymnastics-bronze/

Published: October 22, 2026 00:43

China denied the United States women an eighth consecutive team title as Qiu Qiyuan secured a dramatic victory with the final routine.

‘Umamusume’ concert cancellation highlights visa hurdles for Japanese performers

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/22/entertainment-news/umamusume-visa-cancel/

Published: October 22, 2026 00:40

The canceled concerts underscore the visa challenges facing Japanese performers as demand for the country's pop culture grows overseas.

Japanese films at TIFF feature melodrama, monsters and more

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/10/22/film/tokyo-international-film-festival-tiff-preview/

Published: October 22, 2026 00:35

The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival will showcase Japanese cinema from golden age classics to indies by up-and-coming directors.

Shohei Ohtani will not need surgery during offseason and is expected to pitch in 2027

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/22/baseball/mlb/shohei-ohtani-surgery-pitching-return/

Published: October 22, 2026 00:20

Andrew Friedman, the team's president of baseball operations, said surgery was "not on the table" for Ohtani.

Government websites go dark after AI-discovered flaw sparks security scramble

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/government-websites-security-php-ai/

Published: October 22, 2026 00:17

Developers released urgent new fixes to vulnerabilities that had quietly been lurking in their software for years until they were uncovered using AI.

Putin releases hostage to U.S., drawing praise from Trump administration

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/putin-us-hostage-release/

Published: October 21, 2026 23:59

The Trump administration praised Putin as a "humanitarian," the latest move to curry favor with Russia amid talks over the war in Ukraine.

U.S. orders diplomats to depart Saudi Arabia amid Houthi strikes

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/22/world/us-diplomats-saudi-arabia-houthi/

Published: October 21, 2026 23:23

The attacks killed at least one person and injured eight others at a civilian airport and two people were killed in a drone attack on an oil field.

Tokyo and Osaka record latest-ever day above 30 Celsius

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/tokyo-osaka-weather/

Published: October 21, 2026 10:23

Warm, humid air from the south swept across Japan, particularly areas along the Pacific coast, sending temperatures unusually high for late October.

¥4 billion in lottery proceeds to go to quake-hit Kumamoto

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/kumamoto-lottery-proceeds/

Published: October 21, 2026 10:05

The money will be used for reconstruction projects in areas damaged by the powerful July 28 temblor.

Japan tourist spending rises despite drop in visitor arrivals

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/foreign-visitors-spending/

Published: October 21, 2026 09:27

The news comes as Japan approaches the one-year mark since Chinese authorities began issuing advisories urging citizens to avoid travel to Japan.

Newly appointed farm minister apologizes over donation scandal

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/politics/new-farm-minister-scandal/

Published: October 21, 2026 08:45

Arata Takebe, who only took office last week, has found himself at the center of a scandal over a political donation he received in 2014.

Japan braces for 30th named storm this year as Typhoon Champi heads for Okinawa

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/typhoon-champi-okinawa/

Published: October 21, 2026 08:06

The Japan Meteorological Agency says there will be high wind speeds of up to 216 kilometers per hour, as the super typhoon tracks toward Japan.

Education ministry calls for University of Tokyo to review president selection

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/society/university-of-tokyo-president/

Published: October 21, 2026 07:52

It is the first time the government has requested a review of how a university selected its president.

One year on, LDP-JIP partnership still has some holes to fill

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/politics/ldp-jip-coalition-one-year/

Published: October 21, 2026 07:42

With deeper bonds between rank-and-file members of both parties lacking, the coalition is still more of a tie-up between the leaders.

Baku championships showcase rising standards in global sumo

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/10/21/sumo/sumo-world-championships-baku/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:47

The technical level of international amateur sumo is rising, with fewer mismatches and more competitive countries at the World Championships.

BOJ likely to keep hiking rates every quarter, ex-official says

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/10/21/economy/boj-rate-hike-three-months/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:45

The Bank of Japan is widely expected to hold rates steady at its next policy meeting on Oct. 30.

Japan demands access to journalist detained in Russia as spy row persists

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/politics/russia-japan-journalist-access/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:13

A senior Japanese official met with his Russian counterpart, urging the "immediate release" of a Hokkaido Shimbun reporter.

Nutritional quality of diets poorest among young people in Japan, survey finds

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/japan/diets-quality-young-people/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:08

The research group that conducted the survey said developing good dietary habits early in life and maintaining them can lead to long-term health.

Seventh Satoyama Practitioners Networking Event in Uchiko, Ehime

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/press/2026/10/21/7th-satoyama-practitioners-networking-event-in-uchiko-ehime/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:00

The Japan Times Cube Inc. will co-host the seventh Satoyama Practitioners Networking Event with the Ehime town of Uchiko on Nov. 14 and 15.

第7回 Satoyama実践者交流会を愛媛県内子町で開催

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/press/2026/10/21/7th-satoyama-practitioners-networking-event-in-uchiko-ehime-jp/

Published: October 21, 2026 06:00

株式会社ジャパンタイムズキューブ（代表取締役：末松弥奈子）は、愛媛県内子町と共催し、2026年11月14日（土）、15日（日）に「第7回 Satoyama実践者交流会」を開催します。

With leaders’ summit, ‘Quad’ hopes to breathe fresh life into grouping

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10/21/asia-pacific/politics/quad-leaders-meeting-rubio/

Published: October 21, 2026 05:40

U.S. President Donald Trump will join a meeting next month amid concerns that the four-nation grouping is withering on the vine.