Record Heavy Rain Hits Kagoshima

Record heavy rainfall hit Kagoshima Prefecture, and residents began recovery work on September 9th. In Kirishima, where the first heavy rain special warning of the year was issued, rivers overflowed, and muddy water flowed into residential areas.

Unstable weather is expected to persist from September 9th onward,…[Read more]

Foreign Residents Now 3% of Japan’s Total Population

As Japan faces an ongoing decline in its birthrate and aging population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has released data showing the country’s total population.

The number of Japanese citizens has seen its largest decrease to date, while the foreign population in Japan c…[Read more]

Germany’s ‘oldest and biggest’ gay nightclub declares bankruptcy

Germany’s “oldest and biggest” gay dance club has declared itself bankrupt after nearly half a century in business, falling victim to inflation and an evolving party culture threatening Berlin’s nightlife.

Management troubles and dating apps were among the factors putting Schwu…[Read more]

Germany to deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine in deal with US

Germany said on Friday that it will deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine after reaching an agreement with the U.S. that Berlin will be first in line to receive the latest systems in return.
Thanks to the U.S. commitment, “Germany can initially support Ukraine with launchers and…[Read more]

Amount of aid entering Gaza is ‘very insufficient’, Germany says

The amount of humanitarian aid that Israel is allowing to enter the besieged Gaza Strip is “very insufficient”, the German government said Saturday, noting “limited initial progress” in getting more aid into the enclave. Aid agencies say that more than two million Palestinians are…[Read more]

Suedlink – transporting renewable energy to the south

Construction begins in Bavaria on the final stage of this major power infrastructure project.

A ceremonial event in Bavaria has marked the start of construction work on the final and southernmost sections of the major Suedlink project, a key component of Germany’s energy transition. From the…[Read more]

Germany sees loneliness epidemic among young people

“How do I find friends?” is the most common question German influencers get asked on social media. Loneliness has become a pressing issue in Germany, with far-reaching consequences.

Three years ago, Felix Wunnike realized he had struck a chord with young people. Whenever the business psychology…[Read more]

Passenger train derails in Germany, killing three and injuring dozens

Officials say the crash killed the train’s driver and injured at least 50 others, with 25 of them in serious condition.

A passenger train carrying 100 people has derailed in Germany, killing at least three people and wounding dozens of others, according to officials.

The c…[Read more]

The rise of Japan’s far right was supercharged by Trump – and tourists

Japanese politics is a usually steady ship, verging on the boring most of the time.

Not anymore.

Last Sunday, a once obscure far-right party, Sanseito, surged from one to 15 seats in the elections, making them a serious contender in Japan’s political scene.

With their…[Read more]

Japan to start new residency system for foreign workers

The government has adopted a basic policy to start a new residency qualification system for accepting human resources from overseas in April 2027, in a bid to secure foreign talent.
In line with the move, the current technical intern training system will be abolished. The industry sectors to…[Read more]

Ishiba Weighs Timing of Resignation Amid Revolt in LDP; Prime Minister Seeks to Minimize Political Disruption

With Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba having decided to resign, the focus has now shifted to when he will make it official. Ishiba plans to choose a moment that will minimize disruption to key political events — reaching a formal agreement i…[Read more]

Osaka to Ban People Over 65 from Making Phone Calls at ATMs

Osaka Prefecture is introducing new AI-powered surveillance systems at ATMs to combat a surge in special fraud cases targeting the elderly. Beginning in August, residents aged 65 and over will be prohibited from using their mobile phones while operating ATMs under a new local…[Read more]

Asia markets rally on U.S.-Japan trade progress

Asia-Pacific markets opened on a strong note, buoyed by encouraging trade developments between the U.S. and Japan and growing optimism around a potential deal with the European Union.

Japan’s Topix index surged 1.4%, extending gains for a second day and setting a new all-time high, as CNBC r…[Read more]

What the US-Japan deal means for Asia and the world

US President Donald Trump has called the agreement he reached with Japan the “largest trade deal in history”.

It might be premature to make such claims, but it’s certainly the most significant deal since Trump announced his so-called Liberation Day tariffs in April which roiled stock markets…[Read more]

Franco-German MGCS tank project speeding up, Rheinmetall CEO says

The Franco-German MGCS main battle tank project, which has stalled for years, is speeding up and has political will on both sides, Rheinmetall chief executive (RHMG.DE), opens new tab Armin Papperger said on Thursday.
“This is what politicians want, but also industry,” he told…[Read more]

Alabali Radovan visits South Africa

Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan (photo) has taken off on a trip to South Africa, aiming to deepen economic and political cooperation. “South Africa is a key partner for Germany in a world in which geopolitical tectonics are shifting,” the minister said.

She is also taking part in the G20 Development…[Read more]

German-Afghan relations under scrutiny over deportations

The German government’s policy of deporting Afghan criminals to Afghanistan relies on cooperation with the Taliban government in Kabul. The Islamists are hoping this is the first step toward diplomatic recognition.

“We have succeeded in organizing another deportation flight with convicted…[Read more]

Blue Impulse Planes Fly over Osaka-Kansai Expo Site; Halfway Point of Event Reached

A team of Air Self-Defense Force pilots performed an aerobatic demonstration at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo in Yumeshima, Osaka, on Saturday.

The event, which lasted for about 15 minutes, was performed by Blue Impulse, the ASDF’s aerobatic demonstration team. T…[Read more]

U.S. urges clarity on Japan’s role in potential war over Taiwan, report says

The Pentagon is urging Japan to make clear the role it would play in the event of a U.S.-China conflict over Taiwan, a media report said Saturday, with the U.S. Defense Department’s No. 3 official later appearing to confirm the push.
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for…[Read more]

Indian national arrested in Japan for alleged rape of a schoolgirl

Police say suspect asked girl for hotel directions, then forced her into room and assaulted her

Police in Japan’s Shiga prefecture have arrested a 24-year-old Indian man on charges of allegedly raping a teenage high school student in Otsu City last month, according to local m…[Read more]