Japan to Sell Rice Reserves—But Will It Really Ease Price Pressures?

In an effort to combat surging rice prices, the Japanese government plans to release 210,000 tons from its reserves. However, the plan includes a curious twist: the government intends to buy back the same amount within a year to prevent a price collapse.

Critics might wonder if this strategy is truly a relief measure or just market juggling. Will it stabilize prices for consumers—or simply maintain the current inflated rates under the guise of intervention?

👉 Read the full article here.

Exonerated Man Sues State for Defamation After 45 Years on Death Row

The man featured in last week’s JAPUNDIT WEEKLY—who spent 45 years on death row before his acquittal—has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Japanese government. Claiming prosecutors publicly asserted his guilt even after his conviction was overturned, he is demanding 10 million yen in damages.

His lawyers argue that the state’s refusal to acknowledge his innocence has only deepened his suffering. After enduring decades of wrongful incarceration, it seems his fight for justice and recognition is far from over.

👉 Read the full article here.

Thinking of Buying a Home in Japan? Attend This Free Seminar

Owning a home in Japan might seem like a daunting task for foreigners, but a free online seminar aims to demystify the process. Hosted by real estate experts, the webinar on February 22 at 6 p.m. JST (4 a.m. EST) will cover everything from financing options to navigating cultural and legal hurdles.

This timely event is especially relevant as Japan’s rural prefectures—like Nagano, recently ranked the best for relocation—are vying for new residents. Whether you’re curious about property ownership or ready to make your dream a reality, this webinar is worth checking out.

👉 Read the full article here.

Nagano: Japan’s Top Prefecture for Relocation, 19 Years Running

For the 19th year in a row, Nagano has been named the best prefecture for relocation. Known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, excellent quality of life, and affordability, the region continues to attract those seeking a slower, more serene pace of living.

This accolade, awarded by the Furusato Kaiki Shien Center, underscores Nagano’s appeal to both Japanese citizens and foreigners alike. If you’ve been considering a move—and especially if you’re inspired by this week’s seminar on buying property in Japan—Nagano might just be the perfect place to call home.

👉 Read the full article here.

Aussie Streamers Duel With Selfie Sticks in Sapporo

Forget traditional swords—selfie sticks are the new weapons of choice in Sapporo. In a bizarre street altercation, an Australian livestreamer was arrested for allegedly attacking a rival streamer with his selfie stick. The scene unfolded near Hokkaido’s capital, where witnesses described the spectacle as something out of a Saturday Night Live sketch.

As absurd as it sounds, the incident underscores the increasingly dramatic antics of online streamers vying for views. While police sort out the details, let’s hope this trend doesn’t lead to more improvised weaponry on Japan’s streets.

👉 Read the full article here.

Doctors Arrested for Covering Up Patient’s Murder in Aomori Hospital

In a disturbing case from Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, two doctors have been arrested for allegedly covering up the murder of a patient within their hospital. The incident occurred in March 2023 at Michinoku Kinen Hospital, where a 73-year-old patient was fatally attacked by his roommate, who stabbed him multiple times with a modified toothbrush handle. Instead of reporting the crime, the hospital’s then-director and the attending physician—who are brothers—allegedly falsified the death certificate, citing pneumonia as the cause, and informed the victim’s family that he had fallen from his bed.

This case highlights that even in a country with stringent gun control laws, violent crimes still occur, often involving unconventional weapons. The doctors now face serious charges for attempting to conceal the truth, raising questions about ethics and accountability in medical institutions.

👉 Read the full article here.

Noise Harassment: A New Social Headache in Japan

Japan’s ever-growing list of “harassment” categories has a new addition: oto-hara (noise harassment). A recent court ruling in Tokyo awarded damages to a tenant who endured years of stress caused by their neighbor’s excessively loud music. While disputes over noise aren’t new, the case highlights how Japan continues to redefine and expand what qualifies as harassment in everyday social interactions.

From mata-hara (maternity harassment) to sume-hara (smell harassment), oto-hara is just the latest term to encapsulate the struggles of living in close quarters in a densely populated country. Whether it’s karaoke parties, piano practice, or even just heavy footsteps, it seems no sound is safe from scrutiny.

👉 Read the full article here.

Tourists Cause Chaos at Kyoto Railway Crossing Near Fushimi Inari Taisha

A railway crossing near Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha became the scene of tourist mayhem recently, as large groups of visitors ignored crossing signals, stopping in the middle of the tracks to snap photos and causing delays. The crossing, already a bottleneck due to its proximity to the popular shrine, has become a flashpoint for frustrations over overtourism in Kyoto.

This incident is part of a broader trend of tourists behaving badly in Japan, a problem locals are increasingly fed up with. From blocking pedestrian traffic for selfies to ignoring cultural norms, overtourism is pushing many Japanese to their limit—and sparking debates about how to manage the influx while preserving both safety and cultural integrity.

👉 Read the full article here.

Local Governments Rush to Introduce Lodging Taxes Amid Post-Pandemic Tourism Boom

As tourism rebounds in Japan, local governments are racing to implement lodging taxes to capitalize on the influx of visitors. Municipalities like Nikko and Hakone are following Kyoto’s lead, seeing these taxes as a way to offset the costs of managing overtourism while boosting revenue.

The surge in tourism may be a welcome sign of recovery, but it’s also putting pressure on local resources and infrastructure, leaving communities scrambling for solutions. With tensions around overtourism growing—as seen in incidents like the chaos at Kyoto’s railway crossing near Fushimi Inari Taisha—it seems these taxes are part of a broader effort to strike a balance between hosting tourists and preserving local quality of life.

👉 Read the full article here.

Explore Tokyo’s Artistic Public Restrooms with the Tokyo Toilet Shuttle Tour

In an innovative blend of art and functionality, Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward has transformed 17 public restrooms into architectural masterpieces through the Tokyo Toilet Project. Designed by renowned creators like Tadao Ando and Shigeru Ban, these facilities have become unexpected tourist attractions, especially following the international acclaim of Wim Wenders' film Perfect Days, which features these very restrooms.

To help visitors experience these unique sites, the Tokyo Toilet Shuttle Tour offers guided visits to these designer restrooms. Operated by ride-share company NearMe, the tours are divided into East and West courses, each lasting about two to three hours and covering eight to nine locations. Tours are priced at 4,950 yen (approximately $32) per person, with pick-up and drop-off at the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu. Participants have praised the tours for showcasing facilities unlike any they’ve seen elsewhere.

For more information and reservations, visit the official Tokyo Toilet Shuttle Tour website.

👉 Read more about the tour here.