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Teacher dried laundry in room where Tokyo school fire likely started

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/058000c

Published: June 24, 2026 23:28

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A teacher in her 40s told investigators she had used air circulators to dry laundry in the room where a fire is believed to have star

Heavy rain lashes Japan's Kyushu, weather agency warns of disasters

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/047000c

Published: June 24, 2026 19:44

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Heavy rain lashed Japan's southwestern main island of Kyushu on Wednesday, with the country's weather agency warning of a high risk o

Tokyo stocks down on position adjustments, tech losses

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/040000c

Published: June 24, 2026 18:08

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday on position adjustments with selling of heavyweight technology shares following recent sharp rises, while

SoftBank's Son aims to be No.1 in ASI, no plans to retire

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/042000c

Published: June 24, 2026 17:37

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said Wednesday the company aims to become the world's best in the emerging era of artif

Japan lodges protest over Chinese drilling rig anchoring in East China Sea

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/037000c

Published: June 24, 2026 17:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has protested China's anchoring of a mobile offshore drilling unit in the East China Sea, the government said Wednesday, in the

Japan's antitrust watchdog faces backlash over AI-style artwork in anime industry flyer

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0bu/024000c

Published: June 24, 2026 17:14

TOKYO -- Japan's antitrust watchdog has been baffled by unexpected criticism over a promotional flyer that appeared to use artificial intelligence (AI

Draft of Japan's key policy outline calls for studying establishing state-run arsenals

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/022000c

Published: June 24, 2026 17:01

TOKYO -- A draft outline of the Japanese government's "basic policy" on economic and fiscal management, to be formulated in July, was revealed June 23

Some BOJ policymakers called for continued rate hikes in June meeting

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/032000c

Published: June 24, 2026 16:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Some Bank of Japan policymakers called for continued rate hikes at their meeting earlier this month, with one member suggesting doing

Easy Japanese news in translation: 2 Tsushima leopard cat babies rescued in Nagasaki Pref.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0li/015000c

Published: June 24, 2026 16:00

Two Tsushima leopard cat kittens have been rescued along a national road in the city of Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture. According to the Ministry of th

China drives Japan's 2025 visa issuance to 2nd-highest on record

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/022000c

Published: June 24, 2026 15:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan issued the second-highest number of visas on record in 2025 amid strong travel demand from China, the Foreign Ministry said Tue

Married man ordered to pay 4.7 million yen for deceiving Tokyo woman into relationship

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/018000c

Published: June 24, 2026 15:26

TOKYO -- A court in the Japanese capital ordered a man to pay approximately 4.7 million yen (roughly $29,100) in damages to a woman who became pregnan

Editorial: Preparing for Tokyo's next major quake is everyone's responsibility

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0op/016000c

Published: June 24, 2026 15:20

A massive earthquake could strike in Japan at any time. We need to strengthen our preparedness while maintaining a balance among self-help, mutual sup

N. Korea commissions new destroyer, plans to build 2 warships every year

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0in/039000c

Published: June 24, 2026 15:00

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea has commissioned a new 5,000-ton destroyer, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for the annual building of two large warshi

Football: Tanaka wary of Sweden threat as Kubo stays sidelined

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0sp/020000c

Published: June 24, 2026 14:38

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Kyodo) -- Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka on Tuesday warned his teammates to be wary of their upcoming World Cup opponents Sweden, as

Kyoto Pref., Luup roll out GPS-based e-scooter shutdown zone along Kamo River

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/014000c

Published: June 24, 2026 14:33

KYOTO -- Electric scooters operated by Luup Inc. will now automatically stop if riders attempt to enter the riverside along the Kamo River under a fir

Crowdfunding brings 100 mil. yen to cash-strapped Japan main opposition

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/018000c

Published: June 24, 2026 14:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The cash-strapped Centrist Reform Alliance, Japan's main opposition party, has raised over 100 million yen ($620,000) about one month

Memorial service for WWII 'Himeyuri' student nurses held in Okinawa

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/012000c

Published: June 24, 2026 13:52

ITOMAN, Okinawa -- A memorial service was held here on June 23 for the 136 teenaged girls and teachers in the Himeyuri Student Corps killed during Wor

