A shortage of domestically produced lacquer, essential for restoring Japan’s cultural properties, has reached a critical point. For centuries, lacquer—or urushi—has been integral to traditional crafts and national treasures, but production has fallen sharply. (News On Japan)

Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and other researchers have discovered that female saw-toothed grain beetles cultivate fungi in a special organ on their hind legs, using it to coat their eggs with protective fungal filaments that block parasitic wasps from laying their own eggs inside. (News On Japan)

The Budget Committee of the House of Representatives opened on November 7th, with Prime Minister Takaichi facing her first full-scale debate since taking office. (News On Japan)

A special nighttime viewing has begun at Eikando, one of Kyoto’s most famous spots for autumn foliage, where visitors can now enjoy a breathtaking illumination of maple trees. (News On Japan)

The Nobel Prize winner felt ostracised by the scientific community over his comments on race and intelligence.

If the body is identified as a hostage, five dead hostages will remain in Gaza and still need to be returned under a ceasefire deal.

The warlord remains at large but victims hope the ICC charges will renew efforts to capture him.

The warlord remains at large but victims hope the ICC charges will renew efforts to capture him.

Robert James Purkiss faces extradition over allegations he murdered Agnes Wanjiru.

Robert James Purkiss faces extradition over allegations he murdered Agnes Manjiru.

A 1.2-meter bear was shot and killed just before noon on November 8th at a hot spring inn in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, after entering the building overnight and causing extensive damage. (News On Japan)

A 27-year-old elementary school teacher in Bizen, Okayama Prefecture, who became the seventh suspect arrested in a voyeurism scandal involving a group of educators, has retracted his earlier confession and now denies filming any illicit footage. (News On Japan)

The Niseko area at the foot of Mount Yotei, about a two-hour drive from Sapporo, is now in the spotlight once again as one of Japan’s top resort destinations prepares for the peak ski season. Fueled by surging inbound demand, construction of hotels and leisure facilities is rapidly expanding across the region—but local residents are increasingly alarmed by the rise in illegal land development and unauthorized building extensions. (News On Japan)

The Hellas Aphrodite crew have been freed from armed Somali pirates who seized it the previous day.

The Hellas Aphrodite crew have been freed from armed Somali pirates who seized it the previous day.

The blockade, imposed by jihadists, has upended daily life in the landlocked nation.

The blockade, imposed by jihadists, has upended daily life in the landlocked nation.

Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar lead the nominees, while K-Pop breaks into the song of the year category.

Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar lead the nominees, while K-Pop breaks into the song of the year category.

After drone sightings cause Zaventem airport near Brussels to close temporarily, Belgium turns to its European allies for help.