Foreign Workers in Japan Hit Record High, Accounting for 4.1% of Total Workforce Ferre Keira2026-02-0501.9K views Japan’s ongoing demographic decline continues to reshape its labor market, with the number of foreign workers reaching a record 2.57 million. Labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing and services remain the… Read more
Japan’s Print Publishing Market Falls Below ¥1 Trillion, Hitting a Nearly 50-Year Low Ferre Keira2026-02-0501.9K views In 2025, Japan’s print publishing market dips below ¥1 trillion. Magazines face sharp declines, yet readers continue to favor and visit bookstores for paper books. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – The… Read more
Japan’s Supermarket Ready-Made Meals Hit Record High Ferre Keira2026-02-0501.9K views Japan’s ready-made meal market has surpassed ¥11 trillion, indicating rising consumer demand. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises consumers to consider both convenience and product shelf life. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) –… Read more
Spring Pollen Season Hits Japan – Visitors Should Be Careful Ernest Harry2026-01-3002.7K views Japan’s cedar pollen season is approaching, with high concentrations expected in eastern and northern regions. Travelers are advised to wear protective gear and monitor daily pollen forecasts. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE)… Read more
Record Snowfall Paralyzes Hokkaido Transport, Travelers Urged to Prepare Sheila Nelly2026-01-3002.2K views Hokkaido faces record-breaking snowfall, paralyzing transport and stranding travelers. Visitors are advised to monitor flights, check local traffic, and dress warmly. HOKKAIDO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Hokkaido experienced record-breaking snowfall on… Read more
Japan’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate Season Turns Bitter as Cocoa Prices Soar Ferre Keira2026-01-2202.4K views As Valentine’s Day approaches, department stores across Japan are rolling out chocolate-themed promotions, but this year’s celebrations come with a bitter note. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – With Valentine’s Day drawing… Read more
Rising Costs and Waste Shadow Japan’s Setsubun Ehomaki Tradition Sheila Nelly2026-01-2202.5K views Rising prices and food waste concerns shadow Japan’s Setsubun ehomaki tradition. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative urges consumers to pre-order, share, and buy responsibly. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As Japan’s New… Read more
Japan Tourism Hits Record as Foreign Visitors Exceed 40 Million Ernest Harry2026-01-2202.1K views Japan’s tourism sector has reached a historic milestone, as international visitor arrivals surged past 40 million in 2025, setting a new annual record and highlighting the country’s growing appeal as… Read more
The Era of Unmanned Stores: Self-Checkout Becomes Mainstream in Japan Ferre Keira2026-01-160813 views Labor shortages and rising wages are driving Japan’s shift to self-checkout and unmanned stores, making automated shopping an increasingly common part of daily life. TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – Structural issues… Read more
JR East to Raise Yamanote Line Fares by Up to 22.9% from March Sheila Nelly2026-01-1501.1K views JR East announced a comprehensive fare increase starting March 14th, with commuter tickets on the Yamanote Line increasing by up to 22.9%, significantly increasing the monthly burden on commuters. Kanto… Read more