Capital of Japan; colossal, busy, globally influential.
The Cannes Palme d’Or contender Sheep in the Box has opened in Japan, presenting a near-future tale in which bereaved parents consider a humanoid replica of their late son. Critics vary in their reception, with some praising the film’s ambition and others labeling it baffling and emotionally underpowered.
Oil markets have shifted as the U.S. and Iran outline a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI hover around the mid- to high-80s/low-90s as sanctions waivers enable resumed Iranian exports. Global stocks move with muted optimism while gas prices remain elevated compared to prewar levels.
Japan faces a surge in bear encounters, with urban sightings and attacks prompting authorities to accelerate population-management measures after a year of record bear-related casualties. Utsunomiya has closed schools while officials assess whether to tranquilize, trap, or relocate the animal.
Typhoon Jangmi has intensified on its approach to Japan, forcing evacuations, power outages and widespread disruptions across the region as authorities warn of life-threatening rain and floods.
The Bank of Japan has raised its policy rate to 1% from 0.75% in line with expectations, as the yen remains near multi-decade lows amid pressure from the Iran war and higher oil prices. Officials warn of ongoing volatility and potential further action to stabilize markets and inflation.
A weekend of shootings in Chicago has drawn renewed calls for federal intervention. President Trump has urged Gov. Pritzker to request federal help, while local officials defend policing strategies. The city is suffering a surge in shootings and has reported multiple fatalities during Juneteenth weekend.
A spike in Chicago gun violence has intensified a clash between political leaders. Independent reports crime is up year-to-date with 198 homicides in 2026, while New York Post depicts the mayor’s transfemicide emergency as a distraction from broader city woes as shootings continue.
The Guardian, The Japan Times, AP News, and others report Beijing’s export controls on dual-use items target Japanese firms as Tokyo expands its defense posture. Detentions of Japanese nationals in China over alleged rare-earths-related export violations are intensifying the diplomatic row. The moves come after Japanese comments on Taiwan and potential military action raised Beijing’s alarm.
Japan has secured a spot in the round of 32 in the World Cup, while Chinese supporters in Tokyo celebrate Japan's form. Chinese brands are making inroads at the event, with marketing campaigns elevating their presence across host venues.
New funding and product integrations are accelerating the deployment of humanoid robots globally. Investors back Zeroth in China, Unitree unveils an integrated Nvidia platform, and Morgan Stanley upgrades China’s market outlook as companies push from demos to real-world use.
The yen has weakened to multi-decade lows as US rates remain higher than Japan's. Intervention is being considered, but the long-running carry trade and energy costs keep downward pressure on the currency. Markets are watching potential official action and the broader implications for Japan's economy and global markets.
The India-Japan summit in New Delhi has produced joint statements on economic security, AI, energy resilience and defence cooperation. Leaders have announced a three-pronged push: strengthening supply chains, expanding defence tech collaboration, and boosting private investment, with a long-term goal of greater Indo-Pacific stability.
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.
Super Typhoon Bavi has direct-hit Rota with winds over 150 mph, triggering warnings for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Officials warn of catastrophic damage and prolonged outages as the storm tracks westward toward the Philippines and Taiwan amid El Niño-linked warming.
Naomi Osaka has continued to capture attention at Wimbledon with a series of bold, culturally rich outfits. She has worn designs inspired by Kill Bill, Japanese ceremonial dress, and the Eiffel Tower motif, while advancing rounds and maintaining a strategic, fashion-forward approach to her on-court success.
Travelers are adjusting to higher costs as global tensions shape travel patterns. Data show Americans and others favor road trips, domestic stays and budget options over long-haul, international travel this summer.
Oman is exploring a tolling approach for the Strait of Hormuz while navigating international law, amid US opposition and regional pressure. Reports show ongoing transits and ongoing diplomacy as the crisis evolves.
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific carrying a dummy warhead. Beijing has said the launch was routine and that relevant countries were notified; Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Pacific states have condemned the test as destabilising and said notice was insufficient.
Josh Kerr has broken the mile world record at the London Diamond League, running 3:42.66 to shave 0.47 seconds off Hicham El Guerrouj's 1999 mark. The Scot led through precise pacing from Brannon Kidder and Zan Rudolf and won by a clear margin; the meet also featured standout wins from Julien Alfred and Karsten Warholm.
