Japan’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate Season Turns Bitter as Cocoa Prices Soar Ferre Keira2026-01-2203.2K 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 Nelly2026-01-2202.8K 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 Harry2026-01-2203.8K 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 Keira2026-01-1602.2K 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 Nelly2026-01-1502.9K 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
Foreign Residents in Japan Reach Record High as Skilled Professionals Drive Growth Ferre Keira2026-01-0803.4K views Japan’s foreign resident population has reached a new record, driven by a growing number of overseas residents choosing to settle in the country, particularly skilled professionals filling critical roles amid… Read more
Japan’s Matcha Craze Becomes a New Driver of Experiential Tourism Ferre Keira2026-01-0802.5K views Japan’s matcha boom is extending beyond cafés and export markets, increasingly shaping travel trends as foreign visitors seek immersive tea experiences that blend culture, craftsmanship and culinary tourism. TOKYO, JAPAN… Read more
Foreign Tourists Drive Hot Spring Stays Up in Japan; Etiquette Remains Key Ferre Keira2026-01-0102K views With record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists visiting Japan, overnight stays in hot spring areas are rebounding. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds tourists to observe proper hot spring etiquette and maintain… Read more
Against Global Obesity Trends, Underweight Remains Common Among Young Women in Japan Julie Howard2026-01-0101.3K views The proportion of underweight women among Japan’s young female population has remained at around 20% for years, standing in sharp contrast to the global focus on rising obesity rates. OSAKA,… Read more
Mochi Safety Alert: Elderly and Visitors Urged to Eat Slowly Ferre Keira2026-01-0102.4K views Mochi is frequently served during the New Year period, but it also poses a hidden risk of choking. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds everyone that January is the peak season… Read more