Paper company Oji grows licorice on a large scale in Hokkaido
· Source: The Japan Times
A unit of Japanese paper maker Oji has set up a large-scale system to harvest licorice, a medicinal plant, in Hokkaido. The aim is to create a stable supply of the plant.
💡 Why it matters for you: It is a surprising example of how Japanese companies move into new fields, which is useful to know if you are curious about Japanese industry.
🎌 Reading Japanese business news helps you discover unexpected sides of Japanese companies like this.
Japan has set up a new national agency for disaster management, led by its first chief, Goshi Hosono. He told the public to prepare for disasters themselves, because the government has limits on what it can do in a very large disaster.
💡 Why it matters: Anyone planning to live in Japan as a student or worker should know that personal disaster preparedness is strongly encouraged there.
🎌 Basic Japanese helps you understand local safety announcements and alerts.
The Bank of Japan has signalled that it does not expect much growth in consumer spending as the country's population falls. Private consumption makes up about half of Japan's economy, so the central bank watches it closely.
💡 Why it matters: A shrinking population is one of the biggest forces shaping Japan's economy, and knowing about it helps you understand the country you may study or work in.
🎌 Learning Japanese lets you follow economic news like this directly from Japanese sources.
Ski resorts in the Chugoku region of western Japan are struggling with too little snow. Snowmaking machines are becoming essential, but even artificial snow melts in warm weather, so resorts can open on fewer days each season.
💡 Why it matters: It shows how changing weather is affecting tourism and local businesses in regional Japan.
🎌 Learning Japanese place names like Chugoku (中国地方) helps you find your way around Japan's regions.
Japan Post has started selling New Year's greeting cards for 2027. Cards meant for delivery on New Year's Day will be accepted from December 20 to 27, a later deadline than in past years.
💡 Why it matters: Sending New Year's cards is a well-loved Japanese tradition that learners often come across in textbooks and daily life.
🎌 These cards are called nengajō (年賀状) in Japanese, and writing one is a fun way to practise greetings like akemashite omedetō.
Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower was rebuilt in 1956 after the original tower was taken down. The 108-metre landmark is still a major attraction in the Shinsekai area, where a new railway line is planned.
💡 Why it matters: Tsutenkaku is one of Osaka's most famous sights and a great window into the city's local culture.
🎌 Knowing some Japanese makes exploring neighbourhoods like Shinsekai far more rewarding.
Relaxed, social running clubs built around coffee are starting up across Tokyo. They attract casual runners who care more about meeting people than about speed or racing.
💡 Why it matters: It shows a friendly side of daily life in Tokyo and one way newcomers can find community there.
🎌 Joining local groups like these is much easier, and more fun, when you can chat in Japanese.
