Japan is facing a novel housing problem - too many houses and not enough people. As per reports, as the ageing nation struggles with the ever-declining population, the number of vacant houses in Japan has surged to an all-time high of nine million.

Another fallout of Japan's ageing population - Akiya houses - and it's not looking good

More than 9 million ‘akiya’ homes (empty houses) 13.8 per cent of all Japan’s residential properties – have been left empty after owners die, a new report found. Watch in for more details!

Japan sees surge in abandoned homes as more elderly pass away

If you are a person who loves to travel or even a frequent traveller against your will, losing your luggage once you land in a different country or even a city away from home can be an incredibly frustrating experience.

This Japanese airport has not lost a single piece of baggage since it opened 30 years ago

In Japan, it is believed that the sound of crying babies can ward off evil. Every year, hundreds of babies take part in competitions held across the country where they are made to cry. The baby that cries the longest and loudest wins the contest. Gravitas tells you all about this unique competition.

Gravitas | Japan's crying babies: A competition like no other

US President Joe Biden claimed on Wednesday (May 1) that "xenophobia" is impeding the growth of China, Japan and India, while arguing that migration has been beneficial for the US economy.

Biden claims 'xenophobia' stalling economic growth in India, China, Japan

After Japan, Canada and New Zealand, South Korea has expressed interest in joining the AUKUS pact between the U.S., UK and Australia. Is an expansion of the trilateral strategic pact on the cards?

Gravitas | The Great Indo-pacific Battle: South Korea Wants to Join AUKUS Military Alliance Against China

The town of Fujikawaguchiko will put up a barrier to block Mount Fuji from view in a popular tourist photo spot. A local official says the decision is "regrettable" but tourists "who can't respect rules" leave them with no choice. Watch in for more details!

Japan: No perfect picture for Mount Fuji visitors?

South Korea is actively discussing participation in a landmark defence technology pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. This comes weeks after the alliance said that it would hold formal talks on Japan's entry at a meeting of Australian and South Korean defence and foreign ministers in Melbourne.

After Japan, South Korea confirms AUKUS talks

No 'perfect pictures' for Mount Fuji visitors?

#Gravitas | Japan Airlines has finally got its first female CEO. Her name is mitsuko tottori. She started her career as a flight attendant but climbed up her way to the C-suite. In Japan, where women still face major hurdles to rise to power, Tottori has broken glass ceilings. We bring you her story on #gravitassnapshot.

Japan airlines gets first female CEO: Mitsuko Tottori

The Japanese yen plunged to its lowest level in 34 years, slipping below 160 against the US dollar on Monday. According to news agency AFP, this fall came after an unusually high US inflation report, which dashed hopes for possible interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year.

Yen plummets to 34-year low below 160 against dollar: Report

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck Japan's Bonin Islands, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on Saturday (April 27). The quake occurred at a depth of 503.

Japan's Bonin Islands hit by magnitude 6.5 earthquake

The Japanese Yen is experiencing a sustained decline against the US Dollar, reaching a 34-year low. This depreciation is driven by the expectation that the Bank of Japan will maintain its ultra-loose monetary policy. While a weaker yen can benefit Japanese exports, it also pushes up import costs, leading to concerns about inflation and rising living expenses.

Japan aims to control Yen's slide amid market turmoil

Japanese authorities, frustrated by the unruly behaviour of foreign tourists, are planning to set up a large black barrier to obstruct the view of Mount Fuji at a well-known photo spot.

Japanese town plans to block Mount Fuji view due to tourist misbehaviour

Japan is witnessing renewed effort to bring back a poignant tradition, the Haiku parties for death row inmates. The campaign to revive this tradition is part of a broader effort to restore dignity and humanity to those facing the death penalty.

Gravitas: Japan fights to bring back Haiku parties

Osaka's Tennoji Zoo was left shocked after a DNA test revealed that its male resident hippo is in fact a female! 12-year-old Gen-chan had come to Japan from Mexico 7 years ago. The Zoo claims that the Hippo's document said the animal was a male.

Gravitas: After 7 year, Japan's male hippo turns out to be female

A Japanese hygiene products maker started selling the world's first "horizontally" recycled disposable baby diapers at shopping centres on Saturday (April 20), Japanese media reported.

In a first, Japan launches 'horizontally recycled' diapers. What is it?

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Monday (April 22) towards the sea off its east coast, South Korea's military said in an official statement. The Japanese coast guard issued an alert and said North Korea had fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile.

Japan issues alert after North Korea fires ballistic missile towards East Sea

The Japanese military on Sunday (Apr 21) confirmed seven people missing after two military helicopters crashed on Saturday, the news agency AFP reported. The two SH-60K helicopters, belonging to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) were each carrying four people on board.

Japan confirms one person dead, seven missing after two military helicopters crash

Watch Headlines of the hour: - 2 Japanese Defence choppers crash - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move

2 Japanese Defence choppers crash | Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys

Two Japanese navy helicopters have crashed into the Pacific Ocean during a night-time training flight after a possible mid-air collision, killing at least one of the eight crew members on board. Watch in for more details!

Two Japanese naval choppers crash into sea, one dead

Two Japanese Maritime self-defense Force Choppers have reportedly crashed off the islands southern coast as reported by Japanese defense minister Minoru Kihara. The two SH-60 Choppers carrying four crew members each lost contract late Saturday around 10:30 p.m. local time near Tori-Shima island. Watch in for more details!

2 Japanese Navy choppers crash into sea, 1 dead, 7 personnel missing | Rescue & search ops underway

Japan's central bank "very likely" will raise interest rates if underlying inflation continues to go up, and begin reducing its bond buying at some point in the future.

Japan | UEDA: Rate hike likely if inflation continues to go up

In this exciting episode of 'Wings,' we dive into the vibrant celebrations of Songkran, the Thai New Year festival. Join us as we take you to the streets of Bangkok, where revellers engage in the world's biggest water fight, marking the start of the traditional New Year celebrations. Experience the joy and energy of this beloved festival that lasts for several days, blending tradition with lively revelry. Next, we explore the spring harvest festivals in India, including Baisakhi in Punjab and Bihu in Assam. Witness the colourful festivities and cultural richness of these celebrations that showcase the diverse heritage of India. Then, we travel to Japan to witness the breathtaking cherry blossom season, known as Sakura. Experience the beauty of Japan as streets are painted in hues of pink and white, symbolizing new beginnings and the arrival of spring. Join us on this exhilarating journey as 'Wings' explores the cultural richness and vibrant traditions of Songkran, the spring harvest festivals of India, and the mesmerizing cherry blossoms of Japan.

Songkran Water Festival, Indian Spring Harvest Festivals, Cherry Blossoms in Japan

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