Landslide hits Mount Fuji after heavy rain
A landslide struck one of the main starting points for climbers on Japan's Mount Fuji, local broadcaster TBS reported, after heavy rain inundated large parts of the country's centre.
Over 3,600 schools closed due to heavy rain
A total of 3,661 schools were closed in 11 prefectures across Japan due to heavy rain, according to the education ministry.
Shinjuku to ban more than half of holiday rentals
Tokyo tourist hotspot Shinjuku will impose a ban on more than half of its holiday rentals including homes on Airbnb, an official said, following a surge in complaints about visitors.
Prince Hisahito turns 20 amid succession debate
Prince Hisahito turned 20 as he faces growing attention as a future monarch in Japan following the government's unpopular revision to the Imperial House Law that reinforces male-only succession rules.
Man held for hamster-killing spree at ‘love hotels’
Police in the country said they had arrested a man over the killing of 30 hamsters at a hotel, weeks after he was detained for stomping to death 20 other hamsters.
When AI moves next door
The more Yoriko Kitagawa learns of a massive data centre to be built near her home in Hino on the outskirts of Tokyo, the more she worries.
Overtime regulation relaxed
The country will ease overtime regulation in a move meant to help spur economic growth but criticised as a relapse into the country's ingrained workaholic culture.
Record US$55.6bil for defence
The defence ministry requested a record budget of 8.9 trillion yen (RM224bil) as Tokyo looks to artificial intelligence to speed up decision-making in the face of a tense security environment.
Schools told to be firm towards parents
The education ministry has compiled guidelines to help schools prevent or deal with instances of teachers being subjected to verbal abuse, unreasonable demands and other forms of harassment by students' parents or guardians.
Scrutiny grows over animal cafes
THE country plans to probe popular animal cafes, where visitors can interact with anything from cats to capybaras, following concerns about hygiene and the creatures' welfare, authorities said.
