Hiroshima Prefecture sits next to the Seto Inland Sea and hosts a number of quaint seaside towns and islands. On this three-day trip, we explore the beautiful coastal scenery on foot and by bike, stopping at Tomonoura and Onomichi before tackling Japan's premier cycling route, the Shimanami Kaido. (japan-guide.com)

A state banquet hosted by the Emperor and Empress was held at the Imperial Palace for the first time in six years, with their daughter Princess Aiko attending for the first time. (News On Japan)

Infectious gastroenteritis cases are spreading rapidly across Japan, with the number of patients in March reaching the highest level in the past ten years for this time of year. (News On Japan)

In an appeal case challenging the government's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage, the Osaka High Court ruled on March 25th that the current legal framework is unconstitutional, overturning a previous lower court decision. (News On Japan)

The Osaka High Court, presided over by Judge Kumiko Honda, ruled on March 25th that provisions in Japan’s Civil Code and Family Register Act that do not recognize same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, marking the fifth such ruling by a high court in the country. (News On Japan)

Uragawa Elementary School in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, closed its doors after 151 years, marking the end of an era for the Uragawa district. Established in 1874, the school was the last remaining elementary school in the area, where there were once four. (News On Japan)

Gaza authorities announced on March 24th that two journalists were killed in an Israeli military strike. (News On Japan)

"My horoscope tells me about my strengths and weaknesses, the best and worst parts of my personality, how my day is going, and who I am most connected with... it can even help me make smart decisions, like whether to date Todd." (News On Japan)

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)

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)

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

With just three weeks remaining until the start of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, several pavilions held preview events on Sunday. (News On Japan)

Japan is facing a pivotal moment in pension reform as the government prepares to revise its system for the first time in five years. With a shrinking workforce and an aging population, the pension system is under pressure, prompting new proposals that could impact millions. (News On Japan)

A civic group in Usa City, Oita Prefecture, that collects and analyzes materials from the Pacific War has released twelve pieces of footage showing U.S. air raids and kamikaze attacks. (News On Japan)

The foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea have agreed to promote future-oriented cooperation in tackling common issues, and accelerate arrangements to hold a trilateral summit in Japan as early as possible. (NHK)

Japan’s world-renowned rail system is often symbolized by the Shinkansen, the original high-speed rail that revolutionized travel when it began in 1964. It now runs hundreds of trains daily with unmatched safety—over 6.5 billion passengers have traveled on it without a single fatality. (Wendover Productions)

The Japanese government on March 21st released a report outlining countermeasures for volcanic ash in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, including a four-stage evacuation plan based on ashfall volume. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government on March 21st released a report outlining countermeasures for volcanic ash in the event of a Mount Fuji eruption, including a four-stage evacuation plan based on ashfall volume. (News On Japan)