News

Land prices in Tokyo rose across nearly all surveyed locations, with an average overall increase of 7.3 percent, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. The upward trend was fueled by strong demand for high-rise condominiums in central Tokyo and increased commercial activity powered by foreign tourism.

In Tokyo, researchers at Waseda University demonstrated AIREC, a 150-kg AI-driven humanoid robot designed to assist with tasks such as changing diapers and preventing bedsores for the elderly. Developed in response to Japan’s rapidly ageing society and acute nursing care worker shortages, AIREC represents a promising technological solution expected to evolve further by 2030.

For the first time since World War II, a group of scholars were permitted to explore the Daisen “kofun” burial mound, widely known as the Emperor Nintoku Mausoleum, a prestigious site dating from the fifth century. The visit revealed new features and sparked calls for further public and academic access to this historically significant and restricted imperial site.

The article outlines a long-standing practice within Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party where prime ministers have presented gift vouchers to newly elected lawmakers since Abe’s resurgence in power in 2012. It details instances involving Shinzo Abe, Shigeru Ishiba, Fumio Kishida, and other party members, while noting the ongoing debate over whether the practice should be investigated further.

Rengo president Tomoko Yoshino urged the LDP to pass legislation allowing separate surnames for married couples during their annual convention, marking the first time in 20 years a Rengo leader was invited. This move highlights the LDP's attempt to gain support from labor unions while also potentially influencing the upcoming Upper House elections.