-
Helsinki-Based Cafe CAFE AALTO Opens Its First Official Overseas Branch in Tokyo, Offering Finnish Interiors and Tableware
A popular Helsinki cafe, CAFE AALTO, has opened its first Tokyo outpost inside Spiral Garden on the 4th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building on August 29, 2025. The menu mixes simple Nordic favourites — think salmon soup and cinnamon rolls — with Finnish tableware and furniture inspired by architect Alvar Aalto. The space is bright,…
-
IKEA to Close Its Harajuku and Shinjuku City Stores
IKEA Japan announced on August 29 that it will close the Harajuku and Shinjuku city stores in early 2026. The company says this is part of a “business optimisation” for the greater Tokyo area, with IKEA Shibuya designated as the core downtown hub. The Harajuku and Shinjuku locations opened between 2020–2021 as compact, city-centre formats…
-
Nissan Says Goodbye to The iconic R35 GT-R
Nissan has marked the end of an era. On August 26, 2025, the company celebrated the final production run of the R35 GT-R — the high-performance icon that has been a headline maker for Japanese car fans for nearly two decades. At the same time, Nissan is moving quickly to reshape its business with new…
-
Japan to Tighten Rules for Business Manager Visas From October
Japan is set to implement stricter requirements for its “Business Manager” visa, effective October 2025. The new regulations aim to ensure that foreign entrepreneurs contribute meaningfully to the Japanese economy and do not use the visa as a loophole for settlement. Key Changes to the Business Manager Visa The decision to tighten visa requirements follows…
-
Tokyo Unveils AI-Generated Video Simulating Mount Fuji Eruption
In an innovative move to enhance disaster awareness, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released a striking AI-generated video depicting a potential eruption of Mount Fuji and its impact on the capital. This marks the first time AI technology has been employed to visualise such a scenario, aiming to educate residents and encourage proactive disaster preparedness.…
-
Tokyo Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave: 10 Consecutive Days Above 35°C
Tokyo has just experienced its most intense heatwave on record, with temperatures soaring above 35°C for 10 consecutive days. This unprecedented streak, confirmed by the Japan Meteorological Agency, is the first of its kind since records began in 1875. The heatwave began on August 18 and continued through August 27, with central Tokyo recording a…
-
Japan Post Halts Shipments of Certain Packages to the U.S. Amid New Tariffs
Japan Post has announced a temporary suspension of certain mail services to the United States, effective August 27, 2025. This decision follows the U.S. government’s termination of the “de minimis” exemption, which previously allowed low-value packages to enter the U.S. duty-free. Starting August 29, 2025, the U.S. will impose tariffs on all international shipments, including…
-
Japan’s Surname Crisis: Will ‘Sato’ Become the Only Name by 2531?
In a future Japan, a surprising scenario is unfolding: everyone might share the same surname—”Sato” (佐藤). This projection stems from Japan’s unique marriage law, which mandates that married couples adopt a single surname, typically the husband’s. Currently, “Sato” is the most common surname in Japan, held by approximately 1.5% of the population. If the law…
-
McDonald’s Japan Apologizes After Pokémon Card Frenzy
McDonald’s Japan has issued a public apology after a special Pokémon Happy Set campaign caused chaos, from mass buying and food waste to outraged fans and chaotic scenes at multiple stores. Between August 9 and 11, the fast-food chain ran a limited-time promotion: each Happy Set included two Pokémon cards, one being an exclusive Pikachu…