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July 24, 2026
 

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Kanako Takahara

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Kanako Takahara
Kanako Takahara is a staff writer who has covered national politics, diplomacy, business and the economy at The Japan Times. A graduate of Sophia University, she is currently a national news editor.
A package of bills on the imperial family clears the Upper House plenary session on Friday.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
Jul 17, 2026
Bills to preserve imperial family clear Upper House
They pave the way for the first major revision of the Imperial House Law since its establishment in 1947.
Centrist Reform Alliance leader Junya Ogawa says a difference of opinion on the royals bill among three opposition parties won't have a large impact on ongoing merger talks between them.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics / FOCUS
Jul 16, 2026
CDP and CRA¡¯s opposing stances on imperial family bills cloud prospect for merger
The CDP opposes a clause that allows future male offspring of newly reinstated members of the imperial family to become heirs.
As of October, there were 2.57 million foreign workers in Japan, up 11.7% from the year before, according to the health ministry.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jul 14, 2026
Overseas remittances from Japan top ?1 trillion for the first time
The latest Finance Ministry data showed that remittances increased by 11.5% from the previous year to ?1.004 trillion, double the figure recorded in 2015.
The Lower House plenary session, which passed legislation on the dwindling number of imperial family members on Friday
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
Jul 10, 2026
Bills on preservation of imperial family pass Lower House
The pieces of legislation will now be deliberated in the Upper House, which is expected to clear them by the end of the current session of parliament.
Princess Aiko, the daughter of Emperor Naruhito, said in a 2022 news conference upon coming of age that she hopes to ¡°spend a long time together¡± with her parents.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / FOCUS
Jul 3, 2026
Japan¡¯s princesses face life-altering legal revisions
After decades of discussion over their future, the princesses may soon have the option to either leave or remain in the imperial family.
Revisions to the laws meant to tackle the imperial family's dwindling numbers included clauses that throw succession rules into question.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jul 1, 2026
Law revisions regarding imperial family invite controversy about succession
Revisions to the laws meant to tackle the imperial family¡¯s dwindling numbers included clauses that throw succession rules into question.
Punch, a Japanese macaque known for clinging to a stuffed orangutan, at the Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba Prefecture in March
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Society
Jun 25, 2026
¡®Unacceptable¡¯: Laser pointer aimed at Punch, the viral baby monkey
Pointing a laser at a monkey will cause it a great amount of stress, a zoo official said, adding that aiming one at its eyes could cause blindness.
A screenshot of the Japan Meteorological Agency website shows the seismic intensity of Thursday morning's earthquake.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Jun 25, 2026
Magnitude 7.2 quake hits northern Japan
No tsunami warning has been issued over the temblor, which registered a rare upper 6 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale in the town of Hashikami, Aomori Prefecture.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako with other royal family members at the Akasaka Palace's imperial garden in Tokyo in April
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
Jun 10, 2026
Parliamentary panel approves draft proposal on revising Imperial House Law
The move paves the way toward legal amendments to help prevent the number of members of the imperial family from further dwindling.
Royal family members greet guests during the spring garden party at the Akasaka Palace's imperial garden in Tokyo in April.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Explainer
May 29, 2026
Who are the former royals who may be reinstated to the imperial family?
A proposal to allow the reinstatement of former male royals along the male line of the imperial family through adoption is being considered by policymakers.
A Cabinet meeting on Friday that approved a revised bill on the retrial system
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
May 15, 2026
Cabinet approves revision of controversial retrial system
Critics of Japan¡¯s retrial system have said prosecutors¡¯ right to appeal is prolonging the court procedures needed for those seeking a retrial, with it sometimes taking decades.
Keisuke Suzuki, who heads a Liberal Democratic Party panel on the judicial system, speaks during a party meeting on retrial revisions on Wednesday at the party's headquarters in Tokyo.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
May 14, 2026
LDP approves government proposal to revise retrial system
The approval paves the way for the revision ¡ª a top priority for the government ¡ª to be submitted to the current parliamentary session.
Shohei Ohtani warms up during the 2026 World Baseball Classic exhibition game in Osaka on March 2.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Apr 24, 2026
After controversial Netflix deal, Japan urges WBC to ensure more people can watch
¡°It is extremely important for a wide range of people to have the opportunity to experience and watch sports,¡± sports minister Yohei Matsumoto said.
Lower House Constitution Commission Chair Keiji Furuya (center) in a session on Thursday
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics
Apr 23, 2026
Panel on change to Constitution eyes ¡®emergency¡¯ clause to deliver breakthrough
Those favoring revision discuss streamlining policy shifts and extensions of lawmakers¡¯ terms, while others question if changes are necessary.
Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Tomomi Inada (second from left) attends a party panel meeting on revising Japan's retrial system at the party's headquarters on April 15.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 22, 2026
LDP and Justice Ministry remain divided over how to revise retrial system
One key issue at the heart of the impasse in revising the retrial system has been whether to allow prosecutors to appeal a court decision to reopen a case.
A medical vehicle enters the Ground Self-Defense Force's Hijudai maneuver area in Kusu, Oita Prefecture, on Tuesday after three GSDF members died and one other was seriously injured in an explosion involving a tank during training.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Apr 21, 2026
Three GSDF members die after tank explosion during training in Oita Prefecture
The incident occurred at the Ground Self-Defense Force¡¯s tank unit at the Hijudai maneuver area in Kusu, Oita Prefecture.
An official from the Japan Meteorological Agency speaks about the powerful quake that hit northern Japan at a news conference in Tokyo Monday evening.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø
Apr 20, 2026
Japan issues rare special advisory over chance of more powerful quake
The government issued the advisory to residents of 182 municipalities from Hokkaido to Chiba, urging them to be ready to evacuate at any moment.
Police investigate a public bathroom in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Saturday where they suspect 11-year-old Yuki Adachi's body might have been temporarily placed.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Crime & Legal
Apr 20, 2026
Kyoto suspect told others son was missing before school called home, police say
The suspect was arrested last week after admitting to killing his son in the high-profile investigation.
When the family planned a trip to Japan, Lily Romero was determined to visit a salon in the country well-known for its expertise in straightening treatments.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / FOCUS
Apr 19, 2026
Japan¡¯s latest tourist destination: hair salons
Travelers cite high skill levels, excellent service and attention to hygiene as top reasons for having their hair treatments done in the country.
Princess Aiko¡¯s popularity is triggering expectations that one day she could become the reigning emperor of Japan like her father, Emperor Naruhito.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 15, 2026
Why Princess Aiko won¡¯t ascend the chrysanthemum throne
The princess has proven to be popular in Japan, but politicians, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, are dragging their feet when it comes to changing the succession law.
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer¡¯s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ¡°seed¡± that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ¡°Peak 1 amyloid beta,¡± as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" ¡ª an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan¡¯s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.
Japan reveals hint of new defense spending target in fiscal blueprint
The Self-Defense Forces' Type 16 mobile combat vehicle fires during a joint live-fire drill with U.S. Marines as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercises in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, on June 28.
Summer has arrived in Japan and so have hot sleepless nights
Amid the heat and humidity in Japan, a good night¡¯s sleep is growing increasingly elusive without the heavy use of air conditioning.
Maya Ongaku¡¯s DIY dream is getting bigger
The members of Maya Ongaku ¡ª (from left) Tsutomu Sonoda, Shoei Ikeda and Ryota Takano ¡ª grew up on the Shonan Coast south of Tokyo and have been friends since their school days.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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