A collection of bonsai carefully preserved and passed down by staff of the Imperial Household Agency’s garden division continues to play an important role within the Imperial Palace grounds, where roughly 500 trees across about 90 varieties are maintained and around 300 are used annually in official settings. (News On Japan)

A Shibukawa city government employee was arrested on the spot on May 3rd in Shibukawa, Gunma Prefecture, on suspicion of attempting to start a fire after pouring approximately 9 liters of kerosene at the entrance of a home where he lived with his partner following a dispute. (News On Japan)

The World Health Organization said one case of hantavirus infection has been confirmed, with five more suspected cases under investigation.

Before reviewing the proposal on Saturday, US President Donald Trump said he could not imagine it "would be acceptable".

A search and rescue operation is underway for the service members, who are believed to have been involved in an accident, according to authorities.

A preview video for the program "Hokkaido Fact: Who Fights Discrimination—Ainu and the Majority" is set to air from 3:24 p.m. to 4:24 p.m. on May 10th, examining the evolving nature of discrimination surrounding Japan’s indigenous Ainu people and the growing debate over how society should respond. (News On Japan)

A former professor at Hokkaido Education University who had been detained in China on suspicion of espionage while temporarily visiting the country seven years ago and later sentenced to six years in prison has been released, though concerns remain over his situation. (News On Japan)

The first fawn of the year has been born in Nara Park, where the deer designated as a national natural monument are entering their annual birthing season. (News On Japan)

Police suspect the human remains belong to a businessman swept away by floodwater last week.

A search and rescue operation is underway for the service members, the US African Command said.

A seasonal rafting attraction offering both adrenaline-pumping rapids and serene mountain scenery opened on May 3rd in Kitayama Village, Wakayama Prefecture, drawing visitors eager to experience the region’s natural beauty while riding traditional log rafts through a winding river course. (News On Japan)

A 44-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attacking a teenage boy with a hammer on a street in Fussa, Tokyo, is refusing to cooperate with investigators, even as authorities say a 30-centimeter hammer believed to be the weapon was recovered from his residence with what appear to be bloodstains. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said discussions toward a decision on constitutional revision would be advanced in the Diet, as she delivered a video message to a pro-revision rally held in Tokyo on May 3rd, Constitution Memorial Day. (News On Japan)

Fatalities have been reported around Ukraine as Kyiv says Russian "shadow fleet" tankers were hit by drones.

Shirarahama Beach in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture, opened for the swimming season on May 3rd, marking the earliest “sea opening” on Honshu and the start of operations for the popular beach destination. (News On Japan)

There has been a wave of anti-migrant protests in South Africa, some of which have turned violent.

The chairs of the House and Senate armed services committees said withdrawing 5,000 service personnel risked undermining deterrence.

The chairs of the House and Senate armed services committees say withdrawing 5,000 service personnel risked undermining deterrence.

Shakira's appearance followed shows by Lady Gaga and Madonna, who have also performed on Copacabana beach in previous years.

Shakira's appearance followed shows by Lady Gaga and Madonna, who have also performed on Copacabana beach in previous years.