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Shibuya begins handing out ¥2,000 fines for littering

Patrol officers will now monitor the ward and collect the fine on the spot from anyone caught throwing away trash improperly, with cashless payments accepted.

The Mainichi News Quiz: What's the name of Kumamoto Prefecture's promotional mascot?

How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for June 2 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What is the name of the

News in Easy English: Director of 'baby hatch' hospital asks for more understanding

KUMAMOTO -- The director of a hospital here with a "baby hatch" said people should know more about the hard lives of women who leave babies there.Read

Upsets continue at French Open as Iga Swiatek bows out in fourth round

Swiatek has forged her reputation as the "Queen of Clay" but has now gone two years without winning a title on the surface.

Japan Photo Journal: Production of 'mizu-uchiwa' fans with cooling look in full swing

"Mizu-uchiwa" fans are being made at Furukawashiko Co. in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, May 22, 2026. Production is now at its peak ahead of the height of su

U.S. and Japan defense chiefs agree to accelerate missile coproduction

A key focus of the meeting was a Japanese proposal known as "Operation Supercharge," designed to accelerate joint development and mass production of advanced missile systems.

Trump roils waters on 'Taiwan independence': 4 things to know

In Southern California Chinese enclave, a mayor's arrest stokes fears of Beijing's influence

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- In 2024, voters in the Southern California city of Arcadia elected the first all-Asian city council in the city's history.Now, one

Fifth high school boy arrested in Tochigi robbery-murder case

The 18-year-old student allegedly used a communication app to introduce the boy, 16, to another, despite knowing he would be used to help carry out the crime.

Japan to set special aid category for community-based startups

The internal affairs ministry aims to promote what is known as AI transformation, in which companies reform themselves by placing AI at the center.

Japan's sticker-swapping craze returns, has parents combing shops for most popular items

TOKYO -- Sticker swapping, a playground craze among children in the 2000s, has returned as a new boom known as "shiru-katsu." Some parents are now mak

The Mainichi News Quiz: What Japanese language stat hit a new high in academic 2025?

How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for May 30 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What figure related to J

Overestimation, slow response behind rice crisis in Japan: gov't

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's government on Friday acknowledged that its overestimation of rice supplies and delayed response in grasping the situation and

Think it's hot now? The next five years will smash records, UN says

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In the next five years, the Earth is overwhelmingly likely to surge again and again past the international climate threshold set as

Girl group Hana channels positivity into every performance

Before joining Hana, the group's members were told "no" by the entertainment industry. Now they're part of one of Japan's most talked-about new acts.

The Mainichi News Quiz: Which green is now an 'indispensable vegetable' in Japan?

How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for May 28 to test your news knowledge. Ready?Which vegetable was adde

’Geek’ hangout to tourist draw: Japan’s maid cafes

Once niche "otaku" spaces, Japan's maid cafes now attract tourists, couples and families seeking playful escapist entertainment.

Samsung semiconductor workers' $400,000 bonus deal: 4 things to know

Japan's biggest intelligence reform since WWII: 5 things to know

China drops hammer on cross-border stock trading: 5 things to know