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JAPAN

Koji Sakahara (center), the eldest son of Hiromu Sakahara, and others attend a news conference at the Shiga Prefectural Government building on Friday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 19, 2026
Man given life sentence likely to be acquitted posthumously
Hiromu Sakahara was convicted of robbery-murder after a liquor shop owner was killed and her safe was stolen in the town of Hino, Shiga Prefecture. He died in 2011.
Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto in March. Various cities around the world have cracked down on private lodgings, such as in Barcelona where the city is attempting to eradicate all short-stay apartments by 2028.
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2026
Japan to allow local governments to ban private lodging
By Yukana Inoue
The move comes amid complaints of lodgers partying at night, ignoring trash rules, and leaving cigarette butts on the streets.
A Lower House committee votes on a revised constitutional referendum bill in Tokyo on Thursday.
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 19, 2026
Bill easing referendum procedures for constitutional amendments clears Lower House
By Eric Johnston
While the bill addresses concerns about counting votes and public service announcements, the question of legislating internet and social media commercials about amendments remains.
Firefighters at Takinogawa Daisan Elementary School in Tokyo's Kita Ward on Friday after a fire at the facility.
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2026
Eleven people taken to hospital following fire at Tokyo elementary school
The fire started around 11 a.m at Takinogawa Daisan Elementary School in Kita Ward.
Emperor Naruhito and Dutch King Willem-Alexander pose for a photo in the ¡°Sweat Room¡± at Leiden University, where it is a tradition for graduating students to write their names on the walls, in Leiden, the Netherlands, on Thursday.
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2026
Emperor talks with students at Leiden University on Netherlands visit
The oldest university in the Netherlands, established in 1575, is the only one in the country offering Japanese studies.
A lawyer representing the mother (left, blurred for privacy reasons) of a girl who died after being detained speaks during a news conference in Kobe on Wednesday.
JAPAN / Crime & Legal
Jun 19, 2026
Japanese mother sues state over teen¡¯s ¡®hostage justice¡¯ death
By Tomohiro Osaki
The mother of a girl who died from emaciation following detention and alleged interrogations by authorities is seeking compensation, in the latest case of ¡°hostage justice.¡±
Emperor Naruhito delivers remarks at a luncheon hosted by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten at the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague on Thursday.
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2026
Emperor Naruhito attends luncheon in The Hague
The emperor said he hopes the friendly and cooperative ties between Japan and the Netherlands will become deeper and more multifaceted for next-generation youths and children.
A young Japanese golden eagle takes flight from its enclosure.
JAPAN
Jun 19, 2026
Zoo-born golden eagle released into wild for first time in Japan
The Japanese golden eagle is an endangered species, as well as a national natural monument.

