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The Japanese Giant Salamander: An Amphibian Titan
One of the world’s largest amphibians, the Japanese giant salamander is protected as a special natural monument.
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business
What’s New in Tokyo: September 2026
September brings a packed slate of openings and reopenings across Tokyo, from ambitious new restaurants and destination bars to revamped shopping complexes, boutique hotels and unique cultural spaces. Whether you’re looking to discover the city’s latest culinary talent, explore a...
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Yuzuru Hanyu’s 17-Year Love Story with Winnie the Pooh
Figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu is globally renowned as Japan’s “ice prince.” At only 19 years old, he became the first Asian man to ever win an Olympic gold medal in the discipline at the 2014 Sochi winter games. Hanyu then won a second consecutive gold at the 2018 Pyeongchang games,...
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Yayoi Kusama’s Essential Works
There was a stretch in the mid-2010s when Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms seemed to be everywhere. Museums that normally drew weekend-only crowds suddenly had ticket systems buckling under demand, Instagram filled with iterations of the same mirror selfie: a figure in deep s...
Local
Discover Tokyo’s Best Hidden Gems with Tomogo!’s Local Experts
For first-time visitors in Japan, scrolling on social media can often feel like the default option for planning your itinerary. It’s how most tourists end up in the same overcrowded locations: Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji, a themed cafe in Harajuku, maybe a day trip to Hakone if th...
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Endemic Species That Only Exist on Specific Japanese Islands
From the ancient Amami rabbit to the flightless Okinawa rail, Japan's remote southern islands have quietly produced some of the world's rarest wildlife The post Endemic Species That Only Exist on Specific Japanese Islands appeared first on Metropolis Japan ....
parks
J-Horror Rises Again: Unraveling the Heart of Fear, Japan Style
Japanese horror is seeing renewed popularity nearly 30 years after Sadako crawled out of a television screen in Ringu, sparking off a first global boom. Here we take a look at how Ringu and the novel it was based on created an iconic vision of terror....
parks
Despite High Spending, Japan Trails Global Leaders in Top-Cited Science Papers
Japan ranks third in the world for research spending, but remains in thirteenth place for its number of highly cited science research papers.
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Japan Crude Imports Recover in July with Greater Reliance on US Oil
Japan’s crude oil imports saw a major drop in April 2026, but recovered in July due to a greater share of imports from the United States. However, the unit price in July rose 78% compared with the same month last year....
Local
Things to Do in Tokyo in September
The rundown of the best events in Tokyo this September The post Things to Do in Tokyo in September appeared first on Metropolis Japan .
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Can Takaichi Push Through Japan’s Long‑Delayed Refundable Tax Credits?
Refundable tax credits have repeatedly been proposed in Japan as a way to ease burdens on low income households while encouraging labor participation, yet they have never been implemented. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is now advancing the policy as a core reform, but questions a...
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Japan Retail Bond Sales Surge in Shift Away from Low-Yield Bank Deposits
Individual investors are rushing to buy retail Japanese government bonds, and the volume sold in 2026 is already higher than for the whole of 2025.
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Japan’s Top Events in Autumn 2026
Colorful foliage and traditional festivals brighten up autumn 2026 in Japan. Check our list of recommended events.
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Japan Residence Permit Fees Rise From October 1, 2026: Permanent Residency Jumps to ¥200,000
More about the process, eligibility rules, and paperwork The post Japan Residence Permit Fees Rise From October 1, 2026: Permanent Residency Jumps to ¥200,000 appeared first on Metropolis Japan ....
Local
Tokyo Mugicha: A Traditional Roasted Barley Taste Enjoyed for Over 80 Years
Mugicha, or barley tea, is a wildly popular and widely available beverage that hits the spot in Japan’s hot summers. We visit a Tokyo roaster that uses old roasting techniques and top-quality ingredients to make a high-end product that is worth preserving....
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Surging Demand Lifts Chicken Prices to Record High in Japan
Japanese consumers are increasingly opting for budget-friendly chicken amid ongoing inflation, but this is leading to higher prices.