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The Japan Times

@thejapantimes@mastodon.social

mastodon 4.8.0-nightly.2026-10-06

Official account of Japan's most widely read English-language news source. Est. 1897. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/

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50 Posts

Joined November 26, 2017

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The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

While there will be no new Kusama works, the market and the museums will now spend years deciding where, within the artist's abundance, rarity begins. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/09/26/art/yayoi-kusama-posthumous-exhibition-value/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #art #yayoikusama #exhibitions #japaneseartists

When infinity becomes finite: How will Yayoi Kusama’s death influence the art market?

The Japan Times

When infinity becomes finite: How will Yayoi Kusama’s death influence the art market?

There will be no new Kusamas, but rarity is another matter. Her death exposes the very different kinds of scarcity within her vast body of work.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

AI-crafted distortions are saturating the Israeli information environment just weeks before the country's most consequential elections in decades. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/22/world/fake-ads-israel-ai-election/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #ai #benjaminnetanyahu #israel

Fake and divisive ads proliferate in Israel’s first AI election

The Japan Times

Fake and divisive ads proliferate in Israel’s first AI election

Israel’s elections will be the country’s first since the deadly Hamas attacks on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

Although Seoul has traditionally kept its distance from possible involvement in a Taiwan conflict scenario, some say discretion is becoming harder to maintain. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/27/asia-pacific/south-korea-taiwan-us-conflict/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #southkorea #china #taiwan #us #usmilitary #defense #northkorea

Can South Korea stay out of war over Taiwan?

The Japan Times

Can South Korea stay out of war over Taiwan?

While Seoul has traditionally played things safe on the issue, that discretion is becoming harder to sustain.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

A strike by staff of the Eiffel Tower over the removal of female colleagues during a visit by a Hindu religious group led to the landmark's closure on Monday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/08/world/eiffel-tower-women-hindu-group/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #hinduism #india #paris #france #eiffeltower

Hindu group apologizes as Eiffel Tower visit sparks strike

The Japan Times

Hindu group apologizes as Eiffel Tower visit sparks strike

A visiting delegation from a powerful Hindu religious group allegedly asked that female Eiffel Tower employees stay out of sight.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

Trumpets, viola and organ came together for an unusual finale at the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival, where musicians celebrated the enduring friendships forged through years of making music together. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2026/09/24/music/seiji-ozawa-matsumoto-festival/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #culture #music #seijiozawa #saitokinenorchestra #seijiozawamatsumotofestival #classicalmusic

A trumpet-led finale brings new spark to Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival

The Japan Times

A trumpet-led finale brings new spark to Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival

The festival’s 35th edition brought together musicians from across generations and continents celebrating collaboration and friendship.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

An increasing number of Japanese companies are turning to fragrance as a way to foster a sense of unity across corporate groups and promote their corporate brand strategy. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/24/companies/japan-firms-fragrance-employee-unity/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #mufg #banks #nec

The Japan Times

Firms turn to fragrance to foster employee unity and brand strategy

By tapping into the sense of smell, companies aim to establish a consistent corporate image while creating pleasant workplace environments.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 4w ago

Japan raised the eruption alert level for Mount Tokachidake in Hokkaido to Level 3, banning entry to the 2,077-meter mountain. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/13/japan/volcanic-alert-tokachidake-raised/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #mounttokachidake #hokkaido #disasterpreparedness

Volcanic alert for Hokkaido’s Mt. Tokachidake raised to Level 3

The Japan Times

Volcanic alert for Hokkaido’s Mt. Tokachidake raised to Level 3

This is the first time that Level 3 has been issued for the mountain since the alert system was introduced in 2008.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

Boosted by @kcarruthers@infosec.exchange

Japan is demanding a correction be made to an Equal Earth world map on a website, claiming it uses the same color for Russian territory as it does for four islands that Tokyo and Moscow have a territorial dispute over. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/10/japan/japan-map-complaint/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #russia #russiajapanrelations #northernterritories #equalearth #unitednations

Japan demands correction to Equal Earth map over depiction of disputed islands

The Japan Times

Japan demands correction to Equal Earth map over depiction of disputed islands

Tokyo claims the map uses the same color for the islands, which Japan calls the Northern Territories, as it does for Russian territory.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

FamilyMart will introduce a new flexible dress code, from free choice of hair color to wearing hijabs, starting next Tuesday in a bid to attract a more diverse workforce. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/27/japan/familymart-flexible-dress-code-rules/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #familymart #jobs #workstylereform

