The Latest Breaking News from Japan

How origami inspired 18-year-old Hikaru Kuribayashi to win a $100,000 prize over 1,700 students at a science fair

Inspired by the origami patterns he saw in nature, 18-year-old Hikaru Kuribayashi from Japan developed a groundbreaking simulation program that won him the $100,000 top prize at the 2026 Regeneron ISEF. His journey from childhood curiosity to beating more than 1,700 students worldwide is a story of innovation, perseverance and…

The Economic Times · Jul 29

GTA 6 Japanese PS5 Physical Box Copies Will Expire in 170 Days, Leaving Unused Discs Completely Worthless

Rockstar has confirmed that Japanese PS5 codes for GTA 6 will expire just 170 days after launch, effectively putting a shelf-life on unopened physical copies.

International Business Times UK · Jul 29

Family of missing French tourist demands Japan's national police take over case

A statue honouring Tiphaine Véron, the French tourist who vanished in Japan in 2018, was unveiled on Wednesday near the hotel where she was last seen. Eight years on and still without any solid leads, her family is now pushing for Japan's national police to take over the stalled investigation.

Radio France Internationale · Jul 29

After losing his savings in the Great Depression, Japanese immigrant George Masa kept hiking the Smokies with a homemade measuring wheel; his photographs helped build support for a national park

George Masa, a dedicated Japanese immigrant, played a vital role in preserving the Smoky Mountains through his detailed mapping and photography. His stunning images showcased the area's natural wonders, garnering support from influential advocates like John D. Rockefeller Jr. Even as he faced financial ruin during the Great Depression, Masa…

The Times of India · Jul 29

Japan Earthquake: Does Your Travel Insurance Cover Cancellations, Delays, and Emergencies?

A powerful earthquake in Japan has raised questions for travellers. Here's when travel insurance may cover cancelled holidays, delayed flights, medical emergencies, and evacuation costs.

International Business Times UK · Jul 29

A Japanese man stayed inside Fukushima's nuclear exclusion zone for a decade to save abandoned cats

Sakae Kato remained in Japan's Fukushima restricted zone after the 2011 disaster. He transformed his property into a shelter for abandoned cats left behind by evacuees. Kato faces harsh conditions, lacking running water and relying on bottled spring water. His home is deteriorating, yet he refuses to leave the mountains…

The Times of India · Jul 29

Often called Japan's Titanic, the 1954 sinking of Toya Maru claimed more than 1,500 lives and reshaped ferry safety

On the evening of 26 September 1954, the Japanese passenger ferry Toya Maru prepared to cross the Tsugaru Strait, the narrow but often treacherous stretch of water separating the islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Thousands of passengers relied on ferries to make the crossing long before the construction of the…

The Times of India · Jul 29

‘The shaking was terrifying’: stories of survival and loss emerge after Japan earthquake

Rescuers pulling people from the wreckage in southern Japan in a haunting repeat of disaster that struck 10 years ago

The Guardian - UK · Jul 29

'It Felt Like the Building Was Exploding': Survivors Describe Chaos After Japan Mall Collapse

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit southern Japan, causing a shopping mall to collapse and trapping dozens. Rescue operations are ongoing as emergency services search for survivors amidst widespread damage.

International Business Times UK · Jul 29

Japan’s horror master switches genre for new film now arriving in theaters

Tackling a samurai movie presented Kurosawa with new challenges, including the fundamental task of directing actors in a genre where, unlike modern dramas, there were no predefined parameters for line delivery

The Independent UK · Jul 29