Japan Prime Minister Takaichi’s approval rating has fallen to its lowest level, raising questions about public confidence, government policies, and the future political landscape in Japan. This report explores the reasons behind the decline, voter concerns, and what the latest poll numbers could mean for the Takaichi administration and Japan’s leadership.

Japan to slash sales tax on food: Tax cut to remain for two-year period 

Faced with plummeting approval ratings touching all-time lows, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signaled a major policy shift by giving the green light to potential tax cuts. As household budgets feel the severe pinch of persistent inflation and rising living costs, the administration is scrambling to appease voters and revive public confidence.


Japan PM Takaichi gives a nod to tax cuts as her approval falls to an all-time low

Japan's demographic crisis is becoming harder to ignore. The country's population has fallen by nearly 3 million people in just five years, while major cities such as Yokohama are recording historic population declines. Hiroshima is seeing young residents move to Tokyo in search of opportunities, leaving regional areas struggling to maintain growth. As birth rates fall and households become smaller, both nations are searching for answers to a rapidly changing demographic reality.

Japan's biggest population drop since 1968: A historic decline

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Japan's southern main island of Kyushu, heavily impacting Kumamoto prefecture and triggering emergency evacuations, structural collapses, and temporary tsunami warnings.


Japan earthquake: Magnitude 7.1 quake rattles southern Kyushu island

A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, toppling buildings, igniting fires and leaving dozens feared trapped in a shopping mall, with at least one person reported dead and more than 100 injured. Emergency crews raced to rescue survivors as aftershocks rattled the region.

Japan Quake: More than 60 aftershocks recorded, several reported missing

South Korea is turning to artificial intelligence to help prevent suicides on Seoul's Han River bridges. AI-powered surveillance cameras can detect unusual behavior, such as someone lingering in high-risk areas, entering restricted zones, or approaching emergency suicide-prevention phones. The system instantly alerts first responders, enabling faster intervention in a country that continues to grapple with one of the world's highest suicide rates.

South Korea & Japan turns to AI to prevent suicides

A powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan on Tuesday, toppling buildings, igniting fires and leaving dozens feared trapped in a shopping mall, with at least one person reported dead and more than 100 injured. Emergency crews raced to rescue survivors as aftershocks rattled the region.


Japan Earthquake: Epicenter recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers near Uki & Uto 

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 has struck Kumamoto prefecture on Japan's southern main island of Kyushu. The epicenter of the tremors was at a depth of 10 kilometers below the sea surface, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said.

Japan's prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has said injuries have been reported due the quake and a buildings has collapsed in the region.

Authorities have issued a tsunami warning, with waves of up to one meter (3.28 feet) expected. Residents in coastal areas have been urged to move to higher ground and follow official evacuation instructions.

Japan: 7.1 magnitude quake recorded in southern Japan; 40,000 houses left without electricity

There is an old saying, “Age is just a number,” and Japan’s football icon Kazuyoshi Miura has proved exactly that.&nbsp;&nbsp;At 59, the legendary striker found the net for the first time in nearly four years, helping Fukushima United cruise to a 7-0 victory in an Emperor’s Cup qualifier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, the man fans know as “King Kazu” raced into the box, beat two defenders to the ball, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute.&nbsp;&nbsp;The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.&nbsp;&nbsp;He later said the finish came from being in the right place at the right time, adding that he wanted to justify the faith shown by his coach and teammates.&nbsp;&nbsp;From making his professional debut in Brazil in 1986 to playing in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal, the Japanese forward has inspired generations.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also played a key role in popularising professional football in Japan after the J-League’s launch in 1993.&nbsp;&nbsp;His latest goal sends a powerful message: when passion and ambition refuse to retire, age truly becomes just a number.

Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, Kazuyoshi Miura, known as “King Kazu”, raced into the box, beat two defenders, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.

There is an old saying, “Age is just a number,” and Japan’s football icon Kazuyoshi Miura has proved exactly that. At 59, the legendary striker found the net for the first time in nearly four years, helping Fukushima United cruise to a 7-0 victory in an Emperor’s Cup qualifier. Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, the man fans know as “King Kazu” raced into the box, beat two defenders to the ball, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades. He later said the finish came from being in the right place at the right time, adding that he wanted to justify the faith shown by his coach and teammates. From making his professional debut in Brazil in 1986 to playing in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal, the Japanese forward has inspired generations. He also played a key role in popularising professional football in Japan after the J-League’s launch in 1993. His latest goal sends a powerful message: when passion and ambition refuse to retire, age truly becomes just a number.

Playing in an incredible 41st professional season, Kazuyoshi Miura, known as “King Kazu”, raced into the box, beat two defenders, and calmly finished a pinpoint cross in the 52nd minute. The goal marked another remarkable milestone in a career that has stretched across four decades.

