The first case of pre-harvested rice with radioactive materials exceeding a government-set safe level has been found in Nihonmatsu of Fukushima Prefecture, only 56 km from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant that was the epicentre of “the world’s worst nuclear disaster in 25 years”. As a result, the ministry will instigate an in-depth inspection of [...]

Powerful Typhoon Roke has struck Japan on Wednesday, and the storm is headed towards the ailing Fukushima nuclear plant. Workers are scrambling to protect the plant and secure the parts the are leaking radiation. The storm is unleashing winds up to 198 kilometers per hour. At least five people have been killed and one million [...]

Currently the fourth largest economy in the world based on GDP (purchase power parity), India is only behind the US, China, and Japan. But according to economists, it appears that the country will soon become the world’s third largest economy by surpassing Japan later this year. Entering 2011, the Japanese and Indian economy were quite [...]

CNN calls it “a shrine to the foam-packaged snack.” The Nissin Cup Noodles Museum has newly opened in Yokohama, Japan. Visitors can tour the History Cube, which highlights the development of this staple food of college students and single professionals, from its early days as “Chikin Ramen” to its current multi-flavored variations. Children can visit [...]

13-year-old Kosuga Fuyuka is one of S/mileage’s newest sub-members. S/mileage is an idol group under Hello! Project. Kosuga is a Hello! Pro Egg, an aspiring young trainee who hopes to become a full-fledged idol. Unfortunately, her health has hindered her performance during group rehearsals, and medical tests indicate that she has severe anemia. Kosuga will [...]

ISSA and SoulJa team up once again to produce their new MV: I Hate U. Their style is catchy blend of pop and R&B. The new song has garnered enthusiastic reviews and prompted fans to ask for more collaborations between ISSA and SoulJa. See for yourself the quality of their latest joint project. Source: 1,2

Former Morning Musume, a Japanese idol group, member Kago Ai (23) is in stable condition after being found in her apartment with a slit wrist. Prior to her suicide attempt, Kago had spoken on the phone with her agency. Her words suggested that she may attempt suicide, so the agency member rushed to Kago’s home, [...]

The popularity of AKB48 will be exported to Jakarta, Indonesia as a kind of franchise. JKT48 will be starting up in Jakarta as the “official sister idol group to AKB48.” The group’s overall producer will still be Japan’s Akimoto Yasushi. Currently, applications are open to 13-18 year olds. The deadline for applications is September 16, [...]