FamilyMart to loosen worker dress code and allow dyed hair and hijabs

The Japan Times

FamilyMart to loosen worker dress code and allow dyed hair and hijabs

The shift to more flexible rules comes as the convenience store chain tries to attract more workers.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 3w ago

Japan is considering a defense spending target of 3.5% of GDP, a move that could send a shockwave through financial markets concerned about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's spending plans. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/15/japan/japan-defense-spending-35-gdp/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #defense #usjapanrelations #sanaetakaichi #shinjirokoizumi

Japan considers defense spending worth 3.5% of GDP after U.S. pressure

The Japan Times

Japan considers defense spending worth 3.5% of GDP after U.S. pressure

Japanese defense officials have already signaled a willingness to sharply increase defense spending in meetings with their U.S. counterparts.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

At a mass funeral, the shrouded remains of 112 bodies lay in the sun's heat: all that could be found of the Al-Hassaynas of Sabra, ⁠a Palestinian clan all but wiped out by Israel nearly three years ago. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/05/world/gazans-mass-funeral-112/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #middleeast #israel #gaza #israelhamaswar #palestinians

Gazans bury nearly an entire clan found in rubble in mass funeral for 112

The Japan Times

Gazans bury nearly an entire clan found in rubble in mass funeral for 112

According to Palestinian authorities, 308 members of the extended Al-Hassayna family were killed on November 22, 2023 when Israeli airstrikes brought down a cluster of buildings.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Seven organizations of hibakusha atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima Prefecture urged the government to support the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/07/japan/hibakusha-groups-nuclear-ban-urge/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #hiroshima #atomicbombings #wwii #nuclearweapons #hibakusha #nagasaki #sanaetakaichi

Hibakusha groups urge government to support a nuclear arms ban treaty

The Japan Times

Hibakusha groups urge government to support a nuclear arms ban treaty

Hibakusha group officials said the government has not actively engaged in peace diplomacy or shown enthusiasm about eliminating nuclear weapons.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Google is losing some of its most prominent AI veterans, casting doubt over leadership in a critical area of growth right as competition intensifies. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/08/06/tech/google-ai-leadership-shift/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #tech #google #ai #alphabet #tech

Google AI veterans depart during seismic leadership shift

The Japan Times

Google AI veterans depart during seismic leadership shift

The split casts doubt over leadership of a critical area in growth right as competition intensifies.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

ASEAN's inaction and declining humanitarian support have left Rohingya refugees trapped between deteriorating conditions in camps and increasingly dangerous attempts to escape by sea. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/08/04/world/rohingya-drown-asean-debates/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #worldnews #rohingya #asean #myanmar #rohingya #bangladesh #us #malaysia #unworldfoodprogram #donaldtrump #thailand #marcorubio #us #china #refugees #humanrights

The Rohingya drown while ASEAN debates oil

The Japan Times

The Rohingya drown while ASEAN debates oil

People do not board unseaworthy boats because they misjudge the tides. They board because remaining has become its own form of drowning.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

The Generation Z protests that convulsed the streets of Indian cities in recent weeks began with dreams dashed in the classrooms of India's schools. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/asia-pacific/politics/india-gen-z-rage-modi/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #india #narendramodi #genz #education

‘We are not learning anything’: India’s Gen Z rage is a test for Modi

The Japan Times

‘We are not learning anything’: India’s Gen Z rage is a test for Modi

India has the world’s largest youth population, with most in school. But millions graduate ill prepared for university and work, even as families pay more than ever for education.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

South Korea's success in tech has a dark side: Women suffer rampant "digital sex crimes," rights groups say, with AI-generated deepfakes as the newest threat. Some women are becoming web sleuths to fight back. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/asia-pacific/crime-legal/korea-women-ai-deepfake-porn/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #crimelegal #southkorea #deepfakes #pornography #sexcrimes

South Korea’s women web sleuths fight AI deepfake porn

The Japan Times

South Korea’s women web sleuths fight AI deepfake porn

Using the generative technology and a picture of their victim’s face, harassers can fabricate invasive images portraying their targets.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

As Indonesia's wildfires intensify, authorities are on high alert as they work to contain the damage and avoid the devastation that hit the archipelago in 2015, the last time it faced "super-El Nino" weather conditions. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/01/asia-pacific/indonesia-wildfires-explainer/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #indonesia #wildfires #climatechange

The Japan Times

How severe are Indonesia’s wildfires?