WORLD

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon on Friday.
WORLD / Politics
Jun 19, 2026
U.S. and Iran delay start of nuclear talks as Lebanon clashes resume
The foreign ministry of Switzerland, where talks are to be held, announced on Friday morning that they were ¡°postponed,¡± without giving a reason.
Migrants walk along the beach of Petit-Fort-Philippe in Gravelines, near Calais, France, last month. France, along with Spain and Britain, recorded increases in their refugee and asylum-seeker population last year.
WORLD / Society
Jun 19, 2026
Europe¡¯s refugee population stabilizes after decade of growth, study shows
By Maria Martinez
The number of ?refugees and asylum seekers in the European Union and Britain stood at 9.59 million in 2025, little changed from ?9.58 million a year earlier.
Stanislav Gryshyn, co-founder of Ukrainian drone-maker General Cherry, at the Japan Drone 2026 and International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in the city of Chiba, last month
WORLD / FOCUS
Jun 19, 2026
Ukrainian drone-makers target Asia as Taiwan tensions spur demand
By Tim Kelly, John Geddie and Ben Blanchard
Ukraine has developed a reputation as a master of drone warfare, which has helped an otherwise-outgunned Kyiv hold out for more ?than four ?years against Russia.
Helsing company presents the new air combat system CA-1 Europa in Tussenhausen, Germany, in September last year.
WORLD
Jun 19, 2026
¡®Wingman¡¯ drones center stage as Europe looks to bolster its defenses
By Joanna Plucinska
Investment in the technology comes as Europe faces a debate over reducing reliance on the United States.
French President Emmanuel Macron has described ?Versailles as "an instrument for influence" but it has not always delivered for the French leader.
WORLD / Politics
Jun 19, 2026
Macron¡¯s Versailles diplomacy wins mixed results over decade in power
By Michel Rose
The French president¡¯s efforts have often failed to yield lasting strategic gains, though his vision of European Union ¡°strategic autonomy¡± is gaining traction.
A doctor wearing protective gear stands near an ambulance at an Ebola treatment center in Bunia, eastern Congo, on Monday.
WORLD / Science & Health / EXPLAINER
Jun 19, 2026
The vaccines and treatments being developed for Ebola outbreak
By Daniel Lawler
Scientists, pharmaceutical companies and funding bodies have been racing to develop new vaccines and treatments that can be swiftly and safely tested in humans.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in southeast Moscow on Thursday for the second time in three days, igniting a fierce blaze that spewed out ?clouds of black smoke.
WORLD
Jun 19, 2026
Ukraine brings the war to Moscow as huge blasts shake refinery
The attacks are part of a wider Ukrainian campaign to cripple the oil industry whose revenues finance Russia¡¯s ?war effort.
U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama can be seen in the background, at the White House in Washington on June 26, 2025.
WORLD / Politics / EXPLAINER
Jun 19, 2026
How Trump¡¯s deal with Iran compares to Obama¡¯s
By Andy Sullivan and Matt Spetalnick
Trump¡¯s critics say at this point he has gotten much less and given up much more to Tehran.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday.
WORLD / Politics
Jun 19, 2026
Trump¡¯s Iran deal sparks anger among Republican hawks
By Frankie TAGGART
The terms of the deal have alarmed some of the same Republicans who spent years denouncing former President Barack Obama¡¯s 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran as dangerously weak.
A mural depicting late Iranian supreme leaders Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran on Thursday
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Jun 19, 2026
U.S.-Iran deal redraws the Middle East, with Iran¡¯s gains alarming rivals
By Samia Nakhoul
If the deal holds, Iran will see an end to the war, phased ?sanctions relief, renewed oil exports and the prospect of vast reconstruction funds.

