The Latest Breaking News from Japan

If You're Going to Buy a Helmet In Case of Bear Attacks, At Least Make It A Motorcycle Helmet

A rise in bear attacks in Japan has led one company to start offering helmets to would-be victims made from a plastic shield and a bicycle helmet. That isn't enough, and isn't likely to help, so at least buy a motorcycle helmet.

RideApart · Jul 30

Japan’s matcha faces hotter nights and erratic springs, but scientists say DNA tools could help protect its flavour and yield

As climate change poses significant challenges to Japan's treasured matcha, scientists are stepping in with a groundbreaking solution. By utilizing DNA analysis, they're identifying key genes that enhance both resilience and flavor. This swift genomic approach will aid in developing new tea strains, safeguarding matcha's exceptional characteristics for the future…

The Times of India · Jul 30

The Pokemon Company and Sony donate almost $1 million in total towards relief and restoration efforts for areas affected by Japan's Kumamoto earthquake

Sony has pledged at least 50 million yen, while Pokemon has donated 100 million yen

GamesRadar · Jul 30

Global Market: BOJ may shift to inflation-fighting mode by December, says former official Watanabe

The Bank of Japan could switch to an aggressive inflation-fighting stance as early as December 2026, accelerating interest rate hikes to quarterly intervals, according to former BOJ official Tsutomu Watanabe. Rising underlying inflation and wage growth may force the central bank to abandon its current policy tolerance.

The Economic Times · Jul 30

Japan develops heat-beating cooling booths

As extreme summer temperatures become an increasingly serious public health concern, Japanese manufacturers have introduced a portable cooling booth designed to help people recover quickly from dangerous heat exposure.

Bangkok Post · Jul 30

Death toll from Japan's earthquake rises to 30 as vital 72-hour window for rescues enters critical phase

Rescue efforts are continuing as time runs down on the critical three-day window for rescues following the quake. Officials have not detailed how many people were reported missing but local media say dozens remain unaccounted for.

Euronews · Jul 30

Two days after powerful earthquake in Japan, thousands remain without power, water; 30 dead

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck southwestern Japan earlier this week has risen to 30.

The Times of India · Jul 30

Death toll in Japan earthquake rises to 30 as aftershock and heat hamper rescue efforts

Soldiers and emergency teams search damaged shopping centre, paper mill and homes for survivors

The Guardian - UK · Jul 30

Hope dwindles for rescue in southwestern Japan quake as death toll climbs to 23

The Kumamoto prefectural government says the powerful earthquake that hit southwestern Japan earlier this week has now killed at least 23 people

The Independent UK · Jul 30

Up to 23 feared dead in Japan quake

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Up to 23 people were feared dead on Thursday after a major earthquake in Japan, with four bodies now pulled out from the tangled wreckage of a shopping mall ripped apart by a suspected massive gas explosion.

Bangkok Post · Jul 30