INDONESIA JAPAN

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 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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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Japan’s Big Move to Keep Oil Flowing

Japan has announced a new plan worth 10 billion dollars aimed at ensuring a steady supply of oil from Asia. The government will invest in projects that help secure shipping routes and storage facilities near key suppliers. By doing so, it hopes to reduce the risk of shortages caused by political ten

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Apr 15 2026BUSINESS

Naphtha Shortages Hit Japan’s Factory Floor

Japanese firms that rely on naphtha, a key oil by‑product used in adhesives and paints, are cutting orders or lowering production after delivery delays and price hikes. The trouble began last week when more than a dozen companies, including Toto and Asahi Kasei, warned that their supplies were unrel

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Japan Opens Arms Trade to Allies, Drawing Global Attention

Japan is set to relax its strict arms export rules, a move that has caught the eye of countries from Poland to the Philippines. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on defense commitments and the ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, which have strained U. S. weapon suppli

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Apr 11 2026FINANCE

Japan takes a close look at private credit risks but sees no big problem yet

Japan’s finance chief recently shared her view on private credit, a fast-growing but shadowy part of finance worth about $2 trillion worldwide. She pointed out that Japan’s own exposure isn’t large and doesn’t pose a big threat right now. Still, she’s keeping an eye on how things move, especially as

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Mar 31 2026BUSINESS

Fuel Swaps and Energy Scrambles in Asia

Indonesia’s president flew to Tokyo amid a regional rush to find new fuel sources. The Middle East conflict has cut many supplies, and now countries are trading energy to keep their economies running. Jakarta is planning a deal that would bring more liquefied natural gas into Japan while sending liq

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Mar 31 2026ENVIRONMENT

Forest Loss in Indonesia Rises Sharp as Self‑Sufficiency Drives Push Land Clearing

Indonesia’s forests shrank by a striking 66% in 2025, the fastest rate in eight years, according to data from satellite imagery and field checks across 16 provinces. The country’s huge forest area, once one of the world’s richest in biodiversity, is being cleared at an alarming pace as it pursues am

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Mar 22 2026POLITICS

Japan Mulls Clearing Mines in Hormuz if War Stops

Japan’s foreign minister said the country might send its forces to sweep naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire ends the U. S. -Israeli conflict with Iran. The minister explained that such an operation would only happen after a complete stop to fighting and if mines were blocking shippin

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Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

Why Do Japanese Girls Love Christian Schools So Much?

Japan has very few Christians, only about 0. 7% of the population. Yet, Christian schools are everywhere and super popular. Why is that? Many people think it's because these schools are seen as fancy or upper-class, especially for girls. But is that really the whole story? Let's talk about one scho

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