News

Japan Airlines has started using a unique riblet-shaped paint coating on part of its Boeing 787-9, drawing inspiration from the streamlined texture of shark skin. The coating, developed by O-Well Corp. with supporting simulations by JAXA, reduces air resistance and has the potential to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions significantly during international flights.

The Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) decision to field former lawmaker Mio Sugita in the upcoming Upper House election has generated significant backlash due to her past discriminatory remarks. This decision has been met with criticism from both within the party and from the public, with many expressing concerns that Sugita's candidacy could damage the LDP's image and lead to a loss of votes.

Japan is scrambling to find ways to get the United States to exempt its automakers from a ruinous 25-percent tariff due to take effect on April 3. The Trump administration has not made clear what it expects Japan to do in order to avoid the tariffs, leaving the Japanese government and automakers in a state of uncertainty.

Land prices across Japan have been on the rise, with a significant jump in regions such as Hokkaido driven by an influx of foreign tourists and redevelopment projects. In areas like Kutchan, escalating prices for residential and commercial properties are leading to creative new solutions to accommodate a growing workforce in the tourism sector.

NASA’s replacement crew lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Friday night, marking a significant step in returning astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to Earth after a nine-month stint on the International Space Station. The newly launched team, composed of military and former airline pilots from NASA, Japan, and Russia, will board the ISS to seamlessly take over operations and prepare for the safe undocking and return of the existing crew.