59 & still scoring: Japan’s ‘King Kazu’ nets first goal since 2022 | Gravitas

Japan has unveiled one of its biggest economic transformation plans in decades, announcing a massive 370 trillion yen ($2.5 trillion) investment strategy through 2040. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government aims to strengthen Japan's leadership in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, defense, clean energy, and shipbuilding while boosting long-term economic growth. The ambitious blueprint is designed to improve productivity, reduce dependence on China, and keep Japan competitive in the global AI race. However, economists and investors are raising concerns over how the government plans to finance the enormous spending package, especially with Japan already carrying one of the world's highest public debt burdens.

Japan's debt dilemma deepens

The Japanese government is set to introduce stringent new requirements for permanent residency applicants, aiming to tighten control over immigration and ensure long-term compliance with tax and social security obligations.

Japan govt to impose tougher requirements for permanent residency

Japan's push for cooler workplaces has sparked debate after Tokyo encouraged male office workers to wear shorts during summer under its expanded "Tokyo Cool Biz" campaign. While many welcome the comfort, critics argue the policy exposes a gender double standard, with some women raising concerns over workplace expectations and even coining the term "sunehara" or "leg hair harassment."

Japan: Experts urge heat safety as Japan faces scorching summer

Senior officials from Japan’s Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces have launched personal X (formerly Twitter) accounts to combat what Tokyo identifies as China’s "cognitive warfare".

Japanese defence officials launch X accounts; Move aims to counter China's 'cognitive warfare'

Three bones discovered between 1995 and 1997 in the Ajimu region of Japan belong to a giant salamander that scientists had never identified before. The mystery creature has been named Limnospondylus ajimuensis and lived about 3.5 million years ago in lakes. Researchers said that it measured about 3.6 feet, almost as big as some of the largest amphibians we have on Earth today. The three fossilised vertebrae were discovered nearly 30 years ago in the Tsubusugawa Formation. This region has ancient lake sediments which have previously revealed other animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, in the past. Some of the creatures found here no longer exist in Japan.&nbsp;The salamander bones were initially assigned to the genus Andrias, which includes the Japanese and Chinese giant salamanders. It was only a temporary classification, as scientists did not have enough skeletal material to classify it. A team of researchers from Kyoto University decided to carry out a detailed analysis of the three bones. They used a much broader collection of modern and extinct giant salamander specimens for the study.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/monster-fish-20-times-their-original-size-are-swarming-scottish-lochs-1784096631032">'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs</a><h2>Giant salamander fossils in Japan</h2>Scientists said that since the bones were found in different locations and differed in size, they were not from one animal. The fossils represented an anterior trunk vertebra, a mid-trunk vertebra, and a sacro-caudal vertebra. The revelation happened because of a mid-trunk vertebra. The feature had not been seen in the anatomy of any known member of the giant salamander family, Cryptobranchidae. This led the researchers to create an entirely new species.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/fragments-of-seven-legged-giant-with-20-inch-arms-wash-ashore-in-scotland-it-is-a-1765375636560">Fragments of seven-legged giant with 20 inch arms wash ashore in Scotland</a>&nbsp;“Ajimu contains the only site in the world where fossils of the giant salamander family and extant genera have both been found,” first author Masahiro Noda said. The team says that the discovery fills a major gap in the history of giant salamanders. The ancient amphibian lineage has been around for roughly 60 million years.&nbsp;&nbsp;The creatures inhabited much of the Northern Hemisphere, but in Asia, their fossil record has a gap of more than 20 million years. The discovery of Limnospondylus suggests that giant salamanders were once more diverse in Asia than previously believed.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Giant salamanders lived in Japan millions of years ago, and the discovery made nearly three decades ago is only now revealing their existence. Scientists say the findings fill a gap in the fossil record of more than 20 million years.  

