Japan is reeling from a series of powerful seismic events this week. Following a massive 7.2-magnitude quake that struck northeastern Japan on June 25, a second, intense 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the central prefecture of Yamanashi on Friday night, June 26, 2026.  


Japan Earthquake: Second earthquake of magnitude 5.6 jolts Japan

Japan is on high alert as two tropical storms approach, bringing torrential rain, landslide risks and widespread transport disruptions. Authorities have urged nearly one million people to evacuate, while hundreds of flights and train services have been cancelled.

Japan weather alert: over a million evacuated as twin storms swirl towards Japan

Japan braces for twin storms, flights cancelled

In a packed Shanghai sports bar, an unexpected scene unfolded as Chinese soccer fans erupted in frenzied delight over Japan’s dominant 4-0 World Cup victory against Tunisia. China is normally the least obvious place for Japanese fandom to thrive—especially given deep-rooted historical animosity and heightened political tensions since conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office in Tokyo last year.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan's World Cup Run Wins Hearts in China

Japan and Sweden shared the points in a 1-1 draw on Thursday, with both teams securing places in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup.
The result saw Japan finish second in Group F behind the Netherlands, while Sweden also advanced to the Round of 32. Japan will now face tournament favourites Brazil on Monday, while Sweden's next opponents will be confirmed after the remaining group-stage matches.


FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan, Sweden reach World Cup last-32 After Draw

As Japan and Sweden prepare for a crucial World Cup showdown, the contest extends far beyond football. On the economic pitch, Japan enters the match after finally emerging from decades of deflation, while Sweden is riding a recovery driven by strengthening domestic demand. From inflation and growth to consumer spending and fiscal resilience, both nations bring unique strengths to this fascinating comparison.


World Cup Of Economies: Japan And Sweden Face Off Beyond The Pitch

The race for the World Cup 2026 knockout stage is heating up in Group F. The Netherlands are on the brink of qualification, while Sweden and Japan face a decisive showdown with Round of 32 hopes on the line. With third-place qualification still possible, every goal could prove crucial.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Netherlands, Sweden, Japan Battle For Knockout Spots

A high-stakes corruption scandal has erupted in Malaysia over the international transfer of three beloved elephants. While the relocation to Osaka’s Tennoji Zoo was framed as a 25-year conservation and research partnership, wildlife activists now allege that over RM53 million in associated transaction fees vanished instead of reaching government coffers.


Malaysia Launches Probe into Japan Elephant Transfer

#Gravitas Malaysian authorities are reportedly probing whether millions of dollars linked to the transfer of three endangered elephants to Japan were diverted away from government accounts.


Malaysia Launches Probe Into Japan Elephant Transfer

A Chinese museum has released disturbing details of human experiments conducted by Japan's notorious Unit 731 during World War II. Newly highlighted records describe prisoners being subjected to animal blood transfusions, including Horse and Chicken blood along with other brutal procedures, shedding fresh light on one of history's darkest chapters.


Japanese Army Injected Animal Blood Into Prisoners During World War II

The US, Japan, and South Korea are collaborating extensively with the Philippines to bolster its armed forces and increase maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. These allied nations are providing training, technology, and hardware rather than a single joint unit.


US, Japan, South Korea & Philippines Militaries Unite

As Japan prepares for what promises to be another record-breaking summer, the nation’s favorite frozen treats are at the center of a major antitrust investigation. This June 2026, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) launched on-site inspections of six of the country’s largest ice cream manufacturers—including Meiji, Lotte, Morinaga, and Ezaki Glico—on suspicion of forming an illegal price-fixing cartel.

Japan Launches Probe into Suspected Ice Cream Cartel Amid Peak Summer 

After the rising cost of ice cream provoked an outrage in Japan, authorities raided six major ice cream makers for violating the anti-monopoly law. They are suspected of colluding to unfairly raise price of their products. This comes at a time when ice cream demand is at a peak owing to high temperature. 


Japan Launches Probe Into Ice Cream 'Cartel' Over Price Hike Amid Peak Summer

Japan's imperial family is facing one of its biggest challenges in decades. With the number of male heirs shrinking, lawmakers are considering a proposal to allow distant male relatives to join the royal family and help preserve the world's oldest hereditary monarchy. The move aims to prevent a future succession crisis, but it has also reignited a national debate over whether Japan should finally allow a woman to ascend the Chrysanthemum Throne. Can tradition and modern realities find common ground?


Tokyo Moves to Save 'Male-Only' Monarchy

Japan is accelerating efforts to convert used cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to meet its target of sourcing 10% of jet fuel from SAF by 2030. Syakir Jasnee reports.


'Fry To Fly': Japan Turns Kitchen Oil Into Jet Fuel

#Gravitas Japan has moved to criminalise the desecration of its national flag. The bill, backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is now advancing through Japan’s parliament but has also sparked concerns over freedom of expression. 


