International Students in Japan Hit Record High as Global Japanese Language Learning Surges Ferre Keira2026-07-0901.7K views Global interest in Japan continues to grow. The number of international students in Japan has exceeded 400,000 for the first time, while applicants for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) have… Read more
Ice Cups Become a Summer Essential at Japanese Convenience Stores Ferre Keira2026-07-0901.7K views As Japan’s summer heat intensifies, a simple convenience store item is gaining attention among locals and visitors alike. Ice cups, commonly used for coffee and beverages, have become a popular… Read more
Japan’s Bookstore Count Falls Below 10,000 as Destination Bookstores Attract Tourists Ferre Keira2026-07-0201.9K views Japan’s bookstore count has dropped below 10,000 for the first time, marking the continued decline of physical bookstores. Meanwhile, destination bookstores are emerging as popular cultural attractions for both domestic… Read more
Asia Faces Subscription Fatigue as Digital Subscription Market Enters Mature Phase Julie Howard2026-07-020203 views As digital subscription services continue to expand rapidly, consumers in Japan and South Korea are increasingly reassessing recurring expenses. The Asian market is gradually showing signs of “subscription fatigue,” while… Read more
Japan Tightens Bicycle Traffic Rules: Tourists Also Subject to Penalties Ferre Keira2026-07-0202K views As cycling tourism grows across Japan, new 2026 traffic rules are set to reshape how visitors ride—making safety and awareness essential for every traveler on two wheels. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE)… Read more
Tokyo Metropolitan Area New Apartment Prices Rise 13.5% Year-on-Year, Outpacing Wage Growth Ferre Keira2026-06-2501.9K views Tokyo-area new housing prices continued to rise, with May average prices up 13.5% year-on-year, marking the third-highest level on record. Despite three consecutive years of significant wage increases, salary growth… Read more
Japan’s Evening Supermarket Discount Culture Grows, Balancing Savings and Food Waste Reduction Ferre Keira2026-06-2502K views As food prices continue to rise, Japanese consumers are increasingly focused on saving on daily expenses. Every evening, supermarkets across the country roll out discounts on boxed meals, sushi, and… Read more
Tonkatsu Becomes a Must-Try for Japan Visitors: Which Chains Do Japanese Consumers Prefer? Ferre Keira2026-06-2502K views As inbound tourism to Japan continues to surge, Japanese cuisine has once again become a major attraction. Japanese information website Netorabo recently released the results of its “Best Tonkatsu Chain”… Read more
Japan’s Household Dining Undergoes Major Shift as Frozen Foods and Male Cooking Rise Ferre Keira2026-06-1801.9K views As dual-income households rise in Japan, eating habits are shifting toward frozen foods and ready-made meals, while increasing male participation in cooking reflects changing family roles and a stronger focus… Read more
Japan Foreign Population Tops 4 Million as Driver License Rules Tighten Wisdom Frida2026-06-180344 views After Japan’s registered foreign resident population exceeded 4 million, the government strengthened regulatory oversight, significantly increasing the difficulty of the foreign driver’s license conversion examination. OSAKA, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) –Japan is… Read more