COGNICURRENT

Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto announces plans to establish a new graduate school focusing on training experts in the field of space, combining science and management starting from April 2028.

The lawyer of death row inmate Shinji Aoba has filed an objection to the Osaka High Court's decision deeming the withdrawal of his appeal valid in the Kyoto Animation arson murder case.

The article discusses the growing dilemma of residents in Kyoto's Rokuhara district, where the rapid rise of short-term rentals has transformed the neighborhood, leading to discussions about stricter regulations amid concerns over overtourism.

The regulation of private lodging in Japan has raised concerns about illegal operators thriving due to stricter enforcement from local governments, specifically in Kyoto and Tokyo.

Kyoto City is exploring stricter regulations on minpaku (private lodging) as overtourism leads to complaints and concerns over community deterioration.

Students at Kyoto University's Yoshida Dormitory have submitted 8,800 signatures requesting a dialogue about the dormitory's future and the urgent implementation of earthquake-resistant renovations that respect its architectural and historical significance.

The Kyoto Prefectural Governor election has been announced, with three candidates set to debate key issues such as tourism and Shinkansen expansion.

Students at Kyoto University continue to live in the historical Yoshu dormitory, facing uncertainty due to necessary seismic renovations, which has prompted them to reflect on the unique communal and cultural experience it offers.

A special investigation unit has re-arrested a father and son for allegedly embezzling approximately 870 million yen from a public corporation in Japan.

The upcoming Kyoto governor election is overshadowed by controversy over the proposed route of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which would pass underground through central Kyoto, with incumbent governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki remaining noncommittal.

The Osaka High Court ruled that the withdrawal of appeal by death row inmate Shinji Aoba in the Kyoto Animation arson case was invalid, revealing flaws in Japan's criminal justice system.

The Osaka High Court has upheld the validity of Shinji Aoba's withdrawal of his appeal against the death penalty for the Kyoto Animation arson incident, deciding that this does not change the confirmed sentence.

Japan is expected to experience an early cherry blossom bloom this year due to a warm February, with key locations like Kyoto seeing record dates for blooming.

A new initiative in Kyoto aims to recycle kitchen waste into fertilizer, fostering a sustainable food cycle between urban areas and agricultural land.

Researchers are exploring 'memory crystals' which could revolutionize data storage by utilizing the unique properties of treated glass.

Kyoto University's 113-year-old Yoshida Dormitory faces potential loss as students vacate amidst legal disputes over renovations.

A new luxury hotel has opened in Kyoto, Japan, offering rooms for 400,000 yen per night.

The ruling parties in Japan have agreed to redetermine the extension route of the Hokuriku Shinkansen within the current Diet session, with the focus on thorough re-examination of several proposed routes including the previously agreed 'Obama-Kyoto Route.'

A traditional event, the 'Spring Peach Festival,' took place at Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto, where participants prayed for good health and well-being while celebrating the significance of the number three.

Shigeomi Tomoda has been appointed as the new shrine keeper at Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, succeeding Naoto Araki after 24 years.

A historic building in Kyoto's Gion district, once a venue for geisha performances, has reopened as the Imperial Hotel, aiming to use tourism profits for cultural preservation.

Hideaki Hatta, the president of Kyoto Animation, passed away due to illness on February 16 at the age of 76, following his significant role in the company during the aftermath of a tragic arson incident in 2019.

The accommodation tax is set to increase significantly across Japan, with Kyoto City planning to raise its tax to a maximum of 10,000 yen in response to a surge in foreign tourists.

Prince Hisahito of the Akishino family visited a traditional Noh costume workshop in Kyoto, where he experienced weaving.

The shidare ume, or weeping plum, is in full bloom at Jonangu Shrine in Kyoto, with visitors enjoying the sweet fragrance and beautiful scenery.

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

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

Kyoto University has had a court ruling upheld that dismissed claims from its staff union asserting the removal of outdoor signs infringes on freedom of expression.

A 55-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an 81-year-old man in Kyoto and stealing cash.

A father and son have been arrested in Osaka for allegedly embezzling funds from the Kyoto Prefecture Land Development Corporation.

Kyoto City will introduce a citizen-priority fare system for its municipal buses in an effort to manage overcrowding caused by tourism, the first such measure in Japan.

A traditional event at Kyoto's Daigo Temple involved participants lifting a large rice cake while competing for the longest hold time, with the goal of wishing for good health.

The J-League Century Vision League has adopted a different format this year, with half of its matches decided by penalty shootouts due to ongoing issues in Japanese soccer.

A police officer testified in the trial of the alleged murderer of Osho president Takayuki Daito, discussing the investigation of a light vehicle involved in the crime.

Twenty-four maiko from Kamishichiken in Kyoto visited Kitano Tenmangu Shrine to pray for success and skill improvement ahead of the upcoming 'Kitano Odori' performance.

Akhilesh Yadav criticizes CM Yogi Adityanath's upcoming tour to Japan, questioning its relevance and suggesting he learn from Japan's heritage management.

Fumitaka Sato, a distinguished astrophysicist who passed away last autumn, has had his extensive library of over 5,000 books preserved at universities and local libraries for future generations.

On International Women's Day, a handmade event called "Women + Festival" is being held in Kyoto, aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse perspectives and reviving past women's movements.

The Toji Temple in Kyoto is attracting significant crowds with its bamboo light installation, surpassing 10,000 visitors just days after opening.

The recent electoral victory of the LDP in Japan appears to potentially influence discussions around the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to connect Obama and Kyoto.

The trial for the shooting of Takayuki Daito, the CEO of Oushou Food Service, has included testimonies from manufacturer employees about vehicles connected to the incident.

A recent study explores how activity high above Earth may subtly influence processes deep within the planet's crust.

A research team from Kyoto University has used human iPS cells to elucidate the causes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and identify potential drug candidates for treatment.

This article highlights cities around the world that are ideal for walking without the disturbance of vehicles, emphasizing the joy of experiencing the local culture.

Seiji Maehara, former candidate from the Ishin Party in Kyoto, is facing significant challenges in his re-election campaign due to unexpected headwinds.

Business leaders gathered in Kyoto to discuss six social challenges, including population decline and workforce shortages, at the Kansai Economic Seminar hosted by the Kansai Economic Federation.

Kamikami Munetaka, leader of the Participation Party, expressed in a Kyoto street speech that statements about eliminating gender differences resemble communism, suggesting that they lead to a disinterest in romance among youth.

In the ongoing trial related to the shooting of Ryuki Daito, president of Osho Food Service, a childhood friend of the defendant claims he lent a car for the boss's purposes, as the defendant faces murder charges.

Seven-Eleven Japan has established "powder spaces" in three stores located in student districts of Tokyo and Kyoto, aiming to attract younger customers and promote the sale of cosmetics and snacks.

An installation art event named 'KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026' will start at Kitano Tenmangu, a renowned plum blossom site in Kyoto, featuring 1,200 crystals hung from plum trees to create a stunning light display inspired by classical poetry.