BUSINESS

The yen traded above the ?161-to-the-dollar mark all day Friday in Tokyo.
BUSINESS / Markets
Jun 19, 2026
Yen nears four-decade low, and Katayama issues warning
By Kazuaki Nagata
The finance minister¡¯s comments were not as strong as those made in April before intervention.
Bank of Japan Gov. Kazuo Ueda was hospitalized on June 9 for treatment of a liver cyst infection and didn¡¯t attend a policy meeting earlier this week.
BUSINESS
Jun 19, 2026
Gov. Ueda has been discharged from hospital, BOJ says
By Toru Fujioka
Ueda, 74, was hospitalized on June 9 for treatment of a liver cyst infection and didn¡¯t attend a policy meeting earlier this week.
All Japan-linked vessels ?carrying ?Japanese crew members have now evacuated the Gulf, Japan's Foreign Ministry ?said.
BUSINESS
Jun 19, 2026
Japan-owned vessel passed through Strait of Hormuz on Friday
All Japan-linked vessels ?carrying ?Japanese crew members have now evacuated the Gulf, the Foreign Ministry said.
The bill enacted by parliament on Friday calls on Japan Post, the mail and parcel delivery company wholly owned by Japan Post Holdings, to improve its operational efficiency through digital technologies and make more effective use of business resources.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
Bill to revise postal laws clears parliament
The development paves the way for the government to provide subsidies to preserve the nationwide post office network.
OpenAI will collaborate with Japanese marketing company Dentsu Digital and other partners to provide advertisements in Japan.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
OpenAI to introduce ads to ChatGPT in Japan
The ads will appear on the free version and the Go plan, priced at ?1,400 per month, but will not be shown to users under 18 or who subscribe to higher-priced tiers.
A visitor interacts with a Unitree G1 Humanoid Robot during the London Tech Week at Olympia, in London, earlier this month.
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 19, 2026
Robots pour cocktails and run marathons, but still can¡¯t multitask
By Thomas URBAIN
Many are either run by a human with a remote control or stuck doing one narrow task.
Bank of Japan Deputy Gov. Ryozo Himino warns that the central bank could be forced to conduct more rapid interest rate hikes later on if it is late with necessary adjustments.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jun 19, 2026
BOJ¡¯s Himino sees risk of price trend rising above 2% target
By Toru Fujioka and Yoshiaki Nohara
The central bank deputy governor warned that it could be forced to conduct more rapid interest rate hikes later on if it is late with necessary adjustments.
Industrial Designer David Caon presents plans for animated cabin lighting during a media presentation on Qantas' "Project Sunrise" flights in Toulouse, France, on Thursday.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
Sleep and light: the science behind Qantas¡¯ bet on 20-hour flights
By Tim Hepher
The airline has unveiled plans for a ¡°wellness zone,¡± extra legroom and animated lighting on its flights from Sydney to London.
European Union leaders meet in Brussels on Thursday to discuss how to resolve the bloc's widening trade deficit with China.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jun 19, 2026
EU leaders warn on China imbalances but respond cautiously
Without mentioning Beijing, leaders directed the European Commission to ¡°develop and eventually complement¡± the bloc¡¯s toolbox of trade defenses.
Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, showed huge growth, but its "pulse" appeared to be highly speculative.
BUSINESS
Jun 19, 2026
Satellite observations detect ¡®urban pulse¡¯ of six global cities
By Will Dunham
Researchers looked at Dubai, Lagos, Mexico City, Mumbai, Seattle and Shenzhen using a new way to document dynamic changes unfolding in each ?of these cities in near real-time.
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking is discussing a significant risk transfer to offload risks linked to about $1.8 billion of lending for infrastructure projects.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
Japan¡¯s SMBC weighs SRTs on $5.8 billion of project and Latin America loans
By esteban duarte
Banks use significant risk transfers mainly to increase their capacity for new lending or shareholder payouts by shifting risks on loan tranches to investors.
Japan's core consumer prices, excluding fresh food, in May rose 1.4% from a year earlier, matching the lowest level since 2022.
BUSINESS / Economy
Jun 19, 2026
Japan¡¯s inflation holds steady as subsidies restrain energy
By Erica Yokoyama
Core consumer prices, excluding fresh food, rose 1.4% year on year in May, in line with economists¡¯ expectations and matching the lowest level since 2022.
Two varieties of Calpis sold by Asahi Group in India
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
Asahi to launch Calpis drink in India
Major Japanese beverage maker Asahi Group said Thursday that it will launch its Calpis fermented milk-based drink in India.
Guidance by the economy ministry urging firms to focus more on mid- to long-term growth, with the aim of boosting capital spending and wages, is at odds with the Tokyo Stock Exchange¡¯s push for better capital efficiency.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2026
Japan¡¯s push for corporate growth over value sets off skepticism
By Yasutaka Tamura
Pressure from the government toward encouraging unnecessary investment may undermine progress and derail the market rally.

