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<title>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : HEADLINES</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rss/category/headlines</link>
<description>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : HEADLINES</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2026 Konnichiwa Today News &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>BOJ&amp;apos;s Sato backs gradual rate hikes despite opposing Sept. increase</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bojs-sato-backs-gradual-rate-hikes-despite-opposing-sept-increase</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bojs-sato-backs-gradual-rate-hikes-despite-opposing-sept-increase</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan policy board member Ayano Sato said she supports gradually raising the central bank&#039;s policy interest rate, signaling o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:34:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJs, Sato, backs, gradual, rate, hikes, despite, opposing, Sept., increase</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan policy board member Ayano Sato said she supports gradually raising the central bank's policy interest rate, signaling o]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Governor calls global promotion of Aichi a legacy of Asian Games</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/governor-calls-global-promotion-of-aichi-a-legacy-of-asian-games</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/governor-calls-global-promotion-of-aichi-a-legacy-of-asian-games</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura said on Oct. 6 that the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ended without major incidents and promoted Aichi Prefecture and it ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:26:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Governor, calls, global, promotion, Aichi, legacy, Asian, Games</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- Aichi Gov. Hideaki Omura said on Oct. 6 that the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ended without major incidents and promoted Aichi Prefecture and it]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall on AI, chip losses as gains locked in after recent rally</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-ai-chip-losses-as-gains-locked-in-after-recent-rally</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-ai-chip-losses-as-gains-locked-in-after-recent-rally</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday on the selling of artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares as investors locked in gains ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:18:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, AI, chip, losses, gains, locked, after, recent, rally</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Wednesday on the selling of artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares as investors locked in gains]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Okinawa gov. calls for preventive steps after US serviceman murder case</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-calls-for-preventive-steps-after-us-serviceman-murder-case</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-calls-for-preventive-steps-after-us-serviceman-murder-case</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja urged Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday to take &quot;effective and fundamental&quot; measures following t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:10:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Okinawa, gov., calls, for, preventive, steps, after, serviceman, murder, case</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja urged Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday to take "effective and fundamental" measures following t]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>French riot police fire tear gas as more than 250,000 rally nationwide for school funding</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/french-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-as-more-than-250000-rally-nationwide-for-school-funding</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/french-riot-police-fire-tear-gas-as-more-than-250000-rally-nationwide-for-school-funding</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PARIS (AP) -- Police fired tear gas to control crowds in Paris and elsewhere in France on Tuesday as more than a quarter of a million people rallied n ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>French, riot, police, fire, tear, gas, more, than, 250, 000, rally, nationwide, for, school, funding</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PARIS (AP) -- Police fired tear gas to control crowds in Paris and elsewhere in France on Tuesday as more than a quarter of a million people rallied n]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Okinawa governor condemns online slander of slain woman</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-governor-condemns-online-slander-of-slain-woman</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-governor-condemns-online-slander-of-slain-woman</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja criticized a wave of social media slander targeting a woman killed in a robbery-murder case involving a suspected U.S. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Okinawa, governor, condemns, online, slander, slain, woman</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja criticized a wave of social media slander targeting a woman killed in a robbery-murder case involving a suspected U.S.]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Roberts moves struggling Ohtani to No. 5 spot in Dodgers&amp;apos; lineup in NLDS Game 3 against Braves</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/roberts-moves-struggling-ohtani-to-no-5-spot-in-dodgers-lineup-in-nlds-game-3-against-braves</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/roberts-moves-struggling-ohtani-to-no-5-spot-in-dodgers-lineup-in-nlds-game-3-against-braves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ATLANTA (AP) -- Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts juggled his lineup for Tuesday night&#039;s 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of their NL ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Roberts, moves, struggling, Ohtani, No., spot, Dodgers, lineup, NLDS, Game, against, Braves</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ATLANTA (AP) -- Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts juggled his lineup for Tuesday night's 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of their NL]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: A person&amp;apos;s voice deserves legal protection from AI copycats</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-a-persons-voice-deserves-legal-protection-from-ai-copycats</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-a-persons-voice-deserves-legal-protection-from-ai-copycats</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese court has ruled for the first time that a person&#039;s voice can be subject to legal protection. The significance is considerable.The case invo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, persons, voice, deserves, legal, protection, from, copycats</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese court has ruled for the first time that a person's voice can be subject to legal protection. The significance is considerable.The case invo]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Hanshin Tigers win Central League title again</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-hanshin-tigers-win-central-league-title-again</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-hanshin-tigers-win-central-league-title-again</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the Central League of Japanese professional baseball, the Hanshin Tigers won the championship on October 3 for the second straight year and eighth ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Hanshin, Tigers, win, Central, League, title, again</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the Central League of Japanese professional baseball, the Hanshin Tigers won the championship on October 3 for the second straight year and eighth]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan survey finds unclear, potentially deceptive eco&#45;labels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-survey-finds-unclear-potentially-deceptive-eco-labels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-survey-finds-unclear-potentially-deceptive-eco-labels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A survey by the Consumer Affairs Agency has found that dozens of eco-labels on products and services in Japan lack clear claims, with ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, survey, finds, unclear, potentially, deceptive, eco-labels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A survey by the Consumer Affairs Agency has found that dozens of eco-labels on products and services in Japan lack clear claims, with]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Warehouse&#45;turned&#45;cycling hub draws foreigners to Japan&amp;apos;s Shimanami Kaido scenic highway</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/warehouse-turned-cycling-hub-draws-foreigners-to-japans-shimanami-kaido-scenic-highway</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/warehouse-turned-cycling-hub-draws-foreigners-to-japans-shimanami-kaido-scenic-highway</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ONOMICHI, Hiroshima -- A renovated waterfront warehouse complex in this western Japan city has become a popular hub for cyclists and a major draw for ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:30:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Warehouse-turned-cycling, hub, draws, foreigners, Japans, Shimanami, Kaido, scenic, highway</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ONOMICHI, Hiroshima -- A renovated waterfront warehouse complex in this western Japan city has become a popular hub for cyclists and a major draw for]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Dodgers ace Yamamoto determined to deliver Game 3 win in Atlanta</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-dodgers-ace-yamamoto-determined-to-deliver-game-3-win-in-atlanta</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-dodgers-ace-yamamoto-determined-to-deliver-game-3-win-in-atlanta</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ATLANTA (Kyodo) -- Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto said Monday he is determined to deliver a win in a crucial Game 3 of the Nation ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:22:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Dodgers, ace, Yamamoto, determined, deliver, Game, win, Atlanta</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ATLANTA (Kyodo) -- Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto said Monday he is determined to deliver a win in a crucial Game 3 of the Nation]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi vows &amp;apos;breakthrough&amp;apos; in abduction issue with N. Korea</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-vows-breakthrough-in-abduction-issue-with-n-korea</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-vows-breakthrough-in-abduction-issue-with-n-korea</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Tuesday to find a breakthrough to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted in the past ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, vows, breakthrough, abduction, issue, with, Korea</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Tuesday to find a breakthrough to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted in the past]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Italy&amp;apos;s Meloni follows pop stars in seeking to trademark her voice to combat AI deepfakes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/italys-meloni-follows-pop-stars-in-seeking-to-trademark-her-voice-to-combat-ai-deepfakes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/italys-meloni-follows-pop-stars-in-seeking-to-trademark-her-voice-to-combat-ai-deepfakes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ROME (AP) -- Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has applied to trademark her voice with the European Union&#039;s Intellectual Property Office, seeking to prot ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Italys, Meloni, follows, pop, stars, seeking, trademark, her, voice, combat, deepfakes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ROME (AP) -- Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has applied to trademark her voice with the European Union's Intellectual Property Office, seeking to prot]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese makers give skin&#45;care lessons to children</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-makers-give-skin-care-lessons-to-children</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-makers-give-skin-care-lessons-to-children</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese skin-care product makers are working to protect children&#039;s delicate skin by educating both children and their parents about ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, makers, give, skin-care, lessons, children</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese skin-care product makers are working to protect children's delicate skin by educating both children and their parents about]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami stays hot as White Sox move to brink of ALCS</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-stays-hot-as-white-sox-move-to-brink-of-alcs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-stays-hot-as-white-sox-move-to-brink-of-alcs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CLEVELAND, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami stayed hot Monday, helping the Chicago White Sox move within one victory of the American League Champions ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, stays, hot, White, Sox, move, brink, ALCS</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CLEVELAND, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami stayed hot Monday, helping the Chicago White Sox move within one victory of the American League Champions]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s Okinawa cannot stand another vicious crime by a US serviceman</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-okinawa-cannot-stand-another-vicious-crime-by-a-us-serviceman</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-okinawa-cannot-stand-another-vicious-crime-by-a-us-serviceman</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Another heinous crime allegedly involving a U.S. service member stationed in Okinawa Prefecture has occurred. Why do we see such repeated tragedies? W ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, Okinawa, cannot, stand, another, vicious, crime, serviceman</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Another heinous crime allegedly involving a U.S. service member stationed in Okinawa Prefecture has occurred. Why do we see such repeated tragedies? W]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei briefly tops 70,000 for 1st time since July</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-briefly-tops-70000-for-1st-time-since-july</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-briefly-tops-70000-for-1st-time-since-july</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index briefly topped the 70,000 line on Monday for the first time since early July, led by heavyweight technology sh ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, briefly, tops, 70, 000, for, 1st, time, since, July</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index briefly topped the 70,000 line on Monday for the first time since early July, led by heavyweight technology sh]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rice stink bugs spread across 37 Japan prefectures as damage mounts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rice-stink-bugs-spread-across-37-japan-prefectures-as-damage-mounts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rice-stink-bugs-spread-across-37-japan-prefectures-as-damage-mounts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Rice stink bugs, a native species in Japan that feeds on rice, are rapidly increasing nationwide and causing widespread damage, with ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:34:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rice, stink, bugs, spread, across, Japan, prefectures, damage, mounts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Rice stink bugs, a native species in Japan that feeds on rice, are rapidly increasing nationwide and causing widespread damage, with]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM vows consumption tax cut without new bond issuance in Diet speech</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-consumption-tax-cut-without-new-bond-issuance-in-diet-speech</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-consumption-tax-cut-without-new-bond-issuance-in-diet-speech</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged in a policy speech Monday to cut the consumption tax on food products without issuing new bonds ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:18:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, vows, consumption, tax, cut, without, new, bond, issuance, Diet, speech</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged in a policy speech Monday to cut the consumption tax on food products without issuing new bonds]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Act before it&amp;apos;s too late&amp;apos;: Tokyo residents fight for more trees</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/act-before-its-too-late-tokyo-residents-fight-for-more-trees</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/act-before-its-too-late-tokyo-residents-fight-for-more-trees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ One sweltering day in Tokyo, Kaoru Morimoto told friends she wasn&#039;t sure she could endure another summer in her neighborhood, where tree cover and the crucial shade it… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Act, before, its, too, late:, Tokyo, residents, fight, for, more, trees</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[One sweltering day in Tokyo, Kaoru Morimoto told friends she wasn't sure she could endure another summer in her neighborhood, where tree cover and the crucial shade it…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hokkaido ranked most attractive prefecture for 18th straight year: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-ranked-most-attractive-prefecture-for-18th-straight-year-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-ranked-most-attractive-prefecture-for-18th-straight-year-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hokkaido, Japan&#039;s northernmost main island and a popular tourist destination, has again been ranked the country&#039;s most attractive prefecture in an annual survey, retaining the top spot for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hokkaido, ranked, most, attractive, prefecture, for, 18th, straight, year:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island and a popular tourist destination, has again been ranked the country's most attractive prefecture in an annual survey, retaining the top spot for…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Emergency repairs complete at breached levees in Chiba</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/emergency-repairs-complete-at-breached-levees-in-chiba</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/emergency-repairs-complete-at-breached-levees-in-chiba</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Emergency repairs to levees around Lake Imbanuma in Chiba Prefecture have been completed after heavy rain caused by a typhoon breached them last month.
The breaches in two… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Emergency, repairs, complete, breached, levees, Chiba</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Emergency repairs to levees around Lake Imbanuma in Chiba Prefecture have been completed after heavy rain caused by a typhoon breached them last month.
The breaches in two…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US Air Force removes all bombers from British air base targeted by a suspected terror attack</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-air-force-removes-all-bombers-from-british-air-base-targeted-by-a-suspected-terror-attack</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-air-force-removes-all-bombers-from-british-air-base-targeted-by-a-suspected-terror-attack</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Air Force has brought home its bombers stationed at a U.S.-run military air base in England used to strike Iran following ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/05/20261005p2g00m0in015000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Air, Force, removes, all, bombers, from, British, air, base, targeted, suspected, terror, attack</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Air Force has brought home its bombers stationed at a U.S.-run military air base in England used to strike Iran following]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Gunma Pref. warns of bear encounters after poor acorn crop</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gunma-pref-warns-of-bear-encounters-after-poor-acorn-crop</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gunma-pref-warns-of-bear-encounters-after-poor-acorn-crop</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MAEBASHI -- Gunma Prefecture&#039;s wildlife damage control support center announced this year&#039;s acorn crop, a food source for bears, was poor, prompting t ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/05/20261005p2a00m0li009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Gunma, Pref., warns, bear, encounters, after, poor, acorn, crop</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MAEBASHI -- Gunma Prefecture's wildlife damage control support center announced this year's acorn crop, a food source for bears, was poor, prompting t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan remains 12th in global innovation ranking, trails South Korea, China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-remains-12th-in-global-innovation-ranking-trails-south-korea-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-remains-12th-in-global-innovation-ranking-trails-south-korea-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GENEVA (Kyodo) -- Japan remained in 12th place in an annual innovation report by the World Intellectual Property Organization this year, trailing Sout ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/05/20261005p2g00m0na013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, remains, 12th, global, innovation, ranking, trails, South, Korea, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[GENEVA (Kyodo) -- Japan remained in 12th place in an annual innovation report by the World Intellectual Property Organization this year, trailing Sout]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>68 cases of information leaks involving DV victims and others in Japan over 5 yrs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/68-cases-of-information-leaks-involving-dv-victims-and-others-in-japan-over-5-yrs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/68-cases-of-information-leaks-involving-dv-victims-and-others-in-japan-over-5-yrs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO -- A total of 68 information leak cases involving domestic violence (DV) victims and other protected individuals occurred nationwide over the ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/05/20261005p2a00m0na011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>cases, information, leaks, involving, victims, and, others, Japan, over, yrs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO -- A total of 68 information leak cases involving domestic violence (DV) victims and other protected individuals occurred nationwide over the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Arrested US Marine in Okinawa sent to prosecutors amid outcry in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/arrested-us-marine-in-okinawa-sent-to-prosecutors-amid-outcry-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/arrested-us-marine-in-okinawa-sent-to-prosecutors-amid-outcry-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa police on Monday sent a U.S. Marine arrested for the alleged robbery-murder of a local woman to prosecutors in a case that ha ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/05/20261005p2g00m0na018000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:02:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Arrested, Marine, Okinawa, sent, prosecutors, amid, outcry, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa police on Monday sent a U.S. Marine arrested for the alleged robbery-murder of a local woman to prosecutors in a case that ha]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo&amp;apos;s record rainfall streak ends after 37 days</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-record-rainfall-streak-ends-after-37-days</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-record-rainfall-streak-ends-after-37-days</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Central Tokyo&#039;s record-breaking streak of rainy days ended Saturday after 37 days of showers, according to the weather agency.
It did not rain in the capital on Saturday… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyos, record, rainfall, streak, ends, after, days</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Central Tokyo's record-breaking streak of rainy days ended Saturday after 37 days of showers, according to the weather agency.
It did not rain in the capital on Saturday…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Russian attacks kill 6 in Ukraine and damage Kyiv&amp;apos;s Northern Bridge</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/russian-attacks-kill-6-in-ukraine-and-damage-kyivs-northern-bridge</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/russian-attacks-kill-6-in-ukraine-and-damage-kyivs-northern-bridge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- Russian attacks in Ukraine killed at least six people and damaged Kyiv&#039;s Northern Bridge, suspending traffic and causing tailbac ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russian, attacks, kill, Ukraine, and, damage, Kyivs, Northern, Bridge</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- Russian attacks in Ukraine killed at least six people and damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge, suspending traffic and causing tailbac]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>US Marine arrested for suspected murder&#45;robbery in Okinawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-marine-arrested-for-suspected-murder-robbery-in-okinawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-marine-arrested-for-suspected-murder-robbery-in-okinawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAHA (Kyodo) -- A 20-year-old U.S. Marine was arrested Sunday in Okinawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing and murdering a local woman, police said.D ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/04/20261004p2g00m0na018000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Marine, arrested, for, suspected, murder-robbery, Okinawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAHA (Kyodo) -- A 20-year-old U.S. Marine was arrested Sunday in Okinawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing and murdering a local woman, police said.D]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami hits 1st postseason homer in White Sox win</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-1st-postseason-homer-in-white-sox-win</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-1st-postseason-homer-in-white-sox-win</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CLEVELAND, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami got his first MLB postseason home run Saturday as the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, hits, 1st, postseason, homer, White, Sox, win</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CLEVELAND, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami got his first MLB postseason home run Saturday as the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 3-0]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan GSDF displays long&#45;range Type&#45;25 missile equipment to public</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gsdf-displays-long-range-type-25-missile-equipment-to-public</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gsdf-displays-long-range-type-25-missile-equipment-to-public</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUMAMOTO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on Saturday invited selected residents to see equipment for the recently deployed long-rang ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, GSDF, displays, long-range, Type-25, missile, equipment, public</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUMAMOTO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on Saturday invited selected residents to see equipment for the recently deployed long-rang]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Foreign firms in Ukraine face growing risks as Russian attacks continue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-firms-in-ukraine-face-growing-risks-as-russian-attacks-continue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-firms-in-ukraine-face-growing-risks-as-russian-attacks-continue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV (Kyodo) -- As Russia&#039;s invasion of Ukraine drags on, attacks are increasingly damaging facilities operated by foreign companies in the country, i ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/04/20261004p2g00m0bu012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, firms, Ukraine, face, growing, risks, Russian, attacks, continue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV (Kyodo) -- As Russia's invasion of Ukraine drags on, attacks are increasingly damaging facilities operated by foreign companies in the country, i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>GSDF displays long&#45;range Type&#45;25 missile equipment to public</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gsdf-displays-long-range-type-25-missile-equipment-to-public</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gsdf-displays-long-range-type-25-missile-equipment-to-public</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on Saturday invited selected residents to see equipment for the recently deployed long-range Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile in southwestern Japan in an apparent… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>GSDF, displays, long-range, Type-25, missile, equipment, public</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force on Saturday invited selected residents to see equipment for the recently deployed long-range Type-25 surface-to-ship guided missile in southwestern Japan in an apparent…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>3 die in Japanese Alps climbing accidents</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-die-in-japanese-alps-climbing-accidents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-die-in-japanese-alps-climbing-accidents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three climbers died in separate mountain accidents in the northern and southern parts of the Japanese Alps in central Japan, authorities said Saturday.
In the Northern Alps, Kazumasa… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>die, Japanese, Alps, climbing, accidents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Three climbers died in separate mountain accidents in the northern and southern parts of the Japanese Alps in central Japan, authorities said Saturday.
In the Northern Alps, Kazumasa…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>9&#45;year&#45;old boy dies after fall from 23rd floor of Tokyo apartment</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/9-year-old-boy-dies-after-fall-from-23rd-floor-of-tokyo-apartment</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/9-year-old-boy-dies-after-fall-from-23rd-floor-of-tokyo-apartment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 9-year-old boy died after falling from the 23rd floor of a high-rise apartment building in Tokyo on Saturday, local police said.
His mother, who was inside their… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>9-year-old, boy, dies, after, fall, from, 23rd, floor, Tokyo, apartment</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 9-year-old boy died after falling from the 23rd floor of a high-rise apartment building in Tokyo on Saturday, local police said.
His mother, who was inside their…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Toyama city hall searched over alleged overreporting of population</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyama-city-hall-searched-over-alleged-overreporting-of-population</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyama-city-hall-searched-over-alleged-overreporting-of-population</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOYAMA (Kyodo) -- Police searched the Toyama city hall on Saturday over the alleged overreporting by a city official of its population.The Ministry of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyama, city, hall, searched, over, alleged, overreporting, population</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOYAMA (Kyodo) -- Police searched the Toyama city hall on Saturday over the alleged overreporting by a city official of its population.The Ministry of]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Thousands sign up for legal action website in car&#45;share service data leak</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/thousands-sign-up-for-legal-action-website-in-car-share-service-data-leak</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/thousands-sign-up-for-legal-action-website-in-car-share-service-data-leak</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Over 15,000 people have signed up for a website to prepare for a possible joint compensation lawsuit over a recent data breach at a Japanese car-sharing service that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:23:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Thousands, sign, for, legal, action, website, car-share, service, data, leak</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Over 15,000 people have signed up for a website to prepare for a possible joint compensation lawsuit over a recent data breach at a Japanese car-sharing service that…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>House fire in Mie kills 4, believed to be children</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/house-fire-in-mie-kills-4-believed-to-be-children</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/house-fire-in-mie-kills-4-believed-to-be-children</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A fire broke out Friday at a one-story house in Mie Prefecture, and four bodies were discovered at the site, police and other authorities said, with four children… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>House, fire, Mie, kills, believed, children</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A fire broke out Friday at a one-story house in Mie Prefecture, and four bodies were discovered at the site, police and other authorities said, with four children…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>SDF starts recovery of crashed Global Hawk drone</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sdf-starts-recovery-of-crashed-global-hawk-drone</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sdf-starts-recovery-of-crashed-global-hawk-drone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Air Self-Defense Force said it began recovery operations Friday for a U.S.-made long-distance surveillance drone that had crashed into the sea last month, as the country puts… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>SDF, starts, recovery, crashed, Global, Hawk, drone</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Air Self-Defense Force said it began recovery operations Friday for a U.S.-made long-distance surveillance drone that had crashed into the sea last month, as the country puts…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Raccoons spread into cities as farm damage mounts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/raccoons-spread-into-cities-as-farm-damage-mounts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/raccoons-spread-into-cities-as-farm-damage-mounts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Raccoon damage is rising sharply across Japan, with agricultural losses nearing 700 million yen ($4.4 million) a year as the invasive species expands into cities as well as… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/4e/60/50560c8e983a8ca4ea968c1e96c4d60ae065/20260923kw___0017600010-ph-----n-ci0004/_w1700.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Raccoons, spread, into, cities, farm, damage, mounts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Raccoon damage is rising sharply across Japan, with agricultural losses nearing 700 million yen ($4.4 million) a year as the invasive species expands into cities as well as…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The &amp;apos;weak&amp;apos; still hold the stones that can fell giants amid global wars</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-weak-still-hold-the-stones-that-can-fell-giants-amid-global-wars</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-weak-still-hold-the-stones-that-can-fell-giants-amid-global-wars</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The &quot;weak&quot; strike at the vital points of the &quot;strong&quot; and turn an overwhelming gap in brute strength on its head. That is the reality of asymmetric wa ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/30/20260930p2a00m0op025000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, weak, still, hold, the, stones, that, can, fell, giants, amid, global, wars</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The "weak" strike at the vital points of the "strong" and turn an overwhelming gap in brute strength on its head. That is the reality of asymmetric wa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Why and how is Japan making its driving skills test tougher for older drivers?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/why-and-how-is-japan-making-its-driving-skills-test-tougher-for-older-drivers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/why-and-how-is-japan-making-its-driving-skills-test-tougher-for-older-drivers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan is set to introduce stricter driving skills tests for older drivers after it was found that seniors who passed the current test had a h ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/30/20260930p2a00m0op028000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Why, and, how, Japan, making, its, driving, skills, test, tougher, for, older, drivers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan is set to introduce stricter driving skills tests for older drivers after it was found that seniors who passed the current test had a h]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;I was fighting for my life&amp;apos;: Indian pilot hailed as hero recalls FlyDubai cockpit attack</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/i-was-fighting-for-my-life-indian-pilot-hailed-as-hero-recalls-flydubai-cockpit-attack</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/i-was-fighting-for-my-life-indian-pilot-hailed-as-hero-recalls-flydubai-cockpit-attack</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW DELHI (AP) -- The Indian airline captain who helped thwart an apparent attempt to crash a FlyDubai flight described Friday how he fought for his l ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/03/20261003p2g00m0in012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>was, fighting, for, life:, Indian, pilot, hailed, hero, recalls, FlyDubai, cockpit, attack</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW DELHI (AP) -- The Indian airline captain who helped thwart an apparent attempt to crash a FlyDubai flight described Friday how he fought for his l]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian Games: Japan tops record medal haul from Hiroshima</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-japan-tops-record-medal-haul-from-hiroshima</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-japan-tops-record-medal-haul-from-hiroshima</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Yusuke Kusuhara and Shunsuke Nakagawa won the men&#039;s tennis doubles gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Friday, helping Japan sur ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/03/20261003p2g00m0sp010000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, Japan, tops, record, medal, haul, from, Hiroshima</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Yusuke Kusuhara and Shunsuke Nakagawa won the men's tennis doubles gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Friday, helping Japan sur]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Putin observes military drills in the Urals involving troops from China and other nations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/putin-observes-military-drills-in-the-urals-involving-troops-from-china-and-other-nations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/putin-observes-military-drills-in-the-urals-involving-troops-from-china-and-other-nations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday attended military drills in the Ural Mountains involving troops from China and several other ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/03/20261003p2g00m0in014000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:02:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Putin, observes, military, drills, the, Urals, involving, troops, from, China, and, other, nations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MOSCOW (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday attended military drills in the Ural Mountains involving troops from China and several other]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall on profit&#45;taking, caution ahead of U.S. jobs data</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-profit-taking-caution-ahead-of-us-jobs-data</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-profit-taking-caution-ahead-of-us-jobs-data</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Friday as profit-taking and elevated crude oil futures weighed on the market, with a wait-and-see mood ahead of U.S ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/07/01/20260701p2g00m0bu040000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, profit-taking, caution, ahead, U.S., jobs, data</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Friday as profit-taking and elevated crude oil futures weighed on the market, with a wait-and-see mood ahead of U.S]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM says stores risk reputational damage if food tax cut not reflected in prices</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-says-stores-risk-reputational-damage-if-food-tax-cut-not-reflected-in-prices</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-says-stores-risk-reputational-damage-if-food-tax-cut-not-reflected-in-prices</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Oct. 1 that retailers could suffer reputational damage if they failed to pass a planned consumpti ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/02/20261002p2a00m0na015000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, says, stores, risk, reputational, damage, food, tax, cut, not, reflected, prices</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Oct. 1 that retailers could suffer reputational damage if they failed to pass a planned consumpti]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>TEPCO begins inserting robot arm to retrieve Fukushima nuclear fuel debris</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-begins-inserting-robot-arm-to-retrieve-fukushima-nuclear-fuel-debris</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-begins-inserting-robot-arm-to-retrieve-fukushima-nuclear-fuel-debris</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo Electric Power Co Holdings Inc began work Friday to insert a remote-controlled robotic arm into the containment vessel of the No. 2 reactor at the crippled Fukushima… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>TEPCO, begins, inserting, robot, arm, retrieve, Fukushima, nuclear, fuel, debris</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo Electric Power Co Holdings Inc began work Friday to insert a remote-controlled robotic arm into the containment vessel of the No. 2 reactor at the crippled Fukushima…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan cannot talk its way out of the yen&amp;apos;s slide</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-cannot-talk-its-way-out-of-the-yens-slide</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-cannot-talk-its-way-out-of-the-yens-slide</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ No matter how strongly leaders seek to check the yen&#039;s slide, their efforts will remain no more than a temporary fix. Japan should instead review its ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/02/20261002p2a00m0op013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:30:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, cannot, talk, its, way, out, the, yens, slide</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[No matter how strongly leaders seek to check the yen's slide, their efforts will remain no more than a temporary fix. Japan should instead review its]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Leafy vegetable prices surge across Japan after prolonged rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/leafy-vegetable-prices-surge-across-japan-after-prolonged-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/leafy-vegetable-prices-surge-across-japan-after-prolonged-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIZUOKA -- Prices of leafy vegetables have surged at supermarkets across Japan, apparently due to prolonged rainfall nationwide, prompting sighs from ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Leafy, vegetable, prices, surge, across, Japan, after, prolonged, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIZUOKA -- Prices of leafy vegetables have surged at supermarkets across Japan, apparently due to prolonged rainfall nationwide, prompting sighs from]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Police in Japan&amp;apos;s Yamagata Pref. launch anti&#45;fraud &amp;apos;gacha&amp;apos; keychains featuring scam phrases</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/police-in-japans-yamagata-pref-launch-anti-fraud-gacha-keychains-featuring-scam-phrases</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/police-in-japans-yamagata-pref-launch-anti-fraud-gacha-keychains-featuring-scam-phrases</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YAMAGATA -- Yamagata Prefectural Police in northern Japan have produced keychains featuring phrases commonly used in &quot;special fraud&quot; schemes to help p ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/01/20261001p2a00m0na008000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Police, Japans, Yamagata, Pref., launch, anti-fraud, gacha, keychains, featuring, scam, phrases</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YAMAGATA -- Yamagata Prefectural Police in northern Japan have produced keychains featuring phrases commonly used in "special fraud" schemes to help p]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan acting envoy meets with Myanmar&amp;apos;s foreign chief for 1st time</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-acting-envoy-meets-with-myanmars-foreign-chief-for-1st-time</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-acting-envoy-meets-with-myanmars-foreign-chief-for-1st-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YANGON (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Charge d&#039;Affaires ad interim in Myanmar Shogo Yoshitake met Thursday with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, according ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, acting, envoy, meets, with, Myanmars, foreign, chief, for, 1st, time</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YANGON (Kyodo) -- Japan's Charge d'Affaires ad interim in Myanmar Shogo Yoshitake met Thursday with Myanmar Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, according]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Doctor Yellow train to be displayed in Hiroshima Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-doctor-yellow-train-to-be-displayed-in-hiroshima-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-doctor-yellow-train-to-be-displayed-in-hiroshima-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ West Japan Railway Co. announced that the lead car of the Doctor Yellow inspection train, which will be retired from service on the Tokaido and Sanyo ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/02/20261002p2g00m0na036000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Doctor, Yellow, train, displayed, Hiroshima, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[West Japan Railway Co. announced that the lead car of the Doctor Yellow inspection train, which will be retired from service on the Tokaido and Sanyo]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Hayabusa2 asteroid probe&amp;apos;s last working ion engine malfunctions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-hayabusa2-asteroid-probes-last-working-ion-engine-malfunctions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-hayabusa2-asteroid-probes-last-working-ion-engine-malfunctions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Hayabusa2 space probe has suffered a malfunction in the last of its working ion engines, an official of the country&#039;s space a ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/10/02/20261002p2g00m0sc037000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Hayabusa2, asteroid, probes, last, working, ion, engine, malfunctions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Hayabusa2 space probe has suffered a malfunction in the last of its working ion engines, an official of the country's space a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2 dead in multivehicle accident on expressway from Chiba across Tokyo Bay</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-dead-in-multivehicle-accident-on-expressway-from-chiba-across-tokyo-bay</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-dead-in-multivehicle-accident-on-expressway-from-chiba-across-tokyo-bay</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two people in a truck died on Thursday after a multivehicle accident on the expressway that crosses Tokyo Bay connecting Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, authorities said.
