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Japan births, fertility rate at record lows in 2025

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of babies born in Japan to Japanese nationals in 2025 fell to a record low of 671,236, while the country's total fertility

Japan’s births hit new low, but drop less severe than previous years

The 2.2% decrease in the number of births recorded in Japan was a relatively modest drop compared to the year-on-year 5% decline seen over the past several years.

Cannabis use grows among young people in Japan, especially in Tokyo

Tokyo recorded the highest number of cannabis-related cases among all prefectures in 2025, with 1,139 people processed by the MPD.

Japan measles cases top 500, nearing 2019 level

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of measles cases reported in Japan this year has reached 511, approaching the 2019 total of 744, a national research insti

Mrs. Green Apple’s “Lilac” is the Year’s Biggest Hit in Japan

“Lilac” by Japanese band Mrs. Green Apple was Japan’s number one song by royalties in fiscal 2025, and the group had two other hits in the top 10.

Five things to look out for while getting lost in Takanawa

It's not easy to navigate the sprawling new redevelopment complex in what JR East calls the Greater Shinagawa Area, but here are a number of themes to help guide you.

Congo expands Ebola testing as outbreak’s real scale eludes officials

The number of confirmed cases in the country has climbed to 260 as global health organizations warn of the risk of further spread.

Foreign exchange students in Japan hit record high at over 400,000

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of foreign exchange students in Japan as of May 2025 hit a record high of 408,069, ahead of a government goal to reach the

Japan's late-night 'crying cafes' offer refuge for exhausted mothers

SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- A growing number of late-night cafes across Japan are opening their doors to mothers struggling with babies who will not stop cryin

China DRAM maker CXMT posts dizzying numbers as it aims for IPO

Survey of Young Japanese Shows Rising Profile of Self-Defense Forces

A survey of Japanese teenagers on national security found that a growing number saw the Self-Defense Forces as an important factor in preserving peace for the country.

Remains of 193 Japanese war dead added to National Cemetery

The addition brought the total number of people laid to rest at the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward to 371,167.

Bear Sightings and Attacks in Japan Jump to Record Highs

The number of Asian black bear sightings in Japan leapt from 20,000 in fiscal 2024 to 50,000 in fiscal 2025.

LDP calls for mandatory acquisition of My Number cards

There would be no penalty for noncompliance, according to the proposal compiled by the Liberal Democratic Party's Headquarters for the Promotion of a Digital Society.