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Naoshi Hirata, chairman of a committee tasked with evaluating the risk of a Nankai Trough earthquake, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Thursday evening.
JAPAN
Aug 8, 2024

Japan issues first-ever alert over risk of Nankai Trough megaquake

It is believed that the chance of a major earthquake occurring in the Nankai Trough is relatively higher than usual, the weather agency said.
A Russian battle tank drives outside the town of Sudzha on Thursday.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 9, 2024

Russia battles Ukrainian troops for third day after shock incursion

It is one of the biggest Ukrainian attacks on Russia since the war began in February 2022.
Taxis wait for fares outside the airport in Wuhan, China. Ride-hailing and taxi drivers are among the first workers globally to face the threat of job loss from artificial intelligence, experts say.
ASIA PACIFIC / Society
Aug 9, 2024

China's drivers worry as robotaxis pick up pace — and passengers

Automating jobs could benefit China in the long run given a shrinking population, economists said.
Barley (right) has successfully made the move from pup waiting for his forever home to convincing his foster mom to take him permanently into her own house.
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / ADOPT ME!
Aug 12, 2024

Barley has gone from foster pup to family member

Now at his new forever home, days are easy for Barley. A bit hard of hearing, this pup curiously has no problem hearing the rustle of a wrapper coming off a treat.
Researchers have flagged that Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter (now X) in 2022 and is a vocal backer of Donald Trump, appears to be swaying voters by spreading falsehoods on his personal account.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 9, 2024

Musk's misleading election posts viewed 1.2 billion times, study says

Elon Musk, who purchased Twitter (now X) in 2022 for $44 billion, is facing growing scrutiny over his potential influence on voters.
Naoshi Hirata (center), chairman of a committee tasked with evaluating the risk of a Nankai Trough earthquake, speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Friday.
JAPAN / Explainer
Aug 9, 2024

Japan issued its first-ever megaquake alert. What does that mean?

How serious is the situation, and what should people do in the days to come? Here’s what you need to know.
A nature experience program at the Global Mizuiku Summit in Vietnam.
ESG CONSORTIUM
Aug 12, 2024

Suntory nurtures water, forests and future generations

Just like Suntory Holdings says in its corporate philosophy, “To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature,” the company contributes to the enrichment of people’s lives beyond merely selling food and beverages globally. Although responsive to...
Sociologist Gracia Liu-Farrer argues that even though immigration doesn't figure into Japan's autobiography, it is more of a self-perception than a reality.
COMMUNITY / Issues / Longform
Aug 9, 2024

In search of the ‘Japanese dream’

You've likely heard of the American dream. In Japan, where no such concept exists, immigrants forge their own ideals.
A sign says "bottled water is being rationed, with a cap of one case (six bottles) per customer" in a supermarket in Tokyo's Sumida Ward on Saturday.
JAPAN / Society
Aug 10, 2024

People urged to avoid panic-buying as megaquake fears spread

Authorities urged people to avoid hoarding as anxiety over a possible megaquake triggered a spike in demand for disaster kits and daily necessities.
Hamas named Yahya Sinwar as new political leader earlier this month.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 10, 2024

Israel's hunt for Hamas' elusive new chief Sinwar

Israeli commanders believe Sinwar, 61, is hiding in a labyrinthine maze of tunnels that Hamas has built under the Gaza Strip over the years.
Officials from the Meteorological Agency and the land ministry hold a news conference on Saturday and urge people in Tohoku to be on alert for Tropical Storm Maria, which is forecast to make landfall in the region on Monday.
JAPAN
Aug 11, 2024

Tropical Storm Maria set for rare Tohoku landfall from Pacific coast

Total rainfall in the area could exceed the average amount seen for the entire month of August in a normal year, the Meteorological Agency said.
Palestinians survey the damage after an Israeli strike on a school where people were sheltering on Saturday in Gaza City.
WORLD
Aug 11, 2024

Israeli strikes on schools pose a life-or-death choice for civilians

Missile attacks on school grounds appear to reflect a shift in the Israeli military's strategy for driving Hamas out of Gaza.
Flaring at the Cameron LNG export terminal in Hackberry, Louisiana. Flaring, a common sight at LNG plants, is a controlled burning of gas for reasons ranging from depressurizing equipment to disposing of gas that can’t be used. The practice is a "waste of money" and negatively impacts climate change and human health, says the International Energy Agency.
ENVIRONMENT / OUR PLANET
Aug 11, 2024

Japan fuels U.S. LNG boom even as climate targets and impacts loom

For over half a century, Japan has been a sizable buyer of LNG, and its government, banks and energy companies have played a key role in continued investment.
High water levels in the Nagauchi River in the city of Kuji, Iwate Prefecture, on Monday 
JAPAN
Aug 12, 2024