The accident… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dead, multivehicle, accident, expressway, from, Chiba, across, Tokyo, Bay</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two people in a truck died on Thursday after a multivehicle accident on the expressway that crosses Tokyo Bay connecting Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, authorities said.
The accident…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BitTorrent porn downloads bring costly surprise for users in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bittorrent-porn-downloads-bring-costly-surprise-for-users-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bittorrent-porn-downloads-bring-costly-surprise-for-users-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese BitTorrent users who thought they were simply downloading adult videos for free are increasingly receiving court notices and demands for hundreds of thousands of yen, as copyright… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BitTorrent, porn, downloads, bring, costly, surprise, for, users, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese BitTorrent users who thought they were simply downloading adult videos for free are increasingly receiving court notices and demands for hundreds of thousands of yen, as copyright…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Some women&amp;apos;s universities in Japan buck trend to go co&#45;ed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/some-womens-universities-in-japan-buck-trend-to-go-co-ed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/some-womens-universities-in-japan-buck-trend-to-go-co-ed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Amid a nationwide shift in which women&#039;s universities in Japan are either going coeducational or closing due to the country&#039;s shrinking student population, one university in Nagoya declared… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Some, womens, universities, Japan, buck, trend, co-ed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Amid a nationwide shift in which women's universities in Japan are either going coeducational or closing due to the country's shrinking student population, one university in Nagoya declared…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan tightens rules for foreigners wanting permanent residency</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-tightens-rules-for-foreigners-wanting-permanent-residency</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-tightens-rules-for-foreigners-wanting-permanent-residency</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan on Thursday toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s push to tighten immigration controls.
Under new rules that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:39:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, tightens, rules, for, foreigners, wanting, permanent, residency</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan on Thursday toughened requirements for foreigners wanting to obtain permanent residency, as part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push to tighten immigration controls.
Under new rules that…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Expressway from Chiba across Tokyo Bay closed due to multivehicle accident</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/expressway-from-chiba-across-tokyo-bay-closed-due-to-multivehicle-accident</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/expressway-from-chiba-across-tokyo-bay-closed-due-to-multivehicle-accident</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The expressway that crosses Tokyo Bay has been closed on the Chiba Prefecture to Kanagawa Prefecture side following a car accident in a tunnel earlier Thursday that killed… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:39:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Expressway, from, Chiba, across, Tokyo, Bay, closed, due, multivehicle, accident</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The expressway that crosses Tokyo Bay has been closed on the Chiba Prefecture to Kanagawa Prefecture side following a car accident in a tunnel earlier Thursday that killed…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Kyoto&amp;apos;s Nijo Castle to charge out&#45;of&#45;town visitors twice as much as city residents for admission</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kyotos-nijo-castle-to-charge-out-of-town-visitors-twice-as-much-as-city-residents-for-admission</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kyotos-nijo-castle-to-charge-out-of-town-visitors-twice-as-much-as-city-residents-for-admission</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kyoto plans to introduce dual pricing for admission fees to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as early as from fiscal 2027, charging out-of-town visitors twice as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kyotos, Nijo, Castle, charge, out-of-town, visitors, twice, much, city, residents, for, admission</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kyoto plans to introduce dual pricing for admission fees to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as early as from fiscal 2027, charging out-of-town visitors twice as…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nikkei up over 3% as tech gains gather momentum, boosting other issues</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-up-over-3-as-tech-gains-gather-momentum-boosting-other-issues</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-up-over-3-as-tech-gains-gather-momentum-boosting-other-issues</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended up over 3 percent Thursday, as gains in heavyweight technology shares attracted additional buying, lifti ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, over, tech, gains, gather, momentum, boosting, other, issues</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended up over 3 percent Thursday, as gains in heavyweight technology shares attracted additional buying, lifti]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>CTBTO chief lauds drop in nuke tests in 30 yrs since UN adoption</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ctbto-chief-lauds-drop-in-nuke-tests-in-30-yrs-since-un-adoption</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ctbto-chief-lauds-drop-in-nuke-tests-in-30-yrs-since-un-adoption</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ VIENNA (Kyodo) -- The head of the body overseeing an international nuclear test-ban treaty on Tuesday lauded the plummeting number of nuclear weapon e ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>CTBTO, chief, lauds, drop, nuke, tests, yrs, since, adoption</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[VIENNA (Kyodo) -- The head of the body overseeing an international nuclear test-ban treaty on Tuesday lauded the plummeting number of nuclear weapon e]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo&amp;apos;s Shibuya Ward calls for responsible celebrations with &amp;apos;Goodbye Bad Halloween&amp;apos; campaign</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shibuya-ward-calls-for-responsible-celebrations-with-goodbye-bad-halloween-campaign</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shibuya-ward-calls-for-responsible-celebrations-with-goodbye-bad-halloween-campaign</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, a popular tourist destination and a key venue for Halloween revelers, will once again step up security, traffic control and anti-littering efforts around Shibuya Station… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://media.japantoday.com/img/store/8a/72/c66afcf549c4ad3f471e72e280b46ac2846b/shibuya-press-conference-photo2/_w1700.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyos, Shibuya, Ward, calls, for, responsible, celebrations, with, Goodbye, Bad, Halloween, campaign</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, a popular tourist destination and a key venue for Halloween revelers, will once again step up security, traffic control and anti-littering efforts around Shibuya Station…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>City in Ibaraki OKs survey for possible selection as nuclear waste site</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/city-in-ibaraki-oks-survey-for-possible-selection-as-nuclear-waste-site</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/city-in-ibaraki-oks-survey-for-possible-selection-as-nuclear-waste-site</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The mayor of a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, said Wednesday it will accept a preliminary survey that the industry ministry wants to conduct on its suitability… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>City, Ibaraki, OKs, survey, for, possible, selection, nuclear, waste, site</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The mayor of a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, said Wednesday it will accept a preliminary survey that the industry ministry wants to conduct on its suitability…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Residents mixed over east Japan city&amp;apos;s decision to accept nuclear waste disposal survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/residents-mixed-over-east-japan-citys-decision-to-accept-nuclear-waste-disposal-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/residents-mixed-over-east-japan-citys-decision-to-accept-nuclear-waste-disposal-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HITACHIOMIYA, Ibaraki -- Residents expressed mixed views over a decision by the mayor of this eastern Japan city on Sept. 30 to accept a document-base ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Residents, mixed, over, east, Japan, citys, decision, accept, nuclear, waste, disposal, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HITACHIOMIYA, Ibaraki -- Residents expressed mixed views over a decision by the mayor of this eastern Japan city on Sept. 30 to accept a document-base]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kyoto&amp;apos;s Nijo Castle to implement dual pricing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kyotos-nijo-castle-to-implement-dual-pricing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kyotos-nijo-castle-to-implement-dual-pricing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO (Kyodo) -- Kyoto plans to introduce dual pricing for admission fees to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as early as from fiscal 2027, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kyotos, Nijo, Castle, implement, dual, pricing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO (Kyodo) -- Kyoto plans to introduce dual pricing for admission fees to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as early as from fiscal 2027,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>AI gives South Korea&amp;apos;s security camera network a sharper eye</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-gives-south-koreas-security-camera-network-a-sharper-eye</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-gives-south-koreas-security-camera-network-a-sharper-eye</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEOUL (Kyodo) -- South Korean authorities are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to make better use of security camera footage, deploying ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>gives, South, Koreas, security, camera, network, sharper, eye</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEOUL (Kyodo) -- South Korean authorities are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to make better use of security camera footage, deploying]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s harsher permanent residency rules, hiked visa fees begin, sparking xenophobia worries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-harsher-permanent-residency-rules-hiked-visa-fees-begin-sparking-xenophobia-worries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-harsher-permanent-residency-rules-hiked-visa-fees-begin-sparking-xenophobia-worries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan&#039;s significantly stricter permanent residency requirements and visa fee hikes went into effect Oct. 1, moves the government says are aim ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, harsher, permanent, residency, rules, hiked, visa, fees, begin, sparking, xenophobia, worries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan's significantly stricter permanent residency requirements and visa fee hikes went into effect Oct. 1, moves the government says are aim]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>New sightseeing route in central Japan launched after quake delay</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-sightseeing-route-in-central-japan-launched-after-quake-delay</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-sightseeing-route-in-central-japan-launched-after-quake-delay</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOYAMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Officials in Toyama Prefecture on Thursday marked the launch of a new sightseeing route taking visitors through tunnels deep ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, sightseeing, route, central, Japan, launched, after, quake, delay</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOYAMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Officials in Toyama Prefecture on Thursday marked the launch of a new sightseeing route taking visitors through tunnels deep]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan must resist global drift toward state capitalism, uphold free trade</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-resist-global-drift-toward-state-capitalism-uphold-free-trade</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-resist-global-drift-toward-state-capitalism-uphold-free-trade</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan, the United States and Europe are increasingly pouring enormous subsidies into their own industries and stepping up efforts to support them. Exc ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:46:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, must, resist, global, drift, toward, state, capitalism, uphold, free, trade</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan, the United States and Europe are increasingly pouring enormous subsidies into their own industries and stepping up efforts to support them. Exc]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>1st public insurance&#45;covered iPS heart sheet surgery conducted in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/1st-public-insurance-covered-ips-heart-sheet-surgery-conducted-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/1st-public-insurance-covered-ips-heart-sheet-surgery-conducted-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese hospital on Tuesday conducted surgery to treat severe heart failure using a cardiac muscle sheet derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, making it the first such… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:43:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>1st, public, insurance-covered, iPS, heart, sheet, surgery, conducted, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese hospital on Tuesday conducted surgery to treat severe heart failure using a cardiac muscle sheet derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, making it the first such…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>North Korea denies planting mines that injured 3 South Korean soldiers, accuses Seoul of conspiracy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/north-korea-denies-planting-mines-that-injured-3-south-korean-soldiers-accuses-seoul-of-conspiracy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/north-korea-denies-planting-mines-that-injured-3-south-korean-soldiers-accuses-seoul-of-conspiracy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday rejected South Korean findings that North Korea likely ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:38:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>North, Korea, denies, planting, mines, that, injured, South, Korean, soldiers, accuses, Seoul, conspiracy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Wednesday rejected South Korean findings that North Korea likely]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian univ. eclipses mainland Europe&amp;apos;s best for 1st time in Times ranking</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-univ-eclipses-mainland-europes-best-for-1st-time-in-times-ranking</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-univ-eclipses-mainland-europes-best-for-1st-time-in-times-ranking</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LONDON (Kyodo) --An Asian university placed higher than continental Europe&#039;s leading institution for the first time in the latest annual global rankin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:22:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, univ., eclipses, mainland, Europes, best, for, 1st, time, Times, ranking</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LONDON (Kyodo) --An Asian university placed higher than continental Europe's leading institution for the first time in the latest annual global rankin]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>As the UN ponders its next secretary&#45;general, many say it&amp;apos;s well past time for a woman to lead</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-the-un-ponders-its-next-secretary-general-many-say-its-well-past-time-for-a-woman-to-lead</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-the-un-ponders-its-next-secretary-general-many-say-its-well-past-time-for-a-woman-to-lead</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- At a time when the fight for gender equality is facing a backlash, pressure is mounting for the next leader of the United Nations to be the fi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>the, ponders, its, next, secretary-general, many, say, its, well, past, time, for, woman, lead</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- At a time when the fight for gender equality is facing a backlash, pressure is mounting for the next leader of the United Nations to be the fi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hokkaido Univ. council committed &amp;apos;organizational academic harassment&amp;apos;: investigation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-univ-council-committed-organizational-academic-harassment-investigation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-univ-council-committed-organizational-academic-harassment-investigation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO -- Hokkaido University&#039;s harassment prevention office determined in July that actions taken by a professors&#039; council toward several associate ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hokkaido, Univ., council, committed, organizational, academic, harassment:, investigation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO -- Hokkaido University's harassment prevention office determined in July that actions taken by a professors' council toward several associate]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nagasaki&amp;apos;s A&#45;bombed Virgin Mary to be displayed in US, 1st time in 16 yrs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nagasakis-a-bombed-virgin-mary-to-be-displayed-in-us-1st-time-in-16-yrs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nagasakis-a-bombed-virgin-mary-to-be-displayed-in-us-1st-time-in-16-yrs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGASAKI (Kyodo) -- The surviving head of a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary destroyed in the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki is expected to be brough ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nagasakis, A-bombed, Virgin, Mary, displayed, US, 1st, time, yrs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGASAKI (Kyodo) -- The surviving head of a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary destroyed in the U.S. atomic bombing of Nagasaki is expected to be brough]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Onosato wins autumn sumo tournament</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-onosato-wins-autumn-sumo-tournament</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-onosato-wins-autumn-sumo-tournament</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On September 27, the final day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament was held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where yokozuna Onosato, 26, won his sixth c ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Onosato, wins, autumn, sumo, tournament</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On September 27, the final day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament was held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, where yokozuna Onosato, 26, won his sixth c]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise in morning on further AI development hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-further-ai-development-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-further-ai-development-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday morning, lifted by artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares on hopes for further growth ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, morning, further, development, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday morning, lifted by artificial intelligence- and semiconductor-related shares on hopes for further growth]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>U.S. Typhon missile system to be stored at Okinawa air base</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-typhon-missile-system-to-be-stored-at-okinawa-air-base</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-typhon-missile-system-to-be-stored-at-okinawa-air-base</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The U.S. Typhon missile system currently deployed at a Japanese base in Kagoshima in southwestern Japan will be transferred to U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, but not… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>U.S., Typhon, missile, system, stored, Okinawa, air, base</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The U.S. Typhon missile system currently deployed at a Japanese base in Kagoshima in southwestern Japan will be transferred to U.S. Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, but not…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>University of Tokyo&amp;apos;s president&#45;elect hopes for more female academics</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/university-of-tokyos-president-elect-hopes-for-more-female-academics</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/university-of-tokyos-president-elect-hopes-for-more-female-academics</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The University of Tokyo&#039;s president-elect, who will become the school&#039;s first female head in its history, on Tuesday expressed hope that her appointment will encourage more women in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>University, Tokyos, president-elect, hopes, for, more, female, academics</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The University of Tokyo's president-elect, who will become the school's first female head in its history, on Tuesday expressed hope that her appointment will encourage more women in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to hike residency visa issuance fees from Thursday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-hike-residency-visa-issuance-fees-from-thursday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-hike-residency-visa-issuance-fees-from-thursday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan will raise visa renewal and permanent residency issuance fees from Thursday.
The new fees by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan are part of the revisions to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan will raise visa renewal and permanent residency issuance fees from Thursday.
The new fees by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan are part of the revisions to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Pope Leo wraps up France trip by urging Europe to blunt &amp;apos;desire for domination&amp;apos; driving today&amp;apos;s wars</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pope-leo-wraps-up-france-trip-by-urging-europe-to-blunt-desire-for-domination-driving-todays-wars</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pope-leo-wraps-up-france-trip-by-urging-europe-to-blunt-desire-for-domination-driving-todays-wars</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ METZ, France (AP) -- Pope Leo XIV urged Europe on Monday to draw from its Christian roots and tradition of dialogue to blunt the &quot;desire for dominatio ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pope, Leo, wraps, France, trip, urging, Europe, blunt, desire, for, domination, driving, todays, wars</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[METZ, France (AP) -- Pope Leo XIV urged Europe on Monday to draw from its Christian roots and tradition of dialogue to blunt the "desire for dominatio]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan elderly population hits fresh high at 29.4%: 2025 census</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-elderly-population-hits-fresh-high-at-294-2025-census</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-elderly-population-hits-fresh-high-at-294-2025-census</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- People aged 65 and over account for a record-high 29.4 percent of Japan&#039;s population, the finalized 2025 census results showed Tuesda ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:50:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, elderly, population, hits, fresh, high, 29.4:, 2025, census</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- People aged 65 and over account for a record-high 29.4 percent of Japan's population, the finalized 2025 census results showed Tuesda]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>3 dead after truck&#45;car head&#45;on collision in Chiba</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-dead-after-truck-car-head-on-collision-in-chiba</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-dead-after-truck-car-head-on-collision-in-chiba</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three passengers died Tuesday after their car collided head-on with a truck and caught fire near Tokyo, police said.
The crash occurred at around 4:15 a.m. at an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:47:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dead, after, truck-car, head-on, collision, Chiba</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Three passengers died Tuesday after their car collided head-on with a truck and caught fire near Tokyo, police said.
The crash occurred at around 4:15 a.m. at an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Central Tokyo records 34 consecutive days of rain; longest on record</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/central-tokyo-records-34-consecutive-days-of-rain-longest-on-record</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/central-tokyo-records-34-consecutive-days-of-rain-longest-on-record</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Central Tokyo on Tuesday registered 34 consecutive days of rain, marking the longest streak on record, according to the weather agency.
The area has seen precipitation since Aug… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:39:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Central, Tokyo, records, consecutive, days, rain, longest, record</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Central Tokyo on Tuesday registered 34 consecutive days of rain, marking the longest streak on record, according to the weather agency.
The area has seen precipitation since Aug…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>3 dead, car on fire after truck&#45;car head&#45;on collision in Chiba</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-dead-car-on-fire-after-truck-car-head-on-collision-in-chiba</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-dead-car-on-fire-after-truck-car-head-on-collision-in-chiba</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three passengers died Tuesday after their car collided head-on with a truck and caught fire near Tokyo, police said.
The crash occurred at around 4:15 a.m. at an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:39:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dead, car, fire, after, truck-car, head-on, collision, Chiba</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Three passengers died Tuesday after their car collided head-on with a truck and caught fire near Tokyo, police said.