Three bones discovered between 1995 and 1997 in the Ajimu region of Japan belong to a giant salamander that scientists had never identified before. The mystery creature has been named Limnospondylus ajimuensis and lived about 3.5 million years ago in lakes. Researchers said that it measured about 3.6 feet, almost as big as some of the largest amphibians we have on Earth today. The three fossilised vertebrae were discovered nearly 30 years ago in the Tsubusugawa Formation. This region has ancient lake sediments which have previously revealed other animals, such as elephants and crocodiles, in the past. Some of the creatures found here no longer exist in Japan. The salamander bones were initially assigned to the genus Andrias, which includes the Japanese and Chinese giant salamanders. It was only a temporary classification, as scientists did not have enough skeletal material to classify it. A team of researchers from Kyoto University decided to carry out a detailed analysis of the three bones. They used a much broader collection of modern and extinct giant salamander specimens for the study. Also Read: 'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs Giant salamander fossils in Japan Scientists said that since the bones were found in different locations and differed in size, they were not from one animal. The fossils represented an anterior trunk vertebra, a mid-trunk vertebra, and a sacro-caudal vertebra. The revelation happened because of a mid-trunk vertebra. The feature had not been seen in the anatomy of any known member of the giant salamander family, Cryptobranchidae. This led the researchers to create an entirely new species. Also Read: Fragments of seven-legged giant with 20 inch arms wash ashore in Scotland “Ajimu contains the only site in the world where fossils of the giant salamander family and extant genera have both been found,” first author Masahiro Noda said. The team says that the discovery fills a major gap in the history of giant salamanders. The ancient amphibian lineage has been around for roughly 60 million years. The creatures inhabited much of the Northern Hemisphere, but in Asia, their fossil record has a gap of more than 20 million years. The discovery of Limnospondylus suggests that giant salamanders were once more diverse in Asia than previously believed.

Giant salamanders lived in Japan millions of years ago, and the discovery made nearly three decades ago is only now revealing their existence. Scientists say the findings fill a gap in the fossil record of more than 20 million years. &nbsp;

3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before

As the world continues to heat up and temperatures soar, a Japanese company has come out with an innovative method to help humans survive this scenario. It has come out with a "human refrigerator" that can help people cope with extreme heat. Called the Do Hiemon Box, it is just like a refrigerator. One person can sit inside the booth to cool down their body, Soranews 23 reported. It has been developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS. It is inspired by the refrigerated vending machines that are present throughout Japan.&nbsp;It has a chair inside that sits one person. The booth maintains an interior temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, so it is already pre-cooled. The moment someone sits on the chair, air chilled at 5 degrees Celsius starts blowing towards the head, neck, shoulders and back. This provides instant relief to the person inside.&nbsp;<h2>How the human refrigerator helps with physical symptoms of extreme heat</h2>According to the company, the person's body feels cooler within 5 minutes. Spending 10 minutes inside the booth rapidly decreases the body temperature, which can alleviate heat exhaustion symptoms. This feature makes it especially helpful for places where people are exposed to constant heat for longer periods of time, such as construction sites and other outdoor work.&nbsp;The Do Hiemon Box is better than a typical spot air conditioner since it consumes roughly half the electricity. There are three airflow and cooling settings, and it automatically switches off after 20 minutes to help prevent overcooling. It is convenient to move around because of the wheels, and it needs no installation.&nbsp;Since going on sale in April, the human refrigerator has become quite popular. It has already reached several public places. At the Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, visitors can use it free of charge. Tokyo is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius. Forty-eight people suffered heatstroke on July 15 and were taken to hospitals. The standard mode is priced at 1.5 million yen (US$9,326.25 or Rs 9 lakh) plus taxes. Currently, it is only available for businesses and organisations.

A Japanese company has released a human refrigerator which can cool down the body within 5 minutes and relieve heat exhaustion symptoms within 10 minutes. It is being sold for 1.5 million yen amid extreme heat in Tokyo.

As the world continues to heat up and temperatures soar, a Japanese company has come out with an innovative method to help humans survive this scenario. It has come out with a "human refrigerator" that can help people cope with extreme heat. Called the Do Hiemon Box, it is just like a refrigerator. One person can sit inside the booth to cool down their body, Soranews 23 reported. It has been developed by Japanese refrigeration and vending machine manufacturer SDRS. It is inspired by the refrigerated vending machines that are present throughout Japan. It has a chair inside that sits one person. The booth maintains an interior temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, so it is already pre-cooled. The moment someone sits on the chair, air chilled at 5 degrees Celsius starts blowing towards the head, neck, shoulders and back. This provides instant relief to the person inside. How the human refrigerator helps with physical symptoms of extreme heat According to the company, the person's body feels cooler within 5 minutes. Spending 10 minutes inside the booth rapidly decreases the body temperature, which can alleviate heat exhaustion symptoms. This feature makes it especially helpful for places where people are exposed to constant heat for longer periods of time, such as construction sites and other outdoor work. The Do Hiemon Box is better than a typical spot air conditioner since it consumes roughly half the electricity. There are three airflow and cooling settings, and it automatically switches off after 20 minutes to help prevent overcooling. It is convenient to move around because of the wheels, and it needs no installation. Since going on sale in April, the human refrigerator has become quite popular. It has already reached several public places. At the Maebashi City Hall in Gunma Prefecture, visitors can use it free of charge. Tokyo is experiencing extreme heat with temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius. Forty-eight people suffered heatstroke on July 15 and were taken to hospitals. The standard mode is priced at 1.5 million yen (US$9,326.25 or Rs 9 lakh) plus taxes. Currently, it is only available for businesses and organisations.