Emperor Naruhito voices hope for lasting Japan-Belgium friendship

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/035000c

Published: June 24, 2026 13:30

BRUSSELS (Kyodo) -- Japan's Emperor Naruhito expressed hope for lasting friendship between Japan and Belgium at a banquet in Brussels on Tuesday hoste

Okinawa student reflects on great-grandmother's WWII wound in peace poem

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

Published: June 24, 2026 13:20

ITOMAN, Okinawa -- A 14-year-old student recited a poem at this year's Okinawa Memorial Day ceremony here on June 23, inspired by her late great-grand

Japan books that survived WWII in Belgian university library symbolize bilateral friendship

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0na/009000c

Published: June 24, 2026 13:13

LEUVEN, Belgium (Mainichi) -- Emperor Naruhito is set to visit the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) with Belgian King Philippe on June 24 and

Kitakyushu in western Japan launches its first English-language tourist map

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2a/00m/0li/002000c

Published: June 24, 2026 13:00

KITAKYUSHU -- The Kitakyushu Convention & Visitors Association and other organizations have published the city's first English-language tourist map ai

JAPAN BIZ: Bear deterrent products in high demand amid rising encounters

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/008000c

Published: June 24, 2026 12:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- With an increase in bear sightings and attacks in Japan, a variety of new bear protection and safety goods and equipment have hit the

Tokyo stocks fall in morning on tech losses after sharp rises

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/033000c

Published: June 24, 2026 12:27

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday morning on position adjustments with selling of heavyweight technology shares following recent sharp rise

2 Japanese detained in China in May on suspicion of smuggling: gov't

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/026000c

Published: June 24, 2026 11:39

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two Japanese nationals were detained in China in May on suspicion of violating a law on smuggling, Japan's top government spokesman s

Japan to fully digitalize airport customs declaration by 2030

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/006000c

Published: June 24, 2026 11:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese Finance Ministry said Tuesday it will digitalize all customs declarations at airports by 2030 to improve convenience for

Japan business group meets senior China official, hopes for better ties

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/016000c

Published: June 24, 2026 10:30

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Members of a Japanese business group said Tuesday they have met with a senior Chinese official and expressed hope for an improvemen

Japanese man suspected of senior role in 'Luffy' syndicate nabbed in Manila

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0in/014000c

Published: June 24, 2026 10:00

MANILA (Kyodo) -- Philippine authorities detained on Tuesday a Japanese man wanted by Tokyo authorities over thefts and who is also suspected of being

US and Iran dispute whether Tehran has agreed to nuclear inspections

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0in/024000c

Published: June 24, 2026 09:30

ISLAMABAD (AP) -- The U.S. and Iran were in dispute Tuesday over whether Tehran had agreed to allow U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites. As official

Japan, Ukraine sign action plan for cooperation in reconstruction

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0in/012000c

Published: June 24, 2026 09:00

KYIV (Kyodo) -- Japan and Ukraine on Tuesday signed an action plan to promote private-sector cooperation aimed at supporting the war-torn country's ec

Japan PM Takaichi heckled with anti-war slogans at Okinawa ceremony

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/010000c

Published: June 24, 2026 08:30

NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was heckled Tuesday with anti-war slogans during a ceremony in the southern island prefecture of

Japan weather agency warns of flooding from heavy rains in northern Kyushu

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0na/004000c

Published: June 24, 2026 08:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's weather agency is forecasting heavy rains Wednesday in the northern part of Kyushu, the country's southwestern main island, w

KDDI says up to 14 mil. addresses, passwords may have been leaked

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260624/p2g/00m/0bu/002000c

Published: June 24, 2026 07:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Telecommunications giant KDDI Corp. said Tuesday up to 14.22 million email addresses and passwords may have been leaked due to unauth

Dementia drug shows promise for long COVID symptoms, Japan-led study finds

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0li/018000c

Published: June 24, 2026 07:00

TOKYO -- A research team led by the Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine announced that it has identified part of the mechanism underlying fatigu

