PlayStation Celebrates 30th Birthday with Limited Mechanical Watch

Sony partners with Anicorn to release a 300‑piece mechanical watch commemorating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, targeting collectors and fans.

Christmas Eve Boyfriend: Japanese Words and Phrases for The Holidays

Japan Tightens Drone Rules Near Critical Sites

Japan’s transport ministry will expand no‑fly zones to about 1,000 m around key infrastructure, affecting foreign residents who fly hobby or delivery drones.

Park Hyatt Tokyo Reopens After Major Refurbishment

The iconic hotel in Shinjuku has reopened with updated rooms, a rooftop garden, and modern amenities, offering a refreshed luxury base for travelers.

China’s New Sanctions Against Japan Backfire

China’s latest sanctions on Japan, targeting tech exports and tourism, are causing unintended domestic disruptions for foreign residents in Osaka.

Apple Launches iOS Update Overhaul for Japan

Apple rolled out a major iOS update in Japan, affecting all iPhone and iPad users, especially expatriates who rely on local apps.

Imperial Palace Wallet Craze Hits Osaka

Limited official wallets from Tokyo’s Imperial Palace spark early‑morning queues and a secondary market frenzy, especially among Osaka expatriates.

Tokyo National Theatre Offers Kabuki Workshop for Foreign Residents

A two‑day kabuki workshop at Tokyo’s National Theatre invites foreign residents to learn the art, with only twelve spots and a deadline of April 5 for registration.

Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month

Osaka Weekly Events: What’s On? (Dec. 16 – 22)

Osaka Clinic Arson Anniversary: Community Mourns Tragedy

Four years after a deadly fire at an Osaka mental‑health clinic, families, friends, and volunteers gathered to honor the victims, prompting renewed scrutiny of fire‑prevention measures for all residents, including expatriates.

New Amagasaki Rail Memorial Center Opens

Tokyo Skytree Debuts Cutting‑Edge Smell Tech Exhibit

A new scent‑based installation opened at Tokyo Skytree, offering interactive stations that demonstrate real‑time odor digitization and projection.

Osaka Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Tamagotchi with Pop‑Up Events

Osaka marks Tamagotchi’s 30‑year milestone with pop‑up exhibitions, limited releases, and cafés, drawing locals and expatriates.

2025 Top Jobs in Japan Week 51

Japan Proposes Overhaul of Retrial System for Foreign Residents

Japan’s Justice Ministry has drafted reforms to broaden retrial grounds, aiming to ease wrongful conviction corrections for foreign residents.

** Japan Removes Mega‑Earthquake Advisory After 7.5‑Magnitude Shock

** Japan lifted its mega‑earthquake advisory for the northeastern coast, allowing normal routines while urging continued preparedness for aftershocks.

Osaka's Cinnamon‑Matcha Holiday Aroma Brings New Festive Flavor

Osaka’s holiday season now features a fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, and matcha, offering expatriates a hybrid flavor that eases December celebrations and inspires a Japanese‑inspired cake experiment.

Shiori Ito sees ‘most reactive screening’ in Japan to her film on sexual assault

Man rearrested over fatal hit-and-run in Tokyo's Adachi Ward

Osaka's Christmas Guide: Solo Fun for Expats

GaijinPot offers a guide for single Osaka residents to enjoy Christmas festivities solo, with tips on lights, markets, and low‑pressure social opportunities.

Warm Winter Destinations in Japan: Islands and Cities That Stay Sunny All Season

Tokyo Weekly Events: What’s On? (Dec. 9 – 15)

10 Regional Hot Pots in Japan to Try This Winter

Kurashiki: Osaka’s Weekend Escape for Foreigners

Kurashiki offers Osaka’s foreign community a relaxed weekend getaway with historic canals, denim culture, and low‑cost stays.

Japan’s Winter Festivals Invite Osaka Residents to Snowy Celebrations

Osaka residents and newcomers can experience eight winter festivals across Japan, from Hokka

The Most Popular Makeup and Skincare in Japan: 2025 Edition

Osaka Resident Loses ¥21M in Online Banking Scam

A 38‑year‑old Osaka man was deceived into transferring ¥21 million to a fake bank portal, losing the funds overseas.

German‑Style Castle Opens on Miyako Island for Guided Tour

A community group of foreign residents will tour a German‑style replica castle on Miyako Island, opening its gates for the first public visit this autumn.

Pandas Xiao Xiao, Lei Lei Set to Leave Ueno Zoo

The twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei will depart Ueno Zoo in January 2026, ending a 15‑year era and leaving Japan without giant pandas for the first time since 1972.

New line of Evangelion fishing lures and other gear released by Japanese maker Dress

Comme des Garçons and G-Dragon Unveil Japan-Limited Capsule Collection

Woman on bicycle injured after being run off road by car

Japan Faces Rising Gap for Foreign‑Nationality Students

Japan's schools struggle to support growing numbers of foreign‑nationality students, affecting their academic progress.

Tokyo Tourism Board Releases Two-Week Cherry Blossom Itinerary

Tokyo tourism board released a two‑week cherry blossom itinerary, prompting travel agencies and local residents to scramble to plan amid rising demand.

Nuclear-Capable US Bombers Join Japan Jets To Counter China-Russia Drills | News Roundup

Osaka Expo’s “Kokuho” Index Surges, Shifts Marketing Focus

The “Kokuho” consumer interest index tops Osaka Expo’s 2025 rankings, forcing companies and foreign service workers to realign strategies.

Samurai Residence Opens to Public, Reveals Dark History

A historic samurai house in Kyoto opens to visitors, exposing seppuku sites, torture chambers, and gold caches, sparking debate among heritage groups and tourists.