The Japan Times - News On Japan, Business News, Opinion, Sports, Entertainment And More Home page Subscribe Digital Print 29℃ TOKYO July 27, 2026 Subscribe Digital Print July 27, 2026 Heat Parliament China Latest News Subscribe Digital Print Heat Parliament China Latest News Today's print edition Home Delivery JAPAN Politics Society Crime & Legal Science & Health Explainer History WORLD Politics Crime & Legal Science & Health Society ASIA PACIFIC Politics Crime & Legal Science & Health Society BUSINESS Companies Economy Markets Tech SPORTS Sumo Soccer Baseball Basketball Tennis Olympics More sports OPINION Editorials Commentary Geoeconomic Briefing Environment CLIMATE CHANGE Energy SUSTAINABILITY WILDLIFE EARTH SCIENCE LIFE Travel Digital Food & Drink Style & Design Language Lifestyle CULTURE Film Books Music Art TV & Streaming Stage Entertainment news COMMUNITY Voices Issues How-tos Our Lives My Account My Bookmarks Logout Subscribe for more access JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS After a legislative sweep, Takaichi faces public confidence test By Kenji Yoshida A recent poll shows 71% of respondents disapproved of the government’s response to rising living costs as talks remain stalled over a reduction of the consumption tax for food. More coverage Secondary capital bill passes after showdown at parliament JAPAN Tough new permanent residency measures trigger concern in Japan By Jessica Speed The draft guidelines would introduce clearer income, pension, language and integration requirements, as the government seeks to tighten immigration controls. CULTURE / Books Japanese author Keigo Higashino, known for penning intricate mystery novels, dies at 68 By Elizabeth Beattie Higashino, a prolific writer lauded for his creativity, died of cancer, his official X account said. JAPAN U.S. Forces Japan boosts personnel as transformation takes shape, commander says By Jesse Johnson Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost said that some 215 personnel had been added to the headquarters since last year, as a shift to give the command more authority entered a second phase. ENVIRONMENT / Sustainability / OUR PLANET The tiny Okayama village providing Japan with a blueprint for forest management By Kimberly Hughes Nishiawakura is prioritizing long-term forest health and biodiversity, while also strengthening the local economy. JAPAN More foreign nationals joining fire brigades in Japan, but barriers remain Volunteer fire brigade members of foreign nationality can only engage in activities within the scope of acts that do not constitute exercising public authority. Prayers offered for victims of Sagamihara care home attack “The deep sorrow remains even after 10 long years,” said the head of the Tsukui Yamayuri-en residential facility for those with disabilities in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture. PM stands firm on LDP-JIP ties, comments on stricter rules on foreign nationals By Kanako Takahara Concerns increasing over radio for abductees in North Korea Memorial at sea starts for late residents of Russia-held isles Several dozen local bodies vie for disaster management agency’s regional bases BUSINESS Portable air conditioner sales surge in Japan amid intense heat Relatively low prices and the fact that such portable units do not require installation work make them popular. Germany’s sick-note crackdown may be treating the symptoms, not the disease Workers in Germany took an average of about 22 days of sick leave in 2024, among the highest levels internationally. Instagram, Facebook ran AI ‘nudify’ ads from China, report says By Newley Purnell Online education CEO bets on Fukuoka for regional growth Malaysia’s resource anxiety tests Asia’s fastest data center build-out SoftBank’s $40 billion loan for OpenAI stake gets 21 new lenders By Kari Lindberg WORLD U.S. and Iran extend pause in strikes as Oman holds Hormuz talks After 13 straight nights of strikes aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping, the U.S. has held off since late Friday without explanation or announcement. Syrian president tells Al Jazeera his country seeks security deal with Israel A deal could pave the way for comprehensive peace between both countries without compromising Syria’s right to the Golan Heights, President Ahmad al-Sharaa says. China makes new U.S. warship target for missile tests By Josh Xiao Ebola outbreak in Congo set to become second-largest on record after confirmed cases reach 3,200 By Jason Gale Gaza teen triumphs in school despite war, loss and displacement Rohingya schools in Malaysia face closures amid online surge in hate speech By Rozanna Latiff Sports Tadej Pogacar matches record with fifth Tour de France crown Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel finished second overall, while Mexico’s Isaac del Toro rounded out the overall podium in third. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso hails addition of Morgan Rogers as ‘great signing’ Malaysia steps in to host rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix Anthony Joshua’s close call does not dampen appetite for showdown with Tyson Fury Munetaka Murakami homers twice to help power White Sox to win over Astros Opinion Why Iran’s hardline regime won’t change Pegah Banihashemi Iran’s founding doctrine of uncompromising clerical rule and system‑preserving repression ensures the regime survives, making outside pressure and internal unrest ineffective. Nicaragua’s dictatorship should be Marco Rubio’s next problem By Juan Pablo Spinetto Games that allow athletes to use drugs that boost performance By Peter Singer Sagamihara survivor shows what inclusion can look like By Michael Gillan Peckitt Japan’s wedding gifts are leaving couples deflated By Gearoid Reidy ENVIRONMENT South Africa’s data center ‘gold rush’ risks resource crunch By Kate Bartlett South Africa boasts advanced digital infrastructure, including connections with international sub-sea cables, helping to make it home to 70% of the continent’s data centers. ‘Difficult night’ as France and Spain fires intensify again Spain and France continue to battle wildfires as intense heat grips Southern Europe Investors see pollution plan silver lining in EU carbon overhaul ‘Cruel, wasteful’: Senegal port a hot spot for illegal shark fins By Marchio Gorbiano and Becca MILFELD CULTURE How Hayao Miyazaki’s love of books influenced Studio Ghibli’s stories By Kris Kosaka Hayao Miyazaki lists books as direct sources for a number of his films including his latest, “The Boy and the Heron.” Time-travel anime ‘You, Fireworks, and Our Promise’ is serviceable but lacks spark By Matt Schley The bittersweet nostalgia of the first season of ‘Vivant’ By Gabriella Geisinger Japan’s 100-year-old symphonic orchestra celebrates its milestone By Junko Nonoyama ‘Hush!’ and ‘All Around Us’: Masterpieces from a pioneering gay director By Mark Schilling LIFE J-pop idols are behind much of Japan’s Gen Z slang By Shaun McKenna Japan’s newest slang isn’t new at all — it’s a remix fueled by TikTok, fandoms and boy bands. A symbol of summer, this Japanese dessert brings sweet relief By Weiwen Lin Heading to Yokohama’s Chinatown? Here are the real local bites you’re missing. By Manami Tominaga In the hills of Shimane, Japan’s steelworking tradition forges on By Louise George Kittaka Kansai’s first Michelin-selected sommelier knows how to read a room By Weiwen Lin COMMUNITY The 180-day locals: Life on Japan’s digital nomad visa By Mai Yoshikawa Japan’s small but growing ranks of digital nomads have embraced the opportunity to embed themselves in a Japanese life — and take advantage of a weak yen. This Shiba is a great dog for the right person A friendly ‘peaches-and-cream’ fellow Found on Jan. 1, Osechi is a New Year’s darling Japan needs caregivers. Young Indians are answering the call. By Megha Wadhwa OPINION Juan Pablo Spinetto Nicaragua’s dictatorship should be Marco Rubio’s next problem A country whose rulers openly reject elections has no place in this neighborhood. Peter Singer Games that allo