The growing abuse of over-the-counter drugs among young people in Japan reflects not only easy access to medicines but also loneliness, social media influence and a shortage of places where troubled youths can be safely seen and heard, according to a discussion among an addiction specialist, a former overdose user and a recovery worker with experience of drug and alcohol dependence. (News On Japan)

Temperature records were smashed in June - and scientists warn this is a sign of things to come. 

West Bengal's move to replace eggs in some school meals has sparked a wider debate over nutrition and choice.

West Bengal's move to replace eggs in some school meals has sparked a wider debate over nutrition and choice.

Gold prices remain under pressure after spot bullion briefly fell below 4,000 dollars per troy ounce last week, marking the lowest level in seven months since early November, as investors reassess the outlook for US interest rates and the dollar. (News On Japan)

More than 2,000 primary schools are facing closure as enrolment numbers plummet.

Flamingos have become a national symbol of protest, triggered by opposition to a luxury development.

Flamingos have become a national symbol of protest, triggered by opposition to a luxury development.

Japan is seeking to turn economic security into diplomatic leverage as the United States deepens its America First approach, with policymakers focusing on semiconductors, critical minerals, energy, shipbuilding and advanced technology as areas where Japan can make itself indispensable to Washington. (News On Japan)

Workers inspecting screws are a familiar sight in Tokyo’s Ota Ward, where small factories line the streets, but manufacturers say rising costs are squeezing operations despite signs of strength elsewhere in the economy. (News On Japan)

Peru's election authorities formally announced on July 3 that Keiko Fujimori, the Japanese-descended eldest daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, had won the country's presidential runoff election. (News On Japan)

Japan's Government Pension Investment Fund said its investment operations for fiscal 2025 generated a surplus of more than 41 trillion yen, lifted by gains in domestic and overseas stock markets. (News On Japan)

Oiso Long Beach, a popular summer destination in Oiso, Kanagawa Prefecture, opened its pools for the season on July 4, drawing about 1,300 visitors as the facility strengthened heatstroke prevention measures. (News On Japan)

An Indian restaurant in a shopping street in Yokohama's Nishi Ward was destroyed by fire on Saturday morning, with 34 fire engines and other emergency vehicles sent to the scene. (News On Japan)

The disaster has overwhelmed local services, with bodies put outside or in tents for identification.

The disaster has overwhelmed local services, with bodies put outside or in tents for identification.

More than 165 million people were sweltering on Friday under record temperatures along the US East Coast and Midwest, according to the US National Weather Service.

Tusk says Poland is preparing for "various" scenarios after media reports of a planned Russian attack.

Tusk says Poland is preparing for "various" scenarios after media reports of a planned Russian attack.

Former President Zuma's trip to India reignites anger over a decade-old corruption scandal.