The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games have officially begun with Qatar defeating Iran 59–35 in men’s basketball, nine days before the opening ceremony. The 20th edition of the Games runs until October 4, featuring more than 17,000 participants across 43 sports.

Asian Games events underway nine days prior to opening ceremony

Japan has strongly protested Russia’s unveiling of a 15-metre Soviet soldier monument in Khabarovsk, saying the statue’s imagery is deeply offensive. The monument depicts a Soviet soldier smashing a border marker bearing Japan’s imperial chrysanthemum crest and commemorates the Soviet victory over Japan in 1945. 

Japan’s protest over Russian soldier statue aggravates tensions

Japan has issued its highest Level 5 flood warning in parts of Aichi and Gifu as torrential rain causes severe flooding. Nagoya recorded a record 104.5 mm of rainfall in one hour, while flooded roads, underpasses and underground areas prompted residents to seek safer, higher locations.

Japan flood: Heavy rains raise flooding, Landslide threat

Japan is facing severe flooding after heavy rainfall, with a Level 5 emergency flood warning issued in affected areas. Water leaks have also been reported at a venue in Nagoya linked to the upcoming Asian Games, raising concerns over infrastructure and safety as authorities respond to the worsening weather conditions.

Japan floods: Level 5 flood warning issued, Water leaks reported at Nagoya Asian Games venue 

North Korea has issued a strong warning to Japan, threatening what it described as “enormous misfortune” amid rising tensions between the two countries. The warning adds to growing concerns over security in East Asia and the broader tensions involving North Korea, Japan and the region.

North Korea warns Japan of enormous misfortune

South Korea, Japan and the United States have joined forces in a fresh military drill aimed at strengthening deterrence against North Korean threats. The exercise highlights growing security cooperation among the three allies as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. With Pyongyang closely watching military activity in the region, what message are Seoul, Tokyo and Washington sending to North Korea?

S. Korea, Japan, U.S. Military drill to enhance deterrence to North Korean threats 

Japan is tightening immigration rules for foreign residents, raising concerns among businesses and workers as the country faces an urgent need to replenish its workforce.

Japan raises cost of permanent residency

Japan's first female PM is about to make her first big power move. Sanae Takaichi is expected to reshuffle her Cabinet and the LDP's executive lineup as early as September 16 — her first shake-up since taking office last October, and likely her last chance to reset before facing an internal leadership race in 2027. The timing hinges on her political calendar: a tax reform package, the Okinawa governor's election on September 13, and a UN General Assembly trip.


Japan PM Takaichi expected to undertake cabinet reshuffle in next two weeks

For decades, Japan's postwar identity was defined by pacifism. But growing security challenges in East Asia are driving a dramatic military transformation. Tokyo is investing heavily in drones, advanced missiles, artificial intelligence, and next-generation defense systems as it seeks to strengthen its deterrence capabilities. Supporters argue the shift is necessary in an increasingly volatile region, while critics warn it marks a significant departure from Japan's postwar principles.


Drone 40 loitering munition - Japan’s new precision weapon 

Japan’s demographic crisis is reaching critical levels as official government data reveals that nearly one in every four men and one in seven women remain unmarried by age 50. According to a landmark report from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, the proportion of never-married 50-year-olds hit a record high. Experts attribute the surging trend to declining social pressure and widespread financial insecurity, driven by an increase in non-permanent, unstable jobs. With marriage rates plummeting, Japan faces severe challenges as its fertility rate drops further, threatening future economic productivity and straining national healthcare systems.

Japan’s birthrate crisis deepens: 1 in 4 Japanese men unmarried at 50 

Russia has warned Japan over the deployment of U.S. Typhon missile systems, calling the move unacceptable and a threat to Russian security. Moscow is demanding that Japan return to its pacifist policy as the U.S. and Japan prepare for joint military exercises involving the long-range system.

Russia sees red over deployment of Typhon missile system

China has hit out at Japan’s latest defence white paper and military expansion, accusing Tokyo of reviving neo-militarism and moving away from its pacifist constitution. Beijing’s criticism comes as Japan strengthens its defence capabilities amid growing security tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

Beijing flags Japan's growing military ambitions

Discover the transformative power of 'Hara Hachi Bu'—the ancient Confucian and traditional Japanese mindful eating practice that has helped Okinawan populations maintain longevity, vitality, and a healthy relationship with food for centuries. In this video, we explore the science and philosophy behind stopping when you are 80% full, how slowing down your pace resets your natural hunger cues, and simple, actionable steps to bring mindful eating into your daily routine. Say goodbye to mindless snacking and overeating, and learn how a simple shift in awareness can completely transform your health and well-being.