The crash occurred at around 4:15 a.m. at an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tons of used books in Japan being bought up by someone or something</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tons-of-used-books-in-japan-being-bought-up-by-someone-or-something</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tons-of-used-books-in-japan-being-bought-up-by-someone-or-something</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ There is perhaps no better example of an independent business than the neighborhood used bookstore. But like many such businesses these days, it can be really hard to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tons, used, books, Japan, being, bought, someone, something</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[There is perhaps no better example of an independent business than the neighborhood used bookstore. But like many such businesses these days, it can be really hard to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan sees surge in commemorative days for product promotion, awareness</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sees-surge-in-commemorative-days-for-product-promotion-awareness</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sees-surge-in-commemorative-days-for-product-promotion-awareness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Companies and industry groups in Japan are increasingly creating commemorative days to boost consumption and raise awareness of their ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:34:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, sees, surge, commemorative, days, for, product, promotion, awareness</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Companies and industry groups in Japan are increasingly creating commemorative days to boost consumption and raise awareness of their]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Brazil&amp;apos;s Lula promotes popular betting ban within days of tight election</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/brazils-lula-promotes-popular-betting-ban-within-days-of-tight-election</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/brazils-lula-promotes-popular-betting-ban-within-days-of-tight-election</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAO PAULO (AP) -- For 38-year-old Leandro Valdivia, Brazil&#039;s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva &#039;s pre-election crackdown on fixed-odds betting came ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:10:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Brazils, Lula, promotes, popular, betting, ban, within, days, tight, election</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAO PAULO (AP) -- For 38-year-old Leandro Valdivia, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva 's pre-election crackdown on fixed-odds betting came]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bear killed in Tokyo suburbs in 1st use of eased shooting rules in capital</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-killed-in-tokyo-suburbs-in-1st-use-of-eased-shooting-rules-in-capital</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-killed-in-tokyo-suburbs-in-1st-use-of-eased-shooting-rules-in-capital</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An Asian black bear was killed Monday in western Tokyo after it was found caught in a trap, marking the first time relaxed rules on emergency shootings of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bear, killed, Tokyo, suburbs, 1st, use, eased, shooting, rules, capital</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[An Asian black bear was killed Monday in western Tokyo after it was found caught in a trap, marking the first time relaxed rules on emergency shootings of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Imperial couple&amp;apos;s visit to quake&#45;hit Kumamoto postponed due to bad weather</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/imperial-couples-visit-to-quake-hit-kumamoto-postponed-due-to-bad-weather</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/imperial-couples-visit-to-quake-hit-kumamoto-postponed-due-to-bad-weather</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako&#039;s visit to Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, hit by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in July, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Imperial, couples, visit, quake-hit, Kumamoto, postponed, due, bad, weather</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's visit to Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, hit by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in July,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Photo Journal: 145 mascots converge for 2&#45;day festival in Gunma Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-145-mascots-converge-for-2-day-festival-in-gunma-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-145-mascots-converge-for-2-day-festival-in-gunma-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Gunma Prefecture&#039;s mascot &quot;Gunmachan,&quot; fifth from left in the back row, poses for a commemorative photo with other local mascots from around Japan and ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Photo, Journal:, 145, mascots, converge, for, 2-day, festival, Gunma, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Gunma Prefecture's mascot "Gunmachan," fifth from left in the back row, poses for a commemorative photo with other local mascots from around Japan and]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>70% in Japan positive about AI use in medical, health care sectors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/70-in-japan-positive-about-ai-use-in-medical-health-care-sectors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/70-in-japan-positive-about-ai-use-in-medical-health-care-sectors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Over 70 percent of people in Japan are positive about the introduction of cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>70, Japan, positive, about, use, medical, health, care, sectors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Over 70 percent of people in Japan are positive about the introduction of cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence and]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota global sales, production in Aug. fall for 2nd straight month</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-global-sales-production-in-aug-fall-for-2nd-straight-month</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyota-global-sales-production-in-aug-fall-for-2nd-straight-month</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday its global sales fell 6.4 percent from a year earlier to 790,743 units in August, marking the second ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyota, global, sales, production, Aug., fall, for, 2nd, straight, month</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday its global sales fell 6.4 percent from a year earlier to 790,743 units in August, marking the second]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Okinawa Gov. Tamaki leaves office at end of 8&#45;year tenure</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-tamaki-leaves-office-at-end-of-8-year-tenure</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-tamaki-leaves-office-at-end-of-8-year-tenure</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki voiced concern Tuesday that the excessive base-hosting burden of the prefecture will continue to incr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Okinawa, Gov., Tamaki, leaves, office, end, 8-year, tenure</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki voiced concern Tuesday that the excessive base-hosting burden of the prefecture will continue to incr]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Concerns linger over Ohtani&amp;apos;s condition as Dodgers end season</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-concerns-linger-over-ohtanis-condition-as-dodgers-end-season</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-concerns-linger-over-ohtanis-condition-as-dodgers-end-season</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAN FRANCISCO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani singled in the last game of the Los Angeles Dodgers&#039; regular season on Sunday, but concerns have been raised ab ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Concerns, linger, over, Ohtanis, condition, Dodgers, end, season</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani singled in the last game of the Los Angeles Dodgers' regular season on Sunday, but concerns have been raised ab]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ex&#45;Yokohama mayor to run for comeback after resigning over abuse of power</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-yokohama-mayor-to-run-for-comeback-after-resigning-over-abuse-of-power</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-yokohama-mayor-to-run-for-comeback-after-resigning-over-abuse-of-power</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Former Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, who stepped down earlier this month after admitting he bullied and verbally assaulted sub ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ex-Yokohama, mayor, run, for, comeback, after, resigning, over, abuse, power</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Former Yokohama Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka, who stepped down earlier this month after admitting he bullied and verbally assaulted sub]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Cabinet approval rate rises to 45%, tops disapproval for first time in 3 months</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cabinet-approval-rate-rises-to-45-tops-disapproval-for-first-time-in-3-months</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cabinet-approval-rate-rises-to-45-tops-disapproval-for-first-time-in-3-months</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s Cabinet climbed 4 percentage points from a previous survey to 45% in a natio ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Cabinet, approval, rate, rises, 45, tops, disapproval, for, first, time, months</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet climbed 4 percentage points from a previous survey to 45% in a natio]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s boosting of southwest defenses to be easier under new Okinawa gov.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-boosting-of-southwest-defenses-to-be-easier-under-new-okinawa-gov</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-boosting-of-southwest-defenses-to-be-easier-under-new-okinawa-gov</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is likely to see smoother sailing in its efforts to bolster its defenses in its southwestern region after the new Okinawa gover ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, boosting, southwest, defenses, easier, under, new, Okinawa, gov.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is likely to see smoother sailing in its efforts to bolster its defenses in its southwestern region after the new Okinawa gover]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>20,000 invasive golden fire ants found on Kobe artificial island, in Japan first</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/20000-invasive-golden-fire-ants-found-on-kobe-artificial-island-in-japan-first</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/20000-invasive-golden-fire-ants-found-on-kobe-artificial-island-in-japan-first</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOBE -- About 20,000 adult golden fire ants, along with some 20 queens and an unspecified number of larvae, were found at a container yard on Port Isl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>20, 000, invasive, golden, fire, ants, found, Kobe, artificial, island, Japan, first</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOBE -- About 20,000 adult golden fire ants, along with some 20 queens and an unspecified number of larvae, were found at a container yard on Port Isl]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Comedian promotes traffic safety in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-comedian-promotes-traffic-safety-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-comedian-promotes-traffic-safety-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As part of the traffic safety campaign from September 21 to 30, the Metropolitan Police Department&#039;s Tama Chuo Police Station held an event on Septemb ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Comedian, promotes, traffic, safety, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As part of the traffic safety campaign from September 21 to 30, the Metropolitan Police Department's Tama Chuo Police Station held an event on Septemb]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan overwhelmed by surge in language proficiency test applicants</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-overwhelmed-by-surge-in-language-proficiency-test-applicants</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-overwhelmed-by-surge-in-language-proficiency-test-applicants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has asked Japanese-language schools nationwide to consider using alternatives to the commonly used exam known as the JLPT as a surge in applicants seeking work… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, overwhelmed, surge, language, proficiency, test, applicants</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has asked Japanese-language schools nationwide to consider using alternatives to the commonly used exam known as the JLPT as a surge in applicants seeking work…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to boost measures to battle invasive beetles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-boost-measures-to-battle-invasive-beetles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-boost-measures-to-battle-invasive-beetles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Environment Ministry is stepping up measures against longhorn beetles that are devouring cherry trees, with a request for 6.7 billion yen to counter invasive species in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, boost, measures, battle, invasive, beetles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Environment Ministry is stepping up measures against longhorn beetles that are devouring cherry trees, with a request for 6.7 billion yen to counter invasive species in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian Games: Lebanese sprinter Sbaity carries diversity, peace message</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-lebanese-sprinter-sbaity-carries-diversity-peace-message</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-lebanese-sprinter-sbaity-carries-diversity-peace-message</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Celebrated as &quot;the fastest Lebanese woman in history,&quot; Aziza Sbaity took to the track at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite war-rel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:58:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, Lebanese, sprinter, Sbaity, carries, diversity, peace, message</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Celebrated as "the fastest Lebanese woman in history," Aziza Sbaity took to the track at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games despite war-rel]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan ski resorts using only natural snow could fall to 7 due to global warming: study</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ski-resorts-using-only-natural-snow-could-fall-to-7-due-to-global-warming-study</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ski-resorts-using-only-natural-snow-could-fall-to-7-due-to-global-warming-study</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of ski resorts in Japan that operate entirely on natural snowfall could plummet to just seven if global warming continues to accelerate without effective countermeasures being… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ski, resorts, using, only, natural, snow, could, fall, due, global, warming:, study</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of ski resorts in Japan that operate entirely on natural snowfall could plummet to just seven if global warming continues to accelerate without effective countermeasures being…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&#45;U.S. drill to involve SDF long&#45;range missiles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-drill-to-involve-sdf-long-range-missiles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-drill-to-involve-sdf-long-range-missiles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A major Japan-U.S. joint drill to start in October is expected to involve the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force&#039;s long-range missiles, a Defense Ministry source said Saturday.
The Type-25… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan-U.S., drill, involve, SDF, long-range, missiles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A major Japan-U.S. joint drill to start in October is expected to involve the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's long-range missiles, a Defense Ministry source said Saturday.
The Type-25…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>100,000 ornamental carp swept away by flooding in Chiba after typhoon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/100000-ornamental-carp-swept-away-by-flooding-in-chiba-after-typhoon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/100000-ornamental-carp-swept-away-by-flooding-in-chiba-after-typhoon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Around 100,000 Nishikigoi ornamental carp ready for sale were swept away after heavy rain caused by a typhoon breached some levees at a lake in Chiba Prefecture near… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>100, 000, ornamental, carp, swept, away, flooding, Chiba, after, typhoon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Around 100,000 Nishikigoi ornamental carp ready for sale were swept away after heavy rain caused by a typhoon breached some levees at a lake in Chiba Prefecture near…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan weighs tighter rules as regenerative medicine treatments spread</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-tighter-rules-as-regenerative-medicine-treatments-spread</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-tighter-rules-as-regenerative-medicine-treatments-spread</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Claims that treatments can &quot;reverse aging&quot; or &quot;attack cancer cells&quot; are being used to promote regenerative medicine at private clinic ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/25/20260925p2g00m0sc016000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weighs, tighter, rules, regenerative, medicine, treatments, spread</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Claims that treatments can "reverse aging" or "attack cancer cells" are being used to promote regenerative medicine at private clinic]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Russia&amp;apos;s top diplomat rejects German calls to ease off its `dangerous&amp;apos; escalation toward the country</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/russias-top-diplomat-rejects-german-calls-to-ease-off-its-dangerous-escalation-toward-the-country</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/russias-top-diplomat-rejects-german-calls-to-ease-off-its-dangerous-escalation-toward-the-country</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Russia&#039;s top diplomat rejected German calls to ease off its &quot;dangerous path of escalation&quot; toward the country, instead accusing ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russias, top, diplomat, rejects, German, calls, ease, off, its, dangerous, escalation, toward, the, country</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Russia's top diplomat rejected German calls to ease off its "dangerous path of escalation" toward the country, instead accusing]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>2 giant pandas set off to Atlanta zoo from China after Xi&#45;Trump summit</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-giant-pandas-set-off-to-atlanta-zoo-from-china-after-xi-trump-summit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-giant-pandas-set-off-to-atlanta-zoo-from-china-after-xi-trump-summit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BANGKOK (AP) -- Two giant pandas departed Chengdu in southwestern China early Sunday for their new homes in Atlanta as part of an agreement between th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>giant, pandas, set, off, Atlanta, zoo, from, China, after, Xi-Trump, summit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BANGKOK (AP) -- Two giant pandas departed Chengdu in southwestern China early Sunday for their new homes in Atlanta as part of an agreement between th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kansai airport eyes more int&amp;apos;l flights, resume India, Indonesia routes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kansai-airport-eyes-more-intl-flights-resume-india-indonesia-routes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kansai-airport-eyes-more-intl-flights-resume-india-indonesia-routes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Kansai airport in western Japan aims to expand its international routes, the head of the operator has said, revealing that discussion ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kansai, airport, eyes, more, intl, flights, resume, India, Indonesia, routes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Kansai airport in western Japan aims to expand its international routes, the head of the operator has said, revealing that discussion]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese trade promotion group led by ex&#45;foreign chief visits China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-trade-promotion-group-led-by-ex-foreign-chief-visits-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-trade-promotion-group-led-by-ex-foreign-chief-visits-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- A Japanese delegation from a trade promotion body led by former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made a visit to China on Sunday, see ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, trade, promotion, group, led, ex-foreign, chief, visits, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- A Japanese delegation from a trade promotion body led by former Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya made a visit to China on Sunday, see]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fire breaks out at Nagoya TV Tower in central Japan, no injuries reported</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-breaks-out-at-nagoya-tv-tower-in-central-japan-no-injuries-reported</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-breaks-out-at-nagoya-tv-tower-in-central-japan-no-injuries-reported</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- A fire broke out on Saturday at the Nagoya TV Tower, a landmark in the central Japanese city of Nagoya, but there has been no report ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fire, breaks, out, Nagoya, Tower, central, Japan, injuries, reported</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- A fire broke out on Saturday at the Nagoya TV Tower, a landmark in the central Japanese city of Nagoya, but there has been no report]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fire breaks out at Nagoya TV Tower; no injuries reported</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-breaks-out-at-nagoya-tv-tower-no-injuries-reported</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-breaks-out-at-nagoya-tv-tower-no-injuries-reported</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A fire broke out on Saturday at the Nagoya TV Tower, a landmark in Nagoya, but there has been no report of injuries.
A witness made an emergency… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fire, breaks, out, Nagoya, Tower, injuries, reported</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A fire broke out on Saturday at the Nagoya TV Tower, a landmark in Nagoya, but there has been no report of injuries.
A witness made an emergency…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Isabella Bird&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;Unbeaten Tracks in Japan&amp;apos;: Kinugawa&amp;apos;s beauty and a flea&#45;ridden inn (Pt. 11)</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/isabella-birds-unbeaten-tracks-in-japan-kinugawas-beauty-and-a-flea-ridden-inn-pt-11</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/isabella-birds-unbeaten-tracks-in-japan-kinugawas-beauty-and-a-flea-ridden-inn-pt-11</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Having obtained ample rest and gathered information in Nikko, Isabella Bird finally set out for the &quot;unexplored interior&quot; on June 24, 1878. From this ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Isabella, Birds, Unbeaten, Tracks, Japan:, Kinugawas, beauty, and, flea-ridden, inn, Pt., 11</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Having obtained ample rest and gathered information in Nikko, Isabella Bird finally set out for the "unexplored interior" on June 24, 1878. From this]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&#45;US drill to start October to involve Japan&amp;apos;s long&#45;range missiles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-drill-to-start-october-to-involve-japans-long-range-missiles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-drill-to-start-october-to-involve-japans-long-range-missiles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A major Japan-U.S. joint drill to start in October is expected to involve the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force&#039;s long-range missile ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan-US, drill, start, October, involve, Japans, long-range, missiles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A major Japan-U.S. joint drill to start in October is expected to involve the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's long-range missile]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian Games: 15&#45;yr&#45;old skateboarders among 8 golds for Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-15-yr-old-skateboarders-among-8-golds-for-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-15-yr-old-skateboarders-among-8-golds-for-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s 15-year-old sensations Mizuho Hasegawa and Izuru Nagahara won the skateboarding park events on Friday as the host bagged eig ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, 15-yr-old, skateboarders, among, golds, for, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Japan's 15-year-old sensations Mizuho Hasegawa and Izuru Nagahara won the skateboarding park events on Friday as the host bagged eig]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese fiction boom looks set to endure, experts say</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-fiction-boom-looks-set-to-endure-experts-say</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-fiction-boom-looks-set-to-endure-experts-say</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LONDON (Kyodo) -- An unusual mix of stories about alienation, feminism, cats and coffee shops is charming foreign audiences as a boom in translated Ja ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, fiction, boom, looks, set, endure, experts, say</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LONDON (Kyodo) -- An unusual mix of stories about alienation, feminism, cats and coffee shops is charming foreign audiences as a boom in translated Ja]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Asian Games: Yamashita wins men&amp;apos;s marathon as Habte takes women&amp;apos;s title</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-yamashita-wins-mens-marathon-as-habte-takes-womens-title</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-yamashita-wins-mens-marathon-as-habte-takes-womens-title</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Ichitaka Yamashita won the men&#039;s marathon at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday, clocking 2 hours, 10 minutes, 49 seco ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, Yamashita, wins, mens, marathon, Habte, takes, womens, title</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Japan's Ichitaka Yamashita won the men's marathon at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday, clocking 2 hours, 10 minutes, 49 seco]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chubu Electric withdraws applications for Hamaoka nuclear reactors restart</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-withdraws-applications-for-hamaoka-nuclear-reactors-restart</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-withdraws-applications-for-hamaoka-nuclear-reactors-restart</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chubu Electric Power Co on Friday submitted necessary documents to withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart two of the reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chubu Electric Power Co on Friday submitted necessary documents to withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart two of the reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka may name a district after expo mascot Myaku&#45;Myaku</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-may-name-a-district-after-expo-mascot-myaku-myaku</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-may-name-a-district-after-expo-mascot-myaku-myaku</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ For quite a while now, the ruling political party in Osaka Prefecture, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), has been wanting to change Osaka into a metropolis… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, may, name, district, after, expo, mascot, Myaku-Myaku</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[For quite a while now, the ruling political party in Osaka Prefecture, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin no Kai), has been wanting to change Osaka into a metropolis…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei rises for 5th day on dividend&#45;driven buying, AI, chip gains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-rises-for-5th-day-on-dividend-driven-buying-ai-chip-gains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-rises-for-5th-day-on-dividend-driven-buying-ai-chip-gains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Friday, with the Nikkei stock index posting a five-trading-day winning streak, buoyed by dividend-driven buying, wh ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:58:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, rises, for, 5th, day, dividend-driven, buying, AI, chip, gains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Friday, with the Nikkei stock index posting a five-trading-day winning streak, buoyed by dividend-driven buying, wh]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Over 10,000 homes remain without power in Chiba, Kanagawa after typhoon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-10000-homes-remain-without-power-in-chiba-kanagawa-after-typhoon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-10000-homes-remain-without-power-in-chiba-kanagawa-after-typhoon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 10,000 homes in Chiba Prefecture remained without power on Friday after Typhoon Dujuan brought record rainfall to eastern Japan earlier this week.
TEPCO Power Grid Inc… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 10, 000, homes, remain, without, power, Chiba, Kanagawa, after, typhoon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 10,000 homes in Chiba Prefecture remained without power on Friday after Typhoon Dujuan brought record rainfall to eastern Japan earlier this week.
TEPCO Power Grid Inc…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Emperor, empress to visit quake&#45;hit Kumamoto on Tuesday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/emperor-empress-to-visit-quake-hit-kumamoto-on-tuesday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/emperor-empress-to-visit-quake-hit-kumamoto-on-tuesday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit areas in Kumamoto Prefecture hit by an earthquake in July, next Tuesday, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday.
The imperial couple… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Emperor, empress, visit, quake-hit, Kumamoto, Tuesday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will visit areas in Kumamoto Prefecture hit by an earthquake in July, next Tuesday, the Imperial Household Agency said Friday.
The imperial couple…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s disaster management agency to be launched Nov. 2</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-disaster-management-agency-to-be-launched-nov-2</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-disaster-management-agency-to-be-launched-nov-2</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government decided on Friday to launch a disaster management agency on Nov. 2 to oversee disaster response, preparedness ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, disaster, management, agency, launched, Nov.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government decided on Friday to launch a disaster management agency on Nov. 2 to oversee disaster response, preparedness]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>NHK restarts at&#45;home collection agent visits for TV fees</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nhk-restarts-at-home-collection-agent-visits-for-tv-fees</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nhk-restarts-at-home-collection-agent-visits-for-tv-fees</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Imagine you’re sitting at home, and all of a sudden there’s a knock at the door. You go to see who it is, and it turns out to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>NHK, restarts, at-home, collection, agent, visits, for, fees</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Imagine you’re sitting at home, and all of a sudden there’s a knock at the door. You go to see who it is, and it turns out to…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Another typhoon approaching Japan from south of Okinawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/another-typhoon-approaching-japan-from-south-of-okinawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/another-typhoon-approaching-japan-from-south-of-okinawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Another typhoon was moving closer to Japan from south of Okinawa on Thursday, just days after Typhoon Dujuan wreaked havoc in areas near Tokyo.
Typhoon Surigae, the season&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Another, typhoon, approaching, Japan, from, south, Okinawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Another typhoon was moving closer to Japan from south of Okinawa on Thursday, just days after Typhoon Dujuan wreaked havoc in areas near Tokyo.
Typhoon Surigae, the season's…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Foreign students outnumber high school slots in Tokyo, 3 prefectures</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-students-outnumber-high-school-slots-in-tokyo-3-prefectures</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-students-outnumber-high-school-slots-in-tokyo-3-prefectures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Applications for special admission quotas at public high schools for students with foreign backgrounds exceeded the numbers available this year in Tokyo and the prefectures of Kanagawa, Osaka… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, students, outnumber, high, school, slots, Tokyo, prefectures</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Applications for special admission quotas at public high schools for students with foreign backgrounds exceeded the numbers available this year in Tokyo and the prefectures of Kanagawa, Osaka…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami, Suzuki deliver at plate as Chicago clubs reach playoffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-suzuki-deliver-at-plate-as-chicago-clubs-reach-playoffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-suzuki-deliver-at-plate-as-chicago-clubs-reach-playoffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami went 1-for-4 with an RBI for the White Sox and Seiya Suzuki hit a solo home run for the Cubs as bot ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, Suzuki, deliver, plate, Chicago, clubs, reach, playoffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami went 1-for-4 with an RBI for the White Sox and Seiya Suzuki hit a solo home run for the Cubs as bot]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>4 lion cubs win hearts in public debut at western Japan safari park</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/4-lion-cubs-win-hearts-in-public-debut-at-western-japan-safari-park</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/4-lion-cubs-win-hearts-in-public-debut-at-western-japan-safari-park</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MINE, Yamaguchi -- Four lion cubs born on Aug. 29 at a wildlife park in this western Japan city have made their public debut, delighting visitors.The ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>lion, cubs, win, hearts, public, debut, western, Japan, safari, park</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MINE, Yamaguchi -- Four lion cubs born on Aug. 29 at a wildlife park in this western Japan city have made their public debut, delighting visitors.The]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan 10&#45;yr gov&amp;apos;t bond yield climbs to 3.115%, highest since August 1996</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-10-yr-govt-bond-yield-climbs-to-3115-highest-since-august-1996</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-10-yr-govt-bond-yield-climbs-to-3115-highest-since-august-1996</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The yield on the newest issue of Japan&#039;s 10-year government bonds rose to 3.115 percent on Friday, its highest level since August 199 ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/25/20260925p2g00m0bu024000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, 10-yr, govt, bond, yield, climbs, 3.115, highest, since, August, 1996</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The yield on the newest issue of Japan's 10-year government bonds rose to 3.115 percent on Friday, its highest level since August 199]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Oral care program led to decrease in infections acquired at Hiroshima hospital, study finds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oral-care-program-led-to-decrease-in-infections-acquired-at-hiroshima-hospital-study-finds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oral-care-program-led-to-decrease-in-infections-acquired-at-hiroshima-hospital-study-finds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HIROSHIMA -- An oral care program involving toothbrushing and rinsing with mouthwash significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections, including pne ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/25/20260925p2a00m0li022000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oral, care, program, led, decrease, infections, acquired, Hiroshima, hospital, study, finds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HIROSHIMA -- An oral care program involving toothbrushing and rinsing with mouthwash significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections, including pne]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Biggest taro stew festival takes place in Yamagata</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-biggest-taro-stew-festival-takes-place-in-yamagata</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-biggest-taro-stew-festival-takes-place-in-yamagata</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ &quot;Japan&#039;s biggest &#039;imoni&#039; taro stew festival&quot; was held in the city of Yamagata on September 20. Imoni is a popular dish in Yamagata Prefecture in autum ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/25/20260925p2a00m0na015000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Biggest, taro, stew, festival, takes, place, Yamagata</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA["Japan's biggest 'imoni' taro stew festival" was held in the city of Yamagata on September 20. Imoni is a popular dish in Yamagata Prefecture in autum]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan convenience store sales up 0.3% in Aug. on promotional efforts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-up-03-in-aug-on-promotional-efforts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-convenience-store-sales-up-03-in-aug-on-promotional-efforts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Convenience store sales in Japan rose 0.3 percent in August from a year earlier, marking the second straight month of increase, helpe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, convenience, store, sales, 0.3, Aug., promotional, efforts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Convenience store sales in Japan rose 0.3 percent in August from a year earlier, marking the second straight month of increase, helpe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>City in Japan&amp;apos;s Tochigi Pref. adds suspension bridge, zip line to hometown tax gifts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/city-in-japans-tochigi-pref-adds-suspension-bridge-zip-line-to-hometown-tax-gifts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/city-in-japans-tochigi-pref-adds-suspension-bridge-zip-line-to-hometown-tax-gifts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANUMA, Tochigi -- The municipal government here has added a package featuring a &quot;thrilling suspension bridge&quot; walk and a zip line ride near the Nanma ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/24/20260924p2g00m0et033000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>City, Japans, Tochigi, Pref., adds, suspension, bridge, zip, line, hometown, tax, gifts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANUMA, Tochigi -- The municipal government here has added a package featuring a "thrilling suspension bridge" walk and a zip line ride near the Nanma]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Aichi&#45;Nagoya Asian Games organizers apologize for wrong anthem, transport issues</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/aichi-nagoya-asian-games-organizers-apologize-for-wrong-anthem-transport-issues</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/aichi-nagoya-asian-games-organizers-apologize-for-wrong-anthem-transport-issues</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee apologized Sept. 22 for a series of problems in the operation of the sporting event, inclu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Aichi-Nagoya, Asian, Games, organizers, apologize, for, wrong, anthem, transport, issues</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee apologized Sept. 22 for a series of problems in the operation of the sporting event, inclu]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to closely monitor US&#45;China summit: spokesman</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-closely-monitor-us-china-summit-spokesman</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-closely-monitor-us-china-summit-spokesman</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will monitor the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the United States &quot;wi ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/24/20260924p2g00m0na031000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, closely, monitor, US-China, summit:, spokesman</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will monitor the upcoming meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the United States "wi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s ruling bloc must not force through self&#45;serving election changes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-ruling-bloc-must-not-force-through-self-serving-election-changes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-ruling-bloc-must-not-force-through-self-serving-election-changes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Talks between Japan&#039;s ruling and opposition parties on the House of Representatives electoral system are continuing. The parties intend to reach a con ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/24/20260924p2a00m0op018000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, ruling, bloc, must, not, force, through, self-serving, election, changes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Talks between Japan's ruling and opposition parties on the House of Representatives electoral system are continuing. The parties intend to reach a con]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shohei Ohtani gets a hit in his return to the Dodgers&amp;apos; lineup after 2 weeks out</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-gets-a-hit-in-his-return-to-the-dodgers-lineup-after-2-weeks-out</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-gets-a-hit-in-his-return-to-the-dodgers-lineup-after-2-weeks-out</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani got a hit in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers&#039; lineup on Wednesday night after missing two weeks with right bic ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shohei, Ohtani, gets, hit, his, return, the, Dodgers, lineup, after, weeks, out</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani got a hit in his return to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Wednesday night after missing two weeks with right bic]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Child&amp;apos;s body found on island off Yamagata; possibly missing boy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/childs-body-found-on-island-off-yamagata-possibly-missing-boy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/childs-body-found-on-island-off-yamagata-possibly-missing-boy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The body of a child was found Wednesday on the coast of an outlying island in northeastern Japan, with police investigating whether it could be a 6-year-old boy… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Childs, body, found, island, off, Yamagata, possibly, missing, boy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The body of a child was found Wednesday on the coast of an outlying island in northeastern Japan, with police investigating whether it could be a 6-year-old boy…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Passengers evacuated from ANA plane in Okinawa after midair engine trouble</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/passengers-evacuated-from-ana-plane-in-okinawa-after-midair-engine-trouble</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/passengers-evacuated-from-ana-plane-in-okinawa-after-midair-engine-trouble</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Passengers were evacuated from an All Nippon Airways plane at Naha airport in Okinawa Prefecture on Wednesday night after it encountered engine trouble midair and returned, the Japanese… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Passengers, evacuated, from, ANA, plane, Okinawa, after, midair, engine, trouble</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Passengers were evacuated from an All Nippon Airways plane at Naha airport in Okinawa Prefecture on Wednesday night after it encountered engine trouble midair and returned, the Japanese…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to study use of AI&#45;equipped humanoid robots in defense</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-study-use-of-ai-equipped-humanoid-robots-in-defense</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-study-use-of-ai-equipped-humanoid-robots-in-defense</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan plans to explore the use in defense of humanoid robots equipped with physical artificial intelligence, government and ruling party sources said Tuesday, as the country&#039;s Self-Defense Forces… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, study, use, AI-equipped, humanoid, robots, defense</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan plans to explore the use in defense of humanoid robots equipped with physical artificial intelligence, government and ruling party sources said Tuesday, as the country's Self-Defense Forces…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Elderly dog owners have lower risk of dementia: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/elderly-dog-owners-have-lower-risk-of-dementia-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/elderly-dog-owners-have-lower-risk-of-dementia-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Elderly people with a dog had a roughly 48 percent lower chance of developing dementia that would require care than those who did not, according to a survey… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Elderly, dog, owners, have, lower, risk, dementia:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Elderly people with a dog had a roughly 48 percent lower chance of developing dementia that would require care than those who did not, according to a survey…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Death toll climbs to 9 from landslides, flooding; 4 still missing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-climbs-to-9-from-landslides-flooding-4-still-missing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-climbs-to-9-from-landslides-flooding-4-still-missing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The death toll from Typhoon Dujuan that hit eastern Japan earlier this week rose to nine Wednesday with the discovery of a woman confirmed dead in Kanagawa Prefecture… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Death, toll, climbs, from, landslides, flooding, still, missing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The death toll from Typhoon Dujuan that hit eastern Japan earlier this week rose to nine Wednesday with the discovery of a woman confirmed dead in Kanagawa Prefecture…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bhutan&amp;apos;s matsutake emerge as hidden treasure for Japanese buyers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bhutans-matsutake-emerge-as-hidden-treasure-for-japanese-buyers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bhutans-matsutake-emerge-as-hidden-treasure-for-japanese-buyers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ THIMPHU (Kyodo) -- Matsutake mushrooms are prized as an autumn delicacy in Japan, but in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where they grow on mountains ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bhutans, matsutake, emerge, hidden, treasure, for, Japanese, buyers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[THIMPHU (Kyodo) -- Matsutake mushrooms are prized as an autumn delicacy in Japan, but in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where they grow on mountains]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Centuries&#45;old Japanese toolmaker digs up surprise hit with &amp;apos;Evangelion&amp;apos;&#45;themed shovels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/centuries-old-japanese-toolmaker-digs-up-surprise-hit-with-evangelion-themed-shovels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/centuries-old-japanese-toolmaker-digs-up-surprise-hit-with-evangelion-themed-shovels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAKAI, Osaka -- A manufacturer in this western Japan city has sold 9,800 &quot;Evangelion&quot;-themed shovels, nearly 10 times its initial sales target, bringi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Centuries-old, Japanese, toolmaker, digs, surprise, hit, with, Evangelion-themed, shovels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAKAI, Osaka -- A manufacturer in this western Japan city has sold 9,800 "Evangelion"-themed shovels, nearly 10 times its initial sales target, bringi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM voices support for ICC, rule of law in 1st U.N. speech</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-voices-support-for-icc-rule-of-law-in-1st-un-speech</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-voices-support-for-icc-rule-of-law-in-1st-un-speech</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday voiced support for the International Criminal Court in her U.N. General Assembly ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, voices, support, for, ICC, rule, law, 1st, U.N., speech</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday voiced support for the International Criminal Court in her U.N. General Assembly]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami hits 33rd homer as White Sox beat Royals</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-33rd-homer-as-white-sox-beat-royals</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-33rd-homer-as-white-sox-beat-royals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami hit his 33rd home run in his rookie season as the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 14- ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, hits, 33rd, homer, White, Sox, beat, Royals</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami hit his 33rd home run in his rookie season as the Chicago White Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 14-]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: SoftBank Hawks win 3rd consecutive Pacific League title</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-softbank-hawks-win-3rd-consecutive-pacific-league-title</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-softbank-hawks-win-3rd-consecutive-pacific-league-title</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In the Pacific League of Japanese professional baseball, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won the championship on September 17 for the third straight year. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, SoftBank, Hawks, win, 3rd, consecutive, Pacific, League, title</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In the Pacific League of Japanese professional baseball, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks won the championship on September 17 for the third straight year.]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>4 dead, at least 6 missing after landslides in Chiba, Kanagawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/4-dead-at-least-6-missing-after-landslides-in-chiba-kanagawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/4-dead-at-least-6-missing-after-landslides-in-chiba-kanagawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Four people have been confirmed dead and at least four others are missing after a typhoon brought heavy rain to the Tokyo area and triggered landslides in Chiba… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dead, least, missing, after, landslides, Chiba, Kanagawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Four people have been confirmed dead and at least four others are missing after a typhoon brought heavy rain to the Tokyo area and triggered landslides in Chiba…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tadami River offers glimpses of mist and mystery as it winds through Fukushima Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tadami-river-offers-glimpses-of-mist-and-mystery-as-it-winds-through-fukushima-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tadami-river-offers-glimpses-of-mist-and-mystery-as-it-winds-through-fukushima-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Tadami River in Japan&#039;s Oku-Aizu region is famous for its billowing mist from June to September, for those lucky enough to see it. As the rainy se ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tadami, River, offers, glimpses, mist, and, mystery, winds, through, Fukushima, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Tadami River in Japan's Oku-Aizu region is famous for its billowing mist from June to September, for those lucky enough to see it. As the rainy se]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Labor&#45;scarce Japan counts on AI&#45;powered robots in broad industries</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/labor-scarce-japan-counts-on-ai-powered-robots-in-broad-industries</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/labor-scarce-japan-counts-on-ai-powered-robots-in-broad-industries</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- As Japan faces a severe labor shortage in many sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, more companies are counting on artificia ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Labor-scarce, Japan, counts, AI-powered, robots, broad, industries</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- As Japan faces a severe labor shortage in many sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing, more companies are counting on artificia]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Compact appliances gain popularity in Japan as high home prices squeeze living space</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/compact-appliances-gain-popularity-in-japan-as-high-home-prices-squeeze-living-space</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/compact-appliances-gain-popularity-in-japan-as-high-home-prices-squeeze-living-space</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Compact appliances that maximize limited living space are gaining popularity in Japan as soaring housing prices make larger homes les ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Compact, appliances, gain, popularity, Japan, high, home, prices, squeeze, living, space</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Compact appliances that maximize limited living space are gaining popularity in Japan as soaring housing prices make larger homes les]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2 more people confirmed dead after heavy rain in Tokyo region</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-more-people-confirmed-dead-after-heavy-rain-in-tokyo-region</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-more-people-confirmed-dead-after-heavy-rain-in-tokyo-region</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two people were confirmed dead in Chiba Prefecture on Tuesday, local authorities said, a day after a typhoon brought heavy rain to th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>more, people, confirmed, dead, after, heavy, rain, Tokyo, region</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two people were confirmed dead in Chiba Prefecture on Tuesday, local authorities said, a day after a typhoon brought heavy rain to th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>War, runaway AI and climate shocks to take center stage as world leaders meet at UN</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/war-runaway-ai-and-climate-shocks-to-take-center-stage-as-world-leaders-meet-at-un</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/war-runaway-ai-and-climate-shocks-to-take-center-stage-as-world-leaders-meet-at-un</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Under a global cloud of wars and bitter divisions, world leaders meet at the United Nations this week facing new fears that run ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>War, runaway, and, climate, shocks, take, center, stage, world, leaders, meet</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Under a global cloud of wars and bitter divisions, world leaders meet at the United Nations this week facing new fears that run]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mystery man Uketsu reflects on Dagger shortlist, early life in Britain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mystery-man-uketsu-reflects-on-dagger-shortlist-early-life-in-britain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mystery-man-uketsu-reflects-on-dagger-shortlist-early-life-in-britain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ If you&#039;ve ever seen Japanese horror novelist Uketsu -- who wears a stark white mask and full black bodysuit -- chances are you&#039;d never forget him.