Authorities are on high alert as they work to contain the damage and avoid the devastation that hit in 2015, the last time it faced such “super-El Nino” weather conditions.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

Boosted by @kcarruthers@infosec.exchange

Mathematicians are uncertain about the impact of artificial intelligence on their field, as it can help solve longstanding problems but also threatens to replace human work. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/08/29/world/maths-ai-crisis/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #worldnews #math #artificialintelligence #ai #education #tech

Math’s AI crisis has a lesson for the rest of us

The Japan Times

Math’s AI crisis has a lesson for the rest of us

The field of mathematics may need to establish new standards for dealing with AI.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

The death toll from the powerful earthquake that rocked Kumamoto Prefecture late last month has increased by one to 39, the prefectural government's disaster response headquarters said Saturday. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/08/japan/kumamoto-quake-toll-39/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #kumamoto #earthquakes #2026kumamotoearthquake

The Japan Times

Kumamoto quake toll rises to 39

The number of casualties from the temblor has reached 205 in the prefecture, with 23 severely injured.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Tens of thousands took to the streets in India to express ‌their fury ‌at the repeated mismanagement of an examination system that stands between the masses and job security. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/03/asia-pacific/india-youth-protests-modi/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #india #narendramodi #cockroachjantaparty #bjp

Leaked exams and dashed dreams: Why India’s ‘Cockroach’ youth turned on Modi

The Japan Times

Leaked exams and dashed dreams: Why India’s ‘Cockroach’ youth turned on Modi

The complaints youths have against Narendra Modi’s government include widening economic inequality, high youth unemployment and an erosion of free speech rights.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1mo ago

Donald Trump is betting new pressure on Iran can force it to accept a deal to end the war on U.S. terms. But there's one main problem: this is likely to prompt Tehran to retaliate with military strikes across the Gulf. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/23/world/trump-economic-isolation-iran-strikes-gulf/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #iran #middleeast #straitofhormuz #us #donaldtrump #globaleconomy

Trump’s economic isolation plan risks Iran strikes across Gulf

The Japan Times

Trump’s economic isolation plan risks Iran strikes across Gulf

Experts say that if the new plan is actually effective, at some point, Iran will have no alternative but to lash out again.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

The death toll for a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday has risen to 28 as rescuers race against the clock to find survivors before the crucial 72-hour mark. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/japan/earthquake-kumamoto-death-toll/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #kumamoto #earthquakes #2026kumamotoearthquake #kyushu

Kumamoto quake death toll rises to 34 as rescuers race against clock

The Japan Times

Kumamoto quake death toll rises to 34 as rescuers race against clock

The Kumamoto Prefectural Government on Thursday said five other people sustained serious injuries as a result of the disaster.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

When Israel goes to the polls this year, voters will weigh in on conscription, the economy and how the state should investigate its inability to prevent Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/29/world/politics/israel-election-key-issues/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #politics #middleeast #israel #gaza #israelhamaswar #palestinians #hamas #benjaminnetanyahu #iran #lebanon #hezbollah

The key issues that will shape Israel’s elections

The Japan Times

The key issues that will shape Israel’s elections

Voters in Israel will weigh in on issues ranging from conscription to the 2023 Hamas attack when they head to the polls on Oct. 27.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

China's recent ballistic missile test left people living in Tuvalu, the low-lying Pacific Island closest to where it landed, fearing it would trigger a tsunami, an official from the nation said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/07/asia-pacific/china-missile-test-tuvalu/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #tuvalu #oceania #china #newzealand #fiji #suva

Island nation Tuvalu feared tsunami from China missile test

The Japan Times

Island nation Tuvalu feared tsunami from China missile test

China gave no warning on the early July missile test and did not say it would land so close to the island, said a senior Tuvalu foreign affairs official.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's olive branch to the young people behind India's biggest student-led protests in years has done little to stem the abuse and police action many participants say they continue to face. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/07/asia-pacific/india-student-online-harassment-protests/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #india #asia #southasia

Indian students face online harassment weeks after protests end

The Japan Times

Indian students face online harassment weeks after protests end

Online harassment has long been a complaint among critics of Modi’s government, particularly women and political activists, who frequently report threats and abuse on social media.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Amid a record heat wave temperatures are soaring across South Korea and North Korea as ‌authorities expand ‌emergency measures and residents seek relief in cooling shelters, beaches and water parks. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/03/asia-pacific/record-heatwave-korean-peninsula/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #northkorea #southkorea #heatwaves #climatechange