A Japanese company has released a human refrigerator which can cool down the body within 5 minutes and relieve heat exhaustion symptoms within 10 minutes. It is being sold for 1.5 million yen amid extreme heat in Tokyo.

Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo

Japanese defence officials launch X accounts; move aims to counter China's cognitive warfare 

Japan was once known for its relentless ‘corporate warrior’ culture, where long hours, strict bosses and unwavering loyalty defined the workplace. But now, a Tokyo company is reviving elements of that old-school work ethic, and surprisingly, it's attracting young Gen Z employees who believe tougher workplaces help them grow. The trend is reigniting a debate over productivity, workplace culture and whether Japan's next generation is ready to embrace discipline over comfort.


Tokyo startup's high-intensity office culture goes viral 

Japan's parliament has approved a historic revision to the Imperial House Law, reaffirming that only male heirs from the paternal bloodline can inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne. The legislation also allows princesses to retain royal status after marrying commoners and permits the adoption of distant male relatives to help preserve the shrinking imperial family.

Japan: New succession law seeks to preserve Japan's imperial bloodline

The numbers don’t lie anymore. The global workforce has peaked. From here, it’s downhill. Aging economies are staring at a labor cliff — too few young people to support too many retirees. Japan is feeling it hard: Tokyo is opening visas to bring workers in, and tightening them to control who stays. In Korea, robots now outnumber new workers, and even outpace economic growth. 


Global workforce peaks: OECD warns of 8% workforce collapse

A New York Times investigation has alleged that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology used in the Russia-Ukraine war. The report claims Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic and commercial cover have exploited Japan's relatively weak espionage laws to acquire sensitive components. Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities, with Parliament approving a new national intelligence coordination body. The report also alleges that procurement networks routed military-use technology through intermediary countries to bypass export controls.

Japan tightens intelligence network after the NYT exposes alleged Russian spy operations

A New York Times investigation alleges that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology for the Russia-Ukraine war.   


Report suggests Russian spy network in Japan fuels war against Ukraine

#Gravitas A New York Times investigation alleges that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology for the Russia-Ukraine war.   


Lax Japan becomes Russian 'den of spies' 

Japan's demographic crisis is reshaping consumer trends, with pets now outnumbering children under the age of 15 by more than two million. As birth rates continue to hit record lows, companies that once focused on baby products are increasingly shifting toward the booming pet care market.

Pets outnumber children as Japan's demographic crisis deepens 

Japanese researchers uncover record concentrations of microscopic gold trapped in sulphide minerals beneath the seafloor. This breakthrough reshapes how we locate mineral deposits and ramps up the debate on deep-sea mining. Watch the video to know where is this gold, how can this be extracted and what are the concerns.


Japan discovers 'invisible gold' hidden beneath the ocean floor

Japanese researchers uncover record concentrations of microscopic gold trapped in sulphide minerals beneath the seafloor. This breakthrough reshapes how we locate mineral deposits and ramps up the debate on deep-sea mining. 


Japan finds invisible gold beneath the ocean

A fascinating cultural trend is unfolding as Japanese television series and digital content see a massive surge in viewership across South Korea and Taiwan. Despite complex historical relations, audiences are embracing Japanese storytelling, signaling a shift in regional soft power.

Japanese show gains popularity in South Korea, Taiwan

India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, marking a historic milestone. Here's what this means for India's global standing, growth prospects, and the changing economic order.

India Overtakes Japan: Asia's new economic powerhouse 

India and Japan have taken a major step in strengthening their strategic partnership after the Modi-Takaichi Summit in New Delhi. The two countries announced their first-ever defence co-development agreement, focusing on advanced military technology and maritime security cooperation.

Modi-Takaichi summit: New Delhi & Tokyo's first joint weapon

Japan and China have exchanged diplomatic protests after a fresh confrontation near the disputed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Both sides continue to assert sovereignty over the islands, with maritime and coast guard activities heightening regional tensions. The latest incident has renewed concerns over stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan, China clash on disputed Senkaku Island

#Gravitas India and Japan have agreed to jointly develop advanced stealth technology that could significantly reduce the radar signature of Indian warships.  Japan's unified complex radio antenna, better known as unicorn, reduces the number of exposed surfaces that reflect radar waves. The result is a smaller radar signature, making warships significantly more difficult to find, track, and target. 


Japanese stealth tech to make Indian Navy warships harder to detect 

Japan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its aviation industry following signs of easing tensions between the United States and China. At a summit in mid-may, China agreed to purchase 200 aircraft from Boeing, highlighting growing cooperation between Washington and Beijing in the aerospace sector. This development has raised concerns in Tokyo.

Japan boosts aviation bet with Boeing ties amid industry expansion

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