Although his… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mystery, man, Uketsu, reflects, Dagger, shortlist, early, life, Britain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[If you've ever seen Japanese horror novelist Uketsu -- who wears a stark white mask and full black bodysuit -- chances are you'd never forget him.
Although his…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Flights scrapped, evacuations urged as typhoon nears Tokyo area</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/flights-scrapped-evacuations-urged-as-typhoon-nears-tokyo-area</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/flights-scrapped-evacuations-urged-as-typhoon-nears-tokyo-area</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hundreds of flights were cancelled and more than one million people were under evacuation advisories in Japan on Monday as Typhoon Dujuan approached Tokyo, potentially bringing record rainfall.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Flights, scrapped, evacuations, urged, typhoon, nears, Tokyo, area</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hundreds of flights were cancelled and more than one million people were under evacuation advisories in Japan on Monday as Typhoon Dujuan approached Tokyo, potentially bringing record rainfall.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Typhoon approaches eastern Japan, prompting flood and landslide warnings</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/typhoon-approaches-eastern-japan-prompting-flood-and-landslide-warnings</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/typhoon-approaches-eastern-japan-prompting-flood-and-landslide-warnings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A powerful typhoon was approaching Japan&#039;s Pacific coast on Monday, bringing torrential ‌rain, violent winds and a heightened risk of landslides across the Kanto region and other parts… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Typhoon, approaches, eastern, Japan, prompting, flood, and, landslide, warnings</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A powerful typhoon was approaching Japan's Pacific coast on Monday, bringing torrential ‌rain, violent winds and a heightened risk of landslides across the Kanto region and other parts…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Foreign recruits get behind the wheel as Hiroshima bus shortage bites</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-recruits-get-behind-the-wheel-as-hiroshima-bus-shortage-bites</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-recruits-get-behind-the-wheel-as-hiroshima-bus-shortage-bites</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Faced with a worsening shortage of bus drivers, a Hiroshima transport company has turned to Indonesia for help, hiring two foreign nationals who hope to begin carrying passengers… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, recruits, get, behind, the, wheel, Hiroshima, bus, shortage, bites</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Faced with a worsening shortage of bus drivers, a Hiroshima transport company has turned to Indonesia for help, hiring two foreign nationals who hope to begin carrying passengers…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gang of angry monkeys surrounds and attacks man in hot spring town</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gang-of-angry-monkeys-surrounds-and-attacks-man-in-hot-spring-town</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gang-of-angry-monkeys-surrounds-and-attacks-man-in-hot-spring-town</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The town of Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture seems like it should be a very tranquil place. A seaside hot spring town, with baths and inns dotting the cityscape… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gang, angry, monkeys, surrounds, and, attacks, man, hot, spring, town</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The town of Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture seems like it should be a very tranquil place. A seaside hot spring town, with baths and inns dotting the cityscape…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan elderly population makes up record 29%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-elderly-population-makes-up-record-29</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-elderly-population-makes-up-record-29</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s population aged 65 or older accounted for a record 29.6 percent of the total, the government estimated Sunday, with the proportion remaining the highest among countries with… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, elderly, population, makes, record, 29</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's population aged 65 or older accounted for a record 29.6 percent of the total, the government estimated Sunday, with the proportion remaining the highest among countries with…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s northernmost point offers quintessential Hokkaido scenery</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-northernmost-point-offers-quintessential-hokkaido-scenery</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-northernmost-point-offers-quintessential-hokkaido-scenery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WAKKANAI, Hokkaido -- It has been nearly a year and a half since I began living in Hokkaido. In winter, ice and snow make long drives difficult. This ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, northernmost, point, offers, quintessential, Hokkaido, scenery</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WAKKANAI, Hokkaido -- It has been nearly a year and a half since I began living in Hokkaido. In winter, ice and snow make long drives difficult. This]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan braces for heavy rain, strong winds as typhoon nears eastern coast</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-braces-for-heavy-rain-strong-winds-as-typhoon-nears-eastern-coast</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-braces-for-heavy-rain-strong-winds-as-typhoon-nears-eastern-coast</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A large typhoon was moving toward eastern Japan&#039;s Pacific coast Monday, with the weather agency issuing a top-level warning for lands ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, braces, for, heavy, rain, strong, winds, typhoon, nears, eastern, coast</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A large typhoon was moving toward eastern Japan's Pacific coast Monday, with the weather agency issuing a top-level warning for lands]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Suzuki breaks home run drought as Cubs hammer Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-breaks-home-run-drought-as-cubs-hammer-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-breaks-home-run-drought-as-cubs-hammer-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CINCINNATI, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki broke his home run drought for the Chicago Cubs with a mammoth solo blast in Sunday&#039;s 9-1 win over the Cincin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Suzuki, breaks, home, run, drought, Cubs, hammer, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CINCINNATI, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki broke his home run drought for the Chicago Cubs with a mammoth solo blast in Sunday's 9-1 win over the Cincin]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>AI safety looms as major Xi&#45;Trump summit topic amid intensifying race</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-safety-looms-as-major-xi-trump-summit-topic-amid-intensifying-race</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-safety-looms-as-major-xi-trump-summit-topic-amid-intensifying-race</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Amid an intensifying Sino-U.S. race for supremacy in the development of artificial intelligence and growing concerns over AI escapi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>safety, looms, major, Xi-Trump, summit, topic, amid, intensifying, race</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Amid an intensifying Sino-U.S. race for supremacy in the development of artificial intelligence and growing concerns over AI escapi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: &amp;apos;Disney Halloween&amp;apos; starts at Tokyo Disney Resort</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-disney-halloween-starts-at-tokyo-disney-resort</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-disney-halloween-starts-at-tokyo-disney-resort</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A special event, &quot;Disney Halloween,&quot; has started at Tokyo Disney Resort in the city of Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. The event will run through October 3 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Disney, Halloween, starts, Tokyo, Disney, Resort</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A special event, "Disney Halloween," has started at Tokyo Disney Resort in the city of Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. The event will run through October 3]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bear gets on fishing boat, dozes off before falling into sea in Miyagi</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-gets-on-fishing-boat-dozes-off-before-falling-into-sea-in-miyagi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-gets-on-fishing-boat-dozes-off-before-falling-into-sea-in-miyagi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A bear climbed aboard a moored tuna fishing boat via its gangway and appeared to have dozed off before falling overboard and disappearing into the sea in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bear, gets, fishing, boat, dozes, off, before, falling, into, sea, Miyagi</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A bear climbed aboard a moored tuna fishing boat via its gangway and appeared to have dozed off before falling overboard and disappearing into the sea in the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Will AI models achieve the ability to improve autonomously? Leading labs say the scenario is near</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/will-ai-models-achieve-the-ability-to-improve-autonomously-leading-labs-say-the-scenario-is-near</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/will-ai-models-achieve-the-ability-to-improve-autonomously-leading-labs-say-the-scenario-is-near</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- Once a distant ambition for technology researchers, the prospect of artificial intelligence models teaching themselves autonomously to be more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Will, models, achieve, the, ability, improve, autonomously, Leading, labs, say, the, scenario, near</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- Once a distant ambition for technology researchers, the prospect of artificial intelligence models teaching themselves autonomously to be more]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian Games: Hojo wins Japan&amp;apos;s 1st gold at Aichi&#45;Nagoya in men&amp;apos;s triathlon</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-hojo-wins-japans-1st-gold-at-aichi-nagoya-in-mens-triathlon</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-hojo-wins-japans-1st-gold-at-aichi-nagoya-in-mens-triathlon</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GAMAGORI, Aichi (Kyodo) -- Takumi Hojo won Japan&#039;s first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in men&#039;s triathlon on Sunday.Hojo clocked 52 minut ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, Hojo, wins, Japans, 1st, gold, Aichi-Nagoya, mens, triathlon</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[GAMAGORI, Aichi (Kyodo) -- Takumi Hojo won Japan's first gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in men's triathlon on Sunday.Hojo clocked 52 minut]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Saudi Arabia confirms Yemen&amp;apos;s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/saudi-arabia-confirms-yemens-houthi-rebels-tried-to-attack-its-capital-with-a-ballistic-missile</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/saudi-arabia-confirms-yemens-houthi-rebels-tried-to-attack-its-capital-with-a-ballistic-missile</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAIRO (AP) -- Saudi Arabia on Saturday confirmed that Yemen&#039;s Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile, the first targeting ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/20/20260920p2g00m0in007000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Saudi, Arabia, confirms, Yemens, Houthi, rebels, tried, attack, its, capital, with, ballistic, missile</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAIRO (AP) -- Saudi Arabia on Saturday confirmed that Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack its capital with a ballistic missile, the first targeting]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Member of Japan idol group timelesz sent to prosecutors for alleged assault</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/member-of-japan-idol-group-timelesz-sent-to-prosecutors-for-alleged-assault</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/member-of-japan-idol-group-timelesz-sent-to-prosecutors-for-alleged-assault</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A member of Japan&#039;s pop idol group timelesz was sent to prosecutors on Sunday for alleged assault of a woman in Tokyo.Shuto Inomata, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Member, Japan, idol, group, timelesz, sent, prosecutors, for, alleged, assault</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A member of Japan's pop idol group timelesz was sent to prosecutors on Sunday for alleged assault of a woman in Tokyo.Shuto Inomata,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan disaster experts warn people not to travel unnecessarily during heavy rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-disaster-experts-warn-people-not-to-travel-unnecessarily-during-heavy-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-disaster-experts-warn-people-not-to-travel-unnecessarily-during-heavy-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHIBA -- One month has passed since torrential rain in Chiba Prefecture killed 13 people. Since then, intense downpours have continued to strike Japan ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/18/20260918p2a00m0na008000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, disaster, experts, warn, people, not, travel, unnecessarily, during, heavy, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHIBA -- One month has passed since torrential rain in Chiba Prefecture killed 13 people. Since then, intense downpours have continued to strike Japan]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Suzuki drives in run in Cubs&amp;apos; win over Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-drives-in-run-in-cubs-win-over-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-drives-in-run-in-cubs-win-over-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki collected two hits, including a run-scoring single, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 on Saturday.B ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/20/20260920p2g00m0sp021000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Suzuki, drives, run, Cubs, win, over, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki collected two hits, including a run-scoring single, as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 on Saturday.B]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>MS NOW, CNN and Politico say their journalists were denied access to White House after Trump ban</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ms-now-cnn-and-politico-say-their-journalists-were-denied-access-to-white-house-after-trump-ban</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ms-now-cnn-and-politico-say-their-journalists-were-denied-access-to-white-house-after-trump-ban</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Reporters from three major news organizations -- CNN, MS NOW and Politico -- were denied access to the White House on Saturday, a day ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>NOW, CNN, and, Politico, say, their, journalists, were, denied, access, White, House, after, Trump, ban</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Reporters from three major news organizations -- CNN, MS NOW and Politico -- were denied access to the White House on Saturday, a day]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Waymaker: Michiko Toyama across Three Worlds, Prologue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-waymaker-michiko-toyama-across-three-worlds-prologue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-waymaker-michiko-toyama-across-three-worlds-prologue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ By Maki SaitoYears later, people would still speak of that morning in Paris.It was June 21, 1937. The auditorium of the Comedie des Champs-Elysees had ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Waymaker:, Michiko, Toyama, across, Three, Worlds, Prologue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[By Maki SaitoYears later, people would still speak of that morning in Paris.It was June 21, 1937. The auditorium of the Comedie des Champs-Elysees had]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Congo begins Ebola vaccinations for health workers in the epicenter of the outbreak</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/congo-begins-ebola-vaccinations-for-health-workers-in-the-epicenter-of-the-outbreak</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/congo-begins-ebola-vaccinations-for-health-workers-in-the-epicenter-of-the-outbreak</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BUNIA, Congo (AP) -- Congo on Saturday began vaccinating healthcare staff against Ebola in Bunia, the epicenter of the fastest-growing outbreak of the ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/20/20260920p2g00m0in011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Congo, begins, Ebola, vaccinations, for, health, workers, the, epicenter, the, outbreak</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BUNIA, Congo (AP) -- Congo on Saturday began vaccinating healthcare staff against Ebola in Bunia, the epicenter of the fastest-growing outbreak of the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Crab&#45;themed complex aims to be new central Japan landmark, tourist hub</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/crab-themed-complex-aims-to-be-new-central-japan-landmark-tourist-hub</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/crab-themed-complex-aims-to-be-new-central-japan-landmark-tourist-hub</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUI (Kyodo) -- An interactive, crab-themed complex in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, hopes to become a new landmark and attraction for visitors ea ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Crab-themed, complex, aims, new, central, Japan, landmark, tourist, hub</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUI (Kyodo) -- An interactive, crab-themed complex in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, hopes to become a new landmark and attraction for visitors ea]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shizuoka to require climbers to submit plans for off&#45;season Mount Fuji climbs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-to-require-climbers-to-submit-plans-for-off-season-mount-fuji-climbs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-to-require-climbers-to-submit-plans-for-off-season-mount-fuji-climbs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shizuoka Prefecture will require climbers on Mount Fuji during the closed season to submit climbing plans from fall next year, with those who fail to do so required… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shizuoka, require, climbers, submit, plans, for, off-season, Mount, Fuji, climbs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shizuoka Prefecture will require climbers on Mount Fuji during the closed season to submit climbing plans from fall next year, with those who fail to do so required…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Herd of deer found in Japan&amp;apos;s Southern Alps, raising ecosystem concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/herd-of-deer-found-in-japans-southern-alps-raising-ecosystem-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/herd-of-deer-found-in-japans-southern-alps-raising-ecosystem-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A large herd of deer was spotted this summer in the Southern Alps on the border of Ina and Oshika in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with officials voicing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Herd, deer, found, Japans, Southern, Alps, raising, ecosystem, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A large herd of deer was spotted this summer in the Southern Alps on the border of Ina and Oshika in Nagano Prefecture, central Japan, with officials voicing…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Weather agency warns of disasters; typhoon may make landfall near Tokyo on Monday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/weather-agency-warns-of-disasters-typhoon-may-make-landfall-near-tokyo-on-monday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/weather-agency-warns-of-disasters-typhoon-may-make-landfall-near-tokyo-on-monday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The weather agency on Saturday warned of landslides and flooding along Japan&#039;s western and northern coasts over the next several days, with a typhoon possibly making landfall near… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Weather, agency, warns, disasters, typhoon, may, make, landfall, near, Tokyo, Monday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The weather agency on Saturday warned of landslides and flooding along Japan's western and northern coasts over the next several days, with a typhoon possibly making landfall near…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo considers ordinance banning littering in entertainment districts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-considers-ordinance-banning-littering-in-entertainment-districts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-considers-ordinance-banning-littering-in-entertainment-districts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Tokyo metropolitan government is considering an ordinance banning littering, as trash left in entertainment districts has increased with the rise in tourists following the COVID-19 pandemic, government… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, considers, ordinance, banning, littering, entertainment, districts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Tokyo metropolitan government is considering an ordinance banning littering, as trash left in entertainment districts has increased with the rise in tourists following the COVID-19 pandemic, government…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bear spotted near Tokyo’s most popular hiking mountain trail</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-spotted-near-tokyos-most-popular-hiking-mountain-trail</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-spotted-near-tokyos-most-popular-hiking-mountain-trail</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fall is, by far, the best time of year to go hiking in Japan. Free from worries about the snows of winter, the hay fever-triggering pollen of spring,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bear, spotted, near, Tokyo’s, most, popular, hiking, mountain, trail</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fall is, by far, the best time of year to go hiking in Japan. Free from worries about the snows of winter, the hay fever-triggering pollen of spring,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Travelers crowd airports, stations at start of Japan&amp;apos;s Silver Week holidays</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/travelers-crowd-airports-stations-at-start-of-japans-silver-week-holidays</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/travelers-crowd-airports-stations-at-start-of-japans-silver-week-holidays</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Travelers crowded airports and major train stations in Japan on Saturday at the start of the Silver Week autumn holidays, with the five-day stretch the longest in 11… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Travelers, crowd, airports, stations, start, Japans, Silver, Week, holidays</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Travelers crowded airports and major train stations in Japan on Saturday at the start of the Silver Week autumn holidays, with the five-day stretch the longest in 11…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Living in Japan &#45;&#45; an exchange student&amp;apos;s view: A path into new language, culture and nature</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/living-in-japan-an-exchange-students-view-a-path-into-new-language-culture-and-nature</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/living-in-japan-an-exchange-students-view-a-path-into-new-language-culture-and-nature</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ I first thought about Japan as a place to visit in 2020. The pandemic had just started, and I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. A new TV show ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/14/20260914p2g00m0op028000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Living, Japan, exchange, students, view:, path, into, new, language, culture, and, nature</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[I first thought about Japan as a place to visit in 2020. The pandemic had just started, and I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. A new TV show]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>News in Easy English: Japan city uses tablets to help people in many languages</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-japan-city-uses-tablets-to-help-people-in-many-languages</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-japan-city-uses-tablets-to-help-people-in-many-languages</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OMITAMA, Ibaraki -- Omitama city started to use six tablets this month. The tablets have a translation app. People can use them at service counters.Re ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/15/20260915p2a00m0na001000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, Easy, English:, Japan, city, uses, tablets, help, people, many, languages</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OMITAMA, Ibaraki -- Omitama city started to use six tablets this month. The tablets have a translation app. People can use them at service counters.Re]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, US defense chiefs agree to advance security cooperation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-defense-chiefs-agree-to-advance-security-cooperation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-defense-chiefs-agree-to-advance-security-cooperation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed in phone talks to advance bilateral securit ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, defense, chiefs, agree, advance, security, cooperation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed in phone talks to advance bilateral securit]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Foreign recruits get behind wheel as Hiroshima bus shortage bites</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-recruits-get-behind-wheel-as-hiroshima-bus-shortage-bites</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-recruits-get-behind-wheel-as-hiroshima-bus-shortage-bites</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) -- Faced with a worsening shortage of bus drivers, a Hiroshima transport company has turned to Indonesia for help, hiring two foreig ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, recruits, get, behind, wheel, Hiroshima, bus, shortage, bites</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) -- Faced with a worsening shortage of bus drivers, a Hiroshima transport company has turned to Indonesia for help, hiring two foreig]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What&amp;apos;s going down in Iga&amp;apos;s Yono Park the night of Oct. 3?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-going-down-in-igas-yono-park-the-night-of-oct-3</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-going-down-in-igas-yono-park-the-night-of-oct-3</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 19 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What nighttime event i ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/02/20260902p2a00m0et010000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, Whats, going, down, Igas, Yono, Park, the, night, Oct.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 19 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What nighttime event i]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump to meet Japan PM in NY on Tuesday ahead of summit with Xi</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-to-meet-japan-pm-in-ny-on-tuesday-ahead-of-summit-with-xi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-to-meet-japan-pm-in-ny-on-tuesday-ahead-of-summit-with-xi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday in New York, U.S. Ambassador ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, meet, Japan, Tuesday, ahead, summit, with</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday in New York, U.S. Ambassador]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s oldest public housing complex in Shizuoka survives demolition threat</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-oldest-public-housing-complex-in-shizuoka-survives-demolition-threat</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-oldest-public-housing-complex-in-shizuoka-survives-demolition-threat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIZUOKA -- A public housing complex in this central Japan city&#039;s Aoi Ward, has recently been attracting renewed attention, and its once planned demol ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, oldest, public, housing, complex, Shizuoka, survives, demolition, threat</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIZUOKA -- A public housing complex in this central Japan city's Aoi Ward, has recently been attracting renewed attention, and its once planned demol]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Detached homes priced above 100 million yen gain popularity as Tokyo costs climb</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/detached-homes-priced-above-100-million-yen-gain-popularity-as-tokyo-costs-climb</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/detached-homes-priced-above-100-million-yen-gain-popularity-as-tokyo-costs-climb</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- As land prices continue to rise in urban areas across Japan, buyers are increasingly rediscovering the appeal of detached houses that offer g ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Detached, homes, priced, above, 100, million, yen, gain, popularity, Tokyo, costs, climb</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- As land prices continue to rise in urban areas across Japan, buyers are increasingly rediscovering the appeal of detached houses that offer g]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Suzuki hits 2&#45;run single in Cubs&amp;apos; loss to Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-hits-2-run-single-in-cubs-loss-to-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-hits-2-run-single-in-cubs-loss-to-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OHIO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki hit a two-run single as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 on Friday.Batting second and playing right field ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Suzuki, hits, 2-run, single, Cubs, loss, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OHIO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki hit a two-run single as the Chicago Cubs lost to the Cincinnati Reds 6-4 on Friday.Batting second and playing right field]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Malaysian police arrest 6 Japanese, 1 Malaysian for online scam</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/malaysian-police-arrest-6-japanese-1-malaysian-for-online-scam</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/malaysian-police-arrest-6-japanese-1-malaysian-for-online-scam</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUALA LUMPUR (Kyodo) -- Malaysian police said late Friday they have arrested six Japanese men and a Malaysian for their suspected involvement in onlin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Malaysian, police, arrest, Japanese, Malaysian, for, online, scam</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUALA LUMPUR (Kyodo) -- Malaysian police said late Friday they have arrested six Japanese men and a Malaysian for their suspected involvement in onlin]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dollar jumps above 157 yen, Nikkei stock index climbs after BOJ rate hike</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-jumps-above-157-yen-nikkei-stock-index-climbs-after-boj-rate-hike</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-jumps-above-157-yen-nikkei-stock-index-climbs-after-boj-rate-hike</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar jumped above 157 yen on Friday after two of the Bank of Japan&#039;s nine policy board members voted against an interest r ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dollar, jumps, above, 157, yen, Nikkei, stock, index, climbs, after, BOJ, rate, hike</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar jumped above 157 yen on Friday after two of the Bank of Japan's nine policy board members voted against an interest r]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan starts 1st rice buyback to replenish reserves</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-starts-1st-rice-buyback-to-replenish-reserves</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-starts-1st-rice-buyback-to-replenish-reserves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s farm ministry on Friday began procedures to buy back 210,000 tons of rice to replenish government reserves drawn down by rele ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, starts, 1st, rice, buyback, replenish, reserves</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's farm ministry on Friday began procedures to buy back 210,000 tons of rice to replenish government reserves drawn down by rele]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Takaichi&amp;apos;s Cabinet, LDP reshuffle could deepen disregard of Japan Diet</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-takaichis-cabinet-ldp-reshuffle-could-deepen-disregard-of-japan-diet</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-takaichis-cabinet-ldp-reshuffle-could-deepen-disregard-of-japan-diet</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reshuffled her Cabinet and unveiled a new leadership lineup for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:14:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Takaichis, Cabinet, LDP, reshuffle, could, deepen, disregard, Japan, Diet</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has reshuffled her Cabinet and unveiled a new leadership lineup for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed on tech gains, wait&#45;and&#45;see ahead BOJ outcome weighs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-on-tech-gains-wait-and-see-ahead-boj-outcome-weighs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-on-tech-gains-wait-and-see-ahead-boj-outcome-weighs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Friday morning, as the benchmark Nikkei index was lifted by heavyweight technology shares, although the overa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, tech, gains, wait-and-see, ahead, BOJ, outcome, weighs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Friday morning, as the benchmark Nikkei index was lifted by heavyweight technology shares, although the overa]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian black bear caught on camera on Mount Takao in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-black-bear-caught-on-camera-on-mount-takao-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-black-bear-caught-on-camera-on-mount-takao-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- An Asian black bear was captured on a wildlife observation camera walking on Mount Takao in the western Tokyo city of Hachioji on the night o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, black, bear, caught, camera, Mount, Takao, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- An Asian black bear was captured on a wildlife observation camera walking on Mount Takao in the western Tokyo city of Hachioji on the night o]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo considers ordinance banning littering as downtown trash worsens</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-considers-ordinance-banning-littering-as-downtown-trash-worsens</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-considers-ordinance-banning-littering-as-downtown-trash-worsens</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo metropolitan government is considering an ordinance banning littering, as trash left in downtown entertainment districts ha ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, considers, ordinance, banning, littering, downtown, trash, worsens</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo metropolitan government is considering an ordinance banning littering, as trash left in downtown entertainment districts ha]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ lifts key policy rate to 1.25% amid growing inflation risks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-lifts-key-policy-rate-to-125-amid-growing-inflation-risks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-lifts-key-policy-rate-to-125-amid-growing-inflation-risks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent on Friday, accelerating monetary tightening as it see ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, lifts, key, policy, rate, 1.25, amid, growing, inflation, risks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate to 1.25 percent from 1.0 percent on Friday, accelerating monetary tightening as it see]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Dollar jumps above 157 yen line after 2 BOJ board members opposed rate hike</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-jumps-above-157-yen-line-after-2-boj-board-members-opposed-rate-hike</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-jumps-above-157-yen-line-after-2-boj-board-members-opposed-rate-hike</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar jumped above the 157 yen line on Friday, after two of nine Bank of Japan policy board members voted against an intere ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dollar, jumps, above, 157, yen, line, after, BOJ, board, members, opposed, rate, hike</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar jumped above the 157 yen line on Friday, after two of nine Bank of Japan policy board members voted against an intere]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Anthropic says its model Claude is helping to build the next version of itself</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/anthropic-says-its-model-claude-is-helping-to-build-the-next-version-of-itself</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/anthropic-says-its-model-claude-is-helping-to-build-the-next-version-of-itself</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- Anthropic&#039;s Claude is helping the company develop the next, more intelligent version of the model, the artificial intelligence lab said in an ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Anthropic, says, its, model, Claude, helping, build, the, next, version, itself</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- Anthropic's Claude is helping the company develop the next, more intelligent version of the model, the artificial intelligence lab said in an]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Nagano police to hire ex&#45;pro soccer player under athlete recruitment program</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-nagano-police-to-hire-ex-pro-soccer-player-under-athlete-recruitment-program</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-nagano-police-to-hire-ex-pro-soccer-player-under-athlete-recruitment-program</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGANO -- The Nagano Prefectural Police force has selected the first successful applicant under a new recruitment program for people with experience c ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Nagano, police, hire, ex-pro, soccer, player, under, athlete, recruitment, program</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGANO -- The Nagano Prefectural Police force has selected the first successful applicant under a new recruitment program for people with experience c]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Takaichi, Trump planning meeting in US on Tues.: diplomatic sources</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/takaichi-trump-planning-meeting-in-us-on-tues-diplomatic-sources</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/takaichi-trump-planning-meeting-in-us-on-tues-diplomatic-sources</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese and U.S. governments are planning for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump to have talks on Tuesday, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Takaichi, Trump, planning, meeting, Tues.:, diplomatic, sources</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese and U.S. governments are planning for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Donald Trump to have talks on Tuesday,]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami ends home run slump to lift White Sox over Tigers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-ends-home-run-slump-to-lift-white-sox-over-tigers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-ends-home-run-slump-to-lift-white-sox-over-tigers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami broke out of a slump with a three-run homer to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, ends, home, run, slump, lift, White, Sox, over, Tigers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami broke out of a slump with a three-run homer to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Autumn watermelon cultivation spreads in Chiba&amp;apos;s Tomisato</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-autumn-watermelon-cultivation-spreads-in-chibas-tomisato</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-autumn-watermelon-cultivation-spreads-in-chibas-tomisato</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The cultivation of autumn watermelons is spreading in the city of Tomisato, Chiba Prefecture, a major watermelon-producing area. In autumn, shipments ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Autumn, watermelon, cultivation, spreads, Chibas, Tomisato</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The cultivation of autumn watermelons is spreading in the city of Tomisato, Chiba Prefecture, a major watermelon-producing area. In autumn, shipments]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan police panel starts talks to allow more foreign security workers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-panel-starts-talks-to-allow-more-foreign-security-workers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-panel-starts-talks-to-allow-more-foreign-security-workers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s police agency on Wednesday launched an expert panel to consider allowing more foreign nationals to work in the private-sector security service industry as it struggles with labor… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, police, panel, starts, talks, allow, more, foreign, security, workers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's police agency on Wednesday launched an expert panel to consider allowing more foreign nationals to work in the private-sector security service industry as it struggles with labor…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Smog hampers Japan force helping fight Indonesia wildfires</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/smog-hampers-japan-force-helping-fight-indonesia-wildfires</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/smog-hampers-japan-force-helping-fight-indonesia-wildfires</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese firefighting force sent to help tackle huge blazes in Indonesia is struggling to operate because the smog is too thick to fly helicopters, a spokesman told… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Smog, hampers, Japan, force, helping, fight, Indonesia, wildfires</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese firefighting force sent to help tackle huge blazes in Indonesia is struggling to operate because the smog is too thick to fly helicopters, a spokesman told…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Taiwan hands Japan $9.4 mil in public donations for Kumamoto quake</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-hands-japan-94-mil-in-public-donations-for-kumamoto-quake</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-hands-japan-94-mil-in-public-donations-for-kumamoto-quake</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Taiwan&#039;s Foreign Ministry on Thursday presented more than NT$300 million ($9.4 million) in donations raised in Taiwan to help those affected by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Taiwan, hands, Japan, 9.4, mil, public, donations, for, Kumamoto, quake</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Taiwan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday presented more than NT$300 million ($9.4 million) in donations raised in Taiwan to help those affected by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Boat towed by North Korean cargo sinks off Japan&amp;apos;s northwestern coast</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boat-towed-by-north-korean-cargo-sinks-off-japans-northwestern-coast</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boat-towed-by-north-korean-cargo-sinks-off-japans-northwestern-coast</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A boat carrying four crew members sank Thursday while being towed by a North Korean cargo ship off Japan&#039;s northwestern coast, leaving one person missing after the Japan… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Boat, towed, North, Korean, cargo, sinks, off, Japans, northwestern, coast</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A boat carrying four crew members sank Thursday while being towed by a North Korean cargo ship off Japan's northwestern coast, leaving one person missing after the Japan…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kansai Electric shuts down Mihama reactor after trouble</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kansai-electric-shuts-down-mihama-reactor-after-trouble</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kansai-electric-shuts-down-mihama-reactor-after-trouble</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kansai Electric Power Co said Friday it has completed manually shutting down an aging reactor at the Mihama nuclear power plant in central Japan, after water was found… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kansai, Electric, shuts, down, Mihama, reactor, after, trouble</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kansai Electric Power Co said Friday it has completed manually shutting down an aging reactor at the Mihama nuclear power plant in central Japan, after water was found…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian Games return to Japan after 32 years amid soaring costs, struggle for relevance</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-return-to-japan-after-32-years-amid-soaring-costs-struggle-for-relevance</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-return-to-japan-after-32-years-amid-soaring-costs-struggle-for-relevance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- Japan will host the Asian Games for the first time in 32 years when the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games open Sept. 19. Athletes from 45 countries a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games, return, Japan, after, years, amid, soaring, costs, struggle, for, relevance</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- Japan will host the Asian Games for the first time in 32 years when the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games open Sept. 19. Athletes from 45 countries a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ set to raise policy rate at 2&#45;day meeting to counter inflation risks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-set-to-raise-policy-rate-at-2-day-meeting-to-counter-inflation-risks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-set-to-raise-policy-rate-at-2-day-meeting-to-counter-inflation-risks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan is expected to raise its policy interest rate to a 31-year high of 1.25 percent from 1 percent at a two-day policy ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, set, raise, policy, rate, 2-day, meeting, counter, inflation, risks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan is expected to raise its policy interest rate to a 31-year high of 1.25 percent from 1 percent at a two-day policy]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan ranks 117th among 145 economies in annual report on gender equality</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranks-117th-among-145-economies-in-annual-report-on-gender-equality</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranks-117th-among-145-economies-in-annual-report-on-gender-equality</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan was ranked 117th among 145 economies in an annual report on gender equality around the world, the World Economic Forum said Wednesday, with the country improving one… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:31:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ranks, 117th, among, 145, economies, annual, report, gender, equality</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan was ranked 117th among 145 economies in an annual report on gender equality around the world, the World Economic Forum said Wednesday, with the country improving one…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mickey, villains and costumed guests celebrate Halloween at Tokyo Disney Resort</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mickey-villains-and-costumed-guests-celebrate-halloween-at-tokyo-disney-resort</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mickey-villains-and-costumed-guests-celebrate-halloween-at-tokyo-disney-resort</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ URAYASU, Chiba -- A Halloween event kicked off at Tokyo Disney Resort here on Sept. 16, bringing villain-themed parades and a festive atmosphere fille ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:26:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mickey, villains, and, costumed, guests, celebrate, Halloween, Tokyo, Disney, Resort</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[URAYASU, Chiba -- A Halloween event kicked off at Tokyo Disney Resort here on Sept. 16, bringing villain-themed parades and a festive atmosphere fille]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Foreign visitors to Japan in August fall 9.6% to 3.10 million</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-visitors-to-japan-in-august-fall-96-to-310-million</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-visitors-to-japan-in-august-fall-96-to-310-million</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of foreign visitors to Japan in August fell 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.10 million, government estimates showed Wednesday, amid a sharp decline in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, visitors, Japan, August, fall, 9.6, 3.10, million</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of foreign visitors to Japan in August fell 9.6 percent from a year earlier to 3.10 million, government estimates showed Wednesday, amid a sharp decline in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo to repaint streets over rule that makes it impossible for cars to pass bicycles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-to-repaint-streets-over-rule-that-makes-it-impossible-for-cars-to-pass-bicycles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-to-repaint-streets-over-rule-that-makes-it-impossible-for-cars-to-pass-bicycles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A few months back, Japan made some sweeping changes to bicycle laws, introducing the notorious “blue tickets” for infractions such as riding too fast on a sidewalk, riding… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, repaint, streets, over, rule, that, makes, impossible, for, cars, pass, bicycles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A few months back, Japan made some sweeping changes to bicycle laws, introducing the notorious “blue tickets” for infractions such as riding too fast on a sidewalk, riding…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Typhoon could approach Japan during 5&#45;day holiday period</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/typhoon-could-approach-japan-during-5-day-holiday-period</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/typhoon-could-approach-japan-during-5-day-holiday-period</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan could see the approach of a typhoon during a five-day holiday period starting this weekend, with the weather agency announcing Wednesday the development of the typhoon off… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Typhoon, could, approach, Japan, during, 5-day, holiday, period</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan could see the approach of a typhoon during a five-day holiday period starting this weekend, with the weather agency announcing Wednesday the development of the typhoon off…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Homegrown brands reshape China&amp;apos;s booming cosmetics market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/homegrown-brands-reshape-chinas-booming-cosmetics-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/homegrown-brands-reshape-chinas-booming-cosmetics-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HUZHOU, China (Kyodo) -- In a cosmetics exhibition hall tucked away in the mountains of eastern China, shelves of creams, lotions and other beauty pro ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Homegrown, brands, reshape, Chinas, booming, cosmetics, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HUZHOU, China (Kyodo) -- In a cosmetics exhibition hall tucked away in the mountains of eastern China, shelves of creams, lotions and other beauty pro]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM reshuffles Cabinet, keeps key ministers, coalition ally gets post</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-reshuffles-cabinet-keeps-key-ministers-coalition-ally-gets-post</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-reshuffles-cabinet-keeps-key-ministers-coalition-ally-gets-post</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet on Thursday, retaining many key ministers to ensure continuity while br ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, reshuffles, Cabinet, keeps, key, ministers, coalition, ally, gets, post</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet on Thursday, retaining many key ministers to ensure continuity while br]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Olympic skateboarder Aoki referred to prosecutors over marijuana</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/olympic-skateboarder-aoki-referred-to-prosecutors-over-marijuana</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/olympic-skateboarder-aoki-referred-to-prosecutors-over-marijuana</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Police on Thursday referred a case involving Yukito Aoki, a skateboarder who represented Japan at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, to pros ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Olympic, skateboarder, Aoki, referred, prosecutors, over, marijuana</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Police on Thursday referred a case involving Yukito Aoki, a skateboarder who represented Japan at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, to pros]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Former Blue Jays, NPB pitcher Wolfe dies at 45</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-former-blue-jays-npb-pitcher-wolfe-dies-at-45</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-former-blue-jays-npb-pitcher-wolfe-dies-at-45</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Brian Wolfe, a former pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball with 56 wins, has died at 45, his former MLB club Toronto Blue Jays s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Former, Blue, Jays, NPB, pitcher, Wolfe, dies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Brian Wolfe, a former pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball with 56 wins, has died at 45, his former MLB club Toronto Blue Jays s]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan ranks 117th in gender equality, with no clear effect from first female PM</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranks-117th-in-gender-equality-with-no-clear-effect-from-first-female-pm</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranks-117th-in-gender-equality-with-no-clear-effect-from-first-female-pm</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan ranked 117th among 145 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2026 released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Sept. 16, up one pl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ranks, 117th, gender, equality, with, clear, effect, from, first, female</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan ranked 117th among 145 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2026 released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Sept. 16, up one pl]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese cruise operator unveils new ship Mitsui Ocean Sakura</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-cruise-operator-unveils-new-ship-mitsui-ocean-sakura</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-cruise-operator-unveils-new-ship-mitsui-ocean-sakura</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA -- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines&#039; cruise subsidiary unveiled its new Japan-registered cruise ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, to reporters on Sept. 16. The v ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, cruise, operator, unveils, new, ship, Mitsui, Ocean, Sakura</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA -- Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' cruise subsidiary unveiled its new Japan-registered cruise ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura, to reporters on Sept. 16. The v]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>15 years after Kii Peninsula floods, safer &amp;apos;new settlements&amp;apos; lead recovery</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/15-years-after-kii-peninsula-floods-safer-new-settlements-lead-recovery</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/15-years-after-kii-peninsula-floods-safer-new-settlements-lead-recovery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOTSUKAWA, Nara -- Typhoon Talas, the 12th typhoon of 2011, made landfall in western Japan in September that year, bringing torrential rain to the mou ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>years, after, Kii, Peninsula, floods, safer, new, settlements, lead, recovery</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOTSUKAWA, Nara -- Typhoon Talas, the 12th typhoon of 2011, made landfall in western Japan in September that year, bringing torrential rain to the mou]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>OpenAI flags new concerning AI behavior, to track model misalignment regularly</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/openai-flags-new-concerning-ai-behavior-to-track-model-misalignment-regularly</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/openai-flags-new-concerning-ai-behavior-to-track-model-misalignment-regularly</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- OpenAI has disclosed six reports of &quot;unexpected or concerning&quot; behavior in artificial-intelligence models as the debate on AI safety becomes i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>OpenAI, flags, new, concerning, behavior, track, model, misalignment, regularly</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- OpenAI has disclosed six reports of "unexpected or concerning" behavior in artificial-intelligence models as the debate on AI safety becomes i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo Game Show opens with more exhibitors from overseas, new entrants</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-game-show-opens-with-more-exhibitors-from-overseas-new-entrants</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-game-show-opens-with-more-exhibitors-from-overseas-new-entrants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo Game Show kicked off Thursday, marking its 30th anniversary with the expanded presence of exhibitors from overseas a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, Game, Show, opens, with, more, exhibitors, from, overseas, new, entrants</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Tokyo Game Show kicked off Thursday, marking its 30th anniversary with the expanded presence of exhibitors from overseas a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan household assets hit record 2,519 tril. yen on rising stocks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-household-assets-hit-record-2519-tril-yen-on-rising-stocks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-household-assets-hit-record-2519-tril-yen-on-rising-stocks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Financial assets held by households in Japan rose to a record 2,519 trillion yen ($16 trillion) at the end of June, up 11.0 percent f ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, household, assets, hit, record, 2, 519, tril., yen, rising, stocks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Financial assets held by households in Japan rose to a record 2,519 trillion yen ($16 trillion) at the end of June, up 11.0 percent f]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>5&#45;year&#45;old boy dies after falling from 11th&#45;floor apartment in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/5-year-old-boy-dies-after-falling-from-11th-floor-apartment-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/5-year-old-boy-dies-after-falling-from-11th-floor-apartment-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 5-year-old boy died after falling from the 11th floor of an apartment building in Tokyo on Tuesday.
According to police, emergency services received a call just after… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:43:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>5-year-old, boy, dies, after, falling, from, 11th-floor, apartment, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 5-year-old boy died after falling from the 11th floor of an apartment building in Tokyo on Tuesday.