Nagasaki responds to school lunch waste backlash, cites 110,000 discarded meals elsewhere

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0na/008000c

Published: June 24, 2026 07:00

NAGASAKI -- The Nagasaki Municipal Government on June 22 submitted materials to the city assembly indicating that some 110,000 meals may have been dis

Japanese researchers exploring ways to explain 'totonou' sauna high

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0na/043000c

Published: June 24, 2026 07:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese verb "totonou" -- used to describe the euphoric sensation and mental clarity associated with sauna bathing -- has become

Haiku in English: June 24, 2026

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260528/p2g/00m/0su/066000c

Published: June 24, 2026 06:00

still in the nestthe chick that never flewthat never fell----Tony Williams (Scotland, UK)Selected by Dhugal J. Lindsay

Japan economy may tie 73-month postwar growth record in June

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/034000c

Published: June 23, 2026 19:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government is likely to retain its view that the economy is recovering moderately in its monthly assessment for June, a

Andy Burnham prepares for a UK Labour leadership contest that may be a coronation

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/041000c

Published: June 23, 2026 18:30

LONDON (AP) -- Andy Burnham, Britain's newest lawmaker and likely its next prime minister, was meeting Labour colleagues on Tuesday in preparation for

A red alert over France, and heat that may rewrite the record books

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/037000c

Published: June 23, 2026 18:00

PARIS (AP) -- Millions of people across France woke up drenched in sweat on Tuesday after another night of scorching heat, with most of the population

Taste the World Cup: Osaka shops launch Samurai Blue-themed menu

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0na/016000c

Published: June 23, 2026 17:34

OSAKA -- To cheer on Japan's national team competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted jointly by Canada, the United States and Mexico, restaurants in

Tokyo court fines ex-LDP lawmaker in 1st slush fund ruling for politician

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0na/027000c

Published: June 23, 2026 17:32

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Tokyo court on Tuesday found a former lawmaker of Japan's governing party and his then secretary guilty of false reporting under th

Japan Supreme Court upholds disbandment decision for Unification Church

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0na/039000c

Published: June 23, 2026 17:27

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Supreme Court has upheld a lower court order urging the controversial religious group Unification Church to disband.The court

Editorial: Okinawa's continuing burden cannot be ignored in the name of security

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0op/010000c

Published: June 23, 2026 17:22

June 23 is Okinawa Memorial Day, marking 81 years since organized fighting ended in the Battle of Okinawa close to the end of the Pacific War. As the

Nissan shareholders vote down outside director reappointment

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/025000c

Published: June 23, 2026 16:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co.'s proposal to reappoint an external board member was rejected by a majority of shareholders at its annual meeting on

Osaka Pref. school deems rugby choking incident serious under anti-bullying law

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0na/006000c

Published: June 23, 2026 16:29

HIRAKATA, Osaka -- Tokai University Osaka Gyosei High School said it classified a December 2025 case in which a rugby player briefly lost consciousnes

Tokyo stocks plunge, Nikkei ends below 70,000, on overheating concerns

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/032000c

Published: June 23, 2026 16:26

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks plunged Tuesday, with the Nikkei stock index ending below the 70,000 line after snapping an eight-day winning streak as

Citizenship rule for hiring in Japan's Mie Pref. not reinstated this summer

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0na/029000c

Published: June 23, 2026 16:00

TSU, Japan (Kyodo) -- A local government in central Japan said Tuesday it will continue to allow foreign nationals to sit for recruitment exams that w

In Photos: People mourn war victims on Okinawa Memorial Day

https://mainichi.jp/english/graphs/20260623/hpe/00m/0na/001000g

Published: June 23, 2026 15:59

Pentagon seeks $80 billion from Congress for Iran war

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/013000c

Published: June 23, 2026 15:30

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Pentagon has told senators it needs roughly $80 billion, mostly to cover the cost of the U.S. war against Iran, adding to what

2 schools in Japan's Kawasaki had students remove underwear, expose chests for checkups

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0na/004000c

Published: June 23, 2026 15:22

KAWASAKI -- Two municipal schools in this east Japan city have been requiring students to undergo health checkups bare from the waist up or without un

