Japan
- Events
ONE 172: Takeru faces Rodtang in flyweight kickboxing super-fight
The world’s largest martial arts organisation, ONE Championship, is climbing into the ring with U-NEXT, one of Japan’s leading OTT streaming platforms, to promote ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, which will take place at the Saitama Super Arena on March 23, 2025. In the main event, the No.2 ranked flyweight kickboxing contender, Takeru Segawa of Japan, will square off against…
- Thailand News
Thai woman caught smuggling 6 million baht of cocaine into Japan
A Thai woman was arrested at Kansai International Airport in Osaka after she smuggled 6 million baht worth of cocaine into Japan. Local news agencies in Japan recently reported that the 23 year old Thai woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested at Kansai Airport after 760 grammes of cocaine were found in her possession. The drugs were worth approximately…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s Huai Mun Pineapple gains GI status in Japan
Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Commerce, Naphinthorn Srisampan, recently engaged in discussions with Japan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Yoichi Watanabe. They focused on the registration of Huai Mun Pineapple as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, marking the first Thai fruit to achieve this recognition in Japan. The meeting also included a visit to Japan’s largest wholesale market for…
- Thailand News
Thailand targets 36.7 million tourists in 2024 despite challenges
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) predicts a steady growth in international tourists for the fourth quarter of 2024, despite recent flooding in the country. The initial concern was that such natural disasters might deter visitors. However, the influx, particularly from Chinese tourists during China’s National Day holiday, has surpassed expectations. To achieve the target of 36.7 million international tourists…
- International Education
Why Asia’s resort destinations are tapping into the growth of international schools
A key indicator of Bangkok’s growing economic maturity is the rapid rise in international schools both in the city and across Thailand and the region. It’s no longer limited to wealthy local families and expatriates, these schools are now drawing in a diverse student body, fueled by the surge in global migration. Branded education is highly prioritised by Thais, contributing…
- Business News
Japan sees record tourist arrivals, Thai visitors surge
Tourist arrivals to Japan have surged to record levels, with over three million visitors per month from March to July this year. Despite the sweltering heat in July, Japan attracted 3.29 million tourists, marking a 41.9% year-on-year increase, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation. Among these visitors, Thai tourists ranked fifth, with 671,810 arrivals. Japan has been a…
- World News
Dolphins harass tourists in Japan, 48 attacked in Fukui Prefecture
Japan was left stunned as reports surfaced of dolphins sexually harassing humans. At least 48 people have been sexually assaulted by dolphins, with the incidents taking place at a beach in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, last week. Reports from NHK Japan and the British tabloid Daily Star indicate that several tourists were violently attacked by dolphins while swimming. Among the victims…
- Thailand News
Thai tourist praised for removing sticker from Mount Fuji
A Thai tourist removed a controversial sticker placed by a popular travel page on Mount Fuji, sparking widespread gratitude on social media. The travel page, followed by over 37,000 people, recently orchestrated a romantic proposal at the summit of Japan’s iconic mountain. They marked the occasion by attaching a sticker bearing their page’s name to a pole along the hiking…
- Tourism News
Thai tourists favour China and Japan over South Korea
A marked decline in the number of Thai tourists travelling to South Korea has been observed over the past seven months, with many opting instead for trips to China and Japan. The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) reported that 20,150 Thais visited South Korea in June, a significant drop from the 25,023 recorded during the same period last year. This downward…
- Business News
Thailand secures 98.5 billion baht for data centres, cloud projects
Government backing for investments in data centres and cloud service projects in Thailand aims to position the nation as a digital economy hub, according to government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin considers these investments crucial for the digital economy’s growth and believes they will establish Thailand as a significant investment destination for the international community. Transforming Thailand into…
- Thailand News
Japan urges ASEAN to prioritise hybrids over EVs for sustainability
Japan advocates for hybrid vehicles as an effective path for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reach sustainable development goals. During the Economic Security and Supply Chains seminar, Yasuyuki Todo from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University cautioned ASEAN about over-relying on the electric vehicle (EV) industry. He pointed out that since Asean mainly…
- Business News
Ana maintains pre-pandemic load on Thailand-Japan flights
Japanese carrier ANA has successfully maintained the load factor on Thailand-Japan routes at the same robust level as in 2019, despite the challenges posed by a weak yen. Notably, the majority of its passengers are now Thai tourists and long-haul travellers transiting through Japan. Thailand has emerged as one of ANA’s strongest routes in Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asia post-pandemic, alongside…
- Thailand News
Red yeast rice scare: Thai FDA ensures public protection
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reassured the public that red yeast rice supplements linked to a shocking number of deaths in Japan have not entered the Thai market. This announcement follows Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co’s revelation that it is investigating an additional 76 deaths potentially connected to its benikoji (red rice tablets). The health scare began in March when…
- Thailand News
Japan Airlines joins Love Pride Parade 2024 in Thailand
Japan Airlines (JAL) made a significant statement in support of gender equality in Thailand by participating in the inaugural Love Pride Parade 2024. The airline’s vibrant Color Your Skies parade float, featuring actor Luke Ishikawa, underscored JAL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The parade marked a milestone for Japan Airlines as it showcased its values of equality and non-discrimination on…
- Thailand News
Thai AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom routes to Japan take off
Thai AirAsia launched its much-anticipated Fifth Freedom routes, creating a seamless travel experience connecting Bangkok, Taiwan, and Japan. The airline’s inaugural flight from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Taipei, followed by a final leg to Okinawa, garnered an overwhelming passenger response. The Taipei to Okinawa route boasted a staggering 99% load factor, arriving at a warm reception and a lively…