Record heatwave spreads across Korean Peninsula, prompting emergency response

The Japan Times

Record heatwave spreads across Korean Peninsula, prompting emergency response

Forecasters said that extreme heat, previously concentrated in South Korea’s southeast, was spreading into the Seoul metropolitan area and other regions.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

OpenAI is widening its hacking probe after it discovered other instances in which autonomous agents escaped containment, two people familiar with the matter said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/08/01/tech/openai-agent-more-breakouts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #tech #openai #ai #cybersecurity #us #hacking

OpenAI finds evidence other AI agents escaped containment as it widens hacking probe

The Japan Times

OpenAI finds evidence other AI agents escaped containment as it widens hacking probe

The new breakouts were uncovered during a probe into how one of its agents escaped what was meant to be a contained testing environment this month.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

South Korean military inspectors will visit an army corps to review an incident in which ‌troops ‌nearly shot down an unidentified aircraft near the border with North Korea before determining it was a U.S. drone. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/31/world/us-military-korea-drone/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #us #southkorea #eastasia #northkorea

South Korea reviews near-shootdown of U.S. military drone near North Korean border

The Japan Times

South Korea reviews near-shootdown of U.S. military drone near North Korean border

The episode triggered a security scare in the heavily fortified border region, according to media reports, with military units issuing evacuation notices to nearby residents.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Russia has charged billionaire Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism, accusing him of allowing the popular messaging app to be used by Ukrainian security services. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/world/crime-legal/russia-telegram-durov-terrorism/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #crimelegal #telegram #russia #terrorism #paveldurov

Russia charges Telegram founder Durov with aiding terrorism

The Japan Times

Russia charges Telegram founder Durov with aiding terrorism

The technology magnate is accused of allowing the popular messaging app to be used by Ukrainian security services.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

A Hong Kong independent bookshop that national security police raided this month announced it would close after 50 years in business, while another shut down ahead of schedule. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/29/asia-pacific/hong-kong-bookstores-close-police/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #hongkong #china #censorship #books #bookstores

Hong Kong independent bookstores to close after police raid

The Japan Times

Hong Kong independent bookstores to close after police raid

Police searched the two bookshops this month and arrested five people on suspicion of displaying and selling “items with seditious intent.”

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Perceptions that China is the foreign power that wields the most positive influence on Africa's youth have strengthened, while nations ranging from Germany to India are now viewed more favorably than the United States. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/29/world/politics/china-influence-africa-youth-survey/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #politics #china #africa #us #surveys

China bolsters its influence over Africa’s youth, survey shows

The Japan Times

China bolsters its influence over Africa’s youth, survey shows

The survey was conducted as tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and conflicts in Europe and the Middle East prompt the reconfiguration of supply lines.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Thailand kicks off its yearly campaign to encourage people to give up alcohol during Khao Phansa, a three-month period of reflection observed by Buddhists akin to Christian Lent. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/03/asia-pacific/society/thai-booze-buddhist-lent/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #society #alcoholism #thailand

Millions of Thais banish the booze for Buddhist Lent

The Japan Times

Millions of Thais banish the booze for Buddhist Lent

Avoiding drugs and alcohol is a key precept of Buddhism, but Thailand, where more than 90% of people are Buddhist, has Asia’s third highest per capita consumption of alcohol.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Jordan Rochester, who made his name as one of Britain's most recognized financial commentators during the country's split from the European Union, has left Mizuho Bank to pursue a position in Dubai. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/07/30/companies/mr-brexit-exit-mizuho-bank/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #mizuho #banks #brexit #eu #uk #dubai #london

‘Mr. Brexit’ financial commentator leaves Mizuho for position in Dubai

The Japan Times

‘Mr. Brexit’ financial commentator leaves Mizuho for position in Dubai

Jordan Rochester joined Mizuho in 2024 as part of the bank’s push to expand its currency and rates business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te will donate 200,000 New Taiwan dollars (about ¥1 million) to support areas affected by Tuesday's powerful earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/japan/taiwan-president-kumamoto-donation/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #2026kumamotoearthquake #kumamoto #taiwan #laichingte #taiwanjapanrelations #earthquakes