According to police, emergency services received a call just after…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Yamamoto throws 7 scoreless innings as Dodgers down Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-yamamoto-throws-7-scoreless-innings-as-dodgers-down-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-yamamoto-throws-7-scoreless-innings-as-dodgers-down-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CINCINNATI, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto worked seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 on Tuesday.Yamam ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Yamamoto, throws, scoreless, innings, Dodgers, down, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CINCINNATI, Ohio (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto worked seven scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-0 on Tuesday.Yamam]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi retains most key execs in ruling party reshuffle</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-retains-most-key-execs-in-ruling-party-reshuffle</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-retains-most-key-execs-in-ruling-party-reshuffle</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retained many of her Liberal Democratic Party&#039;s executives in her first reshuffle of its top t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, retains, most, key, execs, ruling, party, reshuffle</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi retained many of her Liberal Democratic Party's executives in her first reshuffle of its top t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump administration approves sending powerful bombs to Israel in $2.8 billion weapons sale</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-administration-approves-sending-powerful-bombs-to-israel-in-28-billion-weapons-sale</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-administration-approves-sending-powerful-bombs-to-israel-in-28-billion-weapons-sale</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is planning to deliver powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal, weapons that ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, administration, approves, sending, powerful, bombs, Israel, 2.8, billion, weapons, sale</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is planning to deliver powerful 2,000-pound bombs to Israel as part of an upcoming arms deal, weapons that]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Student suspected of releasing tear gas spray at high school in Osaka Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/student-suspected-of-releasing-tear-gas-spray-at-high-school-in-osaka-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/student-suspected-of-releasing-tear-gas-spray-at-high-school-in-osaka-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- An emergency call was made Wednesday from a high school in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, reporting that tear gas spray had been re ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Student, suspected, releasing, tear, gas, spray, high, school, Osaka, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- An emergency call was made Wednesday from a high school in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, reporting that tear gas spray had been re]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan carrier NTT Docomo gave user data to Amazon Japan arm without consent</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-carrier-ntt-docomo-gave-user-data-to-amazon-japan-arm-without-consent</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-carrier-ntt-docomo-gave-user-data-to-amazon-japan-arm-without-consent</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- NTT Docomo Inc. said Wednesday it provided the personal information, including phone numbers and mobile service plans, of about 340,0 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, carrier, NTT, Docomo, gave, user, data, Amazon, Japan, arm, without, consent</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- NTT Docomo Inc. said Wednesday it provided the personal information, including phone numbers and mobile service plans, of about 340,0]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s Chubu Electric cannot remain in nuclear power biz following data fraud</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-chubu-electric-cannot-remain-in-nuclear-power-biz-following-data-fraud</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-chubu-electric-cannot-remain-in-nuclear-power-biz-following-data-fraud</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chubu Electric Power Co. has committed an unprecedented act of misconduct, trampling on the rules and betraying the public&#039;s trust. It cannot but with ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, Chubu, Electric, cannot, remain, nuclear, power, biz, following, data, fraud</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chubu Electric Power Co. has committed an unprecedented act of misconduct, trampling on the rules and betraying the public's trust. It cannot but with]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan study links regularly eating natto to lower rates of cognitive decline, depression</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-study-links-regularly-eating-natto-to-lower-rates-of-cognitive-decline-depression</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-study-links-regularly-eating-natto-to-lower-rates-of-cognitive-decline-depression</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- Older adults who eat natto at least twice a week tend to show lower rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depressive symptoms, accord ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, study, links, regularly, eating, natto, lower, rates, cognitive, decline, depression</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- Older adults who eat natto at least twice a week tend to show lower rates of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depressive symptoms, accord]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;flagship&amp;apos; income&#45;linked tax benefits: Who qualifies, and how much are they worth?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-flagship-income-linked-tax-benefits-who-qualifies-and-how-much-are-they-worth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-flagship-income-linked-tax-benefits-who-qualifies-and-how-much-are-they-worth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Japanese government on Sept. 15 approved a tax reform outline centered on a consumption tax cut for food and beverages, while also includ ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, flagship, income-linked, tax, benefits:, Who, qualifies, and, how, much, are, they, worth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Japanese government on Sept. 15 approved a tax reform outline centered on a consumption tax cut for food and beverages, while also includ]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>What&amp;apos;s next for Tokyo condo prices? PM Takaichi&amp;apos;s foreign&#45;buyer policy could have an impact</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-next-for-tokyo-condo-prices-pm-takaichis-foreign-buyer-policy-could-have-an-impact</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-next-for-tokyo-condo-prices-pm-takaichis-foreign-buyer-policy-could-have-an-impact</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- What lies ahead for condominium prices in central Tokyo, which have helped drive up land values? Wealthy Japanese buyers and foreign investor ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Whats, next, for, Tokyo, condo, prices, Takaichis, foreign-buyer, policy, could, have, impact</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- What lies ahead for condominium prices in central Tokyo, which have helped drive up land values? Wealthy Japanese buyers and foreign investor]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Human drugs to treat hepatitis C cleared virus in chimpanzees: Japan study</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/human-drugs-to-treat-hepatitis-c-cleared-virus-in-chimpanzees-japan-study</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/human-drugs-to-treat-hepatitis-c-cleared-virus-in-chimpanzees-japan-study</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Drugs used to treat human patients for hepatitis C infections cleared the virus from chimpanzees deliberately infected for research, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Human, drugs, treat, hepatitis, cleared, virus, chimpanzees:, Japan, study</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Drugs used to treat human patients for hepatitis C infections cleared the virus from chimpanzees deliberately infected for research,]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Tokyo Skytree glows gold for children with cancer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-tokyo-skytree-glows-gold-for-children-with-cancer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-tokyo-skytree-glows-gold-for-children-with-cancer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ September is a month for raising awareness and understanding of children battling cancer. The &quot;Gold September Campaign,&quot; in which buildings and other ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Tokyo, Skytree, glows, gold, for, children, with, cancer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[September is a month for raising awareness and understanding of children battling cancer. The "Gold September Campaign," in which buildings and other]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Worker&amp;apos;s fatal tower fall prompts probe after suicide note found</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/workers-fatal-tower-fall-prompts-probe-after-suicide-note-found</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/workers-fatal-tower-fall-prompts-probe-after-suicide-note-found</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 19-year-old worker who died after falling from a transmission tower in western Japan last week left a suicide note, his family said Tuesday, with his company looking… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Workers, fatal, tower, fall, prompts, probe, after, suicide, note, found</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 19-year-old worker who died after falling from a transmission tower in western Japan last week left a suicide note, his family said Tuesday, with his company looking…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan says its surveillance drone probably crashed off Tottori</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-says-its-surveillance-drone-probably-crashed-off-tottori</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-says-its-surveillance-drone-probably-crashed-off-tottori</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Air Self-Defense Force said one of its long-distance surveillance drones is believed to have crashed into the sea during a flight Tuesday off the country&#039;s southwestern coast.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, says, its, surveillance, drone, probably, crashed, off, Tottori</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Air Self-Defense Force said one of its long-distance surveillance drones is believed to have crashed into the sea during a flight Tuesday off the country's southwestern coast.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan approves FY 2027 tax reform, paves way for food tax cut from April</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-approves-fy-2027-tax-reform-paves-way-for-food-tax-cut-from-april</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-approves-fy-2027-tax-reform-paves-way-for-food-tax-cut-from-april</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government on Tuesday approved a tax reform package that would cut Japan&#039;s 8 percent consumption tax on food and nonalcoholic bev ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/14/20260914p2g00m0na022000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:58:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, approves, 2027, tax, reform, paves, way, for, food, tax, cut, from, April</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government on Tuesday approved a tax reform package that would cut Japan's 8 percent consumption tax on food and nonalcoholic bev]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000 for 1st time</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:47:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Number, centenarians, Japan, tops, 100, 000, for, 1st, time</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000 for 1st time; up for 56th year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time-up-for-56th-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time-up-for-56th-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:39:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Number, centenarians, Japan, tops, 100, 000, for, 1st, time, for, 56th, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year, health ministry data showed…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2 killed in 3&#45;vehicle crash on expressway in Niigata Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-killed-in-3-vehicle-crash-on-expressway-in-niigata-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-killed-in-3-vehicle-crash-on-expressway-in-niigata-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two men were killed in a passenger car when it slammed into a large truck that had rear-ended another on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Niigata Prefecture on Monday… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>killed, 3-vehicle, crash, expressway, Niigata, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two men were killed in a passenger car when it slammed into a large truck that had rear-ended another on the Kan-Etsu Expressway in Niigata Prefecture on Monday…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan Diet group urges gov&amp;apos;t to request US lift sanctions on ICC chief</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-diet-group-urges-govt-to-request-us-lift-sanctions-on-icc-chief</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-diet-group-urges-govt-to-request-us-lift-sanctions-on-icc-chief</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers on human rights diplomacy urged the government Tuesday to ask the United States to immediat ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Diet, group, urges, govt, request, lift, sanctions, ICC, chief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers on human rights diplomacy urged the government Tuesday to ask the United States to immediat]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall on FOMC wait&#45;and&#45;see mood, buybacks support</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-fomc-wait-and-see-mood-buybacks-support</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-on-fomc-wait-and-see-mood-buybacks-support</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Tuesday as a wait-and-see mood prevailed ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting starting later in the day, altho ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:26:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, FOMC, wait-and-see, mood, buybacks, support</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Tuesday as a wait-and-see mood prevailed ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting starting later in the day, altho]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan weighs scaling back some postal services</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-scaling-back-some-postal-services</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-scaling-back-some-postal-services</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan Post Co. is considering scaling back some of its services as its mail business continues to run at a loss. The Mainichi Shimbun answers some com ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:10:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weighs, scaling, back, some, postal, services</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan Post Co. is considering scaling back some of its services as its mail business continues to run at a loss. The Mainichi Shimbun answers some com]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chubu Electric Power execs resign over falsified quake safety data for 2 nuclear reactors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-power-execs-resign-over-falsified-quake-safety-data-for-2-nuclear-reactors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-power-execs-resign-over-falsified-quake-safety-data-for-2-nuclear-reactors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The president of Chubu Electric Power Co, Japan&#039;s third-largest utility, said Monday that he and the chairperson are resigning to take responsibility over the company&#039;s yearslong manipulation of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chubu, Electric, Power, execs, resign, over, falsified, quake, safety, data, for, nuclear, reactors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The president of Chubu Electric Power Co, Japan's third-largest utility, said Monday that he and the chairperson are resigning to take responsibility over the company's yearslong manipulation of…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Yamanashi Prefecture to charge for off&#45;season helicopter rescues on Mount Fuji</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yamanashi-prefecture-to-charge-for-off-season-helicopter-rescues-on-mount-fuji</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yamanashi-prefecture-to-charge-for-off-season-helicopter-rescues-on-mount-fuji</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Yamanashi Prefecture said Monday it will start charging climbers for rescue operations by its disaster prevention helicopter on Mount Fuji during the normally closed season if they fail… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yamanashi, Prefecture, charge, for, off-season, helicopter, rescues, Mount, Fuji</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Yamanashi Prefecture said Monday it will start charging climbers for rescue operations by its disaster prevention helicopter on Mount Fuji during the normally closed season if they fail…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan court denies citizenship to woman left in Philippines post&#45;WWII</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-court-denies-citizenship-to-woman-left-in-philippines-post-wwii</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-court-denies-citizenship-to-woman-left-in-philippines-post-wwii</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese court upheld a lower court&#039;s rejection of a 95-year-old Japanese-Filipino woman&#039;s bid for Japanese nationality, more than eight decades after she was left behind in the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, court, denies, citizenship, woman, left, Philippines, post-WWII</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese court upheld a lower court's rejection of a 95-year-old Japanese-Filipino woman's bid for Japanese nationality, more than eight decades after she was left behind in the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed in morning on AI development concerns, buybacks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-ai-development-concerns-buybacks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-ai-development-concerns-buybacks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning amid lingering concerns over a slowdown in artificial intelligence development, but buybacks ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, morning, development, concerns, buybacks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning amid lingering concerns over a slowdown in artificial intelligence development, but buybacks]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan figure skating pair &amp;apos;Rikuryu&amp;apos; to join Asian Games torch relay in Nagoya</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-figure-skating-pair-rikuryu-to-join-asian-games-torch-relay-in-nagoya</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-figure-skating-pair-rikuryu-to-join-asian-games-torch-relay-in-nagoya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the figure skating pair known as &quot;Rikuryu,&quot; will take part in the torch relay for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Game ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, figure, skating, pair, Rikuryu, join, Asian, Games, torch, relay, Nagoya</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the figure skating pair known as "Rikuryu," will take part in the torch relay for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Game]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Number of centenarians in Japan tops 100,000 for 1st time, up for 56th yr</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time-up-for-56th-yr</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-centenarians-in-japan-tops-100000-for-1st-time-up-for-56th-yr</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Number, centenarians, Japan, tops, 100, 000, for, 1st, time, for, 56th</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The number of people aged 100 or older in Japan reached a record high of 107,677 in September, climbing for the 56th consecutive year]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump calls AI risks a &amp;apos;hoax,&amp;apos; says there is a &amp;apos;SICK conspiracy&amp;apos; against AI and data centers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-calls-ai-risks-a-hoax-says-there-is-a-sick-conspiracy-against-ai-and-data-centers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-calls-ai-risks-a-hoax-says-there-is-a-sick-conspiracy-against-ai-and-data-centers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out against concerns about rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limi ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/15/20260915p2g00m0in013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, calls, risks, hoax, says, there, SICK, conspiracy, against, and, data, centers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out against concerns about rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM to reshuffle LDP executives Wed., Cabinet on Thurs.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-to-reshuffle-ldp-executives-wed-cabinet-on-thurs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-to-reshuffle-ldp-executives-wed-cabinet-on-thurs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday that she will reshuffle her ruling Liberal Democratic Party&#039;s executives on Wednesday ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, reshuffle, LDP, executives, Wed., Cabinet, Thurs.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday that she will reshuffle her ruling Liberal Democratic Party's executives on Wednesday]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, Taiwan ruling party members discuss econ security amid China clout</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-taiwan-ruling-party-members-discuss-econ-security-amid-china-clout</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-taiwan-ruling-party-members-discuss-econ-security-amid-china-clout</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ruling party lawmakers from Taiwan and Japan responsible for foreign affairs and defense on Monday discussed cooperation over economi ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/15/20260915p2g00m0na009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Taiwan, ruling, party, members, discuss, econ, security, amid, China, clout</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ruling party lawmakers from Taiwan and Japan responsible for foreign affairs and defense on Monday discussed cooperation over economi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan opens bookings for Kumamoto quake recovery travel discounts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opens-bookings-for-kumamoto-quake-recovery-travel-discounts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opens-bookings-for-kumamoto-quake-recovery-travel-discounts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan began accepting reservations Tuesday for discounted travel and hotel stays in Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures under a campaig ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, opens, bookings, for, Kumamoto, quake, recovery, travel, discounts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan began accepting reservations Tuesday for discounted travel and hotel stays in Kumamoto and Nagasaki prefectures under a campaig]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s arcade pioneer Uomachi Gintengai in Kitakyushu wins national shopping street award</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-arcade-pioneer-uomachi-gintengai-in-kitakyushu-wins-national-shopping-street-award</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-arcade-pioneer-uomachi-gintengai-in-kitakyushu-wins-national-shopping-street-award</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KITAKYUSHU -- An organization representing shop owners in Uomachi Gintengai, known as the birthplace of Japan&#039;s covered shopping arcades, has been sel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, arcade, pioneer, Uomachi, Gintengai, Kitakyushu, wins, national, shopping, street, award</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KITAKYUSHU -- An organization representing shop owners in Uomachi Gintengai, known as the birthplace of Japan's covered shopping arcades, has been sel]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s 1st driverless taxi service eyed in Tokyo in 2027</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-1st-driverless-taxi-service-eyed-in-tokyo-in-2027</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-1st-driverless-taxi-service-eyed-in-tokyo-in-2027</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ride-hailing app operator Go Inc., Waymo LLC, the self-driving vehicle unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc., and Nihon Kotsu Co. said ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, 1st, driverless, taxi, service, eyed, Tokyo, 2027</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ride-hailing app operator Go Inc., Waymo LLC, the self-driving vehicle unit of Google parent Alphabet Inc., and Nihon Kotsu Co. said]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Okamoto hits 33rd homer for Blue Jays in loss to Tigers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-hits-33rd-homer-for-blue-jays-in-loss-to-tigers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-hits-33rd-homer-for-blue-jays-in-loss-to-tigers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Toronto Blue Jays slugger Kazuma Okamoto hit his 33rd home run, homering for the second straight game in Monday&#039;s 6-5 loss to the D ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:02:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Okamoto, hits, 33rd, homer, for, Blue, Jays, loss, Tigers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Toronto Blue Jays slugger Kazuma Okamoto hit his 33rd home run, homering for the second straight game in Monday's 6-5 loss to the D]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chubu Electric to withdraw Hamaoka nuclear plant restart applications</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-to-withdraw-hamaoka-nuclear-plant-restart-applications</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-to-withdraw-hamaoka-nuclear-plant-restart-applications</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Scandal-tainted Chubu Electric Power Co. said Monday it will withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart reactors ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:46:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chubu, Electric, withdraw, Hamaoka, nuclear, plant, restart, applications</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Scandal-tainted Chubu Electric Power Co. said Monday it will withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart reactors]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Okamoto slugs 32nd homer for Blue Jays rookie record 85th RBI</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-slugs-32nd-homer-for-blue-jays-rookie-record-85th-rbi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-slugs-32nd-homer-for-blue-jays-rookie-record-85th-rbi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 32nd home run and set the Toronto Blue Jays rookie record with 85 RBIs Sunday in their 8-1 clobbering of th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Okamoto, slugs, 32nd, homer, for, Blue, Jays, rookie, record, 85th, RBI</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 32nd home run and set the Toronto Blue Jays rookie record with 85 RBIs Sunday in their 8-1 clobbering of th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Scandal&#45;tainted Chubu Electric set to tap director Yasui as next president</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/scandal-tainted-chubu-electric-set-to-tap-director-yasui-as-next-president</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/scandal-tainted-chubu-electric-set-to-tap-director-yasui-as-next-president</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Scandal-tainted Chubu Electric Power Co. is arranging to appoint Minoru Yasui, a director of the utility, as the successor to Presid ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Scandal-tainted, Chubu, Electric, set, tap, director, Yasui, next, president</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Scandal-tainted Chubu Electric Power Co. is arranging to appoint Minoru Yasui, a director of the utility, as the successor to Presid]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM says Okinawa election reflected voters&amp;apos; wish for economic growth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-says-okinawa-election-reflected-voters-wish-for-economic-growth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-says-okinawa-election-reflected-voters-wish-for-economic-growth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that the victory by the ruling party-backed candidate in the weekend&#039;s Okinawa gub ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, says, Okinawa, election, reflected, voters, wish, for, economic, growth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday that the victory by the ruling party-backed candidate in the weekend's Okinawa gub]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel, saying attacks are causing a shortage</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-calls-on-ukraine-to-halt-strikes-on-russian-diesel-fuel-saying-attacks-are-causing-a-shortage</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-calls-on-ukraine-to-halt-strikes-on-russian-diesel-fuel-saying-attacks-are-causing-a-shortage</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refinerie ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, calls, Ukraine, halt, strikes, Russian, diesel, fuel, saying, attacks, are, causing, shortage</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian oil refinerie]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Russian drone hits train near Ukraine&#45;Poland border soon after visiting dignitaries passed through</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/russian-drone-hits-train-near-ukraine-poland-border-soon-after-visiting-dignitaries-passed-through</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/russian-drone-hits-train-near-ukraine-poland-border-soon-after-visiting-dignitaries-passed-through</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine- Poland border on Sunday shortly after senior visiting officials -- including th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russian, drone, hits, train, near, Ukraine-Poland, border, soon, after, visiting, dignitaries, passed, through</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine- Poland border on Sunday shortly after senior visiting officials -- including th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Okinawa governor&#45;elect Koja wins record 400,000&#45;plus votes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-governor-elect-koja-wins-record-400000-plus-votes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-governor-elect-koja-wins-record-400000-plus-votes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Okinawa&#039;s election board said Genta Koja, who won Sunday&#039;s gubernatorial election against incumbent Denny Tamaki, received more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Okinawa, governor-elect, Koja, wins, record, 400, 000-plus, votes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Okinawa's election board said Genta Koja, who won Sunday's gubernatorial election against incumbent Denny Tamaki, received more]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>N. Korea holds drill involving ballistic, cruise missiles, attack drones</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-holds-drill-involving-ballistic-cruise-missiles-attack-drones</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-holds-drill-involving-ballistic-cruise-missiles-attack-drones</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea said Monday it has conducted a joint firepower drill involving ballistic and cruise missiles as well as attack drones, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, holds, drill, involving, ballistic, cruise, missiles, attack, drones</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea said Monday it has conducted a joint firepower drill involving ballistic and cruise missiles as well as attack drones,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Far&#45;right surge in German state puts postwar values to the test</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-far-right-surge-in-german-state-puts-postwar-values-to-the-test</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-far-right-surge-in-german-state-puts-postwar-values-to-the-test</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Far-right forces have made sweeping gains in a German state election. The nature of a country that has respected diversity and built a free and open s ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/14/20260914p2g00m0op027000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Far-right, surge, German, state, puts, postwar, values, the, test</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Far-right forces have made sweeping gains in a German state election. The nature of a country that has respected diversity and built a free and open s]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>2 get suspended terms in Tokyo medical university construction breach of trust case</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-get-suspended-terms-in-tokyo-medical-university-construction-breach-of-trust-case</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-get-suspended-terms-in-tokyo-medical-university-construction-breach-of-trust-case</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese court on Monday sentenced an architect and a former official of a Tokyo medical university to two-and-a-half years in pris ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>get, suspended, terms, Tokyo, medical, university, construction, breach, trust, case</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese court on Monday sentenced an architect and a former official of a Tokyo medical university to two-and-a-half years in pris]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Yamanashi Pref. decides to charge for helicopter rescues on Mt. Fuji</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yamanashi-pref-decides-to-charge-for-helicopter-rescues-on-mt-fuji</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yamanashi-pref-decides-to-charge-for-helicopter-rescues-on-mt-fuji</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Yamanashi Prefecture has decided to start charging climbers for rescue operations by its disaster prevention helicopter ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yamanashi, Pref., decides, charge, for, helicopter, rescues, Mt., Fuji</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture has decided to start charging climbers for rescue operations by its disaster prevention helicopter]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: JR East unveils three candidates for new Suica mascot</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-jr-east-unveils-three-candidates-for-new-suica-mascot</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-jr-east-unveils-three-candidates-for-new-suica-mascot</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) on September 8 unveiled three candidates to replace the &quot;Penguin,&quot; the mascot of the &quot;Suica&quot; IC card used for trains ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/14/20260914p2g00m0bu024000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, East, unveils, three, candidates, for, new, Suica, mascot</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) on September 8 unveiled three candidates to replace the "Penguin," the mascot of the "Suica" IC card used for trains]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Roaming rubbish bin robot at Shinjuku Station solves problem of where to put your trash</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/roaming-rubbish-bin-robot-at-shinjuku-station-solves-problem-of-where-to-put-your-trash</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/roaming-rubbish-bin-robot-at-shinjuku-station-solves-problem-of-where-to-put-your-trash</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As much as Japan is all about convenience and the spirit of hospitality, one thing that continues to confound visitors to Japan is the lack of trash cans.