Tag - tokyo

 
 

TOKYO

An accident involving a government vehicle and five other cars occurred in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Thursday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 23, 2026
Cabinet Office vehicle involved in crash that killed one and injured eight
The government car is believed to have plowed into an intersection in Tokyo’s Minato Ward at around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, resulting in the fatal multiple-vehicle collision.
The reflection of one of Ueno Zoo’s twin pandas is seen at their enclosure. The animals’ popularity has prompted concern among local businesses that their departure could hurt foot traffic in surrounding neighborhoods.
JAPAN / Society / Longform
Jan 23, 2026
What happens when the pandas leave Ueno?
The return of Ueno Zoo’s last giant pandas underscores how an animal became a diplomatic symbol — and what happens when that symbol is withdrawn.
Brookfield Asset Management will move to the landmark Roppongi Hills development, in April from its current office in Kasumigaseki, an area home to government agencies, according to people familiar with the matter.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 20, 2026
Brookfield to move to Roppongi Hills in Japan office expansion
The New York-based investment firm’s move will accommodate a Japan team that has doubled in recent years.
The only remaining giant pandas in Japan, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei of Tokyo's Ueno Zoo, are scheduled to be transported by aircraft from Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture on the night of Jan. 27, according to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
JAPAN
Jan 20, 2026
Last two pandas in Japan to leave for China on Jan. 27
All giant pandas raised in Japan are on loan from China for breeding research purposes, with ownership remaining with China, including for pandas born in Japan.
Investigators carry out the search of a residence related to a private sauna operator, in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Dec. 25.
JAPAN
Jan 17, 2026
Japan to survey safety management at sauna facilities
The health ministry has requested that a total of 157 prefectural governments and municipalities with public health centers report survey results by the end of this month.
Bacha Coffee's outlet in Tokyo is the Singapore-based upscale coffee chain's first shop in Japan.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jan 16, 2026
With a dose of old-world charm, Bacha Coffee brews its way to Tokyo
The boutique coffee chain’s first outlet in Japan offers all the trademarks of the brand: fragrant javas, stylish interiors and delicious croissants.
Police officers and firefighters gather at a site in Tokyo's Suginami Ward where two officials were stabbed on Thursday by a resident subject to a court-ordered eviction.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 16, 2026
One official fatally stabbed during forced eviction in Tokyo
The resident suspected of stabbing two officials, one of whom later died, reportedly told police “I didn’t intend to kill them, but I thought it wouldn’t matter if they died.”
Shimbashi Station in Tokyo's Minato Ward is crowded with commuters on Friday morning following East Japan Railway's suspension of major train lines.
JAPAN
Jan 16, 2026
Power outage takes major Tokyo train lines offline during morning rush
The suspensions of the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines affected approximately 673,000 people.
Price increases for Tokyo taxis come amid a shortage of taxi drivers around the nation, which has been caused by the aging and retirement of drivers and a lack of people newly entering the industry.
BUSINESS
Jan 15, 2026
Price hike eyed for Tokyo taxis
The transportation ministry plans to shorten the distance that passengers can ride taxis with the ¥500 base fare.
 Punsiripanya Phakhaphon, a former massage parlor worker in Tokyo who is suspected of brokering a Thai girl to offer sexual services at the story, in Tokyo on Wednesday
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 15, 2026
Alleged broker arrested in case involving Thai girl forced to work at Tokyo massage parlor
A 38-year-old Thai woman residing in Japan is suspected of acting as a broker in a high-profile case involving a 12-year-old girl.
Tokyo's 23 wards might soon charge their residents for waste collection amid concerns that landfills are reaching full capacity.
JAPAN
Jan 14, 2026
Tokyo considers charging residents of 23 wards for garbage collection
As concerns rise over landfills reaching capacity, authorities are aiming to encourage residents to reduce the amount of waste they put out.
Driftwood Bar & Grill, part of Fairmont Tokyo's trio of bars on its 43rd floor, offers creative cocktails and panoramic views of Tokyo's Minato Ward.
LIFE / Food & Drink
Jan 13, 2026
At Driftwood, cocktails flow to the sounds of city pop
Fairmont Tokyo’s new bar concept is an open space of three sky-high bars, including a classy area serving cross-cultural sips and a listening bar playing retro hits.
Agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki (far right) visits the Japanese unit of U.S. company Oishii Farm and delivers greetings in Hamura, Tokyo, on Monday.
JAPAN
Jan 13, 2026
Japan’s farm minister visits plant factory developer
Norikazu Suzuki examined strawberry and other plant varieties being developed exclusively for plant factories.
Cabaret-turned-kissaten 27 Kissa in the Kabukicho nightlife district in Tokyo is a cafe that operates during the day and becomes a bar at night.
JAPAN / Society
Jan 12, 2026
Young coffee shop owners in Tokyo keep the dwindling coffeehouse culture alive
Younger generations in love with the feel of the Showa Era are working to preserve its traditional coffee shops and offer their own take on them.
Posts and videos shared on social media have amplified fears about crime in Japan, with unverified claims spreading faster than official crime statistics.
JAPAN / Society / Longform
Jan 12, 2026
Japan is safe. Why do the Japanese feel unsafe?
Crime is low but anxiety is rising, fueled by demographics, social media and perception gaps shaping how safety is felt.
Masahiro Yamanaka leaves the Omori Police Station in Tokyo's Ota Ward on Saturday morning.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 11, 2026
Man arrested over murder of Tokyo audio company head
The victim was stabbed more than 10 times and had multiple defensive wounds, suggesting he had struggled with his attacker.
A man who fought another in September on a street in Tokyo's Kabukicho red light and entertainment district, resulting in the latter's death, has been arrested by police under an 1889 anti-dueling law.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 9, 2026
Japanese man arrested under 1889 law after deadly ‘duel’
The 1889 law stipulates that “anyone who has engaged in a duel shall be punished by imprisonment for no less than two years and no more than five years.”
Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department enter an apartment in Tokyo's Ota Ward on Friday after a man was found dead there the previous day.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 9, 2026
Man found dead in pool of blood in Tokyo apartment
Akihiro Kawashima, the 44-year-old president of an audio equipment-related company, was discovered Thursday at his apartment in Ota Ward with multiple stab wounds.
Counterfeit silver coins seized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on Wednesday in Tokyo
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jan 8, 2026
Tokyo police arrest four suspects over counterfeit silver coins
The suspects allegedly exchanged 79 counterfeit coins at three branches of two banks between mid-May and early June last year.
Shunsuke Niwa, president of JR Central, speaks during an interview in December in the city of Nagoya.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jan 8, 2026
JR Central promotes maglev construction as challenges mount
The line, initially set to connect Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and Nagoya Station, does not have a clear timeline for opening.

Longform

The Terasaka Rice Terraces are seen with Mount Buko in the background.
What Yokoze can teach Japan about rural revival