Taiwanese President Lai to donate ¥1 million to quake-hit Kumamoto

The Japan Times

Taiwanese President Lai to donate ¥1 million to quake-hit Kumamoto

Convenience store operators and the Red Cross Society in Taiwan have begun accepting donations.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing has called on Japanese companies to expand investment and trade in the Southeast Asian country at a business event in Yangon. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/japan/myanmar-japan-invest-call/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #myanmar #investments #minaunghlaing

Myanmar leader calls on Japanese firms to invest

The Japan Times

Myanmar leader calls on Japanese firms to invest

Japan has not recognized either the military junta that seized power in the 2021 coup or the current administration that followed it.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 3w ago

Accommodation issues continued to plague the lead-up to the Asian Games on Thursday, with even the host Japan team looking at alternative arrangements after some male and female athletes were allocated shared rooms. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/09/17/asian-games-accommodation-issues/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #sports #2026asiangames #teamjapan

Lodging woes hit host Japan ahead of Asian Games opening

The Japan Times

Lodging woes hit host Japan ahead of Asian Games opening

Issues arose after organizers expected 15,000 athletes and officials for the Games, only for numbers to increase as new sports were added.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

SoftBank Group has drawn over $20 billion of preliminary demand for what could be one of the biggest junk bond deals ever, as investors rush to capture record yields likely to be offered. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/23/companies/softbank-interest-junk-bond/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #softbank #openai #bonds #ai #investments #masayoshison

SoftBank draws over $20 billion of early interest in junk bond

The Japan Times

SoftBank draws over $20 billion of early interest in junk bond

Investors are rushing to capture record yields likely to be offered to help fund the firm’s investments in OpenAI.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

Female prisoners in Myanmar are subjected to widespread torture, sexual violence and life-threatening medical neglect, Human Rights Watch said, underlining the chronic ill-treatment of thousands in the war-torn nation. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/23/asia-pacific/myanmar-female-prisoners-torture-rights/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #myanmar #prisons #humanrights #southeastasia

Myanmar female prisoners face torture and neglect, rights group says

The Japan Times

Myanmar female prisoners face torture and neglect, rights group says

Since the military seized power in a February 2021 coup, a protracted civil war has gripped the impoverished Southeast Asian nation.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

Russia is intensifying sabotage and cyberattacks across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine, European ministers said while dismissing concerns that Moscow is capable of launching a direct assault on NATO. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/24/world/europe-russian-sabotage-nato-attack/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #worldnews #un #nato #europe #russia #defense #kajakallas

Europeans warn of rising Russian sabotage but see no imminent NATO attack

The Japan Times

Europeans warn of rising Russian sabotage but see no imminent NATO attack

Moscow is intensifying sabotage, cyberattacks and other hybrid attacks across Europe to undermine support for Ukraine, European ministers say.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Moscow is set to name an uninhabited island that forms part of a territorial dispute with Tokyo after Richard Sorge, a Soviet spy who operated in Japan before the Pacific War. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/30/japan/russia-name-northern-territories-spy/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #russia #russiajapanrelations #northernterritories #disputedislands #espionage #wwii

Russia to name Northern Territories island after Soviet spy Sorge

The Japan Times

Russia to name Northern Territories island after Soviet spy Sorge

Moscow is expected to soon formally approve the decision to name an uninhabited island in the Lesser Kurils after the spy who operated in Japan before the Pacific War.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1w ago

Thousands of Bangkok residents awoke in shelters on Sunday after flooding triggered by days of heavy rain inundated homes and roads. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/27/asia-pacific/bangkok-floods-shelters/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #floods #thailand #bangkok #southeastasia

Bangkok floods force thousands into shelters

The Japan Times

Bangkok floods force thousands into shelters

Nearly 4,900 people have been evacuated, with around 52,000 households affected by the floods, which prompted a disaster declaration.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

More than 8 in 10 Australian teenagers were still using social media three months after the government's landmark ban on the platforms for minors under the age of 16 took effect, regulators have found. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/07/31/asia-pacific/australia-teens-social-media-ban/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific

Most Australian teens still on social media three months after under-16 ban began, study finds

The Japan Times

Most Australian teens still on social media three months after under-16 ban began, study finds

In a recent study, eSafety found most children between the ages of 10 and 15 were using social media as frequently in March as ‌they had ‌before the ban.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Amusement parks across Japan are raising their admission fees to offset rising labor, electricity and other costs and ease overcrowding during peak seasons. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/08/09/companies/amusement-parks-price-hikes/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #business #companies #themeparks #inflation #teikokudatabank

