Former Ito mayor Maki Takubo was indicted while remaining out of custody over an academic credentials fraud scandal in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A large number of people gathered at Ishikari-Numata Station in western Hokkaido on March 31st to witness the final run of the JR Rumoi Line, bringing an end to its 116-year history as trains made their last journey through snow-covered rice fields. (News On Japan)

Japan’s benchmark stock index plunged sharply at the start of the week, at one point dropping more than 2,800 points, as surging crude oil prices driven by tensions surrounding Iran rattled markets and raised fresh concerns over the stability of alternative energy supply routes. (News On Japan)

A month has passed since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, and while Japan holds oil reserves equivalent to roughly eight months of domestic consumption, concerns are growing that rising crude prices and supply disruptions could begin to affect everything from plastic bottles to medical IV tubes. (News On Japan)

Today, English football is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The Premier League brings together the best players from around the world, sets current trends and attracts the attention of hundreds of millions of fans across the globe. (News On Japan)

In construction, the cost of even the smallest error is measured not only in money but also in time, reputation, and often the safety of people. (News On Japan)

Many project teams remember when work was primarily based on email chains, phone calls, and endless spreadsheets. However, digital transformation is rapidly changing the way businesses manage plans, tasks, and priorities. (News On Japan)

The Hokkaido Shinkansen marked its 10th anniversary on March 26, as a town in southern Hokkaido known for its deep ties to tunnel construction put forward a bold proposal to build a second undersea tunnel to help achieve faster travel between Sapporo and Tokyo. (News On Japan)

A unique sledding competition using repurposed rice bags was held in Sapporo, drawing about 390 participants ranging from elementary school children to adults, all competing in a high-energy race for a prize equivalent to 60 kilograms of rice. (News On Japan)

Tokyo Metro has completed the installation of platform screen doors at all of its 180 stations, marking a major milestone in passenger safety measures across its network. (News On Japan)

A fossilized lower jaw tooth of an iguanodontian dinosaur, dating back approximately 130 million years, has been discovered in Tokushima Prefecture and is now on display at a local museum. (News On Japan)

A traditional cherry blossom viewing event was held at the World Heritage site Himeji Castle on March 28th, as visitors gathered to enjoy the first blooms of the season against the backdrop of the castle’s striking white walls. (News On Japan)

The Kobe District Public Prosecutors Office decided not to indict Hyogo Governor Motohiko Saito and two others who had been criminally accused of violating the Local Public Service Act over the leak of private information belonging to a former prefectural bureau chief, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations. (News On Japan)

Japan’s oil supply is facing what experts describe as the largest crisis in its history, as global competition for energy intensifies following the attack on Iran, triggering widespread disruptions across logistics networks and medical services. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi announced on March 27th that Japan will increase the operating rate of coal-fired power plants in preparation for a prolonged de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reduce reliance on liquefied natural gas. (News On Japan)

China’s Foreign Ministry said on March 26 via social media that public safety conditions in Japan are unstable, claiming that crimes targeting Chinese nationals have been occurring frequently, as tensions rise following an incident involving a member of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. (News On Japan)

Fuel prices have surged to levels that could begin to impact transportation infrastructure, as industry groups warn of worsening supply constraints and mounting financial pressure. (News On Japan)

The yen weakened sharply, briefly falling past 160 to the dollar, as concerns grew that instability in the Middle East would persist and weigh on global markets. (News On Japan)

Electricity and gas bills across Japan are set to rise in April, as government subsidies introduced to ease the impact of rising prices come to an end. (News On Japan)

A series of new attractions are set to open across Tokyo on March 28th, including a world-class fountain show in Odaiba and a large-scale commercial complex offering gourmet experiences in central Tokyo, as the city rolls out new destinations aimed at drawing springtime visitors. (News On Japan)