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:03:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Roaming, rubbish, bin, robot, Shinjuku, Station, solves, problem, where, put, your, trash</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As much as Japan is all about convenience and the spirit of hospitality, one thing that continues to confound visitors to Japan is the lack of trash cans.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan feminist theater fights misogyny in &amp;apos;cute&amp;apos; fashion</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-feminist-theater-fights-misogyny-in-cute-fashion</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-feminist-theater-fights-misogyny-in-cute-fashion</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Donning doll-like dresses with voluminous skirts, young women on stage roar in rage about rape and sexism they experienced in Japan, using theater and &quot;cute&quot; fashion to denounce… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, feminist, theater, fights, misogyny, cute, fashion</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Donning doll-like dresses with voluminous skirts, young women on stage roar in rage about rape and sexism they experienced in Japan, using theater and "cute" fashion to denounce…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Scandal&#45;hit Hamaoka nuclear power plant operator execs to resign: sources</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/scandal-hit-hamaoka-nuclear-power-plant-operator-execs-to-resign-sources</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/scandal-hit-hamaoka-nuclear-power-plant-operator-execs-to-resign-sources</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chubu Electric Power Co President Kingo Hayashi intends to resign over the utility&#039;s seismic data manipulation scandal during the screening for restarting reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Scandal-hit, Hamaoka, nuclear, power, plant, operator, execs, resign:, sources</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chubu Electric Power Co President Kingo Hayashi intends to resign over the utility's seismic data manipulation scandal during the screening for restarting reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka elderly ensure no one faces a lonely farewell</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-elderly-ensure-no-one-faces-a-lonely-farewell</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-elderly-ensure-no-one-faces-a-lonely-farewell</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In an Osaka neighborhood long known as a home for day laborers, elderly residents with no family to rely on are arranging their funerals in advance -- and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, elderly, ensure, one, faces, lonely, farewell</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In an Osaka neighborhood long known as a home for day laborers, elderly residents with no family to rely on are arranging their funerals in advance -- and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>28 fall ill after eating lunches at Kyoto stadium; food poisoning suspected</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/28-fall-ill-after-eating-lunches-at-kyoto-stadium-food-poisoning-suspected</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/28-fall-ill-after-eating-lunches-at-kyoto-stadium-food-poisoning-suspected</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Twenty-eight people at a stadium in Kyoto were taken to hospital after eating boxed lunches on Saturday afternoon in a suspected case of food poisoning, first responders and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>fall, ill, after, eating, lunches, Kyoto, stadium, food, poisoning, suspected</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Twenty-eight people at a stadium in Kyoto were taken to hospital after eating boxed lunches on Saturday afternoon in a suspected case of food poisoning, first responders and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward puts up posters asking visitors to use recycle boxes properly</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shibuya-ward-puts-up-posters-asking-visitors-to-use-recycle-boxes-properly</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shibuya-ward-puts-up-posters-asking-visitors-to-use-recycle-boxes-properly</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It wasn’t all that long ago that Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood was pretty firmly in the “only if you have spare time” section of most tourists’ Japan travel plans.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo’s, Shibuya, Ward, puts, posters, asking, visitors, use, recycle, boxes, properly</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It wasn’t all that long ago that Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood was pretty firmly in the “only if you have spare time” section of most tourists’ Japan travel plans.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>President Donald Trump&amp;apos;s childhood home sells for $2 million</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/president-donald-trumps-childhood-home-sells-for-2-million</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/president-donald-trumps-childhood-home-sells-for-2-million</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Donald Trump&#039;s childhood home has sold for nearly $2 million after a renovation transformed the New York City residence from a mold-r ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>President, Donald, Trumps, childhood, home, sells, for, million</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Donald Trump's childhood home has sold for nearly $2 million after a renovation transformed the New York City residence from a mold-r]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Olympic flame arrives in Senegal for the first Olympic event to be held in Africa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/olympic-flame-arrives-in-senegal-for-the-first-olympic-event-to-be-held-in-africa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/olympic-flame-arrives-in-senegal-for-the-first-olympic-event-to-be-held-in-africa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- The Olympic flame was welcomed by music and dancing in Senegal &#039;s capital on Saturday, as a march by 100 women marked the count ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Olympic, flame, arrives, Senegal, for, the, first, Olympic, event, held, Africa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- The Olympic flame was welcomed by music and dancing in Senegal 's capital on Saturday, as a march by 100 women marked the count]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Elena Rybakina beats Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open title and punctuate her rise to No. 1</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/elena-rybakina-beats-aryna-sabalenka-to-win-the-us-open-title-and-punctuate-her-rise-to-no-1</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/elena-rybakina-beats-aryna-sabalenka-to-win-the-us-open-title-and-punctuate-her-rise-to-no-1</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Elena Rybakina came to New York and took everything that had belonged to Aryna Sabalenka.First, it was the No. 1 ranking in women&#039;s t ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0sp011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Elena, Rybakina, beats, Aryna, Sabalenka, win, the, Open, title, and, punctuate, her, rise, No.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Elena Rybakina came to New York and took everything that had belonged to Aryna Sabalenka.First, it was the No. 1 ranking in women's t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan firm, Red Cross institute develop disaster relief tent to beat midsummer heat</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-firm-red-cross-institute-develop-disaster-relief-tent-to-beat-midsummer-heat</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-firm-red-cross-institute-develop-disaster-relief-tent-to-beat-midsummer-heat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- Taiyo Kogyo Corp. and the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing Disaster Management Research Institute have jointly developed a large tent th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, firm, Red, Cross, institute, develop, disaster, relief, tent, beat, midsummer, heat</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- Taiyo Kogyo Corp. and the Japanese Red Cross College of Nursing Disaster Management Research Institute have jointly developed a large tent th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mackerel slips out of reach in Japan as import prices more than triple in 5 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mackerel-slips-out-of-reach-in-japan-as-import-prices-more-than-triple-in-5-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mackerel-slips-out-of-reach-in-japan-as-import-prices-more-than-triple-in-5-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Whether grilled or simmered in miso, mackerel has long been a staple of everyday meals in Japan. Since the beginning of this year, however, p ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mackerel, slips, out, reach, Japan, import, prices, more, than, triple, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Whether grilled or simmered in miso, mackerel has long been a staple of everyday meals in Japan. Since the beginning of this year, however, p]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tennis: Kamiji US Open women&amp;apos;s wheelchair winner, Oda men&amp;apos;s runner&#45;up</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-kamiji-us-open-womens-wheelchair-winner-oda-mens-runner-up</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-kamiji-us-open-womens-wheelchair-winner-oda-mens-runner-up</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Yui Kamiji won back-to-back U.S. Open women&#039;s wheelchair tennis singles titles, while compatriot Tokito Oda was stopped in ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0sp015000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tennis:, Kamiji, Open, womens, wheelchair, winner, Oda, mens, runner-up</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japan's Yui Kamiji won back-to-back U.S. Open women's wheelchair tennis singles titles, while compatriot Tokito Oda was stopped in]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>120&#45;yr Japanese inn in quake&#45;hit Noto to reopen FY 2028 with new building</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/120-yr-japanese-inn-in-quake-hit-noto-to-reopen-fy-2028-with-new-building</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/120-yr-japanese-inn-in-quake-hit-noto-to-reopen-fy-2028-with-new-building</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANAZAWA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Kagaya, a 120-year-old Japanese ryokan inn that remains closed after suffering major damage in the 2024 Noto Peninsula eart ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0na009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>120-yr, Japanese, inn, quake-hit, Noto, reopen, 2028, with, new, building</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANAZAWA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Kagaya, a 120-year-old Japanese ryokan inn that remains closed after suffering major damage in the 2024 Noto Peninsula eart]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rescuers pull more bodies from burned Philippine ferry as death toll hits 76</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rescuers-pull-more-bodies-from-burned-philippine-ferry-as-death-toll-hits-76</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rescuers-pull-more-bodies-from-burned-philippine-ferry-as-death-toll-hits-76</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CORON, Philippines (AP) -- Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll o ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0in017000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rescuers, pull, more, bodies, from, burned, Philippine, ferry, death, toll, hits</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CORON, Philippines (AP) -- Rescuers retrieved more remains from a passenger ferry in the Philippine that was gutted by fire, bringing the death toll o]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>California governor signs laws aimed at protecting kids from risks of social media, AI chatbots</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/california-governor-signs-laws-aimed-at-protecting-kids-from-risks-of-social-media-ai-chatbots</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/california-governor-signs-laws-aimed-at-protecting-kids-from-risks-of-social-media-ai-chatbots</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a sweeping package of laws Thursday aimed at protecting children from the risks of tech ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0in013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>California, governor, signs, laws, aimed, protecting, kids, from, risks, social, media, chatbots</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a sweeping package of laws Thursday aimed at protecting children from the risks of tech]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Athletics: Kitaguchi wins Ultimate Championship with new Japanese record</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/athletics-kitaguchi-wins-ultimate-championship-with-new-japanese-record</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/athletics-kitaguchi-wins-ultimate-championship-with-new-japanese-record</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BUDAPEST (Kyodo) -- Paris Olympic gold medalist Haruka Kitaguchi broke her own Japanese national record to win the women&#039;s javelin at the inaugural Ul ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/13/20260913p2g00m0sp019000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Athletics:, Kitaguchi, wins, Ultimate, Championship, with, new, Japanese, record</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BUDAPEST (Kyodo) -- Paris Olympic gold medalist Haruka Kitaguchi broke her own Japanese national record to win the women's javelin at the inaugural Ul]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hamaoka nuclear plant restart applications to be withdrawn: source</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hamaoka-nuclear-plant-restart-applications-to-be-withdrawn-source</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hamaoka-nuclear-plant-restart-applications-to-be-withdrawn-source</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chubu Electric Power Co plans to withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan, a government source said,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hamaoka, nuclear, plant, restart, applications, withdrawn:, source</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chubu Electric Power Co plans to withdraw its applications for regulatory screening to restart reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in central Japan, a government source said,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan plans to add aviation sector to new foreign worker program</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-plans-to-add-aviation-sector-to-new-foreign-worker-program</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-plans-to-add-aviation-sector-to-new-foreign-worker-program</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has proposed adding the aviation sector to its new foreign-worker training and employment program set to start in April 2027, as the country seeks to… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:11:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, plans, add, aviation, sector, new, foreign, worker, program</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has proposed adding the aviation sector to its new foreign-worker training and employment program set to start in April 2027, as the country seeks to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What&amp;apos;s with the summer flu epidemic in Japan?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-with-the-summer-flu-epidemic-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-with-the-summer-flu-epidemic-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 12 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What is one possible r ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/02/20260902p2a00m0et010000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, Whats, with, the, summer, flu, epidemic, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 12 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What is one possible r]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani placed on 15&#45;day injured list with right bicep issue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-placed-on-15-day-injured-list-with-right-bicep-issue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-placed-on-15-day-injured-list-with-right-bicep-issue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MIAMI, Florida (Kyodo) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list Friday due to right bicep inflammation.The placement ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/12/20260912p2g00m0sp005000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, placed, 15-day, injured, list, with, right, bicep, issue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MIAMI, Florida (Kyodo) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers placed Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list Friday due to right bicep inflammation.The placement]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-toward-sea-of-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEOUL (Kyodo) -- North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday, South Korea&#039;s Joint Chiefs of Staff said, after So ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/12/20260912p2g00m0in009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>North, Korea, fires, ballistic, missiles, toward, Sea, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEOUL (Kyodo) -- North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, after So]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan bag maker develops backpack that turns into life jacket</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bag-maker-develops-backpack-that-turns-into-life-jacket</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bag-maker-develops-backpack-that-turns-into-life-jacket</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAMBA, Hyogo -- A bag manufacturer here has developed and is selling a backpack that can be converted into a life jacket during emergencies. The produ ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bag, maker, develops, backpack, that, turns, into, life, jacket</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAMBA, Hyogo -- A bag manufacturer here has developed and is selling a backpack that can be converted into a life jacket during emergencies. The produ]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Imanaga earns 10th win as Okamoto belts 31st homer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-imanaga-earns-10th-win-as-okamoto-belts-31st-homer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-imanaga-earns-10th-win-as-okamoto-belts-31st-homer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Shota Imanaga reached double figures in wins as the Chicago Cubs clobbered the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-2 on Friday, while Kazuma Okam ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/12/20260912p2g00m0sp017000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Imanaga, earns, 10th, win, Okamoto, belts, 31st, homer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Shota Imanaga reached double figures in wins as the Chicago Cubs clobbered the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-2 on Friday, while Kazuma Okam]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Isabella Bird&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;Unbeaten Tracks in Japan&amp;apos;: Encountering a hot spring in 1878 (Pt. 10)</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/isabella-birds-unbeaten-tracks-in-japan-encountering-a-hot-spring-in-1878-pt-10</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/isabella-birds-unbeaten-tracks-in-japan-encountering-a-hot-spring-in-1878-pt-10</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ During her 12-day stay in Nikko, Isabella Bird made an overnight trip to Yumoto Onsen in the mountains of Oku-Nikko. It was the first time for her to ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/09/20260909p2a00m0et012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Isabella, Birds, Unbeaten, Tracks, Japan:, Encountering, hot, spring, 1878, Pt., 10</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[During her 12-day stay in Nikko, Isabella Bird made an overnight trip to Yumoto Onsen in the mountains of Oku-Nikko. It was the first time for her to]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Saudi Arabia shuts down pipeline as Houthis seize island, opening new front in the Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/saudi-arabia-shuts-down-pipeline-as-houthis-seize-island-opening-new-front-in-the-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/saudi-arabia-shuts-down-pipeline-as-houthis-seize-island-opening-new-front-in-the-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAIRO (AP) -- Saudi Arabia said Friday it shut down a major pipeline a day after it was attacked by drones, and Yemen&#039;s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels c ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Saudi, Arabia, shuts, down, pipeline, Houthis, seize, island, opening, new, front, the, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAIRO (AP) -- Saudi Arabia said Friday it shut down a major pipeline a day after it was attacked by drones, and Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels c]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>More than 500,000 Russian troops killed in Ukraine, UK defense chief says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/more-than-500000-russian-troops-killed-in-ukraine-uk-defense-chief-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/more-than-500000-russian-troops-killed-in-ukraine-uk-defense-chief-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- More than half a million Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine since the start of Moscow&#039;s full-scale invasion in February ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/12/20260912p2g00m0in011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>More, than, 500, 000, Russian, troops, killed, Ukraine, defense, chief, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- More than half a million Russian troops have been killed in Ukraine since the start of Moscow's full-scale invasion in February]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Volcanic alert level raised for Hokkaido&amp;apos;s Mt. Tokachi</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/volcanic-alert-level-raised-for-hokkaidos-mt-tokachi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/volcanic-alert-level-raised-for-hokkaidos-mt-tokachi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO (Kyodo)  Japan&#039;s weather agency on Saturday raised the volcanic alert level for Mt. Tokachi on Japan&#039;s northernmost main island of Hokkaido to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Volcanic, alert, level, raised, for, Hokkaidos, Mt., Tokachi</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO (Kyodo)  Japan's weather agency on Saturday raised the volcanic alert level for Mt. Tokachi on Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What&amp;apos;s happening at TIFF: An &amp;apos;Obsession&amp;apos; victory lap, MIA studios and a taxidermy musical</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-happening-at-tiff-an-obsession-victory-lap-mia-studios-and-a-taxidermy-musical</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/whats-happening-at-tiff-an-obsession-victory-lap-mia-studios-and-a-taxidermy-musical</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (AP) -- The 51st Toronto International Film Festival is underway, with steady parades of premieres running like traffic jams through downtown ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/12/20260912p2g00m0et013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Whats, happening, TIFF:, Obsession, victory, lap, MIA, studios, and, taxidermy, musical</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (AP) -- The 51st Toronto International Film Festival is underway, with steady parades of premieres running like traffic jams through downtown]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China to hike visa fees for Japan nationals around 7&#45;fold next week</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-hike-visa-fees-for-japan-nationals-around-7-fold-next-week</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-hike-visa-fees-for-japan-nationals-around-7-fold-next-week</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Friday that entry visa fees for Japanese nationals will be hiked around sevenfold next week, after the Japanese government raised single-entry visa… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, hike, visa, fees, for, Japan, nationals, around, 7-fold, next, week</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Friday that entry visa fees for Japanese nationals will be hiked around sevenfold next week, after the Japanese government raised single-entry visa…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Over 30% of unmarried people in Japan do not want children: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-30-of-unmarried-people-in-japan-do-not-want-children-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-30-of-unmarried-people-in-japan-do-not-want-children-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 30 percent of unmarried people aged 18 to 34 in Japan do not wish to have children, the highest percentage since comparable data became available in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 30, unmarried, people, Japan, not, want, children:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 30 percent of unmarried people aged 18 to 34 in Japan do not wish to have children, the highest percentage since comparable data became available in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mount Koya temple lodging operators underreported over ¥100 mil in income: source</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-koya-temple-lodging-operators-underreported-over-100-mil-in-income-source</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-koya-temple-lodging-operators-underreported-over-100-mil-in-income-source</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Several religious corporations operating temple lodgings on Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in western Japan, have failed to report a total of more than 100 million… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mount, Koya, temple, lodging, operators, underreported, over, ¥100, mil, income:, source</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Several religious corporations operating temple lodgings on Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site in western Japan, have failed to report a total of more than 100 million…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>With no pandas at home, Japanese fans visit Xiang Xiang in China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/with-no-pandas-at-home-japanese-fans-visit-xiang-xiang-in-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/with-no-pandas-at-home-japanese-fans-visit-xiang-xiang-in-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YA&#039;AN, China (Kyodo) -- With Japan now without pandas for the first time in nearly half a century, devoted fans are heading to southwestern China for ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>With, pandas, home, Japanese, fans, visit, Xiang, Xiang, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YA'AN, China (Kyodo) -- With Japan now without pandas for the first time in nearly half a century, devoted fans are heading to southwestern China for]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Influenza cases in Japan rise 1.87&#45;fold from previous week: gov&amp;apos;t</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/influenza-cases-in-japan-rise-187-fold-from-previous-week-govt</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/influenza-cases-in-japan-rise-187-fold-from-previous-week-govt</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s health ministry said Friday that the number of influenza cases reported by about 3,000 designated medical institutions nation ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:18:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Influenza, cases, Japan, rise, 1.87-fold, from, previous, week:, govt</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's health ministry said Friday that the number of influenza cases reported by about 3,000 designated medical institutions nation]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mount Fuji&amp;apos;s climbing season ends; foreigners accounted for 32% of climbers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-fujis-climbing-season-ends-foreigners-accounted-for-32-of-climbers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mount-fujis-climbing-season-ends-foreigners-accounted-for-32-of-climbers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mount Fuji&#039;s climbing season ended on Thursday, with foreigners accounting for 32 percent of climbers during the season that began about two months ago.
