Culture•
Rice consumption in fiscal 2025 the lowest in seven years
The drop coincided with last summer's "Reiwa rice riots" when the staple disappeared from supermarket shelves and prices surged nationwide.
Source: The Japan Times
Latest Updates (Page 22)
Culture•
Canada and Bahamas impose Ebola-related travel bans
The entrance ban of residents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan comes as the WHO raised the risk of the Bundibugyo strain to "very high."
Source: The Japan Times
Culture•
Thai beer heir sexual abuse allegations ignite rare public reckoning
The high-profile case within the wealthy Thai beer brewing family has prompted a wave of painful accounts from survivors of unconnected abuse in the conservative country.
Source: The Japan Times
Transport•
AI Misuse: Transport Firms on Alert in Japan
The Japanese government is urging transport companies to guard against AI misuse. Instructions were issued to operators across key infrastructure sectors, including ports and airports.
Source: The Japan Times
Travel Alerts•
Memory Shortages Impacting Tech in Japan
NAND flash memory shortages are impacting tech supply chains. This could affect the availability and prices of electronics for travelers in Japan.
Source: Nikkei Asia
Travel Alerts•
Osaka Inn Owners Struggle Amidst Regulation
Tighter regulations in Osaka are impacting Chinese-owned inns. A decline in Chinese tourists is further compounding business challenges.
Source: Nikkei Asia
Culture•
Former Japan trading house head warns of naphtha supply crunch
Former Marubeni chair says Japan is likely to face a shortage of naphtha-derived chemical products as early as the end of June.
Source: The Japan Times
Travel Alerts•
Yen's purchasing power sinks to new low as oil prices sap strength
One comparison sees Japan currency as world's weakest, softer than Turkey's lira
Source: Nikkei Asia
Culture•
Taiwan sends forces to monitor second Chinese ’combat’ patrol in a week
China has pressured Taiwan by increasing its military presence around the island, and Taipei is on high alert following a summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders.
Source: The Japan Times
Travel Alerts•
Yen stalls as Mrs. Watanabe stays put in uncertain market
Lack of lasting intervention impact, concern over real yen-selling leave market directionless
Source: Nikkei Asia
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