Japan launches PokéPark Kanto in Tokyo's Yomiuriland, betting big on Pokémon-themed tourism to draw global fans with immersive experiences.



Japan's Pokémon Paradise: PokéPark Kanto Unveiled in Tokyo

Japanese authorities in a town close to Mount Fuji have scrapped this year’s cherry blossom festival after concluding that soaring visitor numbers have become too disruptive for residents. Fujiyoshida, a city that draws huge crowds each spring for its cherry trees set against Japan’s most famous mountain, has struggled to cope with the volume of tourists. Local authorities say the influx has caused severe traffic jams, mounting rubbish problems, and repeated incidents of visitors entering private property.&nbsp;Some residents have reported tourists opening their doors to use bathrooms without permission, wandering into private gardens, and even relieving themselves on residential land. City leaders say such behaviour has significantly damaged daily life in the area. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision to end the decade-old festival was made to protect the well-being of locals, describing the situation as a growing crisis that threatens the community’s dignity and peace. The cherry blossom event began in 2016 at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a popular viewpoint featuring a pagoda overlooking the city and Mount Fuji.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/55-000-ukrainian-soldiers-killed-in-four-years-of-war-with-russia-zelensky-1770304188136">55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in four years of war with Russia: Zelensky</a>&nbsp;Authorities initially promoted the festival to boost tourism and create a vibrant atmosphere, especially as the location gained popularity on social media. In recent years, however, visitor numbers have surged beyond what the city can manage. Officials estimate that up to 10,000 people now arrive each day during peak blossom season, driven by factors including a weak yen and viral online images.&nbsp;Although the festival has been cancelled, Fujiyoshida expects heavy footfall throughout April and May and says it is preparing for continued tourist pressure. The move reflects a broader struggle in Japan to curb overtourism. Last year, officials in nearby Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black screen to block a famous photo spot after complaints about littering and illegal parking.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed</a>&nbsp;Other countries are also taking action. Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for access to the Trevi Fountain viewing area, while Venice now charges day visitors between €5 and €10 depending on booking time.

Mount Fuji town cancels cherry blossom festival amid surge in tourist

Japanese authorities in a town close to Mount Fuji have scrapped this year’s cherry blossom festival after concluding that soaring visitor numbers have become too disruptive for residents. Fujiyoshida, a city that draws huge crowds each spring for its cherry trees set against Japan’s most famous mountain, has struggled to cope with the volume of tourists. Local authorities say the influx has caused severe traffic jams, mounting rubbish problems, and repeated incidents of visitors entering private property. Some residents have reported tourists opening their doors to use bathrooms without permission, wandering into private gardens, and even relieving themselves on residential land. City leaders say such behaviour has significantly damaged daily life in the area. Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision to end the decade-old festival was made to protect the well-being of locals, describing the situation as a growing crisis that threatens the community’s dignity and peace. The cherry blossom event began in 2016 at Arakurayama Sengen Park, a popular viewpoint featuring a pagoda overlooking the city and Mount Fuji. Also Read: 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed in four years of war with Russia: Zelensky Authorities initially promoted the festival to boost tourism and create a vibrant atmosphere, especially as the location gained popularity on social media. In recent years, however, visitor numbers have surged beyond what the city can manage. Officials estimate that up to 10,000 people now arrive each day during peak blossom season, driven by factors including a weak yen and viral online images. Although the festival has been cancelled, Fujiyoshida expects heavy footfall throughout April and May and says it is preparing for continued tourist pressure. The move reflects a broader struggle in Japan to curb overtourism. Last year, officials in nearby Fujikawaguchiko installed a large black screen to block a famous photo spot after complaints about littering and illegal parking. https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-s-latest-plan-for-white-house-makeover-1770312064256/embed Other countries are also taking action. Rome has introduced a €2 entry fee for access to the Trevi Fountain viewing area, while Venice now charges day visitors between €5 and €10 depending on booking time.

A Mount Fuji town has cancelled its cherry blossom festival after tourist numbers surged, causing congestion, littering, and disruption to residents’ daily lives

The United States, the European Union, and Japan are stepping up coordination to secure critical minerals supply chains, signaling a major shift in global trade and industrial policy. Meeting in Washington, officials announced action plans and new partnerships aimed at reducing vulnerabilities in minerals essential for advanced manufacturing, defence and clean energy.


US, EU, Japan Agree on Action Plans for Critical Minerals 

As Japan heads into a snap election, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is rumoured to be weighing a trip to North Korea aimed at securing the return of her country’s citizens who were abducted decades ago.


Reports: Pyongyang Has Shown Openness to Talks with Tokyo

Japan is facing a deadly winter crisis as heavy snowfall has killed dozens, with the Aomori region among the hardest hit, recording up to 4.5 meters of snow. Authorities have issued warnings as extreme weather disrupts transport, power supply, and daily life.

Japan Winter Crisis: Heavy Snowfall Kills Dozens in Japan as Deadly Winter Crisis Deepens 

Japan is facing a deadly winter crisis as heavy snowfall has killed dozens, with the Aomori region among the hardest hit, recording up to 4.5 meters of snow. Authorities have issued warnings as extreme weather disrupts transport, power supply, and daily life

Japan Winter Crisis: Heavy Snowfall Kills Dozens in Japan as Deadly Winter Crisis Deepens

Opinion polls indicate that Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is heading for a landslide victory. The numbers suggest strong voter backing as the prime minister stakes her leadership on a high-risk political gambit ahead of the vote.

