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10 results for “Japan”

• International · 2026-09-15

  Japan's centenarian population exceeds 100,000 for the first time

  Japan's health ministry announced that the country's centenarian population reached 107,677 in September, surpassing 100,000 for the first time since records began in 1963. Women account for 88% of this population, reflecting Japan's status as one of the world's longest-living nations. The milestone also underscores mounting demographic pressures as the country's overall population declines.

• International · 2026-09-19

  Bank of Japan raises benchmark rate to 31-year peak amid inflation

  The Bank of Japan increased its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25% on Friday, reaching its highest level since 1995. The central bank attributed the decision to persistent inflation driven by rising energy costs globally and depreciation of the Japanese yen. The bank signalled that further rate increases could follow if inflationary pressures remain.

• International · 2026-09-16

  Japan's centenarian population surpasses 100,000 for the first time

  Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced that the number of centenarians has exceeded 100,000, reaching 107,677 as of September. This marks the 56th consecutive year of growth since records began in 1963, with women comprising 88% of the total population.

• International · 2026-10-01

  Japan introduces stricter requirements for permanent residency of foreign nationals

  Japan has tightened rules for foreigners seeking permanent residency, requiring above-average income and basic Japanese language ability, while raising application fees substantially. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi introduced these measures to address growing public concerns about rising numbers of foreign residents and anxiety over immigration.

• International · 2026-10-02

  Japan Tightens Rules for Foreign Residents Seeking Permanent Status

  Japan has introduced stricter requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, requiring applicants to earn above the national average income and demonstrate basic conversational ability in Japanese. Application fees increased twentyfold from Thursday, creating long queues at immigration offices as people rushed to submit applications before the new prices took effect.

• International · 2026-10-20

  Japan launches MMX mission to collect samples from Phobos

  Japan's space agency JAXA has launched the Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft aboard an H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. The mission aims to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos, one of Mars's two moons, and return these samples to Earth in 2031. This would be the first successful sample-return mission from the Martian system.

• International · 2026-09-30

  Tokyo Experiences Longest Rain Streak on Record Since 1886

  Tokyo has recorded 34 consecutive days of rainfall through 30 September, marking the longest such streak since Japan began tracking weather data in 1886. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributed the unusual pattern partly to the El Niño phenomenon, while noting that climate change is affecting Japan's precipitation patterns over the long term. Central Tokyo received 629 millimetres of rain in September alone, nearly three times the normal monthly average.

• International · 2026-10-24

  Typhoon Champi causes one death and over 160 injuries in Taiwan

  Typhoon Champi swept through Taiwan on Friday, killing one person and injuring 163 others as it brought heavy rain and powerful winds. The storm prompted authorities to evacuate nearly 2,700 residents from mountainous areas and close hundreds of flights. With sustained winds of 176 kilometres per hour, Champi is now moving toward China and Japan.

• International · 2026-09-20

  Iran maintains Hormuz blockade as war enters seventh month and sanctions extend to 2031

  Seven months into the conflict, Iran continues to block the Strait of Hormuz by striking and detaining commercial vessels, despite US claims that shipping volumes have reached a six-month high. President Trump announced expectations that the war would end within the year and signed legislation extending sanctions on Iran through 2031. Iran held its largest pro-government rally since the war began and set seven conditions for resuming ceasefire negotiations.

• International · 2026-10-16

  China-North Korea bridge opens after 12-year delay

  The New Yalu River Bridge connecting the Chinese city of Dandong to North Korea's Sinuiju officially opened on Thursday, more than a decade after construction was completed. The opening came as relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have begun to improve, though the bridge had been repeatedly postponed since 2014 when North Korea halted work on connecting infrastructure. While analysts acknowledge the strategic importance of the route, they suggest that trade growth will remain limited due to ongoing United Nations sanctions against North Korea.