In Japan, a noticeable increase in rudeness and aggression has been observed, particularly when individuals face polite resistance. Sociologist Izumi Tsuji of Chuo University attributes this to people in weaker positions realizing that pushing back can strengthen their stance. The trend is more common among younger people and women, who are aware that company representatives are unlikely to retaliate. Factors contributing to this behavior include increased stress due to economic concerns and the presence of different cultures leading to miscommunication. Tokyo Metropolitan Government is considering an ordinance to define and deter 'customer harassment,' and East Japan Railway Company has issued guidelines for employees to handle aggressive passengers while prioritizing safety. An airline employee also reported frequent encounters with demanding and rude passengers.

Kagoshima offers a variety of unique experiences, including the Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen sand bath, a geothermal sand bath unique to the region. Visitors can also explore the Marutake Sangyo workshop to see samurai armour production and visit the island of Yakushima, known for its ancient cedar forests and diverse ecosystems. The region's wagyu beef, particularly from Japanese Black cattle, has gained national recognition for its quality. Cycling tourism is promoted with various routes, and encounters with dolphins in Kagoshima Bay are highly likely through local tour operators.

Japan's coastguard has expanded its Mobile Cooperation Team (MCT) initiative, originally established in 2017 to help Southeast Asian nations counter Chinese expansion in the South China Sea, to include the Marshall Islands and Micronesia. The MCTs, which have assisted on 105 missions to 20 countries, provide training and advice on maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and other coastguard functions. The expansion reflects concerns over China's growing influence in the Pacific, with Japan and other regional powers wary of Beijing's diplomatic and financial overtures to Pacific island nations. Japan's efforts are part of a broader strategy to share regional security burdens with allies like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Japan faces a sleeplessness crisis with over 37% of men and 40.6% of women getting less than six hours of sleep, which is below the recommended hours for good health. The University of Tokyo study shows that sleep duration decreases with age in students. The health ministry's guidelines suggest more and better quality sleep to prevent diseases. Expert Yanagisawa emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sleep over work and leisure, warning of the mental and physical health consequences of inadequate sleep. Cultural pressures and social media contribute to the problem. Yanagisawa links sleep deprivation to increased risks of depression, cancer, cardiovascular issues, and cognitive impairments. He advocates for a fundamental change in mindset, urging people to allocate eight hours for sleep and organize other activities around it.

Japan is planning to enhance civilian air hubs and seaports in the southwest, including Naha, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Fukue, and Kitakyushu, for dual civilian-military use to address potential contingencies involving Taiwan and other areas. The upgrades will involve extending runways, constructing hardened shelters, and improving air traffic control and radar systems. Naval port enhancements are also expected, with the Japanese government allocating 35 billion yen for the first phase. Discussions with local residents are necessary before the commencement of the project. The need for increased defensive capabilities was highlighted by the recent sighting of a Chinese WZ-7 drone over the Sea of Japan.

Asahiya, a Japanese butcher shop, has gained immense popularity for its 'kiwami' beef croquettes, priced at 300 yen (US$2.05) each, containing prime Kobe beef. Despite selling at a loss, the owner, Nitta, uses the croquettes to promote other products. With a production limit of 200 croquettes daily, the shop has accumulated a 38-year waiting list. Nitta, who took over in 1994, credits the internet and media coverage for the surge in demand. Although he once paused taking new orders due to the long wait times, customer pressure led to a resumption. Nitta values the quality of ingredients and believes in the longevity of his shops and hopes his grandchildren will continue the tradition.

Central Japan experienced powerful aftershocks following a New Year’s Day earthquake that increased the death toll to 62. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake struck the Noto peninsula, with over 130 aftershocks recorded, including four above magnitude 5. Emergency responders and Japanese troops conducted search and rescue operations, despite challenges from power outages, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing aftershocks. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts. Wajima faced significant destruction, with a seven-storey apartment complex collapsing and over 200 homes and shops destroyed. A tsunami hit coastal towns but was smaller than expected. Nuclear power operators reported no damage to operational reactors, but Tokyo Electric Power Company and Hokuriku Electric Power Company confirmed spillages of radioactive water at their plants.

