Hokkaido Aiming to Become Chip Capital of Japan
From BBC News: Locals say that beyond the cattle and tourism, Hokkaido has long lacked other industries. There's even a saying that those who go there do so only to leave. But if the government succeeds in turning Hokkaido into Japan's answer to Silicon Valley - or "Hokkaido Valley", as some have begun to call it - the country could become a new contender in the $600bn (£458bn) race to supply the world's computer chips.
Defense Measures to be Deployed to Nansei Islands
From The Yomiuri Shimbun: “It’s important to strengthen the SDF’s defense capabilities to protect the lives and the peaceful livelihoods of the people,” Koizumi said in a meeting with Miyakojima Mayor Noboru Kakazu. “I believe the understanding and cooperation of those in the city are essential in this respect.” Kakazu in response, said, “The most important thing will be to carefully explain the SDF’s activities to the residents.”
Okinawa Subsidizing Study Aboard for Students
From Nikkei: Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is using subsidies to encourage high school students to study abroad, hoping to develop international talent and improve understanding in a territory with a major American military presence. Okinawa prefecture's study-abroad program has sent 670 or so students overseas to date and is recruiting 30 for fiscal 2026, with programs to 13 countries and regions, including the U.S., Italy, Argentina and Taiwan.
Suica Penguin to be Killed
From Kyodo: The beloved penguin mascot of Suica smartcards used for public transportation and cashless payments in Japan will be retired in spring 2027, owner East Japan Railway Co. said Tuesday. The penguin, which has served as the face of Suica since its launch in 2001, will be replaced with a new mascot in line with planned enhancements to the card's functions from fall 2026, according to the company. What to do with a known brand and character? DESTROY!
Government Recommends Plastic Bottles to Fight Bears
From The Mainichi: The government suggested on Oct. 30 that children should carry empty plastic bottles to repel bears, claiming the animals hate the sound of them crumpling.
Measures Against Foreigners to be Debuted in January
From The Mainichi: Japan's government will compile a comprehensive set of measures to address issues related to foreign residents and tourists in January, its top spokesperson said Tuesday, as its ministers met to discuss policies on foreigners for the first time under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Support for Sanseito Rises in Communities with Large Foreign Population
From The Mainichi: In Oizumi, the Sanseito's proportional representation vote share was 15.6%, surpassing the national average of 12.6%. In the single-seat constituency, the Sanseito candidate topped the polls in the town, outnumbering the ruling Liberal Democratic Party candidate. The rise of the Sanseito could alter Oizumi's image as a town successfully coexisting with foreigners.
Language Schools Nonexistent in Large Foreigner Areas in Japan
From Nikkei: Even as Japan brings in growing numbers of foreign workers to relieve labor shortages, 38% of its municipalities had no Japanese language schools as of last November, according to government data released Friday. The dip to 722 out of 1,892 municipalities marked only a 0.7-percentage-point improvement from a year earlier, according to the survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The tally does not account for programs aimed at exchange students.
University Student Sick, Misses Class
From The Mainichi: Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne, has tested positive for influenza, the Imperial Household Agency said Thursday. The 19-year-old prince developed a fever on Monday and was later confirmed to be infected, but he is now recovering at his residence in Tokyo, it said. He will be absent from his university classes for the rest of the week.
Kimi Onoda New Foreigner Czar
From The Japan Times: Kimi Onoda, a first-time Cabinet member, was tapped for two roles: economic security minister, and “minister in charge of a society of well-ordered and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals.” Onoda said she was looking to work closely with relevant government agencies to enforce stricter measures against unruly foreign residents and to revise the country's insufficient immigration policies.
