Jessica Speed

Telecom giant NTT has developed what it describes as the world’s first “flying lightning rod,” or drones that will trigger lightning and redirect it safely to the ground to prevent it from striking people or vital infrastructure. In multiple field […]

NTT Docomo will phase out its proprietary set of emoji — known as Docomo Emoji — starting with smartphones released in late June, according to an announcement from the telecom giant, ending a 26-year run that helped shape the visual

The transport ministry plans to increase the number of train station platforms with platform doors nationwide to 4,000 by fiscal 2030, which runs through March 2031, setting a new target to make it safer for passengers, especially for those with

Almost half of full-time workers whose spouses are working say they are struggling financially, according to a survey released Thursday by job-matching company Mynavi. The survey, which was conducted on married workers in dual-income households, found that 46% of them

Aska Pharmaceutical has applied to sell its emergency contraceptive pill Norlevo without a prescription, according to a recent announcement by the company, marking a potential shift in Japan’s approach to reproductive health care. The application, which was originally submitted in

Tokyo’s cherry blossom season kicked off Monday, five days earlier than last year, as the Meteorological Agency declared a cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine has bloomed. The Somei-Yoshino variety, known for its pale pink blossoms, serves as the official indicator

Japan’s notorious pollen season is peaking in Tokyo and other cities this week, leaving millions battling itchy eyes, runny noses, and relentless sneezing fits. While rain and turbulent weather forecast for the weekend across most of the country may temporarily

Oto, Japan’s oldest lion, died Monday of natural causes at the Toyohashi Zoo & Botanical Park in Aichi Prefecture, according to the zoo. She was 25½ years old — equivalent to about 100 human years. Born on Aug. 26, 1999,

Japan’s biggest banks and regional lenders are tightening controls on the management of safe-deposit boxes after a string of thefts involving bank employees rocked public confidence. The incidents have intensified scrutiny of a segment already grappling with weak demand and

Nearly 500 days after the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that shattered their world, cultural diplomat turned activist Efrat Machikawa’s family gathered for a long-awaited moment. Her uncle, 80-year-old Gadi Moses, was finally returning home. Moses was among 25 Israeli hostages