Tohoku on alert as Tropical Storm Maria moves over region

Level 5 is the highest alert level, indicating a life-threatening situation and that residents should take immediate action to protect their lives.
Soldiers look at a bomb shelter painted like a forest at the Nova memorial site in Re’im, Israel, in April.
WORLD
Aug 12, 2024

Israel bolsters infrastructure defense amid Iranian threats

Israel is so reliant on technology that the country has earned the nickname "Start-Up Nation.”
Protesters countering the far right gather in London on Saturday.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 12, 2024

White supremacists turn U.K. riots into online recruiting pitch

Using messaging app Telegram and social media platform X, they promote conspiracy theories and incite violence in their bid to lure new members.
A woman checks her phone as she stands amid the rubble of a building destroyed during Israeli bombardment in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighborhood on Sunday.
WORLD
Aug 12, 2024

In Gaza, keeping the internet on can cost lives but also save them

Preserving the war-torn territory's internet connection comes at a price and the risks can be deadly for desperate users.
Newly formed Tropical Storm Ampil, which is forecast to approach eastern Japan this weekend, is seen on the left side of this satellite image.
JAPAN
Aug 13, 2024

Focus shifts to incoming typhoon as Tropical Storm Maria dissipates

Tropical Storm Ampil is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon — a level on par with a Category 1 hurricane — and near eastern Japan this weekend.
The Kremlin in Moscow on Monday
WORLD / Politics
Aug 13, 2024

Billions in dollar and euro notes reach Russia despite sanctions

Russia has managed to circumvent sanctions blocking cash imports, suggesting that dollars and euros remain useful tools for trade and travel.
Afghan girls weave a carpet at their house in Kabul on July 20.
WORLD / Politics
Aug 13, 2024

Three years after Taliban's return, economic woes loom large

While security has improved, many Afghans are just trying to make ends meet.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Aug. 2
JAPAN
Aug 13, 2024

Kishida holds phone talks with Tajik and Turkmen leaders

On the call, Kishida conveyed Japan's continued commitment to strengthening relations with Central Asia and his desire to rearrange his trip to the region.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (second right) takes part in the inauguration ceremony for the Deep Tech Lab - Quantum in Copenhagen on Sept. 29.
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 13, 2024

The growing strategic race in emerging technologies

Japan’s security and trading partners are increasingly serious about developing quantum capabilities. Japan has to do more to both keep pace.
J-pop act Atarashii Gakko! is set to deliver a jubilant performance at Summer Sonic this weekend.
CULTURE / Music
Aug 14, 2024

Summer Sonic bets on a more local lineup

The international music festival seeks to boost attendance figures with more domestic and Asian acts such as Atarashii Gakko!, Number_i and Creepy Nuts.
After 80 years, Toshimizu Ishii is speaking out on his experience making balloon bombs during World War II.
JAPAN / History
Aug 14, 2024

96-year-old recounts WWII experience in Fukushima balloon bomb exhibit

"Back then, I didn’t think much about it," Toshimizu Ishii admitted. "But now, I see how senseless it all was."
Digital minister Taro Kono (left), Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi (center) and former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba are among the potential candidates for the ruling party's presidential election next month.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 14, 2024

Kishida's out. Who will likely be Japan's next leader?

The prime minister's decision not to run in the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential race has ignited discussion on who might succeed him.
Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visits Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday in Tokyo.
JAPAN / Politics
Aug 15, 2024

Kishida clears the way for ministers to campaign in LDP election

Prospective candidates are weighing whether they can gather the necessary endorsements and rake in enough votes to have a decent shot at winning.
As if moving isn't stressful enough, Japan requires a host of paperwork to accompany your switch to a new apartment — a process that may get a little simpler in the near future.
LIFE / Lifestyle
Aug 16, 2024

Online banking consortium to slash the busywork of moving in Japan

The free service is expected to launch in February 2025, with even more functions available online by 2026.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aug 16, 2024

Japan Times revamps iOS mobile app

This week we released a major upgrade of our mobile app.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Aug 16, 2024

Japan Times revamps Android mobile app

This week we released a major upgrade of our mobile app.
The Foreign Ministry has issued a Level 1 infectious disease alert for seven African countries, urging travelers to take precautions against mpox during visits to those nations.
JAPAN / Science & Health
Aug 18, 2024

Japanese government considers taking precautions against mpox

Senior officials agreed to collect data on infection situations in countries where mpox outbreaks — formerly known as monkeypox — have been confirmed.

Longform

Atsuyoshi Koike, the president and CEO of Rapidus, says there is a “sense of urgency” when it comes to Japan’s efforts in manufacturing semiconductors. “We have to make sure we are successful,” he says.
Atsuyoshi Koike’s big game: Fourth down and 2 nanometers to go