Football: Itakura, teammates not getting ahead of themselves as Sweden game looms

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0sp/023000c

Published: June 23, 2026 15:07

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Kyodo) -- Japan captain Ko Itakura appeared unconcerned Monday about who the Samurai Blue could face should they reach the World

Baseball: Ohtani belts leadoff homer as Dodgers edge Twins

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0sp/021000c

Published: June 23, 2026 13:30

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani led off with his 17th home run of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1

Okinawa marks 81 years since end of WWII ground battle amid defense buildup

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0na/019000c

Published: June 23, 2026 13:08

NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Okinawa on Tuesday marked 81 years since the end of a fierce World War II ground battle between Japan and the United States tha

A plan to sell artifacts from the Titanic faces US government opposition

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/009000c

Published: June 23, 2026 12:30

(AP) -- A plan to auction more than 100 artifacts salvaged from the wreckage of the Titanic -- including personal belongings, currency, kitchen items

Uniqlo operator's foundation launches scholarship program for Indonesian students

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2a/00m/0bu/002000c

Published: June 23, 2026 12:12

TOKYO -- Fast Retailing Foundation, established by Fast Retailing Co., the operator of global apparel giant Uniqlo, has launched a scholarship program

Japan gov't vows decisive action if needed on currency as agreed with US

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/017000c

Published: June 23, 2026 12:05

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government will take "decisive" action on currency when needed as agreed with the United States, Finance Minister Satsuk

The Mainichi News Quiz: What's that Japanese company turning into sweet treats using AI?

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260617/p2a/00m/0et/004000c

Published: June 23, 2026 12:00

How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for June 23 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What new service is a K

Goals are being scored at a record pace at the World Cup. The ball is one reason for the surge

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0sp/011000c

Published: June 23, 2026 11:45

GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) -- It's been goals galore so far at the World Cup.The tournament has been one of the highest-scoring in history so far and pr

News in Easy English: Centuries-old sacred tree falls at Kyoto shrine

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260617/p2a/00m/0na/026000c

Published: June 23, 2026 11:00

KYOTO -- A centuries-old sacred tree fell at Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, at about 10 a.m. on June 16, shrine

North Korean leader criticizes Japan as turning into 'war state'

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/015000c

Published: June 23, 2026 10:45

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized Japan as turning into a "war state," in a speech during a three-day meeting held through

Japan university eyes clinical trials for womb transplants

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0sc/004000c

Published: June 23, 2026 10:00

TOYOAKE, Japan (Kyodo) -- A medical university in Japan's Aichi Prefecture said Monday it will prepare to conduct clinical trials for womb transplants

Japan business groups visit Beijing expo featuring AI amid strained ties

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/002000c

Published: June 23, 2026 09:30

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Representatives from several Japanese business groups on Monday visited a Beijing expo featuring artificial intelligence, with some

Japan to provide $3.5 mil. in Ebola aid to Congo, Uganda

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/051000c

Published: June 23, 2026 09:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will provide $3.5 million in emergency grant aid to help contain Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ug

Vance says talks with Iranian officials set 'good foundation' for a deal to end the war

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0in/006000c

Published: June 23, 2026 08:45

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP) -- Vice President JD Vance on Monday said his lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland created a "good f

Gov't urged to probe unauthorized flow of prized citrus saplings to China

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0bu/047000c

Published: June 23, 2026 08:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A local government in western Japan on Monday asked the central government to probe how saplings of a prized citrus variety may have

Nissan CEO Espinosa receives $3.5 mil. remuneration

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260623/p2g/00m/0bu/005000c

Published: June 23, 2026 08:21

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Ivan Espinosa has received remuneration totaling 561 million yen ($3.5 million) for the business y

Japan PM Takaichi's official car upgraded to luxury Toyota Century SUV

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/045000c

Published: June 23, 2026 08:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's official car was upgraded Monday from the sedan to the sport utility vehicle version of Toyo