Opinion

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders prepare for a family photograph during the Group of Seven summit in Evian, eastern France, on Tuesday.
EDITORIALS
Jun 19, 2026
An absence of drama means the G7 summit was a success
This year, the G7 once again muddled through. It avoided the worst outcome ¡ª a public display of disarray
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian shows off the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding in Tehran on Thursday.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 19, 2026
This U.S.-Iran MOU will likely be a ¡®memorandum of misunderstanding¡¯
By Kuni Miyake
In conclusion, this MOU is, at best, a product of compromise, if not a failure.
Hong Kong's chief executive officer, John Lee, speaks at a news conference in Beijing in December.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 19, 2026
The sudden death of judicial reviews in Hong Kong
By Patrick Poon
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee can now certify anything as ¡°endangering national security¡± and thus restrict freedom of expression.
A concept model of the Global Combat Air Program fighter jet is displayed during a security trade exhibition in Chiba in May 2025.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 19, 2026
Japan¡¯s GCAP push signals a new security role beyond the U.S. alliance
By Maria Mezzetti
The renewed GCAP backing comes less than a week after the apparent failure of the Future Combat Air System ¡ª a program led by France, Germany and later Spain.
U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and UFC President Dana White stand in the Octagon during the UFC Freedom250 event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Sunday.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 19, 2026
UFC spectacle at White House sparks questions about power and freedom
By Grzegorz Kwiatkowski
The United States is now approaching the 250th anniversary of its independence while arguing over what America is.
Japan's Junya lto challenges Netherlands' Nathan Ake for the ball during a World Cup Group F match in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday.
COMMENTARY / World
Jun 19, 2026
Trump¡¯s World Cup: A global stage for an anti-globalist
By Cory Alpert
Past World Cup hosts have used major sporting events to project national image abroad, but under Trump the U.S. is treating the tournament more as a domestic political stage.

Sports

Fans in Vancouver react as they watch Canada's match against Qatar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 19, 2026
With beer and poutine, Canadians celebrate first World Cup win in Niagara Falls
The ?gathering, organized by Niagara Parks, welcomed hundreds of people just steps away from the cascading waterfalls.
Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel (left) and South Korea's Son Heung-min compete for a ball during a Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday.
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 19, 2026
Mexico edges South Korea to win Group A and punch ticket to knockout stage
The victory gave Javier Aguirre¡¯s side six points from two matches and ensured its first knockout game would be played in Mexico City on June 30.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha (center) makes a save against Spain during a Group H match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Atlanta on Monday.
SOCCER
Jun 19, 2026
Underdogs holding own against soccer royalty early at World Cup
The performances have challenged?predictions that the expanded finals would be full of one-sided contests.
Tunisia coach Herve Renard (left) watches his players during a training session in Santiago, Mexico, on Tuesday.
SOCCER / World cup
Jun 19, 2026
Tunisia coach Herve ?Renard braces for trial by fire against Japan
¡°I know very well the quality of this team,¡± Renard said. ¡°Japan are the best team in ?Asia.¡±
Wyndham Clark plays his tee shot on the first hole during the opening round of the U.S. Open in Southampton, New York, on Thursday.
MORE SPORTS
Jun 19, 2026
Wyndham Clark takes first-day lead at suspended U.S. Open
Clark ?will have ?to return early Friday to complete the round and then begin his second round.
Rory Mcllroy lines up a putt on the tenth green during the first round of the U.S. Open in Southampton, New York, on Thursday.
MORE SPORTS
Jun 19, 2026
Rory McIlroy pleased with reduced green speeds at windy U.S. Open
McIlroy could not take full advantage, however, firing a 1-under par 69 and twice squandering the lead.

LIFE

A new global ranking puts Osaka Itami Airport as not only best in Japan but Asia's top travel hub in terms of punctuality, passenger experience and facilities.
LIFE / Travel
Jun 19, 2026
Osaka Itami Airport named Asia¡¯s best in new travel rankings
By Weiwen Lin
Fukuoka Airport and Nagoya¡¯s Chubu Centrair International Airport rounded out Japan¡¯s top three airports graded on punctuality, passenger experience and facilities.