Amusement parks across Japan raising fees amid higher costs

The Japan Times

Amusement parks across Japan raising fees amid higher costs

Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan are among the parks that are rolling out new pricing structures.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 3w ago

Boosted by @Dragofix@veganism.social

The Trump administration is rescinding climate controls on coal and gas-fired power plants, one of its most aggressive moves so far to unwind U.S. environmental regulations. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/environment/2026/09/15/energy/trump-epa-regulations-power-plants/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #environment #energy #emissions #environment #epa #climatechange #us #donaldtrump #republicans #coal #gas #fossilfuels

Trump EPA ends climate regulations for power plants

The Japan Times

Trump EPA ends climate regulations for power plants

The decision will effectively end the federal effort to regulate the largest industrial sources of greenhouse gases in the U.S.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Cases involving sexual deepfakes targeting children more than doubled in number in Japan in the first half of 2026, the National Police Agency has said. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/05/japan/crime-legal/child-sexual-deepfakes-double/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #crimelegal #japanesepolice #sexcrimes #childporn #childabuse #children

Child sexual abuse deepfakes more than double in Japan in first half of 2026

The Japan Times

Child sexual abuse deepfakes more than double in Japan in first half of 2026

Police handled 123 such cases in the six months, exceeding both the 60 recorded a year earlier and the 114 logged in all of 2025.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

China's Xi Jinping is expected to press U.S. President Donald Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales under a 1982 joint statement during a visit to Washington this week. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/22/asia-pacific/politics/china-xi-trump-halt-taiwan-arms-sales/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #taiwan #china #us #xijinping #pla #donaldtrump #indopacific #defense

China’s Xi expected to press Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales under 1982 agreement

The Japan Times

China’s Xi expected to press Trump to halt Taiwan arms sales under 1982 agreement

In return, Beijing is offering help to put pressure on Iran as the U.S.-led war in the Middle East drags on.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Indonesian authorities have closed access to a national park on Java Island as firefighters battle a wildfire raging there for about a week. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/10/asia-pacific/indonesia-national-park-wildfire/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #wildfires #indonesia

Indonesia closes national park as wildfire spreads

The Japan Times

Indonesia closes national park as wildfire spreads

The blaze has razed 176 hectares since it broke out last Monday near the popular East Java tourist destination of Mount Bromo.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2w ago

Nuclear-armed North Korea has touted the successful test of "a new-type weapon," an apparent hypersonic missile and glide vehicle that it is developing as a means of besting enemies' defenses. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/22/asia-pacific/north-korea-hypersonic-missile/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #northkorea #missiles #nuclearweapons #kimjongun #southkorea #us #usbases #usmilitary #defense #defenseministry

North Korea’s Kim hails ‘new’ weapon thought to be hypersonic missile

The Japan Times

North Korea’s Kim hails ‘new’ weapon thought to be hypersonic missile

Kim Jong Un said the successful test involving an apparent hypersonic glide vehicle “would give the enemy an incurable headache.”

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 1w ago

U.S. President Donald Trump has asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping if he would like to buy American weapons, the United States' ambassador to Beijing revealed in an extraordinary development. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/28/asia-pacific/politics/trump-sell-weapons-china/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #asiapacific #politics #china #us #uschinarelations #pla #donaldtrump #xijinping #indopacific #defense

Trump offered to sell arms to China’s Xi, U.S. ambassador says

The Japan Times

Trump offered to sell arms to China’s Xi, U.S. ambassador says

The revelation will add to allied concerns as U.S. partners struggle for a firm grasp on the White House’s policy toward China.

The Japan Times @thejapantimes@mastodon.social

· 2mo ago

Boosted by @trending@homestead.social

A public that refuses to examine what it applauds not only risks legitimizing authoritarian and even murderous actors, but also becomes complicit. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/08/07/japan/fuji-rock-flag-waving/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #commentary #japan #japan #fujirock #niigata #iran #palestine #lebanon #un #russia #ukraine #shahed #hamas #gaza #israel #us

Flag-waving at Fuji Rock: Conviction or fashion?

The Japan Times

Flag-waving at Fuji Rock: Conviction or fashion?

Music has long served as an expression of a fundamental human freedom — the right to speak, to challenge authority and to be heard without fear of the state.