The figures were compiled… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:07:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mount, Fujis, climbing, season, ends, foreigners, accounted, for, 32, climbers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mount Fuji's climbing season ended on Thursday, with foreigners accounting for 32 percent of climbers during the season that began about two months ago.
The figures were compiled…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan deploys equipment to Borneo to help fight wildfires causing toxic haze</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-deploys-equipment-to-borneo-to-help-fight-wildfires-causing-toxic-haze</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-deploys-equipment-to-borneo-to-help-fight-wildfires-causing-toxic-haze</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese military transport ship docked on the island of Borneo on Thursday as part of a disaster relief mission to help fight wildfires in Indonesia that are… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, deploys, equipment, Borneo, help, fight, wildfires, causing, toxic, haze</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese military transport ship docked on the island of Borneo on Thursday as part of a disaster relief mission to help fight wildfires in Indonesia that are…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Amsterdam museum unveils Kusama show weeks after her death</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/amsterdam-museum-unveils-kusama-show-weeks-after-her-death</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/amsterdam-museum-unveils-kusama-show-weeks-after-her-death</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ More than 300 works by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama go on display in Amsterdam from Friday, an exhibit that has become a tribute to the &quot;polka dot… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Amsterdam, museum, unveils, Kusama, show, weeks, after, her, death</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[More than 300 works by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama go on display in Amsterdam from Friday, an exhibit that has become a tribute to the "polka dot…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan Aug. wholesale prices up 7.6%, remain above 7% for 3rd month in row</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-aug-wholesale-prices-up-76-remain-above-7-for-3rd-month-in-row</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-aug-wholesale-prices-up-76-remain-above-7-for-3rd-month-in-row</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s wholesale prices in August rose 7.6 percent from a year earlier, remaining above 7 percent for the third consecutive month, d ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Aug., wholesale, prices, 7.6, remain, above, for, 3rd, month, row</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's wholesale prices in August rose 7.6 percent from a year earlier, remaining above 7 percent for the third consecutive month, d]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>9/11 overshadows other major events of the past 25 years for many Americans, new poll finds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/911-overshadows-other-major-events-of-the-past-25-years-for-many-americans-new-poll-finds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/911-overshadows-other-major-events-of-the-past-25-years-for-many-americans-new-poll-finds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- Twenty-five years later, the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, are still remembered as among the most important historic events in many Am ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>911, overshadows, other, major, events, the, past, years, for, many, Americans, new, poll, finds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- Twenty-five years later, the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, are still remembered as among the most important historic events in many Am]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan police agency ponders hiring foreigners in understaffed security industry</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-agency-ponders-hiring-foreigners-in-understaffed-security-industry</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-agency-ponders-hiring-foreigners-in-understaffed-security-industry</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan&#039;s National Police Agency (NPA) is set to establish an expert panel to discuss ways to use foreign workers in the labor-short security i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, police, agency, ponders, hiring, foreigners, understaffed, security, industry</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) is set to establish an expert panel to discuss ways to use foreign workers in the labor-short security i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Appeals court cites detention of Japanese Americans in ruling blasting Trump immigration policy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/appeals-court-cites-detention-of-japanese-americans-in-ruling-blasting-trump-immigration-policy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/appeals-court-cites-detention-of-japanese-americans-in-ruling-blasting-trump-immigration-policy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- The Trump administration&#039;s policy of holding immigrants without a chance for release on bond is illegal and &quot;harkens back to some of the darke ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Appeals, court, cites, detention, Japanese, Americans, ruling, blasting, Trump, immigration, policy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- The Trump administration's policy of holding immigrants without a chance for release on bond is illegal and "harkens back to some of the darke]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Sumo: Injured yokozuna Hoshoryu withdraws from Autumn meet</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sumo-injured-yokozuna-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-autumn-meet</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sumo-injured-yokozuna-hoshoryu-withdraws-from-autumn-meet</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo9 -- Injured yokozuna Hoshoryu withdrew from the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday after failing to recover in time followin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sumo:, Injured, yokozuna, Hoshoryu, withdraws, from, Autumn, meet</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo9 -- Injured yokozuna Hoshoryu withdrew from the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament on Friday after failing to recover in time followin]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan lowers travel warnings for Israel, 2 other Mideast nations, Palestine</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-lowers-travel-warnings-for-israel-2-other-mideast-nations-palestine</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-lowers-travel-warnings-for-israel-2-other-mideast-nations-palestine</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Foreign Ministry on Thursday lowered travel warnings for parts of Israel, two other Middle Eastern countries and Palestine af ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, lowers, travel, warnings, for, Israel, other, Mideast, nations, Palestine</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Foreign Ministry on Thursday lowered travel warnings for parts of Israel, two other Middle Eastern countries and Palestine af]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: The United States still has not learned the lessons of 9/11 aftermath</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-the-united-states-still-has-not-learned-the-lessons-of-911-aftermath</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-the-united-states-still-has-not-learned-the-lessons-of-911-aftermath</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Twenty-five years have passed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The sight of the economic and defense nerve centers of the United States, t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, The, United, States, still, has, not, learned, the, lessons, 911, aftermath</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Twenty-five years have passed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The sight of the economic and defense nerve centers of the United States, t]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan court hears suit over Mie Pref. survey excluding foreign residents</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-court-hears-suit-over-mie-pref-survey-excluding-foreign-residents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-court-hears-suit-over-mie-pref-survey-excluding-foreign-residents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TSU -- The first oral argument regarding a resident lawsuit seeking damages over a public opinion survey conducted by Mie Prefecture in central Japan ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, court, hears, suit, over, Mie, Pref., survey, excluding, foreign, residents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TSU -- The first oral argument regarding a resident lawsuit seeking damages over a public opinion survey conducted by Mie Prefecture in central Japan]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gold, gems and Renoirs: France&amp;apos;s museums grapple with a wave of smash&#45;and&#45;grab thefts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gold-gems-and-renoirs-frances-museums-grapple-with-a-wave-of-smash-and-grab-thefts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gold-gems-and-renoirs-frances-museums-grapple-with-a-wave-of-smash-and-grab-thefts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PARIS (AP) -- At a museum in eastern France, two men disguised with wigs used a sledgehammer and a hammer to smash a display case and make off with a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gold, gems, and, Renoirs:, Frances, museums, grapple, with, wave, smash-and-grab, thefts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PARIS (AP) -- At a museum in eastern France, two men disguised with wigs used a sledgehammer and a hammer to smash a display case and make off with a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Baby turtles head to sea in Shizuoka Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-turtles-head-to-sea-in-shizuoka-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-turtles-head-to-sea-in-shizuoka-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Minamiizu Municipal Board of Education in Shizuoka Prefecture announced that it had confirmed the hatching of loggerhead sea turtle eggs and baby ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Baby, turtles, head, sea, Shizuoka, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Minamiizu Municipal Board of Education in Shizuoka Prefecture announced that it had confirmed the hatching of loggerhead sea turtle eggs and baby]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Body found off coast near Tokyo identified as missing 10&#45;year&#45;old boy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/body-found-off-coast-near-tokyo-identified-as-missing-10-year-old-boy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/body-found-off-coast-near-tokyo-identified-as-missing-10-year-old-boy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The body of a 10-year-old boy who went missing after being swept out to sea a day earlier was found in the sea off the coast of eastern… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:43:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Body, found, off, coast, near, Tokyo, identified, missing, 10-year-old, boy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The body of a 10-year-old boy who went missing after being swept out to sea a day earlier was found in the sea off the coast of eastern…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fire on passenger ferry in Philippines leaves dozens missing and at least 5 dead</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-on-passenger-ferry-in-philippines-leaves-dozens-missing-and-at-least-5-dead</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-on-passenger-ferry-in-philippines-leaves-dozens-missing-and-at-least-5-dead</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A fire burned overnight on a passenger ferry off the western Philippines, leaving dozens of people missing Thursday and ki ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fire, passenger, ferry, Philippines, leaves, dozens, missing, and, least, dead</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A fire burned overnight on a passenger ferry off the western Philippines, leaving dozens of people missing Thursday and ki]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks up as AI, chip buying erases losses due to oil price rise</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-up-as-ai-chip-buying-erases-losses-due-to-oil-price-rise</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-up-as-ai-chip-buying-erases-losses-due-to-oil-price-rise</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, as losses stemming from elevated crude oil prices and the subsequent rise in bond yields were era ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, AI, chip, buying, erases, losses, due, oil, price, rise</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday, as losses stemming from elevated crude oil prices and the subsequent rise in bond yields were era]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Death toll rises to 16 in landslides in southeastern China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-rises-to-16-in-landslides-in-southeastern-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-rises-to-16-in-landslides-in-southeastern-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- Searchers in southeastern China have found another body from rain-triggered landslides last weekend in Jiangxi province, raising the death tol ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Death, toll, rises, landslides, southeastern, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- Searchers in southeastern China have found another body from rain-triggered landslides last weekend in Jiangxi province, raising the death tol]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Advance payments for rice farmers sharply cut in 16 prefectures</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/advance-payments-for-rice-farmers-sharply-cut-in-16-prefectures</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/advance-payments-for-rice-farmers-sharply-cut-in-16-prefectures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s agricultural cooperatives have slashed advance payments to rice producers by about 20 to 40 percent on average from the previous year in 16 of the country&#039;s 47… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Advance, payments, for, rice, farmers, sharply, cut, prefectures</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's agricultural cooperatives have slashed advance payments to rice producers by about 20 to 40 percent on average from the previous year in 16 of the country's 47…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t yet to decide on new visa approvals in food sector &amp;apos;stretched to limit&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-yet-to-decide-on-new-visa-approvals-in-food-sector-stretched-to-limit</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-yet-to-decide-on-new-visa-approvals-in-food-sector-stretched-to-limit</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Japanese government reported to an expert panel on Sept. 9 that it has yet to decide when to resume accepting foreign workers under the S ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, yet, decide, new, visa, approvals, food, sector, stretched, limit</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Japanese government reported to an expert panel on Sept. 9 that it has yet to decide when to resume accepting foreign workers under the S]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s paternal leave rate hits 50% but greater awareness for support needed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-paternal-leave-rate-hits-50-but-greater-awareness-for-support-needed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-paternal-leave-rate-hits-50-but-greater-awareness-for-support-needed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan must create an environment in which men and women alike can shoulder child care while balancing the role with their jobs.The rate of men taking ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, paternal, leave, rate, hits, 50, but, greater, awareness, for, support, needed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan must create an environment in which men and women alike can shoulder child care while balancing the role with their jobs.The rate of men taking]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ to continue to raise policy interest rate: board member</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-to-continue-to-raise-policy-interest-rate-board-member</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-to-continue-to-raise-policy-interest-rate-board-member</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUI, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan will continue to raise its key interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary accommodation, BOJ board memb ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, continue, raise, policy, interest, rate:, board, member</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUI, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan will continue to raise its key interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary accommodation, BOJ board memb]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan temple lodgings on foreign tourist hotspot Mt. Koya underreported income: sources</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-temple-lodgings-on-foreign-tourist-hotspot-mt-koya-underreported-income-sources</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-temple-lodgings-on-foreign-tourist-hotspot-mt-koya-underreported-income-sources</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOYA, Wakayama -- The Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau identified widespread income underreporting by religious corporations operating temple lodgings o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, temple, lodgings, foreign, tourist, hotspot, Mt., Koya, underreported, income:, sources</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOYA, Wakayama -- The Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau identified widespread income underreporting by religious corporations operating temple lodgings o]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump, hoping to salvage midterms, makes dubious pledge to give every US adult $5,000 if GOP wins</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-hoping-to-salvage-midterms-makes-dubious-pledge-to-give-every-us-adult-5000-if-gop-wins</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-hoping-to-salvage-midterms-makes-dubious-pledge-to-give-every-us-adult-5000-if-gop-wins</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to send every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midt ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, hoping, salvage, midterms, makes, dubious, pledge, give, every, adult, 5, 000, GOP, wins</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to send every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midt]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Body found off coast near Tokyo identified as missing boy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/body-found-off-coast-near-tokyo-identified-as-missing-boy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/body-found-off-coast-near-tokyo-identified-as-missing-boy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOSUKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The body of a 10-year-old boy who went missing after being swept out to sea a day earlier was found in the sea off the coas ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Body, found, off, coast, near, Tokyo, identified, missing, boy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOSUKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The body of a 10-year-old boy who went missing after being swept out to sea a day earlier was found in the sea off the coas]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japanese baseball legend Isao Harimoto, touted as &amp;apos;hit machine,&amp;apos; dies at 86</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-baseball-legend-isao-harimoto-touted-as-hit-machine-dies-at-86</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-baseball-legend-isao-harimoto-touted-as-hit-machine-dies-at-86</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese baseball great Isao Harimoto, the Nippon Professional Baseball record holder with 3,085 hits, died at a hospital in Tokyo on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, baseball, legend, Isao, Harimoto, touted, hit, machine, dies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese baseball great Isao Harimoto, the Nippon Professional Baseball record holder with 3,085 hits, died at a hospital in Tokyo on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese winner of US Lasker Award says drug discovery is rewarding</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-winner-of-us-lasker-award-says-drug-discovery-is-rewarding</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-winner-of-us-lasker-award-says-drug-discovery-is-rewarding</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese researcher Kunihiro Hattori, one of the winners of the 2026 Lasker Award in medicine, said Thursday that the achievement has ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, winner, Lasker, Award, says, drug, discovery, rewarding</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese researcher Kunihiro Hattori, one of the winners of the 2026 Lasker Award in medicine, said Thursday that the achievement has]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services partially suspended due to inspection</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokaido-shinkansen-bullet-train-services-partially-suspended-due-to-inspection</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokaido-shinkansen-bullet-train-services-partially-suspended-due-to-inspection</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services linking Tokyo and western Japan have resumed operation after a partial suspension due to a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokaido, Shinkansen, bullet, train, services, partially, suspended, due, inspection</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services linking Tokyo and western Japan have resumed operation after a partial suspension due to a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Yoroku: Japan&amp;apos;s historical storm warnings meet an age of record rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yoroku-japans-historical-storm-warnings-meet-an-age-of-record-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yoroku-japans-historical-storm-warnings-meet-an-age-of-record-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The day Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867), entered Edo Castle was the first day of the eighth month of th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yoroku:, Japans, historical, storm, warnings, meet, age, record, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The day Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867), entered Edo Castle was the first day of the eighth month of th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>1 dead, over 40 injured as heavy rain hits central Japan, swamps Nagoya</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/1-dead-over-40-injured-as-heavy-rain-hits-central-japan-swamps-nagoya</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/1-dead-over-40-injured-as-heavy-rain-hits-central-japan-swamps-nagoya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At least one person was killed in a landslide and more than 40 others sustained minor injuries in central Japan, authorities said Wednesday, after a linear rainband brought… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>dead, over, injured, heavy, rain, hits, central, Japan, swamps, Nagoya</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[At least one person was killed in a landslide and more than 40 others sustained minor injuries in central Japan, authorities said Wednesday, after a linear rainband brought…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Worker falls to death from transmission tower in Tokushima</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/worker-falls-to-death-from-transmission-tower-in-tokushima</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/worker-falls-to-death-from-transmission-tower-in-tokushima</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 19-year-old worker died after falling about 40 meters from a transmission tower in western Japan on Wednesday, police said.
The accident occurred when Kazuki Matsuoka was descending… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Worker, falls, death, from, transmission, tower, Tokushima</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 19-year-old worker died after falling about 40 meters from a transmission tower in western Japan on Wednesday, police said.
The accident occurred when Kazuki Matsuoka was descending…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Penicillin shortage continues in Japan amid high number of syphilis cases</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/penicillin-shortage-continues-in-japan-amid-high-number-of-syphilis-cases</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/penicillin-shortage-continues-in-japan-amid-high-number-of-syphilis-cases</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A shortage of penicillin, the first-choice treatment for syphilis, continues in Japan amid persistently high infection levels, with production, halted due to an equipment failure at a manufacturer&#039;s… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:03:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Penicillin, shortage, continues, Japan, amid, high, number, syphilis, cases</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A shortage of penicillin, the first-choice treatment for syphilis, continues in Japan amid persistently high infection levels, with production, halted due to an equipment failure at a manufacturer's…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Landslide hits Mount Fuji after heavy rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/landslide-hits-mount-fuji-after-heavy-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/landslide-hits-mount-fuji-after-heavy-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A landslide struck one of the main starting points for climbers on ‌Mount Fuji on Wednesday, local broadcaster TBS reported, after heavy rain inundated large parts of the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Landslide, hits, Mount, Fuji, after, heavy, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A landslide struck one of the main starting points for climbers on ‌Mount Fuji on Wednesday, local broadcaster TBS reported, after heavy rain inundated large parts of the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nagoya designated for disaster relief after 41 injured in heavy rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-designated-for-disaster-relief-after-41-injured-in-heavy-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-designated-for-disaster-relief-after-41-injured-in-heavy-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nagoya said Wednesday that it has decided to provide emergency relief across the city where at least 41 people sustained minor injuries after a linear rainband formed, pounding… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nagoya, designated, for, disaster, relief, after, injured, heavy, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nagoya said Wednesday that it has decided to provide emergency relief across the city where at least 41 people sustained minor injuries after a linear rainband formed, pounding…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>US military says it destroyed 5 more Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on Navy warship</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-military-says-it-destroyed-5-more-iranian-oil-tankers-after-missile-attacks-on-navy-warship</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-military-says-it-destroyed-5-more-iranian-oil-tankers-after-missile-attacks-on-navy-warship</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to the latest attacks on its warships and Tehra ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>military, says, destroyed, more, Iranian, oil, tankers, after, missile, attacks, Navy, warship</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. military said it destroyed five Iranian oil tankers on Tuesday in response to the latest attacks on its warships and Tehra]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nagoya in central Japan designated for disaster relief after heavy rain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-in-central-japan-designated-for-disaster-relief-after-heavy-rain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nagoya-in-central-japan-designated-for-disaster-relief-after-heavy-rain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Nagoya in central Japan said Wednesday that it has decided to provide emergency relief across the city where at least 41 people sust ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:10:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nagoya, central, Japan, designated, for, disaster, relief, after, heavy, rain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- Nagoya in central Japan said Wednesday that it has decided to provide emergency relief across the city where at least 41 people sust]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Torrential rain hits central Japan, flooding vital infrastructure in Nagoya</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/torrential-rain-hits-central-japan-flooding-vital-infrastructure-in-nagoya</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/torrential-rain-hits-central-japan-flooding-vital-infrastructure-in-nagoya</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Torrential rain pounded central Japan on Tuesday, prompting an emergency flood warning for a major river in the region, as roads, railway tracks and other infrastructure were inundated,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Torrential, rain, hits, central, Japan, flooding, vital, infrastructure, Nagoya</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Torrential rain pounded central Japan on Tuesday, prompting an emergency flood warning for a major river in the region, as roads, railway tracks and other infrastructure were inundated,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Fewer than 30% of Japan pet owners stockpile supplies for their dogs, cats</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fewer-than-30-of-japan-pet-owners-stockpile-supplies-for-their-dogs-cats</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fewer-than-30-of-japan-pet-owners-stockpile-supplies-for-their-dogs-cats</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Fewer than 30 percent of dog and cat owners in Japan stockpile emergency food and water for their pets when preparing for disasters, a recent survey by a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fewer, than, 30, Japan, pet, owners, stockpile, supplies, for, their, dogs, cats</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Fewer than 30 percent of dog and cat owners in Japan stockpile emergency food and water for their pets when preparing for disasters, a recent survey by a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japanese helicopters to join Indonesia&amp;apos;s wildfires battle this weekend</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-helicopters-to-join-indonesias-wildfires-battle-this-weekend</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-helicopters-to-join-indonesias-wildfires-battle-this-weekend</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan will deploy three CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters and their 180 crew in ‌Indonesia this weekend to help contain wildfires, Indonesian defence officials said on Tuesday.
