The Japan Meteorological Agency announced it will significantly revamp its disaster-related weather information system from April 28th, introducing a new category called “Danger Warning” in addition to existing warnings and advisories. (News On Japan)

The vast majority did not believe Hezbollah or Iran had been severely weakened by weeks of Israeli and US attacks, according to the poll.

Beijing rejects the allegation as a "farce", while Manila claims the poison was used to kill fish and deprive troops stationed in the area of food.

Some of the cheapest fuel in the country can be found on tribal land due to tax exemptions.

Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule is over, defeated by 45-year-old ex-party insider Péter Magyar.

In a traffic safety class held at a certified childcare center in Akita, Ronald McDonald made a special appearance, teaching young children how to cross the street safely. (News On Japan)

A male polar bear cub has gone on public display at Oga Aquarium GAO in Oga, where visitors are being charmed by its determined efforts to get used to the water. (News On Japan)

The Okinawa Prefectural Cultural Properties Protection Council has submitted a recommendation to the prefectural board of education to newly recognize 16 individuals as holders of the intangible cultural property "Okinawan Karate and Kobudo," aimed at preserving the region’s traditional martial arts. (News On Japan)

Yonaguni Town Mayor Tsuneo Uechi met Defense Minister Koizumi on April 13th and conveyed his intention to accept the deployment of a missile unit at the Yonaguni garrison, marking a shift in his previously neutral stance on the issue. (News On Japan)

The Spring Takayama Festival, which signals the arrival of spring in Hida Takayama, opened on April 14th, drawing large crowds to the historic town. (News On Japan)

The morning commute was disrupted on April 13th when a Turkish man entered railway tracks in Aisai City, Aichi Prefecture, leading to a suspension of train services for about one hour. (News On Japan)

The BBC's security correspondent Frank Gardner explains how the US blockade of Iranian ports will work.

Diezani Alison-Madueke is accused of living “a life of luxury” in the UK at properties paid for and refurbished by industry figures.

Diezani Alison-Madueke is accused of living “a life of luxury” in the UK at properties paid for and refurbished by industry figures.

The US military has the capability to mount a blockade of vessels moving in and out of the Gulf. The question is: to what end?

More than 80% of companies in Japan’s Kyushu and Okinawa regions say they are experiencing negative impacts from the ongoing situation in the Middle East, according to a survey released by Tokyo Shoko Research on April 13th. (News On Japan)

The cherry blossom front has finally reached Hokkaido, with Matsumae Town in southern Hokkaido declaring the start of the blooming season on April 13th. (News On Japan)

IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, is set to open its first outlet in Hokkaido in mid-May, marking its long-awaited entry into the region not in the major city of Sapporo but in the neighboring town of Tobetsu, where deep historical ties with Sweden have helped pave the way for the project. (News On Japan)

Japan is now facing a new challenge rarely seen before — a wave of foreign tourists unlike any in the country's history. (News On Japan)

Tokyo police conducted a coordinated crackdown in the Kabukicho entertainment district over a two-week period, taking 21 youths aged between 13 and 19 into custody for offenses including late-night loitering, underage drinking, and smoking. (News On Japan)