JR West to retire 500-series shinkansen, 'Doctor Yellow' in Jan. 2027

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0bu/043000c

Published: June 23, 2026 07:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- West Japan Railway Co. said Monday it will retire its 500-series shinkansen bullet trains, once among the world's fastest, from regul

Woman gets 27 years for murder of high school girl in Hokkaido

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/049000c

Published: June 23, 2026 07:15

ASAHIKAWA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Japanese court on Monday sentenced a 23-year-old woman to 27 years in prison for killing a high school girl by forcing h

Japan gov't plans return to Imperial military ranks for SDF, drawing criticism

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0op/007000c

Published: June 23, 2026 07:00

TOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) may soon see rank titles such as "rikusho" and "itto-rikusa" -- "general" and "colonel" -- changed to "tais

Japan volunteer car lending program set to mark 15 years since 2011 tsunami

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/020000c

Published: June 23, 2026 07:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- When Japan's March 2011 tsunami swept away tens of thousands of cars in Ishinomaki, many survivors later relocated to temporary housi

Haiku in English: June 23, 2026

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260528/p2g/00m/0su/065000c

Published: June 23, 2026 06:00

spring breezeevery time the door openslilac--Biswajit Mishra (Calgary, Canada)Selected by Dhugal J. Lindsay

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer quits

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/041000c

Published: June 22, 2026 20:30

LONDON (AP) -- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned on Monday, paving the way for Britain to have its seventh prime minister in just over a decad

High oil prices drive a surge in Chinese electric vehicle sales, but charging networks lag behind

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/039000c

Published: June 22, 2026 20:00

HONG KONG (AP) -- The war in Iran has helped reshape the global electric vehicle market, giving Chinese automakers an opening across the developing wo

Minamitori Island's ecosystem at risk from nuclear waste site survey: lab

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0sc/036000c

Published: June 22, 2026 19:30

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's easternmost island of Minamitori, which is currently being assessed as a potential disposal site for highly radioactive waste

Japan, Canada defense chiefs to hold talks Wed.

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/032000c

Published: June 22, 2026 19:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Monday he will hold talks with his Canadian counterpart David McGuinty later this week

Editorial: Japan has no need for flag desecration law fostering oppressive climate

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0op/023000c

Published: June 22, 2026 18:34

A bill to punish desecration of the Japanese national flag has been submitted to the Diet. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) drafted its framework an

Exploding power bank and air conditioner crunch: Our 5 most-read stories from last week

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/033000c

Published: June 22, 2026 18:00

We've listed our five most read stories on The Mainichi news site, from top to bottom, that were published between June 13 and 21. The first story was

PM Takaichi says smear video questions 'taking time' from official duties

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/030000c

Published: June 22, 2026 18:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that opposition questioning on allegations her office commissioned online smear videos of o

32% oppose Imperial Family adoption proposal; Japan Cabinet approval flat at 51%: poll

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0na/020000c

Published: June 22, 2026 17:52

TOKYO -- Thirty-two percent of respondents to a nationwide Mainichi Shimbun opinion poll conducted on June 20 and 21 opposed a proposal to "make male-

Football: Japan's 2nd World Cup match draws 30.2% viewership in Tokyo area

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0sp/026000c

Published: June 22, 2026 17:13

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Viewership for the terrestrial broadcast of Japan's second World Cup Group F match against Tunisia averaged 30.2 percent in the Kanto

Nikkei ends above 72,000, renews closing high for 6th day on tech shares

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0bu/037000c

Published: June 22, 2026 16:23

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended above 72,000 for the first time on Monday, renewing a closing record high for the sixth day on firm tech

Japanese man's 60 days in Cambodia ended in fraud, abandonment and arrest

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0na/018000c

Published: June 22, 2026 16:00

TOKYO -- Lured by social media posts and job advertisements promising "high income" and "same-day pay," a steady stream of people in Japan continue to

Easy Japanese news in translation: Four stork chicks get names in Tochigi Prefecture

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0li/003000c

Published: June 22, 2026 16:00

The names of four Oriental white stork chicks born this spring at the Watarase Yusuichi retarding basin in the city of Oyama, Tochigi Prefecture, have