Central Japan experienced powerful aftershocks following a New Year’s Day earthquake that raised the death toll to 62. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake struck the Noto peninsula, with over 130 aftershocks recorded, some reaching upper 5 magnitudes. Emergency responders and Japanese troops conducted search and rescue operations, hindered by power outages and infrastructure damage. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts. Wajima faced significant destruction, including a collapsed seven-storey apartment complex and over 200 homes and shops destroyed by fire. A tsunami of almost 4ft hit coastal towns, but damage was less severe than expected. Over 50,000 people were evacuated, and nuclear power operators reported no damage to operational reactors, although Tokyo Electric Power Company and Hokuriku Electric Power Company confirmed spillages of radioactive water at their facilities.

Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 9 years old, has been appearing publicly with her father, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising speculation about her being groomed for leadership. North Korea's Confucian value system traditionally prohibits female leadership, and the military is unaccustomed to female command. However, recent appearances suggest a shift in this stance. South Korean officials, including Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho and National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong, believe Kim Jong Un is preparing for a power transition to his daughter. North Korean propaganda has been building a cult around Kim Ju Ae, now referred to as the 'Morning Star of Korea,' a title once held by her great-grandfather Kim Il Sung. Experts like Kim Sung Kyung from the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul and Lim Eul-chul from the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University in Seoul are considering the possibility of a female leader but note Kim Ju Ae's young age makes it too early to confirm.

Central Japan experienced powerful aftershocks on Tuesday following a New Year’s Day earthquake that killed 62 people. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake struck the Noto peninsula, with over 130 aftershocks recorded, including four above magnitude 5. Emergency responders and Japanese troops conducted search and rescue operations, hindered by power outages and infrastructure damage. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the urgency of rescue efforts. Wajima was severely affected, with a seven-storey apartment complex collapsing and the town center burning down. A tsunami hit coastal towns but was smaller than expected. Nuclear power plant operators reassured the public of no damage to operational reactors, although Tokyo Electric Power Company reported a spill of radioactive water at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, and Hokuriku Electric Power Company reported a spill at Shika plant.

The Snowman Race, the world's highest ultra-marathon, took place in Bhutan, challenging athletes with extreme altitudes and difficult terrain. Despite its demanding nature, there is a gentler alternative for average hikers: the Snowman Trek, which covers similar ground but is still a formidable challenge. The author, Julian Ryall, experienced a portion of the trek, encountering stunning landscapes, remote communities, and diverse wildlife. The journey concluded with a stay at Pemako Punakha, offering a luxurious respite from the arduous trek.

The Snowman Race, the world's highest ultra-marathon, took place in Bhutan, challenging athletes with extreme altitudes and terrain. Despite its difficulty, a gentler alternative exists in the Snowman Trek, which still presents a formidable challenge. The author, Julian Ryall, experienced a portion of the trek, encountering stunning landscapes, remote communities, and unique cultural elements. The trek is less traveled than Mount Everest, and the author concluded his journey at the Pemako resort in Punakha Valley. The Bhutan Department of Tourism hosted Ryall, and KE Adventure Travel offers a 30-day group tour of the Snowman Trek.

JAXA engineers plan to use Hayabusa-2 spacecraft to carry out a fly-by of asteroid 2002 CC21 in July 2026 and then continue to asteroid 1998 KY26, which it is expected to meet in 2031. The mission aims to understand 'fast rotating asteroids' and prepare for intercepting and deflecting asteroids that could collide with Earth. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test previously succeeded in altering an asteroid's orbit. Security and aerospace analyst Lance Gatling anticipates that JAXA may attempt to alter the asteroid's orbit if they have enough fuel by 2031 and that the data collected could aid Japan's asteroid mining ambitions.

