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Japan Expands State of Emergency

The Japanese government expands its state of emergency over the coronavirus to seven prefectures such as Osaka and Kyoto in addition to the four in the greater Tokyo area that was originally included.

Private Shinto Ritual Streamed to Viewers

Osaka Temmangu Shrine streams online a usually private Shinto ceremony that is part of the annual Tenjin Festival, as other festivities including lit-up boats and fireworks are canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Great Kansai Craft Beer Breweries and Taprooms

The Kansai region of central Japan is enjoying a craft beer boom. Here is a six-pack selection of some of the best local breweries and taprooms.

10 Best Day Trips From Kobe

Sandwiched between the blue sea and the verdant Rokko Mountains, the bustling city of Kobe is a must-visit destination in Japan. Find our list of best day trips from Kobe, Japan, below.

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Go Out to a Japanese Baseball Game

Although Sumo is nominally Japan's national sport, baseball is what the people really play and watch here. The experience surrounding a Japanese baseball game is unique and an absolute must if you are living in or visiting the land of the rising fastball.

Japan's State of Emergency: What Does It Mean?

If you were thinking of traveling to Japan, there are new restrictions to heed.

Super Mario Arrives at USJ!

The Super Nintendo World featuring Mario and related characters opens at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka following two postponements due to the coronavirus.

Osaka Contest for Mini-Gardens on Small Trucks

The Kei-tora Gardening Contest has chosen its winner for 2020. Click to see which mini-truck garden received to top prize.

Artists Already Remixing Osaka Expo 2025 Logo

Earlier this week Osaka announced that they had chosen a bizarre, googly-eyed character as their logo for the upcoming 2025 Osaka Expo. And over the next 24 hours, remix culture quickly set in and social media has been buzzing with creations.

Mixed Reactions Over End of State of Emergency

People in Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto in western Japan where the coronavirus state of emergency was lifted show mixed reactions over the move.

JR Halves Price of Bullet Train Tickets

Japan Railways Group companies cut the ticket prices of some bullet train and express trains to lure customers amid a drop in travelers due to the coronavirus.

The Logo for World Expo 2025 Has Been Selected

Which of these designs made Osaka's selection process to be chosen as the official World Expo 2025 logo? Make your predictions and then click over to see if you got it right.

Patients With COVID-19 Antibodies Found Immune

The results of Japan’s large-scale antibody test show all eight patients who had antibodies against the novel coronavirus were immune to COVID-19.

Record 1,000 New Coronavirus Cases in Japan

Japan sees a record number of new cases of novel coronavirus in one day, hitting over 1,000 for the very first time.

Osaka Hotel Says 'Thank You' with ¥390 Rooms!

While the ¥390 discount is a bit of a pun, you really can get a room for less than the cost of a bowl of ramen!

Play Ball! Japan's 5 Best Baseball Parks

If you love sports, don't miss a game at one of Japan's raucous baseball parks. Each one offers a unique experience that reflects the local character and food as well as the high-quality brand of baseball.

Osaka: 7 Best Neighborhoods for Your Stay

The best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Osaka, Japan. See which 'hood suits you best!

Japan to Conduct 10,000 Antibody Tests in June

Antibody tests for the novel coronavirus will be given to nearly 10,000 people in Tokyo, Osaka and Miyagi Prefectures starting early June to get a better idea of the spread of the virus.

Universal Studios Japan Reopens to Visitors

Universal Studios Japan opens its door to visitors from across the country, but is asking Tokyoites to reconsider visiting due to the large numbers of novel coronavirus cases in the capital.

Japan Approves Second COVID-19 Treatment

The use of dexamethasone to treat people infected with the novel coronavirus has been approved as the second drug that doctors can now prescribe to COVID-19 patients in the country.

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