A designated city in Kansai, capital of Osaka Prefecture, Japan
The Tale of KAHO, Murakami’s first novel with a lone female protagonist, has arrived in Japanese editions. It expands four Shincho magazine stories into a 352-page novel; translation plans are not disclosed. The author has written the work by putting himself in Kaho’s shoes, a departure from his usual male-led narratives.
A wave of updates across Uber, Waymo, Baidu, and others is redefining autonomous-vehicle deployment in major markets. Partnerships are shifting, apps are expanding beyond rides, and regulators are sharpening standards. The evolving ecosystem is accelerating, with major players preparing for broader rollout in 2028 and beyond.
Papua New Guinea has closed Taiwan’s Taipei Economic Office, a move Beijing calls a consolidation of ties and a win for the One-China principle. China welcomes the decision as the Pacific shifts its diplomatic footprint amid Taiwan’s dwindling regional presence.
Josh Kerr has broken Hicham El Guerrouj’s 27-year mile world record in London and now aims to win Commonwealth gold in Glasgow 2026 with the Commonwealth Mile, while the event shifts to a non-Olympic cycle. He is driving a data‑driven, bespoke kit program to chase 3:42 per mile at the Diamond League before the Games.
Sales of Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human have surged in the UK, as Penguin Classics publishes a UK edition of Schoolgirl, a collection of stories in translation. Editors argue the author’s bleak, self-loathing voice resonates with a younger generation, even as his work remains unflinching in its existential despair.
Netball at the Commonwealth Games ends with Jamaica stunning Australia 46-45; Jamaica and New Zealand will contest the gold, while England faces Australia for bronze. The Hydro will be converted to a concert venue for Simple Minds after the final netball matches.
Japan has bolstered its military capabilities, prioritizing domestic drone development and long-range missiles as deterrence against China. Cabinet defence paper stresses speed, expanded arms production, and a shift toward homemade unmanned weapons to offset a shrinking workforce.
Jetstar has introduced a size-based carry-on policy, charging for overhead locker space from February 2027. Each booking includes one small item; larger bags incur fees between AUD 25 and AUD 52 depending on route. The change aims to streamline boarding and reduce delays, with mixed reactions from travellers and analysts.
Australia has secured a 56-17 Nations Championship victory over Japan in Townsville, moving to a three-match winning streak under new coach Les Kiss. Flyhalf Carter Gordon and a standout backline move show Australia’s growing attacking threat, while Japan’s pace and tactical kicking kept the match competitive before Australia pulled away in the second half.
Sunao Takami, 58, has been hanged after being convicted for the 2009 Osaka pachinko-parlour arson that killed five and injured ten. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi says the punishment reflects “careful and thorough considerations” amid ongoing global scrutiny of capital punishment. Takami’s execution is the first under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government and comes as Japan faces renewed calls for transparency.
A seven-year-old boy on Mount Fuji was found sitting on a bench near a mountain hut after his father left him to continue the ascent with his older son. The child, from Nagoya, was rescued by staff and police with no injuries reported. Authorities urge groups to pace themselves to protect all climbers.
Prime Minister Takaichi has reframed the official residence as a workplace, reinforcing office functions and posting policy updates on X. Critics say the arrangement highlights work-life balance concerns as she pursues controversial reforms; her routine has coincided with falling support amid economic and gender-equality debates.
A magnitude 5.8–5.9 earthquake struck southern Ibaraki and rattled Tokyo, injuring dozens across five prefectures. Trains faced delays; Shinkansen service remains normal. Authorities set up a task force to assess damage as residents brace for possible aftershocks.
Japan’s lawmakers are in Beijing to restore channels after Tokyo’s Taiwan remarks soured ties; discussions with Chinese officials run through Thursday as both sides seek to mend diplomatic and economic links.
United has announced a broad expansion, adding multiple direct international routes from Newark, San Francisco and other hubs. The plan includes new services to Okinawa, Osaka, Toulouse, Marseille, Luxembourg, Valencia, Ibiza, Terceira, Ljubljana and more, with launches staggered through 2027. The move follows recent fleet and cabin upgrades as United reports strong 2025 results.
Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee has updated risk projections for the Kinki region, including Osaka and Kobe, citing a 50–60% chance of a magnitude 6.8+ quake over the forecast period. The assessment, based on 45 active faults, places Kinki’s risk on par with Tokyo’s region, amid broader concerns about a Nankai Trough megathrust event that could devastate coastal areas.
Shinjuku ward will bar private lodgings in residential areas and near schools, reducing days available for rental from 180 to 120. The move follows growing resident complaints about noise, rubbish and trespassing amid Japan’s tourism push toward 2030 targets.