Destinations Forecasts indicate Tokyo trees in flower as early as mid-March, ahead of Kyoto and Osaka Somei yoshino cherry blossoms are Japan’s most popular and begin to bloom in Tokyo in late March. (Photo by Rie Ishii) YUICHI NITTA February 28, 2026 09:01 JST TOKYO — Travelers and residents wanting to see this year’s sakura — … Read more
JAPAN’s evolving defense posture, marked by rising military spending and a more assertive security policy, is reshaping regional dynamics in East Asia and carries significant implications for the Philippines, whose historical experience with Japanese militarism contrasts sharply with its present-day strategic partnership with Tokyo, a geopolitical analyst, author and former diplomat said. In a forum … Read more
TOKYO — Some of Japan’s most iconic neighborhoods have undergone dramatic personality changes. From Akiba to Ueno Ameyoko to Dotonbori, these spots are losing their “Japaneseness” and taking on a rather Chinese flavor. Akiba, the popular abbreviation for Tokyo’s Akihabara neighborhood, for years now has been a sacred gathering place for lovers of video games, … Read more
TOKYO/KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visits Malaysia and Indonesia from Thursday to Sunday, looking to cement economic and defense ties with Southeast Asian countries that are expanding their international presence amid geopolitical uncertainties. Ishiba, who took office in October, chose the two ASEAN members for his first overseas visit, excluding international conferences. He is … Read more