Japan PM Takaichi vows to end consumption tax cut on food after 2 yrs

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/028000c

Published: June 22, 2026 16:00

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday promised to restore the consumption tax rate to its original 8 percent after a planned two-ye

Japan's imperial couple dine with Belgian royals at castle

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/024000c

Published: June 22, 2026 15:00

HOUYET, Belgium (Kyodo) -- Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako continued their official visit to Belgium on Sunday, dining with King Philippe

Bangladesh's only local beer survives in shadows of alcohol restrictions

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/016000c

Published: June 22, 2026 14:30

DHAKA (Kyodo) -- In a country where alcohol remains heavily restricted, a locally brewed beer has endured for years despite past opposition from Islam

Football: Japan avoid repeating 2022 mistake, find big support in Mexico

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0sp/022000c

Published: June 22, 2026 14:00

GUADALUPE, Mexico (Kyodo) -- With their record 4-0 demolition of Tunisia on Saturday, Japan avoided repeating their 2022 World Cup pitfall, but more s

What to know about the legacy of Brexit, which still divides Britain 10 years on

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/012000c

Published: June 22, 2026 13:30

LONDON (AP) -- Ten years ago, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that forges political identities to this day and th

Heatstroke death risk rises above 27.1 C, Univ. of Tokyo study shows

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0li/012000c

Published: June 22, 2026 13:17

TOKYO -- Researchers from the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo and the Tokyo Medical Examiner's Office announced findings on Jun

Yamashita wins Meijer LPGA Classic playoff after Woad lips out 3-footer in regulation

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0sp/008000c

Published: June 22, 2026 12:30

BELMONT, Mich. (AP) -- Miyu Yamashita got into a playoff Sunday in the Meijer LPGA Classic when Lottie Woad's 3-foot par try lipped out to close regul

Japan shipyard visit gives Myanmar students first look at heavy industry

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2a/00m/0na/010000c

Published: June 22, 2026 12:26

IMABARI, Ehime -- Thirty students from a junior college in this western Japan city, including 20 on an exchange program from Myanmar, visited the Imab

Japan to back disaster safety tech development, eyes 2 tril. overseas sales

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/002000c

Published: June 22, 2026 11:45

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government plans to support the development of disaster prevention technology, such as the remote operation of heavy mac

Senior member of major Asian crime group arrested in Japan

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0na/018000c

Published: June 22, 2026 11:05

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A senior member of a Cambodia-based Chinese-affiliated group sanctioned by the United States and Britain as one of Asia's largest cri

Tokyo stocks open higher on firm tech shares

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0bu/013000c

Published: June 22, 2026 10:20

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks opened higher Monday on firm technology shares, continuing to draw support after the Nikkei index ended at an all-time c

Starmer is on the precipice as pressure builds for the UK leader to resign

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/010000c

Published: June 22, 2026 10:00

LONDON (AP) -- U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a career-defining decision: step down or fight a possible challenge from Labour Party rival

N. Korea sports minister could make rare Japan visit for Asian Games

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/004000c

Published: June 22, 2026 09:00

SEOUL (Kyodo) -- North Korea's sports minister Kim Il Guk is listed as the head of its delegation to the Asian Games to be held in central Japan later

As Vance meets top Iranian officials in Switzerland, Trump threatens Tehran from afar

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260622/p2g/00m/0in/006000c

Published: June 22, 2026 08:00

OBBUERGEN, Switzerland (AP) -- High-level U.S.-Iran talks on their interim deal to end the war had a tense start Sunday in Switzerland as Tehran took

Crackdown on bicycle violations in Japan casts cloud over handlebar umbrella stands

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260617/p2a/00m/0na/037000c

Published: June 22, 2026 07:00

NAGOYA -- Umbrella stands that can be attached to bicycle handlebars have long been sold in Japan as a means for cyclists to ride in the rain or stron

Opinion: Japan's record-low births beg the question: Can anything turn things around?

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260618/p2a/00m/0op/028000c

Published: June 22, 2026 07:00

The number of babies born to Japanese nationals in 2025 fell to a record low of 671,236. The total fertility rate, the average number of children a wo