The baseball coming-of-age manga The Days of Diamond is set to return to Weekly Young Jump on June 4, 2026, ending its latest hiatus after months of uncertainty. Written and illustrated by Ōhashi Hirai, the series follows fifth-grader Jiro Ayasegawa as his talent isolates him until he joins the Adachi Bambies. Serialized since February 2023, it has repeatedly paused, most recently starting earlier in 2026 before this confirmed comeback. English readers can follow via Manga Plus.
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northern Japan on Friday evening in Pacific waters off Miyagi prefecture, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Despite the strong shaking, no tsunami warning was issued and there were no immediate reports of damage. NHK reported that nuclear power plants in Miyagi and Fukushima showed no abnormalities. East Japan Railway temporarily suspended shinkansen services. The quake follows a major April 7.7 event that triggered a tsunami alert, and JMA warned a larger quake remains possible.
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Japan’s government bond yields surged across the yield curve as markets increasingly bet the Bank of Japan will tighten policy. The 10-year JGB yield climbed up to 10 basis points to 2.73%, the highest since May 1997, while five- and 20-year yields touched all-time peaks. The move gained traction after data showed Japan’s wholesale inflation rose fastest in three years in April. Additional pressure came from rising US Treasury yields amid global inflation worries.
Japan’s wholesale inflation hit a nearly three-year high in April, fueled by surging energy and commodity costs tied to the Iran conflict. The corporate goods price index rose 4.9% year-on-year, beating expectations and signaling broader inflation pressure beyond imported fuel. Market pricing has intensified for a Bank of Japan move, with about a 70% chance of a rate hike at the June 15–16 meeting. Bond yields jumped to a 29-year high as the BOJ faces a tighter balancing act.
A new large-scale DNA study of more than 3,200 Japanese people is challenging the long-held view that Japan’s ancestry comes mainly from two ancient sources. Using whole-genome sequencing across seven regions, researchers found evidence for a third ancestral group tied to northeastern Asia, with patterns that vary sharply by geography. The work also shows Japan is more genetically diverse than assumed, and pairs genomic data with medical records to build JEWEL for future personalized medicine.
Japanese investors turned net sellers of foreign equities in April for the first time in four months, dumping 636.4 billion yen. The move was driven by higher energy costs and renewed inflation worries, while trust accounts spearheaded the selling. Investment trusts and life insurers kept buying abroad. The shift followed faster US inflation, strengthening expectations of longer high interest rates.
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India and Japan have stepped up economic cooperation through a key dialogue centered on industrial and technological partnerships. Both sides prioritised critical minerals, semiconductors, ICT, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals, with a shared focus on building resilient supply chains. Talks also extended to defence, trade, and energy security, signalling broader strategic alignment.
A tourist in Tokyo was just three minutes late to their destination after a train delay. Instead of brushing it off, authorities sent a formal apology that even specified the exact duration and issued official certificates. The staff reportedly apologized in person too, reflecting a culture where punctuality and accountability extend to the smallest disruption.
Japanese snack maker Calbee will temporarily switch 14 popular potato chip products to black-and-white packaging from May 25. The company says the move is driven by concerns over supply disruptions and the availability of naphtha, a key Middle East–imported input used for printing ink. Calbee is aiming to keep shipments stable despite disruptions.
Japan’s 10-year government bond yield jumped to a 29-year high on Tuesday, even as the latest auction stayed stable. Traders are now fixated on U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s remarks during his Tokyo visit, worried they could bring renewed pressure on Japan’s monetary policy and currency. Yields rose across multiple maturities as investors repositioned.
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Japan is seeing a rapid rise in AI-powered virtual influencers, with firms like Aww Inc. building autonomous digital personalities for advertising and entertainment. Unlike human creators, these synthetic talents can deliver consistent content, scale quickly, and work nonstop without fatigue or constraints. The shift hints that the next phase of the creator economy may rely more on code than people.
SoftBank is reportedly exploring plans to manufacture high-performance AI servers in Japan. The company is in talks with Nvidia and contract manufacturer Foxconn, with an initial approach that would assemble components sourced from abroad. The move is part of SoftBank’s upcoming medium-term management plan, targeting advanced AI workloads.
Japan’s Nikkei is climbing to a new all-time high as the yen strengthens after the last session, with traders pointing to possible Tokyo intervention. The move is reshaping expectations for currency-sensitive equities and creating fresh risk and opportunity for US investors watching how a stronger yen could affect Japanese earnings, exporters, and global flows.
India and Japan have signed agreements to deepen cooperation in quantum science and health research, including medical devices. The partnership targets joint R and D to push advances in science, technology, and innovation. By combining strengths, both countries expect to unlock new opportunities and strengthen academic and industrial collaboration across these cutting-edge areas.
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Japan’s Iwate region has brought a major wildfire under control after an 11-day battle involving firefighters and the military. The flames swept through about 1,600 hectares, triggering evacuations for thousands of people. Eight structures were damaged, and two people suffered injuries as crews brought the blaze to a halt.
Japan has ended its long-standing ban on exporting lethal weapons, signaling a push to become a bigger player in the global defense market. The plan faces hurdles like limited production capacity and workforce shortages, but Japan’s emphasis on high-tech defense industries could help it compete as demand rises internationally. Analysts say the shift is already reshaping expectations for future deals.
Japanese researchers have begun human trials for a drug designed to regrow teeth by activating dormant tooth buds. The approach could offer a more natural path to treating tooth loss, moving beyond today’s implants and dentures. Early findings look promising, and the team is targeting a potential release around 2030 if results hold up.
Japan reportedly spent more than $30 billion to support the yen after it hit its weakest level versus the dollar in years. Officials had previously hinted at possible action, and the intervention appears to be Japan’s first since 2024. The goal is to stabilize the currency amid global economic pressures and volatile market conditions.
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The dollar is on track for its sharpest weekly drop versus the yen since February, as traders suspect Japan may be stepping into the market to curb volatility. Japanese officials have signaled unease, keeping sentiment cautious. Still, lasting yen strength is far from certain because Japan’s policy stance diverges from the Federal Reserve, and attention turns to possible action during Golden Week.
Sarah Danh, a Texas newlywed bride, is off life support and breathing independently after a sudden collapse during her honeymoon in Japan. Doctors diagnosed acute liver failure and she fell into a coma. Now, her family reports steady progress—Sarah is responding to loved ones and has even begun taking steps with assistance, fueling hope for further recovery.
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