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7 Aprile 2026

Digital Techs Revive “Yokai” at Tokyo Immersive Art Event

By Waka Ota Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–An immersive museum event in Tokyo is bringing “yokai” supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore to life, offering a fantastical experience for visitors to enjoy historical artworks through cutting-edge visual and 3D technologies. “Yokai Immersive Experience
7 Aprile 2026

Takaichi Cautious about Issuing Energy-Saving Request Soon

Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated Tuesday that she is cautious about issuing an energy-saving request soon, despite concerns that the country could face energy supply shortages if tensions in the Middle East continue. “I’m not ready to
7 Aprile 2026

Key 10-Year JGB Yield Hits 27-Year High of 2.430 Pct

Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–The yield on the most recent issue of 10-year Japanese government bonds, regarded as the country’s benchmark long-term interest rate, rose to 2.430 pct in Tokyo trading Tuesday, the highest level since February 1999. JGBs were sold on
7 Aprile 2026

Zensho Founder Kentaro Ogawa Dies at 77

Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–Kentaro Ogawa, founder and chairman of Zensho Holdings Co., a Japanese restaurant chain operator, died of myocardial infarction on Monday. He was at 77. Ogawa opened the first Sukiya “gyudon” beef-on-rice restaurant in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, south of
7 Aprile 2026

Japan Arranging Summit with Iran: PM Takaichi

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that the Japanese government is arranging summit talks with Iran in response to the worsening situation in the Middle East. “We are currently in the process of arranging” the summit, Takaichi said
7 Aprile 2026

Tokyo Olympic Karate Medal Returned to Ukrainian

Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–Stanislav Horuna, a Ukrainian winner of a Tokyo Olympic medal in karate, on Sunday received back his medal, auctioned off in 2022 and now returned to him by the successful bidder. In the Tokyo Games held in 2021,
7 Aprile 2026

Trump Raps Japan, Others for Not Helping U.S. in Iran Operations

Washington, April 6 (Jiji Press)–U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday criticized Japan, South Korea and Australia for failing to support U.S. military operations against Iran. At a press conference, Trump renewed his criticism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for its reluctance
7 Aprile 2026

Japan Opposition DPFP Sees Need to Change Strategy

Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese opposition Democratic Party for the People said Sunday that it sees the need to change its strategy after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s huge election victory in February. “It has become difficult to realize policies by
7 Aprile 2026

Calculator Remains Popular after 60 Years with New Models

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Despite the spread of computers and smartphones, the calculator remains popular in Japan and abroad more than 60 years after its launch, reflecting its convenience, while makers continue to create new types to keep up with trends and
7 Aprile 2026

Don Quijote’s Parent to Acquire Olympic

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp. said Monday the parent of leading Japanese discount store operator Don Quijote Co. will acquire midsize supermarket chain Olympic Group Corp. Olympic will become a wholly owned subsidiary of PPIH on July 1
7 Aprile 2026

Japan Power Chip Sector Undergoing Realignment

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese industry of power semiconductors, used in electric vehicles and other products, is undergoing realignment, with manufacturers seeking consolidation to compete with foreign rivals. Rohm Co., Toshiba Corp. and Mitsubishi Electric Corp. launched discussions on integrating their
7 Aprile 2026

142 Retrial Experts Blast Japan Govt Council Proposal

(4th para should have read “… evidence be …,” instead of as sent) Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s retrial and wrongful conviction experts released a joint statement Monday opposing a government council’s controversial proposal on retrial system reform. The proposal by the
7 Aprile 2026

142 Retrial Experts Blast Japan Govt Council Proposal

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Japanese retrial and wrongful conviction experts released a joint statement Monday opposing a government council’s controversial proposal on retrial system reform. The proposal by the Legislative Council, which advises the justice minister, is saddled with “serious problems,” the
7 Aprile 2026