A traditional Japanese mindful eating practice | The return to mindful eating

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal appeared to take a veiled swipe at China while pitching India as a trusted investment destination in Japan. Without naming China, Goyal said successful entrepreneurs in India do not have to worry about "disappearing one day" and reappearing elsewhere, remarks widely seen as a reference to Alibaba founder Jack Ma. The minister urged Japanese firms to expand investments in India, highlighting policy stability, entrepreneurship and economic opportunities.

Piyush Goyal's Jack Ma jibe? Minister takes veiled swipe at China in Japan

Rumors of ghosts haunting official political residences often make headlines, but Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi had a far more grounded—and creepy—surprise waiting for her. In this video, we explore the humorous and bizarre reality behind tales of haunted historic state residences, where pests like cockroaches replaced supernatural spirits. Watch to discover the amusing behind-the-scenes stories of official housing and political lore in Japan.

Takaichi shares candid post on life at prime minister's office 

Around 1800 people in northern Japan came together to move a 396-ton castle damaged in an earthquake. The enormous castle had to be moved back to its original position after the repair work was completed. They used a technique known as hikiya to move Hirosaki Castle a little more than two metres closer to its original place.&nbsp;“We had about 8,000 applications for the 1,800 slots over the last two days, roughly four times oversubscribed, so not everyone could participate,” said Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the parks and green spaces division at Hirosaki City. &nbsp;“Not only from the city, but from across Japan and overseas; a fair number from south-east Asia and from Europe and North America.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-removes-syria-state-sponsors-terrorism-list-impact-1787660021250">US removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism list: What it means for Damascus</a><h2>How did 1800 Japanese move the castle?</h2>To preserve the historic structure, they used the “hikiya” technique, where the buildings are put on rollers and moved rather than dismantled. The “building-relocation method had existed in Japan since ancient times.” The castle was first moved in 2015, roughly 78 metres away from its edge to allow workers to safely rebuild it. That was the first use of citizen-driven Hikiya. The rebuilding was completed in 2024 with all 2,185 stones restacked in their original positions.&nbsp;After the task was completed, officials once again requested volunteers to pull the keep back to its original position. Rotating teams of 80 people heaved on 30-metre ropes as they chanted “so-re, so-re” as the keep on Armori Prefecture edged closer to its destination.Pulling the keep will continue until the end of August, with about 4,100 people scheduled to move it a total of 5m. It is a rare display of symbolic community effort for an important cultural property. The remaining 73m will be carried out using machinery by the end of the year.The keep at Hirosaki Castle is one of 12 such structures left in Japan. It was the seat of the Tsugaru clan; the castle was completed in 1611, but it was burned down in 1627 following a lightning strike that set fire to a gunpowder store. It was rebuilt in 1810 and is a major tourist attraction, drawing roughly 2 million visitors each year during cherry blossom season.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E5%BC%98%E5%89%8D%E5%9F%8E?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#弘前城</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E5%A4%A9%E5%AE%88%E6%9B%B3%E6%88%BB%E3%81%97?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#天守曳戻し</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#イベント</a> 4日目！ 「そーれ！」の掛け声で参加者が一斉に綱を引っ張り、力を合わせて天守を移動させる曳戻し。 この4日間で天守が318ｃｍ移動しました！<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E5%BC%98%E5%89%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#弘前</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%E3%81%B2%E3%82%8D%E3%81%95%E3%81%8D?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ひろさき</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/hirosakicastle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hirosakicastle</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/hirosakipark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hirosakipark</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/aomori?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aomori</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/tohoku?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tohoku</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/visitjapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#visitjapan</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/japantrip?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#japantrip</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/japantravle?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#japantravle</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/hirosaki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hirosaki</a> <a href="https://t.co/631i4r1ZwA">pic.twitter.com/631i4r1ZwA</a>&mdash; 弘前市シティプロモーション (@hirosaki_promo) <a href="https://x.com/hirosaki_promo/status/2092233586388967825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Around 1,800 people in Japan helped move the 396-ton Hirosaki Castle using the traditional hikiya technique as restoration work nears completion.

