The Imperial Hotel Kyoto is set to open on March 5th in the heart of Gion, one of Kyoto’s most renowned districts, with the interior unveiled to the media on March 2nd ahead of its debut. (News On Japan)

Emmanuel Macron said eight countries could enjoy protection from France's nuclear umbrella - but that Paris would retain sole decision-making power.

Emmanuel Macron said eight countries could enjoy protection from France's nuclear umbrella - but that Paris would retain sole decision-making power.

Tokyo Metro and Toshiba have launched Japan’s first demonstration test allowing passengers to pass through ticket gates without touching them by using their smartphones’ Bluetooth function. (News On Japan)

NTT’s next-generation optical communications infrastructure, known as IOWN, is moving toward global standardization as the company steps up efforts to promote the technology in Europe. (News On Japan)

All Nippon Airways held a press conference to announce a change in leadership, with Executive Vice President Hisaichi Hirasawa set to assume the role of president on April 1st, stating that sweeping reforms to the airline’s struggling domestic operations are urgently needed as profitability continues to deteriorate. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on Iran to exercise restraint during a Lower House Budget Committee session on March 2nd, as tensions escalated following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, underscoring Japan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at calming the situation in the Middle East. (News On Japan)

Kyoto City significantly raised its lodging tax from March 1st, increasing the maximum charge per person per night from 1,000 yen to as much as 10,000 yen, in a move aimed at tackling overtourism and funding the preservation of cultural assets, even as questions remain about its impact on visitors and the local economy. (News On Japan)

A site supervisor at Fuji-Q Highland in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, was referred to prosecutors on March 2nd over a fatal accident in February 2025 in which an employee died during maintenance work. (News On Japan)

Experts have warned that a prolonged conflict could push global energy prices even higher.

A former emergency responder and foreign tourists worked together to rescue a woman in her 80s who was trapped inside an overturned light vehicle in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture. (News On Japan)

Lebanon's health ministry says 31 people were killed by Israeli strikes, while there are no reports of casualties in Israel.

The painting, created by the Dutch master in 1633, had disappeared after being sold in 1961.

The painting, created by the Dutch master in 1633, had disappeared after being sold in 1961.

The condition is "not a joke", the Tourette Action charity says, as the Baftas fallout continues.

Peacekeepers are sheltering about 1,000 civilians near their base and providing emergency care.

Peacekeepers are sheltering about 1,000 civilians near their base and providing emergency care.

A host of deals, including one to supply India with uranium, is unveiled as Mark Carney meets Narendra Modi in Delhi.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth offered few details about the operation, leaving questions unanswered about the scope or duration.

People in Iran tell the BBC they hear explosions day and night, as the US and Israel continue striking the country for a third day.