The graduation ceremony at Kyoto University was held on March 24th, where graduating students appeared in their customary creative costumes. (News On Japan)

Weather officials say cherry blossoms have started blooming in Tokyo. The event occurred on the same date as the seasonal average and five days earlier than last year. (NHK)

After being severely damaged in the Noto Peninsula earthquake, the Notojima Aquarium in Nanao City has fully reopened for the first time in approximately 15 months, marking a symbolic step in the region’s recovery. (News On Japan)

Starbucks is replacing its paper straws with biomass plastic straws, beginning a nationwide rollout on March 24th. (News On Japan)

Russian missiles hit the city of Sumy as negotiators met the US delegation in Saudi Arabia for talks.

Funding cuts could lead to an added 2,000 new HIV infections each day, Winnie Byanyima warns.

Funding cuts could lead to an added 2,000 new HIV infections each day, Winnie Byanyima warns.

Decorated test pilot James O'Connell was in a "good frame of mind" prior to the crash, the BBC is told.

In a striking finding from one of the world's longest-living nations, dementia has overtaken all other causes of death in Japan. (News On Japan)

Freedom and democracy have been steadily eroded in the Erdogan era, writes Orla Guerin.

Freedom and democracy have been steadily eroded in the Erdogan era, writes Orla Guerin.

For Japanese people living on the mainland, including myself, Okinawa is an ideal vacation destination. (Video Street View Japan)

A Sudanese general said Chad's airports were legitimate targets because they were used to supply weapons.

A Sudanese general said Chad's airports were legitimate targets because they were used to supply weapons.

The pair will make separate trips this week, after threats from the US president to take over the island.

The pair will make separate trips this week, after threats from the US president to take over the island.

Nearly 200 people were on board the flight carrying Venezuelan migrants repatriated from the US.

Nearly 200 people were on board the flight carrying Venezuelan migrants repatriated from the US.

The brothers report to Romanian police as part of an ongoing criminal investigation after returning from the US.

The veteran golfer announces he is dating Vanessa Trump, who used to be married to Donald Trump Jr.