Japan Plans to Jail People Who Desecrate National Flag

Tropical Storm Jangmi has slammed into Japan, bringing torrential rain, powerful winds, and widespread disruption.
Authorities said at least 15 people were injured as strong winds toppled trees and debris struck vehicles.

Japan Storm Jangmi: Mudslide Buries Rail Line Amid Widespread Disruption

Japan is facing growing concerns over discrimination against its Muslim community. According to reports, mosques are receiving abusive calls and threatening emails, while misinformation on social media is fueling fear and hostility. With Japan's Muslim population nearly doubling in recent years and more than 160 mosques now operating nationwide, incidents involving harassment, protests against mosque construction, and suspicious attacks have sparked debate over immigration, diversity, and religious tolerance. Here's a detailed look at the issue and why community leaders are sounding the alarm.


Why Japan's Muslim Community Says It Is Facing Rising Harassment And Discrimination |

Debate over immigration, religion, and community tensions has intensified in Japan after controversy surrounding an allegedly illegal mosque triggered widespread public backlash online and in local communities. The issue has sparked concerns over rising anti-Muslim sentiment, social polarization, and the treatment of minority groups in the country.


Japan Sees Surge in Anti-Muslim Sentiment | Illegal Mosque Sparks Japan Outcry 

Japan has unveiled a massive $19 billion emergency fund to cushion the economy against rising oil prices and global energy shocks. The package aims to support households, businesses, and fuel-intensive sectors as geopolitical tensions continue to impact global crude markets.


Japan Unveils $19 Billion Emergency Fund to Fight Oil Shock 

Tropical Storm Jangmi is pushing northeast through Japan,
Leaving a trail of disruption in the southwest and raising concerns over flooding, landslides and transport delays across some of the country's most heavily populated regions

Typhoon Jangmi: Authorities Warn of Floods & High Waves 

In an increasingly digital world, Japan is witnessing a resurgence of zines: self-published, independently created magazines that celebrate creativity, personal expression and community. From artists and writers to hobbyists and activists, more people are turning to DIY publishing as a way to share ideas beyond the algorithms of social media.

The growing zine movement reflects a broader desire for tangible, personal and authentic forms of communication in the digital age.

Japan Embraces Zine Trend: A Quiet DIY Revolution In The Digital Age

Japan's Okinawa prefecture is bracing for severe tropical storm Jangmi, with authorities warning of heavy rain, damaging winds and transport disruptions. Flights and ferry services have been cancelled as the storm moves north towards the island chain.

Storm Jangmi Bears Down On Japan, Transport Disrupted In Okinawa 

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan is accelerating a historic shift away from its post-war pacifist stance, boosting defense spending, modernizing the Self-Defense Forces, and revising Article 9 of the constitution. While the government defends these changes as necessary regional deterrence, they have sparked widespread public dissent and massive anti-war protests across Tokyo.


Tokyo Defends Military Reforms, Faces Public Dissent

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. Meanwhile, Estonia is confronting similar challenges, with experts warning its population could halve by the end of the century. As birth rates fall and households become smaller, both nations are searching for answers to a rapidly changing demographic reality.


Japan's Population Decline Deepens, Estonia Faces Similar Challenge

A security scare unfolded at a shopping mall in Tokyo, Japan, after a man reportedly sprayed a mysterious substance inside the premises. The incident triggered panic among visitors and prompted a swift response from mall security and local authorities.

Investigations are underway to determine the nature of the substance and the motive behind the act, as officials continue to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

Bizarre Attack in Japan: A Dangerous Substance Sprayed in Tokyo's Mall Causes Chaos

From cat cafés and themed neighbourhoods to bestselling novels and tourism hotspots, Japan’s obsession with cats has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar economic phenomenon now being called “Catnomics.” Experts estimate feline culture could generate nearly ¥3 trillion for Japan’s economy this year alone.

In Tokyo’s famous “cat town” Yanaka Ginza, tourists flock to buy cat-themed souvenirs, sweets, and collectibles, while Japanese literature, fashion, and pop culture continue to fuel the country’s deep fascination with felines. In Japan today, cats are not just pets — they are a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Japan’s ‘Catnomics’ Boom: How Cats Became A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said QUAD foreign ministers held a “very good meeting” in New Delhi with a shared goal of intensified Indo-Pacific cooperation. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced new QUAD initiatives, including a port infrastructure project in Fiji and stronger collaboration on critical minerals. The discussions highlighted the group’s growing focus on regional connectivity, supply chains, maritime security, and strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.


QUAD Foreign Ministers Hold High-Stakes Delhi Talks | Indo-Pacific Stability Tops Agenda

QUAD Summit: Indo-Pacific Stability Dominates QUAD Discussions

QUAD Leaders Push Stronger Indo-Pacific Cooperation 

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