Nagasaki Governor faces public criticism and calls for resignation after prioritizing a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo over attending a prefectural leaders' meeting discussing critical issues such as Japan's declining birth rate and global warming. The incident is seen by some as minor compared to other political scandals in Japan, with mixed reactions from the public and analysts. The governor, who was elected as an independent against the ruling LDP's candidate, has not commented on the calls for his resignation.

Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is a region rich in culture and history, with influences from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. The area is known for its unique cuisine, architectural styles, and laidback attitude. Naha, the regional capital, offers a mix of tourist attractions and local markets. Despite the tragic history of battles during World War II, Okinawa today is a peaceful destination with natural beauty, exemplified by islands like Iriomote. The article also briefly mentions US actress Avantika Vandanapu's appearance at an event in a gown by Lebanese designer Geyanna Youness and Switzerland's Nemo winning the Eurovision Song Contest amid controversy over Israel's participation.

Osaka, Japan, is positioning itself as a major destination for medical tourism, working with government ministries and private companies to attract individuals seeking advanced medical treatments combined with a holiday. Initiatives are also underway in other Japanese cities such as Sapporo, Okinawa, Minokamo, and Sendai. The Osaka International Medical Contribution Promotion Committee, formed with travel giant JTB, aims to connect patients with medical services, while the Japan Medical and Health Tourism Centre has seen increased interest from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Japan boasts advanced medical technologies, particularly in cancer treatments and iPS cell therapies, with Osaka University recently achieving a corneal cell transplant breakthrough. The weak yen has also made Japan more financially attractive for medical tourists. JTB is promoting these services globally, and Osaka plans to leverage its medical excellence and tourism offerings to appeal to potential medical tourists.

Yuki Fukui, the national judo coach for Bhutan, has trained three male judoka who represented Bhutan at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Despite not winning medals, the experience has boosted the athletes' confidence and raised the profile of judo in Bhutan. Fukui, who believes in his pupils' potential, is seeking to extend his contract through JICA to continue coaching them.

A study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology found that owning a dog reduces the risk of developing dementia by 40%. The four-year study in Japan involved nearly 12,000 residents aged over 65 and identified exercise and social interaction as key factors in the reduced risk. The study, which considered various variables, also noted that owning a cat had no significant impact on dementia risk. The research highlights the broader health benefits of pet ownership, including reduced frailty and delayed onset of disabilities in old age.

The Royal Highland Festival in Laya, Bhutan, near the Chinese border, is a vibrant event featuring music, dance, and sports, celebrated at high altitudes that can cause altitude sickness. The festival, initiated in 2016 to celebrate the birth of the heir to the Bhutanese throne and the 400th anniversary of Zhabdrung Rinpoche's reign, is supported by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who treks to the village annually. The event includes various competitions, traditional performances, and the judging of yaks, with the king and his son participating in the festivities. The festival is set to occur on October 23 and 24.

Filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji's film 'The Monk and the Gun' explores Bhutan's social, political, and cultural transition in the mid-2000s, focusing on the country's shift to democracy and modernization. The film, which combines political satire, comedy, and suspense, has been submitted for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards. Dorji's previous film, 'Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom,' made history as the first Bhutanese film to be nominated for an Oscar. Dorji aims to share Bhutan's culture and values with the world through his films, emphasizing love, compassion, wisdom, and kindness.

North Korea is experiencing a series of child kidnappings as starving citizens target the children of wealthy families for ransom. At least four incidents have been reported, with kidnappers demanding money for food amidst the country's worsening shortages of essentials due to international sanctions and border closures to prevent Covid-19. The situation echoes the mid-1990s famine, and there is growing concern among parents. Speculation about Kim Jong-un's health and weight loss has been met with state media claims of his sacrifices for the country, while experts suggest it may be a propaganda strategy.