Direct Fuel Sales to Medical Institutions Sought in Japan

Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s industry ministry has requested major oil wholesalers to sell fuel directly to medical institutions and public transportation operators affected by crude oil supply disruptions amid the worsening situation surrounding Iran. Designating hospitals and other institutions as critical
7 Aprile 2026

Japan’s Motegi Urges Iran to Ensure Safety of Ships

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Monday urged Iran to ensure safe navigation for all ships, including vessels related to Japan, in the Strait of Hormuz. He made the request in phone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas
7 Aprile 2026

LDP Proposes Tues. Committee Vote on FY 2026 Govt Budget

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Monday proposed that the Budget Committee of the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of the Diet, the country’s parliament, hold a vote on the government’s fiscal 2026 budget bill on Tuesday.
7 Aprile 2026

Japan’s Rice Prices Likely to Fall in Coming Months

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Many people in the Japanese rice industry expect prices for the staple food to fall over the next three months amid rising inventories, an industry group said Monday. The diffusion index for rice price outlooks stood at 27
7 Aprile 2026

Japan’s Emperor, His Family Visit Fukushima

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, visited Fukushima Prefecture on Monday to inspect the reconstruction efforts following the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and subsequent nuclear accident 15 years ago. This is the first time
7 Aprile 2026

DPFP Chief Seeks Talks on Economic Steps over Iran Crisis

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–The chief of Japan’s opposition Democratic Party for the People has suggested that he will urge Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to convene a meeting of party leaders to discuss economic measures that he believes should be formulated in
7 Aprile 2026

Emperor, His Family Visit Disaster Memorial in Fukushima

Tomioka, Fukushima Pref., April 7 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, on Tuesday visited a facility commemorating the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the subsequent nuclear accident, in Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture. The Historical Archive Museum of
7 Aprile 2026

Japanese Food Makers, Others to Jointly Enhance Cybersecurity

Tokyo, April 7 (Jiji Press)–Ten Japanese companies, including food makers and retailers, said Monday that they will jointly set up an organization to enhance cybersecurity. The organization will work on analysis and sharing of information about signs of and damage from cyberattacks,
7 Aprile 2026

Japan Govt Mulls Limits to Appeals against Retrial Orders

Tokyo, April 6 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is considering imposing limits on public prosecutors’ appeals against court decisions to open retrials, as part of a bill to revise the retrial system, it was learned Monday. The move comes after many members of
7 Aprile 2026

Taiwan opposition leader in China, first time in 10 years

(Adnkronos) – Cheng Li-wun, the leader of Taiwan’s main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), landed at Shanghai airport to begin a mission she herself called ”historic for peace” between Taipei and Beijing. This was reported by the Xinhua news agency, emphasizing that it
5 Aprile 2026

Japan PM Takaichi Expected to Visit Australia, Vietnam

Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to visit Australia during the Golden Week holiday period from late this month to meet with her counterpart, Anthony Albanese, sources said Sunday. She is also considering a trip to Vietnam,
5 Aprile 2026

Japan PM Takaichi Complains about Media Reports

Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday denied a reported naphtha supply shortage and her reported refusal to attend parliamentary deliberations, complaining about media reports not based on facts. In an X post, Takaichi said there was a
5 Aprile 2026

INTERVIEW: Japan Should Lead Efforts toward U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

(The sixth paragraph should have read, “To the Middle East,…,” instead of as sent. A substitute story follows.) INTERVIEW: Japan Should Lead Efforts toward U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Tokyo, April 5 (Jiji Press)–Japan should take a proactive role in realizing an early ceasefire over
4 Aprile 2026

2nd Japan-Linked Ship Crosses Strait of Hormuz

Tokyo, April 4 (Jiji Press)–A liquefied petroleum gas carrier affiliated with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. has become the second Japan-linked vessel that crossed the Strait of Hormuz under a de facto blockade, it was learned Saturday. The ship is the Indian-flagged LPG
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