Around 1800 people in northern Japan came together to move a 396-ton castle damaged in an earthquake. The enormous castle had to be moved back to its original position after the repair work was completed. They used a technique known as hikiya to move Hirosaki Castle a little more than two metres closer to its original place. “We had about 8,000 applications for the 1,800 slots over the last two days, roughly four times oversubscribed, so not everyone could participate,” said Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the parks and green spaces division at Hirosaki City. “Not only from the city, but from across Japan and overseas; a fair number from south-east Asia and from Europe and North America.” Also Read: US removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism list: What it means for Damascus How did 1800 Japanese move the castle? To preserve the historic structure, they used the “hikiya” technique, where the buildings are put on rollers and moved rather than dismantled. The “building-relocation method had existed in Japan since ancient times.” The castle was first moved in 2015, roughly 78 metres away from its edge to allow workers to safely rebuild it. That was the first use of citizen-driven Hikiya. The rebuilding was completed in 2024 with all 2,185 stones restacked in their original positions. After the task was completed, officials once again requested volunteers to pull the keep back to its original position. Rotating teams of 80 people heaved on 30-metre ropes as they chanted “so-re, so-re” as the keep on Armori Prefecture edged closer to its destination. Pulling the keep will continue until the end of August, with about 4,100 people scheduled to move it a total of 5m. It is a rare display of symbolic community effort for an important cultural property. The remaining 73m will be carried out using machinery by the end of the year. The keep at Hirosaki Castle is one of 12 such structures left in Japan. It was the seat of the Tsugaru clan; the castle was completed in 1611, but it was burned down in 1627 following a lightning strike that set fire to a gunpowder store. It was rebuilt in 1810 and is a major tourist attraction, drawing roughly 2 million visitors each year during cherry blossom season.

Around 1,800 people in Japan helped move the 396-ton Hirosaki Castle using the traditional hikiya technique as restoration work nears completion.

1,800 people move 396-ton Hirosaki Castle in Japan using ancient hikiya technique

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took a veiled dig at China while pitching India to Japanese investors in Tokyo saying that they don't have to worry about disappearing after becoming successfull businessman in India and reappearing as a professor in a university in Japan, referring to Jack Ma founder of China's online marketplace Alibaba as an example who joined Tokyo College, University of Tokyo as visiting professor from May 1, 2023. Goyal was on a four-day official visit to Japan from August 24 to 27, 2026, leading a 200-member Indian business delegation seeking to deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries."Entrepreneurship is celebrated in India. You don't have to worry that if you make money in India, if you are a successful businessman, you may disappear one day and end up coming out as a professor in a Japanese University. That risk doesn't happen in India," said Goyal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-melania-viral-clip-lip-reader-frustrated-exchange-freedom-250-grand-prix-1787592703411">'I can't take any more':Trump and Melania arguing over Natalie Harp at 250 Grand Prix?</a><h2>Was Goyal referring to China?</h2>While Goyal explicitly did not mention China, the reference was clearly towards China. Jack Ma, billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, had withdrawn from public life after criticising China's financial sector in 2020. Western media had framed him as the poster boy of China's tech industry. He publicly said state-owned banks had a “pawn shop” mentality. His public appearances decreased, though he appeared once publicly in January 2021 via a tightly stage-managed video address to rural teachers. He then gave up control of the Ant group in 2023, reducing his voting rights from 50 per cent to 6 per cent. He was then seen working as a visiting professor at Tokyo University in Japan. He was last seen publicly in February 2025 at a major government and tech sector meeting in China, where he shook hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;Goyal was trying to suggest that India's neo-liberal free-market economic structure celebrates entrepreneurship and deregulation of the market. Eventhough crackdown on Jack Ma was anti-democratic, supporters of the crackdown suggest that Ant Group was operating and providing loans outside the traditional banking system, without massive cash reserves, and so a few defaulters would have had a ripple effect on the Chinese economy. They also suggest that the monopoly of Alipay was making it troublesome for competitors to survive.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal appeared to take a veiled dig at China while pitching India to Japanese investors, referencing Jack Ma's move to Tokyo University.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took a veiled dig at China while pitching India to Japanese investors in Tokyo saying that they don't have to worry about disappearing after becoming successfull businessman in India and reappearing as a professor in a university in Japan, referring to Jack Ma founder of China's online marketplace Alibaba as an example who joined Tokyo College, University of Tokyo as visiting professor from May 1, 2023. Goyal was on a four-day official visit to Japan from August 24 to 27, 2026, leading a 200-member Indian business delegation seeking to deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries. "Entrepreneurship is celebrated in India. You don't have to worry that if you make money in India, if you are a successful businessman, you may disappear one day and end up coming out as a professor in a Japanese University. That risk doesn't happen in India," said Goyal. Also Read: 'I can't take any more':Trump and Melania arguing over Natalie Harp at 250 Grand Prix? Was Goyal referring to China? While Goyal explicitly did not mention China, the reference was clearly towards China. Jack Ma, billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, had withdrawn from public life after criticising China's financial sector in 2020. Western media had framed him as the poster boy of China's tech industry. He publicly said state-owned banks had a “pawn shop” mentality. His public appearances decreased, though he appeared once publicly in January 2021 via a tightly stage-managed video address to rural teachers. He then gave up control of the Ant group in 2023, reducing his voting rights from 50 per cent to 6 per cent. He was then seen working as a visiting professor at Tokyo University in Japan. He was last seen publicly in February 2025 at a major government and tech sector meeting in China, where he shook hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Goyal was trying to suggest that India's neo-liberal free-market economic structure celebrates entrepreneurship and deregulation of the market. Eventhough crackdown on Jack Ma was anti-democratic, supporters of the crackdown suggest that Ant Group was operating and providing loans outside the traditional banking system, without massive cash reserves, and so a few defaulters would have had a ripple effect on the Chinese economy. They also suggest that the monopoly of Alipay was making it troublesome for competitors to survive.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal appeared to take a veiled dig at China while pitching India to Japanese investors, referencing Jack Ma's move to Tokyo University.

