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May 01 2026OPINION

Robot Care: A New Age for Grandparents

Japan’s aging population is pushing the country toward robotic helpers, but the idea raises more questions than solutions. In recent visits to nursing homes in Tokyo, visitors were handed tiny robot dolls and plush toys that can talk, hoping they will fill the gaps left by a shrinking workforce. The

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

China Tightens Tech Rules While Trading Off Tariffs

China has quietly broadened its economic tools during a temporary pause in the U. S. trade dispute, setting up new limits on technology and supply chains before a summit next month. After leaders Xi Jinping and Donald Trump agreed in Busan to ease tensions, Beijing moved quickly to tighten controls

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Apr 26 2026ENVIRONMENT

Wildfire Battle Near Otsuchi: Japan’s Massive Firefighting Response

Japan has sent a large force of 1, 400 firefighters and 100 Self‑Defense Force members to fight blazes that have been raging for five days on the northern coast. The flames now cover 1, 373 hectares and are spreading because of dry conditions and strong winds. The fire threatens the town of Otsuchi

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Apr 25 2026TECHNOLOGY

Japan’s financial world braces for AI-driven security threats

Japan’s government is stepping up its game against digital threats after warnings that a new artificial intelligence tool could expose major gaps in financial security. Finance officials worry that AI like Mythos might find and exploit weaknesses in banking systems faster than humans can fix them. W

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Apr 21 2026POLITICS

Japan Lets Itself Sell More Weapons Worldwide

Japan has changed its rules about selling weapons, a move that could change the country’s role in global arms trade. The new policy removes limits on many types of equipment, such as warships and missiles. This shift signals a break from the strict pacifist stance that has guided Japan after W

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Apr 19 2026HEALTH

First-time moms under 25 face higher stress in Japan, study finds

Japan has long worried about very young mothers and their risks for child abuse. But what about women in their early 20s who become first-time moms? A new study flips the focus by comparing two groups: those under 26 and those 26 or older. Most past research zeroed in on teens, leaving a gap for wom

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Apr 18 2026BUSINESS

China’s Clean Tech Exports Surge as Global Energy Shifts

China has seen a sharp rise in the export of clean‑energy products during March, showing that its manufacturers are capitalising on a worldwide shift toward alternative power sources. The surge comes as conventional energy supplies face uncertainty, partly due to the conflict in Iran. The biggest j

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Apr 17 2026POLITICS

China Balances Middle East Peace Talks While Welcoming Trump

China is moving quickly to calm the fighting in Iran, all while getting ready for a meeting with U. S. President Donald Trump next month. The country’s top leader, Xi Jinping, will meet the president in mid‑May, and China wants to keep its ties with Iran strong without upsetting Washington. Becau

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Apr 17 2026SCIENCE

China’s Space Team Extends Their Stay Beyond the Stars

China’s latest space team has decided to spend a little more time floating around in space than originally planned. The three astronauts, who took off from a launch site in China’s Gobi Desert last fall, were supposed to come back in April after six months. Now, they’ll stay up there for another mon

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Apr 16 2026FINANCE

Global Money Talks: Japan and US Boost Currency Coordination

Japan and the United States have decided to increase their discussions about currency values following a meeting between their top finance officials. This move comes as both countries watch the Japanese yen hover near a key level that triggered past currency interventions. Japan’s finance minister p

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