Japan Election: Polls Show PM Takaichi Heading for Huge Victory in Japan

 Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's party is likely to score a landslide victory in next week's lower house election, a survey by the Asahi newspaper showed, heightening the chance the country will continue to pursue big spending and tax cuts.


Japan: Snap Elections on February 8th, Polls Project Landslide Win for Takaichi 

Sediment containing rare earth was retrieved from ocean depths of 6,000 metres (about 20,000 feet) on a Japanese test mission, the government said Monday, as it seeks to curb dependence on China for the valuable minerals.


Japan Finds Rare Earth in Deep-Sea Mission; Discovery Amid Rising Tensions with China

Severe winter weather has brought life to a standstill in japan.

Heavy snow continues to hit the country's northern and western regions.

Major traffic disruptions due to relentless snowfall

Have resulted in dangerous road conditions in japan's affected regions.

 Japan Blanketed in White After Record Snowfall | Record-breaking Snow Buries Streets, Cars 

Heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruption across parts of Japan, grounding flights, delaying trains and snarling road traffic. Several regions reported dangerous travel conditions as snow piled up rapidly, forcing authorities to issue weather warnings.

Japan Snowfall: Heavy Snow Envelops Parts of 'Sea Of Japan' Coast'

Japan has recorded a troubling rise in child suicides in 2025, reaching the highest level on record, according to government data. Officials say school-related stress remains one of the leading contributing factors, prompting renewed calls for stronger mental health support, counselling systems and reforms within the education system.


Japan: Child Suicides Hit Record High In 2025, School Stress A Key Factor | WION

A new report warns that youth mental health has worsened globally since the Covid-19 pandemic, with rising cases of anxiety, depression, and stress among young people.

Report: Youth Mental Health Worsened Globally Since Covid 19

North Korea has signaled a fresh nuclear escalation after firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast, marking its second missile test of 2026. The launches come as South Korea, the United States, and Japan hold rapid talks to strengthen their defence posture against Pyongyang.


North Korea's Latest Missile Test Blurs Artillery-Ballistic Line

North Korea: 2nd Missile Test in 2026, Seoul-US-Japan Hold Rapid Talks

Tensions between Japan and China are escalating, as airlines extend flexible flight cancellation policies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules and safety guidelines. This development comes amid rising diplomatic strain in East Asia, affecting both international relations and aviation operations.

Japan-China Relations Strain As Airlines Extend Flexible Cancellations

Japan is saying goodbye to its last giant pandas, ending a half-century symbol of friendship with China. As two beloved cubs prepare to return to Beijing, panda diplomacy gives way to political reality. Watch this special story.


Pandas Exit Japan After Decades Amid Strained Ties With China

Thousands of people flocked to a zoo in Japan on Sunday to say farewell to the country's last two giant pandas, who are set to return to China on Tuesday.


Twin Pandas To Return To China After 50 Years Leaving Fans Emotional 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved parliament, triggering a high-stakes political showdown in Japan. The move comes as opposition parties announce a rare united front aimed at defeating Takaichi in the upcoming election.


Japan PM Takaichi Dissolves Parliament, Opposition Unite to Defeat Takaichi | WION

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the lower house of Parliament on Friday, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election.


Japan's Takaichi Dissolves Parliament After Only 3 Months in Office, Setting Up Snap Election

Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world's largest nuclear power plant, halted its No. 6 reactor just one day after restarting on January 21, 2026, due to an alarm during control rod extraction, marking another snag in the post-Fukushima restart efforts.

Japan: World’s Largest Nuclear Plant in Japan Stopped After 1-Day Operation

Japan's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world's largest nuclear power plant, halted its No. 6 reactor just one day after restarting on January 21, 2026, due to an alarm during control rod extraction, marking another snag in the post-Fukushima restart efforts.



Japan Halts World's Largest Nuclear Plant After 1-Day Run

Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant was paused within hours of its restart, marking another delay in the country’s nuclear revival efforts. 


Japan’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Reactor Paused Within 6 Hours of Restart

Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers conducted an 11-hour patrol over neutral waters in the Sea of Japan on January 20-21, 2026, escorted by Su-35S and Su-30SM fighters from the Pacific Fleet's air division. The Defense Ministry described it as a scheduled training flight to demonstrate long-range aviation capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions. 


Russian Tu-95MS Bombers Patrol Sea of Japan for 11+ Hours

Shinzo Abe's killer was sentenced to life in prison, more than three years after the assassination stunned a country unaccustomed to gun violence. Watch the full video to know more on this.

Former Japan PM Shinzo Abe's Killer Found Guilty; Sentenced To Life

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to dissolve parliament, paving the way for snap elections expected in February. The move comes amid political maneuvering and growing debate over Japan’s economic direction, security policies, and leadership mandate.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi to Dissolve Parliament, Snap Elections Set for February

Heavy snowfall has caused widespread disruption across parts of Japan, grounding flights, delaying trains and snarling road traffic. Several regions reported dangerous travel conditions as snow piled up rapidly, forcing authorities to issue weather warnings.


Snow Chaos Grips Japan As Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Travel 

Japan is heading toward snap general elections after the prime minister announced plans to dissolve the country’s lower house of parliament, triggering a fresh political contest.


Japan Heads For Snap Elections As PM Moves To Dissolve Lower House

Three months after taking office, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced a snap election for February 8, aiming to capitalize on early momentum despite economic headwinds and LDP scandals.

Three Months After Taking Office, Takaichi Announces Snap Election for Feb 8

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