Piyush Goyal takes veiled dig at China, invokes Jack Ma while pitching India to Japanese investors

Rumors of ghosts haunting official political residences often make headlines, but Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi had a far more grounded—and creepy—surprise waiting for her. In this video, we explore the humorous and bizarre reality behind tales of haunted historic state residences, where pests like cockroaches replaced supernatural spirits. Watch to discover the amusing behind-the-scenes stories of official housing and political lore in Japan.


Haunted residence? Takaichi saw no ghosts, only cockroaches

Japan is accelerating plans for a backup capital as concerns grow over the risks of concentrating political and economic functions in Tokyo. Osaka is emerging as the frontrunner, with its government pushing to make the city a secondary capital capable of supporting national functions if Tokyo is crippled by a major disaster. Japan's government has warned that a Tokyo-area earthquake could cause devastating human and economic losses. The debate is also aimed at reducing Tokyo-centric concentration and strengthening national resilience.


Why Japan wants Osaka as a backup capital to Tokyo 

Japan has approved a new code of conduct aimed at strengthening copyright protection in the age of artificial intelligence. The guidelines encourage AI companies to be more transparent about the data used to train their models and to take steps to prevent the use of pirated or illegally obtained content. The framework follows a "comply or explain" approach, meaning firms are expected to follow the code or publicly explain why they do not.


Japan approves code for AI copyright protection

Japan's Nuclear Potential: Tensions have flared following statements from Chinese officials alleging that Japan currently possesses enough separated plutonium to produce approximately 5,500 nuclear warheads.


China: Japan has plutonium for 5,500 nukes; Japan's nuclear potential in spotlight

China has issued a chilling warning over Japan's nuclear potential, pointing to Tokyo's huge stockpile of separated plutonium. Japan held about 44.4 tonnes of separated plutonium at the end of 2025, according to Japanese figures. Beijing says the stockpile gives Japan the technical ability for a rapid nuclear breakout. But Japan remains a non-nuclear-weapon state under the NPT and says its plutonium is for peaceful civilian use.


China says Japan has plutonium for 5,500 nukes

India and Japan have signed key agreements to deepen defence and maritime security cooperation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signed MoAs aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties, while both sides are also exploring joint development of naval ships. The agreements come as New Delhi and Tokyo seek closer strategic cooperation amid growing security challenges across the Indo-Pacific.


India-Japan ties: Rajnath Singh, Shinjiro Koizumi sign MoAs to boost defence ties 

China sounds nuclear alarm over Japan's 44-tonne plutonium stockpile

India-Japan deepen defence ties with maritime security and shipbuilding pact 

The United States has imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan, escalating Washington’s campaign against the Hague-based court. The move has drawn criticism from Tokyo, which called the sanctions “very unfortunate.” With Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government strongly backing the ICC and the rule of law, questions are emerging over whether the dispute could create friction in otherwise close U.S.-Japan relations.


Will US sanctions on Japan's ICC president hurt relations with Takaichi? 

Russia and Japan are once again at odds after Vladimir Putin visited the disputed Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories. Tokyo swiftly renewed its territorial claim and lodged a protest, while Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi criticised the visit. The islands have remained a major point of contention since the Soviet Union seized them at the end of World War II, preventing the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.

Russia-Japan spar over disputed islands, Japan envoy summoned

Kuril Island row: Putin's Kuril visit fuels Russia-Japan tensions

Kuril Island's row: Putin's Kuril visit fuels Russia-Japan tensions

Japan is seeing strong tourism growth as visitors from Asia, the US, Europe and South Korea help make up for shifts in travel patterns. The surge highlights Japan’s continued appeal as a major global tourism destination and provides a boost to its travel and hospitality sectors.

Japan makes up for lost tourism from Asia, US, Europe & Korea

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also visited the controversial shrine, which honours wartime Japanese leaders, including convicted war criminals. Such visits have previously drawn strong criticism from China and South Korea.

Japan marks 81 years since World War II surrender 

japan

Japan, News on Japan, stories on Japan, articles on Japan, Japan stories at Wion, Japan news, Japan latest news