CULTURE

Tao Okamoto (left) and Virginie Efira shared the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for their lead roles in ¡°All of a Sudden.¡±
CULTURE / Film
Jun 19, 2026
Ryusuke Hamaguchi wants to make the impossible possible
By Sebastien Raineri
An ethos of idealism is pervasive in the director¡¯s first French-language film, which came with the challenge and exhilaration of shooting in Paris.
Provincial lord Araki Murashige (Masahiro Motoki, right) finds himself under siege and with a series of mysteries to solve in Kiyoshi Kurosawa¡¯s ¡°The Samurai and the Prisoner.¡±
CULTURE / Film
Jun 19, 2026
¡®The Samurai and the Prisoner¡¯: A cerebral whodunnit in feudal Japan
By James Hadfield
Kiyoshi Kurosawa¡¯s historical drama is a murder mystery in the Agatha Christie mold and driven by conversation rather than combat.
Budding artists Madoka (Mariko Ito, left) and Kazuma (Kai Inowaki) find themselves tangled up in a multiverse while at the movies in ¡°You Are the Film.¡±
CULTURE / Film
Jun 19, 2026
¡®You Are the Film¡¯ offers a multiverse on a microbudget
By Mark Schilling
Set in a real-life corner of Tokyo¡¯s Shimokitazawa neighborhood, Makoto Ueda¡¯s debut feature takes a refreshingly analog approach to a familiar concept.
Tanjiro Kamado is a likeable protagonist in the stage show, even though he sometimes takes a backseat to the stories of other characters in this installment.
CULTURE / Stage
Jun 19, 2026
¡®Demon Slayer¡¯ musical is for fans who¡¯ve done the homework
By Alicia Haddick
The record-breaking anime ¡°Demon Slayer¡± has been reimagined as a musical and its sixth installment premiered June 13.
Onitsuka Tiger pivots from Asics stripes to tap luxury market
An Onitsuka Tiger store in the Omotesando district of Tokyo. The footwear brand prepares to transform into a luxury lifestyle label distinct from Asics.
Yen hits 23-month low and Nikkei 225 breaks 71,000 for first time
The Nikkei 225 stock average broke 71,000 for the first time on Thursday while the yen remained weak.
Oncolys president reflects on long journey to world-first cancer treatment
Yasuo Urata, the president and CEO of Oncolys BioPharma, said in an interview Wednesday in Tokyo that he wants to develop treatments that improve the quality of life for patients.
Prices of chicken and eggs in Japan hit record highs
The national average price of a packet of 10 eggs stood at ?309, matching the highest level marked in March and May.
¡®Demon Slayer¡¯ musical is for fans who¡¯ve done the homework
Tanjiro Kamado is a likeable protagonist in the stage show, even though he sometimes takes a backseat to the stories of other characters in this installment.
Music Awards Japan levels up and looks ahead
Kaze Fujii received a second consecutive album of the year award for ¡°Prema,¡± his English-language debut, at the Music Awards Japan ceremony.
Cultural aspects dominate coverage as sumo enthralls Paris
<i>Yokozuna</i> Hoshoryu waves to reporters during a news conference at the Japanese Culture House of Paris on June 11.
Japan steps on the gas in unprecedented regional defense export push
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi walks with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, as the two inspect an honor guard during a welcome ceremony in Jakarta on May 4.
As his centennial nears, Osamu Tezuka gets a global reintroduction
Seen here in an archival shot, Osamu Tezuka&#039;s influence on Japanese anime has been monumental.
Why more bears are entering urban areas
Hikers walk past a bear warning sign in the Okutama area in western Tokyo on Sunday as local authorities urge visitors to take precautions following increased reports of bear sightings in the region.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

Social camouflaging can help neurodivergent people navigate social situations, but researchers say the effort often comes with significant emotional and mental strain.
The challenge of being neurodivergent in Japan¡¯s culture of conformity
By Tomoko Otake

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