Dozens of international Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves have gathered in Aalborg, Denmark for the World Santa Claus Congress. The four-day event, dating to 1957, moved from a Copenhagen amusement park to Aalborg two years ago and marks its 70th anniversary next year. Participants come from around the world to swap stories, compare beards and rehearse holiday performances.
British gymnast Max Whitlock has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to an injury. The 33-year-old, who had aimed for a 2028 Olympic spot, says he is incredibly disappointed and will focus on recovery and supporting the team.
Tokyo, a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever, has been rescued after ingesting cannabis on a Ben Nevis ascent in Scotland. A volunteer Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team carried the dog to safety as rescue efforts followed a period of confusion and concern about the dog's condition.
Japan has admitted a growing need to counter foreign intelligence after a New York Times investigation described Russia using Tokyo as a den of spies. Tokyo is expanding its national intelligence coordination and tightening laws in response to a wave of Russian espionage activity linked to Ukraine.
The AI industry has reached a tipping point as hyperscalers project rising returns from chips and data centers. New analyses forecast trillions in 2026 revenue to justify the AI build-out, even as token costs and cheaper models pressure profitability.
Civil rights leaders have announced a major demonstration in Washington, D.C. for Aug. 28, marking the 63rd anniversary of the 1963 march. The event, led by Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, aims to press Congress after a Supreme Court ruling tightened voting rights protections and spurred state redistricting.
Nvidia has deepened its push in Japan, signing deals with leading manufacturers to build a homegrown “physical AI” stack for factories, robots and vehicles. Tokyo will invest up to 1 trillion yen over five years as it coordinates with firms like Fanuc, Sony and Hitachi to create domestically developed AI for industry, with Nvidia supplying hardware and model support. Projects range from edge-running Cosmos 3 Edge to lab collaborations and drug-discovery initiatives.
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.
Japan's Diet has passed a law criminalising publicly damaging or defacing the Hinomaru flag to prevent discomfort and protect national symbols. Violators face up to two years in prison or a 200,000 yen fine. The measure is championed by Prime Minister Takaichi but faces constitutional criticism over free speech concerns.
France has claimed a convincing win over Japan in Tokyo, extending their Nations Championship campaign with two wins and one loss. Jalibert, Lamothe and Roumat score tries as the Six Nations champions outpace the hosts in hot, humid conditions.
China’s Luyang III-class destroyer has conducted live-fire drills within Japan’s EEZ near Okinotori, while Russia’s presence and joint patrols with China are drawing concern from Tokyo. Officials say the drills, observed during a China-Russia exercise, underscore deepening military cooperation in the region. Authorities are monitoring moves around Japan’s waters and airspace.
International researchers find inherited genetics influence how cancers evolve after DNA damage, affecting tumour growth and mutation patterns. The Edinburgh-led work, published in Nature, underlines implications for screening, diagnosis and personalised treatment across populations.
Tokyo is debating allowing shorts in offices as part of the Cool Biz drive to beat heat and cut energy use; opinions are divided, with concerns about gender fairness and leg hair etiquette. A June Gorilla Clinic survey shows both support and opposition among workers, amid rising summer heat and energy costs.
A wave of comfort-forward fashion is reshaping workplaces as heat drives demand for shorts, relaxed denim and athleisure from New York to Tokyo, while debates about leg hair etiquette and gender norms intensify
Noah Lyles delivers a world-leading 9.79s in the 100m and confirms dominance as Sha’Carri Richardson wins the women’s 100m; Melissa Jefferson-Wooden defends her 200m title as Olympic cycle shifts with the Ultimate Championships on the horizon.
The weekend has seen a pause in Iran’s retaliatory strikes as talks with Oman progress on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The US has held off further strikes, while Yemen’s Houthi actions have expanded and crude prices have eased from earlier spikes, though Brent remains above $90 a barrel.
A powerful earthquake on Kyushu’s Kumamoto prefecture has injured dozens and damaged infrastructure. A mall explosion is being investigated. Authorities have ordered evacuation centres for around 300,000 residents and are monitoring aftershocks.
A powerful earthquake has struck Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, causing widespread power outages, suspended rail services, and emergency warnings. Officials report injuries and potential damage to infrastructure as authorities assess the extent of the impact. Tsunami advisories were issued but later lifted. Read on for the latest from multiple outlets.
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake strikes Kyushu, leaving at least 13 dead. Rescuers continue a race against time to pull survivors from rubble after an explosion at Aeon Mall; more than 4,000 troops are deployed and heat raises rescue challenges.