COGNICURRENT

The defendant in a tragic accident in Gumma that resulted in the deaths of three people has filed an appeal against a 20-year sentence for dangerous driving.

Tokyo has seen an increase in its birth rate for the first time in nine years, attributed to various local government initiatives, although nationwide figures continue to decline.

Shohei Ohtani has joined Samurai Japan and is keen to participate in batting practice ahead of upcoming exhibition games.

The Japanese Communist Party faced a significant setback in the recent election, losing half of its seats in the House of Representatives and only able to pose questions in the House of Councilors during a recent parliamentary session.

Chubu Electric's president acknowledged the insufficient documentation during a press conference and pledged to provide necessary records regarding the fraudulent data concerning earthquake motion standards used for the Hamaoka nuclear power plant.

The Yamaguchi District Court has dismissed a request from local residents to suspend the operations of the Ikata Nuclear Power Plant, leading plaintiffs to criticize the reliance on the nuclear regulator's safety judgments.

The Spot Work Association in Japan has announced stricter cancellation regulations following matching agreements to combat last-minute cancellations by companies.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is witnessing a resurgence of factionalism, driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's stance on past funding issues.

A report reveals that Chinese officials attempted to influence political opinion in Japan by targeting politician Sanae Takagi and consulting ChatGPT, which ultimately refused to provide assistance.

The Japanese Fair Trade Commission has approved the integration of Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso, setting conditions to mitigate market concentration risks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un highlighted a willingness for dialogue with the US while reinforcing 'hostile' relations with South Korea during the recently held Workers' Party Congress.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed confidence in the passage of the initial budget for the new fiscal year while stating that the return of the US Futenma Air Station in Okinawa is not expected.

JR Kyushu is considering offering a train hotel service as a solution to the expected hotel shortage during the overlapping concerts of Arashi and Dreams Come True in Fukuoka.

The Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has proposed a plan to strengthen government intelligence, emphasizing that simply establishing a framework is not sufficient.

The debate over the Osaka metropolis proposal faces obstacles as resistance grows within the Ishin Party regarding Governor Yoshimura's remarks.

JBIC President Nobuhiko Hayashi discussed the challenges and risks associated with Japan's initial investment projects in the U.S., totaling $5.5 billion, during a press conference on March 26.

Asahi Kasei has announced its acquisition of the German pharmaceutical development company Aiquiris for approximately €780 million, marking its third acquisition in the pharmaceutical sector since 2020.

The US and Iran held a third round of high-level negotiations in Geneva amid heightened military readiness by the US and expectations from Iran for sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear limitations.

A Hong Kong court has overturned the fraud conviction of Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai, but he remains detained under the National Security Law sentencing.

Former South Korean Unification Minister Kang In-Duk observed that Kim Jong-un's regime in North Korea is starting to collapse from its foundations despite recent claims of achievements during the party congress.

A former employee of a clinic in Katori City, Chiba, has been awarded compensation after the court found that she was sexually assaulted by the clinic's director.

Major electric and gas companies in Japan have announced price increases for March due to rising fuel costs and reduced government subsidies.

The Statutory Council in Osaka is responsible for formulating the blueprint for the Osaka Metropolis Plan, as mandated by the Special City Area Establishment Law.

A former adult video actor reached a settlement with an AV manufacturer in Tokyo over the unauthorized sale of her performance footage and related materials.

An Osaka high school teacher was arrested for allegedly assaulting an elderly man, who was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

A luxury car stored as evidence at the Mito Police Station in Ibaraki Prefecture was stolen but was found nine hours later.

The prosecution has requested a three-year prison sentence for a former middle school teacher in Hokkaido involved in a child pornography case.

Takada from the Bank of Japan emphasizes the necessity for further interest rate increases amid global economic recovery to avoid lagging behind.

Archaeologists have discovered a copper Buddha statue and wooden tablets at the Heijo-kyo site in Nara, potentially linked to the opening ceremony of the Great Buddha at Todai-ji shrine.

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te awarded a medal to baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, recognizing his contributions to baseball development and exchange between Taiwan and Japan.

Prince Hisahito of Akishino reported his coming-of-age ceremony by visiting the mausoleum of Emperor Meiji in Kyoto.

Japan's digital camera market is showing signs of recovery after a dramatic decline, attributed to unique qualities that digital cameras offer compared to smartphones.

Shigenobu Nagamori, the founder of Nidec, has resigned from his position as honorary chairman amid ongoing concerns of improper accounting at the company.

The Financial Services Agency of Japan has proposed a revision to the Corporate Governance Code that advocates for more effective use of cash reserves for investments rather than prioritizing shareholder returns.

NVIDIA has reported record profits for the quarter ending in January 2026, fueled by soaring demand for AI-related semiconductors, while dismissing the notion of an AI bubble.

Honda has announced the launch of the new CR-V SUV in Japan, emphasizing its comfort features and advanced tech, as it re-enters a competitive market.

The Center Reform Union and the Democratic Party of Japan announced their decision not to attend the first meeting of the 'National Conference' initiated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Mandom Corporation announced the successful completion of its tender offer (TOB) initiated by CVC Capital Partners, following three price increases, ultimately amounting to 125.6 billion yen.

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has announced a reduction in the employment insurance premium rate from 1.45% to 1.35% starting April 1, 2026, marking the second consecutive year of decline due to improving employment conditions.

Nine men have been arrested in Shinjuku for allegedly selling uncensored adult DVDs to elderly men who are unfamiliar with the internet.

Prime Minister Sanae Takagi defended her office's decision to distribute catalog gifts to party-affiliated lawmakers, asserting it is not illegal and no returns will be requested.

A movie director was arrested for suspected drunk driving after colliding with a taxi in Setagaya, Tokyo, while he was operating a Porsche.

A 31-year-old woman was found dead in a home where she was staying, and a 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after reportedly confessing to choking her with a power cord.

The Delicia supermarket chain in Nagano, Japan, has been warned by the Fair Trade Commission for potentially violating antitrust laws by making supplier employees perform display work without compensation.

Two individuals were arrested in Japan for using the designated drug etomidate, commonly referred to as 'zombie tobacco'.

Shohei Ohtani has returned to Japan to join the national baseball team, Samurai Japan, for the World Baseball Classic, where he will focus exclusively on playing as a designated hitter.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has distributed catalog gifts valued at 10 million yen to 315 elected members of her party, raising concerns about the implications for the separation of powers in democracy.

Four men have been arrested for fraudulently reissuing a credit card by impersonating the actual owner, leading to unauthorized purchases worth nearly 4 million yen.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and abandonment of a body in Ibaraki Prefecture, with one suspect denying charges and the other remaining silent.

A research team led by RIKEN and Osaka University has successfully taken significant steps towards miniaturizing particle accelerators, potentially allowing for desktop-sized versions to be developed.