- Thailand News
Japan considers extending tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens
Japan is contemplating an extension of its tourist visa waiver for Thai citizens due to rising concerns over its potential discontinuation next year. This matter surfaced during discussions held in Tokyo between Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. Trade and investment relations were the primary focus of their meeting. However, the visa waiver programme was also…
- Things To Do
Explore authentic Japanese onsen in the heart of Bangkok: A must-visit guide
Whether you’re a Bangkokker or a tourist, you must be familiar with the popularity of wellness services in Thailand. Known as “the land of smiles,” it’s no surprise that massage parlours and spas are popping up everywhere in Bangkok and all over Thailand. One of the latest hype for spa aficionados appeared to be “onsen.” This is not a native…
- Thailand News
Japan zoo gender mix-up: Male hippo turns out to be female
In a revelation that has stunned both visitors and staff, Osaka Tennoji Zoo unearthed a surprising twist regarding Gen-chan, a hippo believed to be male since its arrival from Mexico’s Africam Safari in 2017 at the tender age of 5. The zoo dropped a bombshell on its website, disclosing that Gen-chan is, in fact, a female. Mexican authorities had assured…
- Thailand News
Japan’s hotspots for Golden Week getaways
As Japan gears up for its Golden Week, holidaymakers hunt for the perfect getaway destination. The latest data from travel giant Agoda unveils an intriguing trend: Thailand is stealing the spotlight. Amidst the anticipation for Golden Week, which stretches from April 29 to May 6 this year, Japanese wanderlusts are setting their sights on Thailand like never before, making it…
- Tourism News
Japan’s visitor count hits record high with Thai tourists in the mix
Japan experienced a surge in foreign visitors in March, surpassing the three million mark for the first time in a single month. Thai tourists to Japan ranked sixth, contributing to the notable increase in visitors. South Korea topped the list with 663,100 visitors marking a 13.2% rise from 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan and China followed with 484,400 and 452,400 visitors…
- Business News
Bangkok and JETRO Review 2023 economic trends of Japanese ventures in Thailand
Bangkok discusses JETRO presenting the results of a survey of economic trends of Japanese joint venture companies in Thailand in the second half of 2023 towards the development of Bangkok as a city of economy and hope. Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok welcomed Jun Kuroda, Chairman of Japan External Trade Organization, Bangkok: JETRO Bangkok to present the results of…
- Thailand News
Thailand responds to surge in flesh-eating disease cases in Japan
A surge in the number of flesh-eating disease cases, officially known as necrotising fasciitis, in Japan, has prompted a response from Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC). The DDC gave reassurances yesterday that no instances of the rare but deadly bacterial infection have been reported in Thailand this year. The DDC is keeping a close eye on the developments in…
- Thailand News
Thai foreign minister jets off to Japan for diplomatic meeting
The Thai Foreign Minister is gearing up for a crucial diplomatic mission to Japan amidst mounting concerns over the potential revocation of visa-free privileges for Thai travellers. Reports suggest that Japan is contemplating this drastic measure due to a surge in Thais overstaying their welcome. In a statement released today, Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara acknowledged Japan’s right to enforce its laws but…
- Business News
Japan experiences surge in qr code transactions amid push for digitalisation
Across Japan, a surge in electronic payment drives has been noted, as municipalities aim to encourage digitalised consumption through QR code transactions. These campaigns, often run in collaboration with local businesses, have seen increasing popularity, despite resistance from certain demographics, particularly the elderly and those less adept with digital devices. The country’s significant elderly population, a group that has been…
- Thailand News
Thai entrepreneurs make record-breaking sales at Japan food expo
Fifty Thai entrepreneurs showcased their culinary prowess at the Foodex Japan 2024 exhibition held in Tokyo from March 5 to 8. The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) revealed that the response from Japanese buyers was so overwhelming that sales soared to nearly 2.5 billion baht. Chanthapat Panjamanond, Thailand’s commercial attaché in Tokyo revealed that orders for Thai food products…
- Business News
Japan’s visa-free privileges for Thais safe despite overstay concerns
Fears of a potential withdrawal of Japan’s visa-free privileges due to an increased number of Thais overstaying their visas have been dismissed by travel operators. The Department of Consular Affairs brought attention to this issue last December, revealing an increase in the number of Thais overstaying from 8,688 in 2021 to 11,472 in 2023. Reports suggest that the Japanese government…
- Thailand News
Japan: Locals warned after cat dives into chemical vat
In Fukuyama, western Japan, residents are on high alert as a cat goes missing after taking a dip in a vat of dangerous chemicals at a metal plating plant. An ordinary day at the plant took a surreal twist when an employee stumbled upon paw prints leading away from the container, revealing the daring escape of the furry culprit. Surveillance…
- Thailand News
Tourists banned from Kyoto’s Geisha District
In a bold move to protect Kyoto’s iconic geisha from relentless harassment by tourists, the local council in Gion has decided to ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets. The decision comes after a surge in appalling incidents where traditional entertainers found themselves accosted and disrespected by unruly visitors. This move marks the latest effort to safeguard the revered geisha…
- World News
Mysterious body found in burnt Japan home sparks online intrigue
A mysterious case has captured the attention of online communities after a house fire in Japan revealed a charred body, raising questions about the victim’s identity since the homeowner and his relatives were confirmed safe. The incident occurred in the town of Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, at noon on February 20, when a house was engulfed in flames, resulting in…
- Thailand News
Air Japan cancels Bangkok-Tokyo flights, stranding passengers
Passengers were left disappointed and frustrated when their Air Japan flight to Tokyo was abruptly cancelled due to technical issues. The fledgling airline, a low-cost carrier within the ANA group, found itself at the centre of controversy after it revealed that it operates with a single aircraft, which brought about a series of cancellations affecting travellers from both Thailand and…
