The Japan Times

Japan's tourism industry is growing rapidly, but efforts to make the sector more sustainable are lagging, according to reporting by The Japan Times. The country has seen record inbound visitor numbers in recent years, raising concerns about overcrowding, strain on local communities, and environmental impact as the industry works to balance economic gains with greener practices.

A live results and medallists page for athletics at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 has been published on the official Olympics website, listing results and medallists as they come in. The Games, hosted in Japan's Aichi prefecture and Nagoya, are the region's biggest multi-sport event, and attention is building around the athletics programme ahead of and during the competition.

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced it will support startups working on unmanned aerial vehicle development, according to a report by The Japan Times. The move aims to bring emerging companies into the defense technology sector, reflecting Tokyo's broader push to strengthen domestic defense capabilities and innovation amid growing security concerns in the region.

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued record short-time heavy rain information and a linear rain band nowcast warning for Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga and Kumamoto prefectures in Kyushu. The alerts warn of extremely intense downpours that could cause landslides and flooding within hours. Residents are being urged to check evacuation information, and news outlets across Japan are reporting on the rapidly developing severe weather situation.

A new commentary in The Japan Times asks whether young people are genuinely being heard on sustainability, despite decades of rhetoric calling them 'the future'. The piece argues that while youth voices dominate climate activism, decision-makers often fail to act on their input when shaping environmental policy and practice, prompting debate about intergenerational responsibility.

Japan's Defense Ministry is set to launch a new framework for incorporating technology from startups into its defense capabilities. The initiative aims to give emerging companies a clearer route to work with the military, an area where small firms have traditionally struggled to gain entry. Defense officials hope the move will speed up adoption of cutting-edge civilian technology at a time of regional security tensions.

Formula 1 champion Lando Norris has said Argentine driver Franco Colapinto should receive a race ban following a crash in Baku, according to the Japan Times. The call adds to debate over driver safety and penalties in the sport, though details of the crash and the governing body's response were not given in the report.

The Japan Times carries commentary under the headline 'A congress for Europe's future', addressing the future direction of Europe. No further details about the congress, its organisers, dates, or participants were provided in the available coverage.

India are playing Japan in a one-off T20 international, with live scores and ball-by-ball commentary being followed widely online. A senior cricketing nation taking on a developing one is the main draw, and fans are tracking updates, scores and reactions throughout the match as it unfolds.

Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a tornado advisory (No. 1) for Nagasaki Prefecture, prompting local weather disaster alerts. Okinawa Times is among outlets carrying the news. Residents are being urged to watch for sudden gusts, lightning and hail, and to seek sturdy shelter if conditions deteriorate.

Tomoyuki Sugano, pitching for the Colorado Rockies in his second MLB season, was hit for two home runs by Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox. Sugano finished his second major league year with a 12-12 record, and commentary noted Murakami may have grown even since his time in Japan. The matchup drew wide attention in Japan as a meeting of two NPB stars now in the majors.