News

NASA's Osiris-Rex mission has brought back asteroid samples containing the building blocks of life and evidence of an ancient water world, suggesting asteroids may have played a crucial role in bringing life to Earth. These findings, including the presence of amino acids and sodium-rich minerals, provide the strongest evidence yet for the potential extraterrestrial origin of life.

AIREC, an AI-driven humanoid robot, demonstrates its potential as a future caregiver for Japan's aging population, offering assistance with daily tasks and medical needs. While challenges remain in terms of safety and cost, AIREC represents a promising step towards addressing the growing shortage of aged care workers.

Rengo, Japan's largest umbrella labor union group, is demanding an average wage increase above 6%, marking the highest request in over 30 years and aligning with government and central bank efforts to promote sustainable economic growth. This move is expected to influence monetary policies and comes amid growing expectations of further interest rate increases by the Bank of Japan.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba apologized for giving gift certificates to newly elected lawmakers, sparking criticism from opposition parties and even members of his own coalition who questioned the legality and appropriateness of the gesture. The controversy has further damaged the LDP's image and raised concerns about the party's culture of political donations.

In 2024, the average price of new condominiums in Japan surpassed 60 million yen ($402,000) for the first time, marking an eighth consecutive yearly high due to increasing construction and labor expenses. Although Tokyo’s central districts experienced a slight price drop, other cities saw significant increases, with some exceeding the 100 million yen mark.