A calico cat named Yontama has been officially appointed as the third feline stationmaster at Kishi Station in Japan, continuing a quirky tradition that boosts tourism and revives local railways. Discover how cats are saving train lines.
Nearly 60 Japanese women legislators, including PM Sanae Takaichi, petition for more women's toilets in the historic Diet building, highlighting a stark gender infrastructure gap. Read more on this cross-party push for equality.
Japan is rapidly transforming its defence posture, aiming to double annual arms spending to counter China. This historic shift raises questions about its pacifist constitution. Read the full analysis.
A Guardian reporter ventures into a Japanese bear hotspot, revealing the escalating human-wildlife conflict. Discover the shocking encounters and community fears.
A travel journalist reviews her stay at WC by The Beautique Hotels in Lisbon, a four-star boutique hotel with a full bathroom theme and staff in sleepwear. Find out if the quirky concept works.
Japan's cabinet approves a historic ¥9tn defence budget, boosting strike-back capabilities as tensions with China escalate over Taiwan and space militarisation. Read the full analysis.
A review of the quirkiest and most surreal political moments of 2025, captured on camera. From Kemi Badenoch with a machine gun to Boris Johnson's ostrich encounter.
Discover why fried chicken is Japan's festive staple. A traveller explores Tokyo's halal alternatives to the KFC queues, unravelling a unique cultural tradition.
Tiverton's quirky Christmas lights, mistaken for giant underwear, are back after 2015 debut. Locals embrace the viral fame, with the mayor calling it 'fantastic' publicity for the Devon town.
Kyoto posts urgent multilingual signs after record bear attacks across Japan. Learn the safety advice and why encounters have surged to unprecedented levels.
All Nippon Airways launches free domestic flights for UK travellers to explore Japan's hidden gems and reduce overtourism. Find out how to book.
British tourists can now book complimentary internal flights in Japan with ANA to ease overtourism in Tokyo and Kyoto. Discover lesser-visited regions until 31 Jan 2026.
China imposes a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports and advises against travel to Japan. Explore the economic fallout and diplomatic crisis.
The UK Foreign Office updates Japan travel advice following a record number of wildlife-related deaths. Stay informed and learn essential safety precautions for your trip.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Japan due to a surge in bear attacks. Learn about the safety precautions and the military response.
A captivating visual journey through Britain's quirkiest weekend moments, featuring everything from dogs travelling in bags to creative costume enthusiasts lighting up the nation's streets.
Japan's freshly elected Prime Minister Kimiko Yamazaki is betting on the legacy of Shinzo Abe's relationship with Donald Trump to navigate crucial US-Japan trade and security negotiations.
As Japan faces an unprecedented rise in bear encounters, experts reveal the surprising reasons behind the surge and essential safety tips for residents and tourists.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet reshuffle sees just one female minister amid criticism of Japan's poor gender equality record in politics.
Conservative heavyweight Sanae Takaichi, known for her drumming skills and hawkish policies, emerges as frontrunner in Japan's leadership race with radical economic proposals.
In a historic political breakthrough, Sanae Takaichi is positioned to shatter Japan's highest glass ceiling and become the nation's first female prime minister following the ruling party's leadership election.
Tributes flow for former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, whose historic 1995 apology for WWII atrocities reshaped Asian diplomacy and leaves a complex legacy.
Japan braces for severe weather as Typhoon Nakri approaches the Izu Islands while Typhoon Halong gains strength, bringing heavy rainfall and potential disruption to travel and infrastructure.
Japan's Tokyo metropolitan area records its first population drop since 1996, signalling a dramatic demographic shift amid national population concerns.
A 34-year-old Filipino mountaineer has died after a devastating 150-metre fall while climbing Japan's treacherous Northern Alps, marking another tragic incident in the popular climbing destination.
Discover the hilarious new workplace comedy 'The Chair Company' that's taking British television by storm. Our review explores why this quirky series about office life gone mad is your next must-watch.
Discover the extraordinary mountain retreat in Georgia, USA, inspired by Dubble Bubble gum packaging, now available for sale with its unique pink exterior and nostalgic charm.
Kyoto announces significant tourist tax increases starting 2026, with new accommodation fees and city tax adjustments aimed at managing overtourism and preserving cultural heritage.
Japan's political stability hangs in the balance as coalition partner Komeito considers ending its 20-year alliance with the LDP over Sanae Takaichi's leadership ambitions, potentially triggering a government crisis.
The Liberal Democrats unveil ambitious strategy to strengthen economic ties with Japan, focusing on technology exchange and cultural partnerships to boost Britain's global standing.