The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun

20/12/2025

Nine officers from the Hyogo prefectural police have been accused of online gambling, an investigation alleges to have found.
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/crime-courts/20251220-299694/

20/12/2025

Bullet train passengers to Hokkaido can enjoy northern Japanese delicacies such as salmon, herring and Matsumae-zuke pickles in a special bento box celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hokkaido Shinkansen service.

SAPPORO — To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train services in March next year, a commemorative bento boxed meal using local delicacies from Hokkaido and Aomori Prefecture went on sale on Dec. 1.

20/12/2025

When the Bank of Japan decided on a rate hike this week, it considered U.S. tariffs and the upcoming shunto spring wage talks.

The Bank of Japan decided to raise its policy interest rate to around 0.75% at its latest monetary policy meeting in light of its outlook for dealing with concerns about the impact of high U.S. tariffs and the likely trend of the next shunto spring wage negotiations.

20/12/2025

The Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party finalized the ruling coalition’s tax system reform outline for fiscal 2026, with the taxable income threshold rising to ¥1.78 million.

The Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party finalized their tax system reform outline for fiscal 2026 on Friday.

20/12/2025

Editorial: The Bank of Japan should proceed carefully with its rate hikes as they usher in a new phase of the “economy with positive interest rates.”

The Bank of Japan has decided to raise its policy interest rate by 25 basis points to around 0.75%. This marks the highest level in about 30 years, since 1995.

20/12/2025

A zoo in Kochi Prefecture with two shoebill birds appears to have the most promise to be the first facility in Japan to see the birth of a baby of the species.

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20/12/2025

Editorial: With the European Union unanimously approving an aid package for Ukraine, the risk of Kyiv running out of funds has been averted.

The European Union has agreed on new support measures for Ukraine, which is facing Russian aggression. It is highly significant for the EU to secure immediate war funds by overcoming differences among its member states.

20/12/2025

Spurred by concerns over mega solar power plants including deforestation around the Kushiro Wetlands in Kushiro, Hokkaido, the government plans to implement 20 measures to curb reckless development.

The government plans to implement about 20 measures to address growing concerns over environmental degradation and potential disaster risks posed by mega solar power projects, according to a draft policy package seen by The Yomiuri Shimbun.

20/12/2025

Japan has outlined its commitment in supporting the development of a logistic network in Central Asia, as the prime minister met with leaders of the region’s five countries.

The first summit between the Japanese government and the five Central Asian nations on Saturday resulted in the adoption of a joint declaration which explicitly states Tokyo’s support for developing a logistic network that connects to Europe via the Caspian Sea.

20/12/2025

The Kumamoto City tram will continue using IC cards after riders expressed their dissatisfaction with changing to a new system.

KUMAMOTO — Nationwide transport IC cards will continue to be accepted on Kumamoto City trams after passengers expressed opposition to a move to ditch them.

20/12/2025

The Tokyo government unveiled a new, Japan-made EV motorcycle set to be used by metropolitan police during the Hakone Ekiden relay race next year.

The Tokyo metropolitan government unveiled on Friday a domestically produced EV police motorcycle to be used for the first time in the Tokyo-Hakone Round Trip College Ekiden Race (Hakone Ekiden).

20/12/2025

An 80-year-old man was found dead near a trapped bear on a mountain in Taiwa, Miyagi Prefecture, with authorities suspecting that he was attacked by the bear.

SENDAI – An 80-year-old man was found dead near a trapped bear on a mountain in Taiwa, Miyagi Prefecture, on Saturday morning, according to police and the fire department.