Indonesia has intensified… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, helicopters, join, Indonesias, wildfires, battle, this, weekend</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan will deploy three CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters and their 180 crew in ‌Indonesia this weekend to help contain wildfires, Indonesian defence officials said on Tuesday.
Indonesia has intensified…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan gov&amp;apos;t rice buyback must not be used as tool to distort market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-govt-rice-buyback-must-not-be-used-as-tool-to-distort-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-govt-rice-buyback-must-not-be-used-as-tool-to-distort-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is set to buy back 210,000 metric tons of the 590,000 tons of reserve rice it released last year. From a food security standpo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, govt, rice, buyback, must, not, used, tool, distort, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is set to buy back 210,000 metric tons of the 590,000 tons of reserve rice it released last year. From a food security standpo]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Sake from Japan&amp;apos;s Yamaguchi wins at International Wine Challenge contest</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sake-from-japans-yamaguchi-wins-at-international-wine-challenge-contest</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sake-from-japans-yamaguchi-wins-at-international-wine-challenge-contest</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LONDON (Kyodo) -- Tenbi Junmai Ginjo Hotaten, a sake product from Japan&#039;s Yamaguchi Prefecture, has won the highest award in the rice-wine category at ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sake, from, Japans, Yamaguchi, wins, International, Wine, Challenge, contest</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LONDON (Kyodo) -- Tenbi Junmai Ginjo Hotaten, a sake product from Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture, has won the highest award in the rice-wine category at]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan foreign minister urges Iran show &amp;apos;restraint&amp;apos; in its vessel attacks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-minister-urges-iran-show-restraint-in-its-vessel-attacks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-minister-urges-iran-show-restraint-in-its-vessel-attacks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- During telephone talks with his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged Tehran to exercise ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, foreign, minister, urges, Iran, show, restraint, its, vessel, attacks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- During telephone talks with his Iranian counterpart on Tuesday, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi urged Tehran to exercise]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Yokohama panel deems &amp;apos;die&amp;apos; note to preschooler &amp;apos;equivalent to bullying&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yokohama-panel-deems-die-note-to-preschooler-equivalent-to-bullying</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yokohama-panel-deems-die-note-to-preschooler-equivalent-to-bullying</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA -- The Yokohama Municipal Government on Sept. 8 released a third-party investigative panel report on the case of a boy at a day care in this ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yokohama, panel, deems, die, note, preschooler, equivalent, bullying</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA -- The Yokohama Municipal Government on Sept. 8 released a third-party investigative panel report on the case of a boy at a day care in this]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Okamoto becomes 3rd Japanese player to hit 30 HRs this season</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-becomes-3rd-japanese-player-to-hit-30-hrs-this-season</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-becomes-3rd-japanese-player-to-hit-30-hrs-this-season</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SACRAMENTO, California (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 30th home run of the season on Tuesday, becoming the third Japanese player to reach the miles ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/09/20260909p2g00m0sp026000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Okamoto, becomes, 3rd, Japanese, player, hit, HRs, this, season</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SACRAMENTO, California (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 30th home run of the season on Tuesday, becoming the third Japanese player to reach the miles]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan opposition alliance agrees plan to split on founding party lines</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opposition-alliance-agrees-plan-to-split-on-founding-party-lines</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-opposition-alliance-agrees-plan-to-split-on-founding-party-lines</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Lawmakers in Japan&#039;s main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, agreed Wednesday to a plan to split, with most of its membe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, opposition, alliance, agrees, plan, split, founding, party, lines</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Lawmakers in Japan's main opposition party, the Centrist Reform Alliance, agreed Wednesday to a plan to split, with most of its membe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rare puffer fish with no display record in Japan on show at Yamaguchi Pref. aquarium</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rare-puffer-fish-with-no-display-record-in-japan-on-show-at-yamaguchi-pref-aquarium</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rare-puffer-fish-with-no-display-record-in-japan-on-show-at-yamaguchi-pref-aquarium</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIMONOSEKI, Yamaguchi -- A newly exhibited puffer fish at the municipal aquarium in this western Japan city is drawing the attention of visitors. Acc ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rare, puffer, fish, with, display, record, Japan, show, Yamaguchi, Pref., aquarium</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIMONOSEKI, Yamaguchi -- A newly exhibited puffer fish at the municipal aquarium in this western Japan city is drawing the attention of visitors. Acc]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan Post to sell stamps featuring popular monkey &amp;apos;Punch&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-post-to-sell-stamps-featuring-popular-monkey-punch</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-post-to-sell-stamps-featuring-popular-monkey-punch</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ICHIKAWA, Chiba -- Japan Post Co.&#039;s Kanto branch will begin selling stamps from Sept. 24 featuring Punch, a popular Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/09/20260909p2a00m0li031000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Post, sell, stamps, featuring, popular, monkey, Punch</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ICHIKAWA, Chiba -- Japan Post Co.'s Kanto branch will begin selling stamps from Sept. 24 featuring Punch, a popular Japanese macaque at Ichikawa City]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan failed to disclose US view on PFAS found near Okinawa bases: source</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-failed-to-disclose-us-view-on-pfas-found-near-okinawa-bases-source</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-failed-to-disclose-us-view-on-pfas-found-near-okinawa-bases-source</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The United States, in past communications with the Japanese government about U.S. military bases in Okinawa, conveyed its view that h ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, failed, disclose, view, PFAS, found, near, Okinawa, bases:, source</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The United States, in past communications with the Japanese government about U.S. military bases in Okinawa, conveyed its view that h]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Japan to nominate Hikone Castle for World Heritage status</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-japan-to-nominate-hikone-castle-for-world-heritage-status</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-japan-to-nominate-hikone-castle-for-world-heritage-status</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has decided to nominate Hikone Castle in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, for registration as a Cultural World Heritage s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Japan, nominate, Hikone, Castle, for, World, Heritage, status</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has decided to nominate Hikone Castle in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, for registration as a Cultural World Heritage s]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>6&#45;year&#45;old boy missing since Sept 5 in Yamagata</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/6-year-old-boy-missing-since-sept-5-in-yamagata</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/6-year-old-boy-missing-since-sept-5-in-yamagata</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 6-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, has gone missing, police said Monday.
The missing child, Yuto Takahashi, was last seen by… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:51:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>6-year-old, boy, missing, since, Sept, Yamagata</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 6-year-old boy attending a special needs school in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture, has gone missing, police said Monday.
The missing child, Yuto Takahashi, was last seen by…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dollar falls into 152 yen zone amid BOJ rate hike speculation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-falls-into-152-yen-zone-amid-boj-rate-hike-speculation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dollar-falls-into-152-yen-zone-amid-boj-rate-hike-speculation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar briefly fell into the 152 yen range in Tokyo on Tuesday, for the first time since February, as the yen was bought ami ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:46:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dollar, falls, into, 152, yen, zone, amid, BOJ, rate, hike, speculation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The U.S. dollar briefly fell into the 152 yen range in Tokyo on Tuesday, for the first time since February, as the yen was bought ami]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani back to lineup in Dodgers&amp;apos; win over Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-back-to-lineup-in-dodgers-win-over-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-back-to-lineup-in-dodgers-win-over-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ENGELS (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers&#039; lineup on Monday following a four-day absence due to multiple health concerns ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:46:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, back, lineup, Dodgers, win, over, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ENGELS (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers' lineup on Monday following a four-day absence due to multiple health concerns]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>N. Korea slams Japan&#45;US&#45;S. Korea drill as &amp;apos;crucial threat&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-slams-japan-us-s-korea-drill-as-crucial-threat</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-slams-japan-us-s-korea-drill-as-crucial-threat</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song Gi has slammed an ongoing trilateral multi-domain exercise involving Japan, the United State ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, slams, Japan-US-S., Korea, drill, crucial, threat</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song Gi has slammed an ongoing trilateral multi-domain exercise involving Japan, the United State]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Myanmar worker claims he was beaten with stick at Hokkaido farm</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-worker-claims-he-was-beaten-with-stick-at-hokkaido-farm</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-worker-claims-he-was-beaten-with-stick-at-hokkaido-farm</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A Myanmar man who fled a farm in Hokkaido, where he was employed under Japan&#039;s Specified Skilled Worker status, said at a news conference in ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Myanmar, worker, claims, was, beaten, with, stick, Hokkaido, farm</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A Myanmar man who fled a farm in Hokkaido, where he was employed under Japan's Specified Skilled Worker status, said at a news conference in]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Phantom mole&amp;apos; recorded for first time in northern Japan&amp;apos;s Shirakami&#45;Sanchi mountains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/phantom-mole-recorded-for-first-time-in-northern-japans-shirakami-sanchi-mountains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/phantom-mole-recorded-for-first-time-in-northern-japans-shirakami-sanchi-mountains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ AOMORI -- The Japanese mountain mole, sometimes called a &quot;phantom mole,&quot; has been found for the first time in the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, a UNESCO ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:30:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Phantom, mole, recorded, for, first, time, northern, Japans, Shirakami-Sanchi, mountains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[AOMORI -- The Japanese mountain mole, sometimes called a "phantom mole," has been found for the first time in the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, a UNESCO]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Asian Games: Paris gymnastics triple gold medalist Oka ready to lead Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-paris-gymnastics-triple-gold-medalist-oka-ready-to-lead-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/asian-games-paris-gymnastics-triple-gold-medalist-oka-ready-to-lead-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Having shot to stardom with three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Shinnosuke Oka heads into the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as the li ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:22:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Asian, Games:, Paris, gymnastics, triple, gold, medalist, Oka, ready, lead, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Having shot to stardom with three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Shinnosuke Oka heads into the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as the li]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tennis: Osaka beaten in US Open 4th round by No. 2 seed Rybakina</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-osaka-beaten-in-us-open-4th-round-by-no-2-seed-rybakina</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-osaka-beaten-in-us-open-4th-round-by-no-2-seed-rybakina</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka exited the tournament in the fourth round Monday with a 6-1, 6-4 loss to No. 2 seed Elena ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tennis:, Osaka, beaten, Open, 4th, round, No., seed, Rybakina</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Two-time U.S. Open champion Naomi Osaka exited the tournament in the fourth round Monday with a 6-1, 6-4 loss to No. 2 seed Elena]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan GDP in April&#45;June revised up to 1.4% on narrower investment decline</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gdp-in-april-june-revised-up-to-14-on-narrower-investment-decline</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gdp-in-april-june-revised-up-to-14-on-narrower-investment-decline</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s economy expanded an annualized real 1.4 percent in the April-June quarter, revised up from a 1.1 percent increase in the prel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, GDP, April-June, revised, 1.4, narrower, investment, decline</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's economy expanded an annualized real 1.4 percent in the April-June quarter, revised up from a 1.1 percent increase in the prel]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Iran says improved ballistic missile shows it will take preemptive action against threats</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-says-improved-ballistic-missile-shows-it-will-take-preemptive-action-against-threats</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-says-improved-ballistic-missile-shows-it-will-take-preemptive-action-against-threats</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- Iran state media on Monday said a ballistic missile with improved capabilities was demonstrating a new doctrine: Tehran &quot;will take ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, says, improved, ballistic, missile, shows, will, take, preemptive, action, against, threats</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- Iran state media on Monday said a ballistic missile with improved capabilities was demonstrating a new doctrine: Tehran "will take]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan crown prince, princess leave for Norway King Harald&amp;apos;s funeral</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-crown-prince-princess-leave-for-norway-king-haralds-funeral</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-crown-prince-princess-leave-for-norway-king-haralds-funeral</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko left for Norway on Tuesday to attend the funeral of King Harald V, hig ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, crown, prince, princess, leave, for, Norway, King, Haralds, funeral</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife Crown Princess Kiko left for Norway on Tuesday to attend the funeral of King Harald V, hig]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Flooded underpass claims woman&amp;apos;s life amid torrential rain in eastern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/flooded-underpass-claims-womans-life-amid-torrential-rain-in-eastern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/flooded-underpass-claims-womans-life-amid-torrential-rain-in-eastern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A woman was killed after heavy rain flooded an underpass in Fukushima Prefecture on Sept. 7, as torrential downpours across eastern and northeastern J ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Flooded, underpass, claims, womans, life, amid, torrential, rain, eastern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A woman was killed after heavy rain flooded an underpass in Fukushima Prefecture on Sept. 7, as torrential downpours across eastern and northeastern J]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese seniors embracing life in second career as entrepreneurs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-seniors-embracing-life-in-second-career-as-entrepreneurs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-seniors-embracing-life-in-second-career-as-entrepreneurs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Starting a business after retirement or later in life has been gaining traction among Japanese seniors, as they leverage their experi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, seniors, embracing, life, second, career, entrepreneurs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Starting a business after retirement or later in life has been gaining traction among Japanese seniors, as they leverage their experi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Can DPFP become central opposition force in Japan?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-can-dpfp-become-central-opposition-force-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-can-dpfp-become-central-opposition-force-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Yuichiro Tamaki has secured a third term as leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), winning about 80% of the vote. Since the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Can, DPFP, become, central, opposition, force, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Yuichiro Tamaki has secured a third term as leader of the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), winning about 80% of the vote. Since the]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Photo Journal: 500,000 sunflowers in full bloom in Japan&amp;apos;s Fukuoka Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-500000-sunflowers-in-full-bloom-in-japans-fukuoka-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-500000-sunflowers-in-full-bloom-in-japans-fukuoka-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Some 500,000 sunflowers are in full bloom at the Yanagawa Sunflower Garden, located on reclaimed land along the Ariake Sea in the city of Yanagawa, Fu ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/08/20260908p2a00m0na009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Photo, Journal:, 500, 000, sunflowers, full, bloom, Japans, Fukuoka, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Some 500,000 sunflowers are in full bloom at the Yanagawa Sunflower Garden, located on reclaimed land along the Ariake Sea in the city of Yanagawa, Fu]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Russia, N. Korea open first road bridge in bid to expand trade ties</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/russia-n-korea-open-first-road-bridge-in-bid-to-expand-trade-ties</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/russia-n-korea-open-first-road-bridge-in-bid-to-expand-trade-ties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- Russia and North Korea opened their first road bridge on Monday, with the crossing over the Tumen River expected to boost trade and ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russia, Korea, open, first, road, bridge, bid, expand, trade, ties</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- Russia and North Korea opened their first road bridge on Monday, with the crossing over the Tumen River expected to boost trade and]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Australia, Solomon Islands to agree on comprehensive treaty: report</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/australia-solomon-islands-to-agree-on-comprehensive-treaty-report</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/australia-solomon-islands-to-agree-on-comprehensive-treaty-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- Australia and the Solomon Islands have agreed in principle on a comprehensive treaty, amid an ongoing push by Canberra to strengthen ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/08/20260908p2g00m0in036000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Australia, Solomon, Islands, agree, comprehensive, treaty:, report</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- Australia and the Solomon Islands have agreed in principle on a comprehensive treaty, amid an ongoing push by Canberra to strengthen]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo&amp;apos;s Shinjuku Ward to ban more than half of vacation rentals</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shinjuku-ward-to-ban-more-than-half-of-vacation-rentals</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shinjuku-ward-to-ban-more-than-half-of-vacation-rentals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo tourist hotspot Shinjuku will impose a ban on more than half of its holiday rentals including homes on Airbnb, an official said Monday, after a surge in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:03:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyos, Shinjuku, Ward, ban, more, than, half, vacation, rentals</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo tourist hotspot Shinjuku will impose a ban on more than half of its holiday rentals including homes on Airbnb, an official said Monday, after a surge in…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>One dead as heavy rain lashes Japan; 3,661 educational institutions closed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/one-dead-as-heavy-rain-lashes-japan-3661-educational-institutions-closed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/one-dead-as-heavy-rain-lashes-japan-3661-educational-institutions-closed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Heavy rainfall hit eastern Japan and elsewhere on Monday, with the weather agency urging maximum vigilance against landslides on Niijima, Oshima and Toshima islands, south of Tokyo, and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>One, dead, heavy, rain, lashes, Japan, 3, 661, educational, institutions, closed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Heavy rainfall hit eastern Japan and elsewhere on Monday, with the weather agency urging maximum vigilance against landslides on Niijima, Oshima and Toshima islands, south of Tokyo, and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hiker&amp;apos;s death puts spotlight on pets on Japan&amp;apos;s mountain trails</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hikers-death-puts-spotlight-on-pets-on-japans-mountain-trails</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hikers-death-puts-spotlight-on-pets-on-japans-mountain-trails</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A fatal accident involving a hiker and her dog at a scenic gorge has highlighted the risks of taking pets into the mountains, as authorities and hiking experts… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hikers, death, puts, spotlight, pets, Japans, mountain, trails</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A fatal accident involving a hiker and her dog at a scenic gorge has highlighted the risks of taking pets into the mountains, as authorities and hiking experts…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>One dead as heavy rain lashes Japan; weather agency warns of landslides, rainbands</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/one-dead-as-heavy-rain-lashes-japan-weather-agency-warns-of-landslides-rainbands</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/one-dead-as-heavy-rain-lashes-japan-weather-agency-warns-of-landslides-rainbands</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Heavy rainfall hit eastern Japan and elsewhere on Monday, with the weather agency urging maximum vigilance against landslides on Niijima and Oshima islands, south of Tokyo and a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:39:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>One, dead, heavy, rain, lashes, Japan, weather, agency, warns, landslides, rainbands</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Heavy rainfall hit eastern Japan and elsewhere on Monday, with the weather agency urging maximum vigilance against landslides on Niijima and Oshima islands, south of Tokyo and a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Indonesia keeps several airports closed though volcanic eruption is easing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesia-keeps-several-airports-closed-though-volcanic-eruption-is-easing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesia-keeps-several-airports-closed-though-volcanic-eruption-is-easing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia kept several airports closed and shifted schools to remote learning Monday though the volcanic eruption that has ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:34:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Indonesia, keeps, several, airports, closed, though, volcanic, eruption, easing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia kept several airports closed and shifted schools to remote learning Monday though the volcanic eruption that has]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan should not shut door on permanent residents</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-should-not-shut-door-on-permanent-residents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-should-not-shut-door-on-permanent-residents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Immigration Services Agency has announced plans to revise its guidelines for granting permanent residence, tightening the requirements. Many f ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0op013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:26:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, should, not, shut, door, permanent, residents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Immigration Services Agency has announced plans to revise its guidelines for granting permanent residence, tightening the requirements. Many f]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan weather agency warns of intense rain in Tokyo, 12 prefectures through Monday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-intense-rain-in-tokyo-12-prefectures-through-monday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-intense-rain-in-tokyo-12-prefectures-through-monday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s weather agency warned Sunday of intense rain in Tokyo and 12 other prefectures heading into Monday due to the influence of a typhoon and a weather front,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:07:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weather, agency, warns, intense, rain, Tokyo, prefectures, through, Monday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's weather agency warned Sunday of intense rain in Tokyo and 12 other prefectures heading into Monday due to the influence of a typhoon and a weather front,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Opposition to accepting more foreign residents growing in Japan: study</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/opposition-to-accepting-more-foreign-residents-growing-in-japan-study</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/opposition-to-accepting-more-foreign-residents-growing-in-japan-study</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The percentage of people in a panel study who opposed accepting more foreign residents in Japan grew to 56.3 percent this year, up 20.7 percentage points from 2024,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Opposition, accepting, more, foreign, residents, growing, Japan:, study</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The percentage of people in a panel study who opposed accepting more foreign residents in Japan grew to 56.3 percent this year, up 20.7 percentage points from 2024,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gov&amp;apos;t eyes spring 2029 for cash payments to low&#45;income earners</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-eyes-spring-2029-for-cash-payments-to-low-income-earners</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-eyes-spring-2029-for-cash-payments-to-low-income-earners</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is considering bringing forward to spring 2029 a system of payments to help lower- and middle-income earners, avoiding a gap in support after the end… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Govt, eyes, spring, 2029, for, cash, payments, low-income, earners</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is considering bringing forward to spring 2029 a system of payments to help lower- and middle-income earners, avoiding a gap in support after the end…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gov&amp;apos;t releases tips on bear spray use amid concern over bear attacks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-releases-tips-on-bear-spray-use-amid-concern-over-bear-attacks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-releases-tips-on-bear-spray-use-amid-concern-over-bear-attacks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government recently released guidelines on how to check the specifications of bear repellent sprays and properly choose and use them amid a proliferation of ineffective products… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Govt, releases, tips, bear, spray, use, amid, concern, over, bear, attacks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government recently released guidelines on how to check the specifications of bear repellent sprays and properly choose and use them amid a proliferation of ineffective products…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka Customs reports record seizures over trademark, copyright violations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-customs-reports-record-seizures-over-trademark-copyright-violations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-customs-reports-record-seizures-over-trademark-copyright-violations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- Osaka Customs on Sept. 4 reported 6,546 import seizures involving goods found to infringe intellectual property rights, including trademark a ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0na007000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, Customs, reports, record, seizures, over, trademark, copyright, violations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- Osaka Customs on Sept. 4 reported 6,546 import seizures involving goods found to infringe intellectual property rights, including trademark a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan foreign reserve assets fall by record 6% after interventions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-reserve-assets-fall-by-record-6-after-interventions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-reserve-assets-fall-by-record-6-after-interventions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s foreign reserve assets in August fell $79.58 billion, or 6.18 percent, from the previous month to $1.21 trillion, marking the ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/04/20260904p2g00m0bu003000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, foreign, reserve, assets, fall, record, after, interventions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's foreign reserve assets in August fell $79.58 billion, or 6.18 percent, from the previous month to $1.21 trillion, marking the]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US envoys Witkoff and Kushner hold talks in Ukraine after meeting with Putin</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner-hold-talks-in-ukraine-after-meeting-with-putin</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-envoys-witkoff-and-kushner-hold-talks-in-ukraine-after-meeting-with-putin</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held &quot;encouraging&quot; talks in Kyiv on Sunday in their first official visit to Ukraine, ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2g00m0in013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>envoys, Witkoff, and, Kushner, hold, talks, Ukraine, after, meeting, with, Putin</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYIV, Ukraine (AP) -- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held "encouraging" talks in Kyiv on Sunday in their first official visit to Ukraine,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Southwest Japan city taps popular anime &amp;apos;Zombie Land Saga&amp;apos; to boost tourism</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/southwest-japan-city-taps-popular-anime-zombie-land-saga-to-boost-tourism</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/southwest-japan-city-taps-popular-anime-zombie-land-saga-to-boost-tourism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAGA -- The Saga Municipal Government announced a proposed supplementary budget including a tourism spending promotion project being carried out in co ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0na009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Southwest, Japan, city, taps, popular, anime, Zombie, Land, Saga, boost, tourism</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAGA -- The Saga Municipal Government announced a proposed supplementary budget including a tourism spending promotion project being carried out in co]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan library that welcomes conversations a hit with locals</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-library-that-welcomes-conversations-a-hit-with-locals</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-library-that-welcomes-conversations-a-hit-with-locals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ AKASHI, Hyogo -- Just 17 months after opening, a municipal library in this west Japan city has become a popular gathering place for residents by chall ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0na001000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, library, that, welcomes, conversations, hit, with, locals</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[AKASHI, Hyogo -- Just 17 months after opening, a municipal library in this west Japan city has become a popular gathering place for residents by chall]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Once&#45;conjoined Vietnam twin to visit Japan&amp;apos;s Minamata disease areas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/once-conjoined-vietnam-twin-to-visit-japans-minamata-disease-areas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/once-conjoined-vietnam-twin-to-visit-japans-minamata-disease-areas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Nguyen Duc, a Vietnamese man born as a conjoined twin apparently due to the aftereffects of the defoliant Agent Orange use ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2g00m0in015000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Once-conjoined, Vietnam, twin, visit, Japans, Minamata, disease, areas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KAGOSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Nguyen Duc, a Vietnamese man born as a conjoined twin apparently due to the aftereffects of the defoliant Agent Orange use]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Manager Roberts expects imminent Ohtani return, not on mound</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-manager-roberts-expects-imminent-ohtani-return-not-on-mound</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-manager-roberts-expects-imminent-ohtani-return-not-on-mound</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani is set to return to game action for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, said skipper D ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2g00m0sp018000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Manager, Roberts, expects, imminent, Ohtani, return, not, mound</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani is set to return to game action for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, said skipper D]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Don&amp;apos;t disappear&amp;apos;: Tokyo aquarium&amp;apos;s X posts gain attention amid rise in child suicides</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dont-disappear-tokyo-aquariums-x-posts-gain-attention-amid-rise-in-child-suicides</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dont-disappear-tokyo-aquariums-x-posts-gain-attention-amid-rise-in-child-suicides</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A series of posts reaching out to young people amid an increase in child suicides, published Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 on the official X account of ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0na012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dont, disappear:, Tokyo, aquariums, posts, gain, attention, amid, rise, child, suicides</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A series of posts reaching out to young people amid an increase in child suicides, published Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 on the official X account of]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo&amp;apos;s Shinjuku Ward to ban vacation rentals in residential areas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shinjuku-ward-to-ban-vacation-rentals-in-residential-areas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-shinjuku-ward-to-ban-vacation-rentals-in-residential-areas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo&#039;s Shinjuku Ward plans to ban, as a general rule, vacation rentals such as Airbnbs in residential areas and areas near schools, ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/06/01/20260601p2g00m0bu003000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyos, Shinjuku, Ward, ban, vacation, rentals, residential, areas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward plans to ban, as a general rule, vacation rentals such as Airbnbs in residential areas and areas near schools,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Mitsubishi Motors revives Pajero after 7 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-mitsubishi-motors-revives-pajero-after-7-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-mitsubishi-motors-revives-pajero-after-7-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Mitsubishi Motors Corp. unveiled its new Pajero on September 2. The company stopped producing the Pajero in Japan in 2019, and the model is making a c ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/09/07/20260907p2a00m0bu003000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Mitsubishi, Motors, revives, Pajero, after, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Motors Corp. unveiled its new Pajero on September 2. The company stopped producing the Pajero in Japan in 2019, and the model is making a c]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-claims-strike-on-us-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-as-fighting-escalates</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-claims-strike-on-us-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-as-fighting-escalates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAIRO (AP) -- Iran said Sunday it struck an unmanned U.S. vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, the latest salvo in a new flare-up of fighting ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:22:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, claims, strike, ship, Strait, Hormuz, fighting, escalates</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAIRO (AP) -- Iran said Sunday it struck an unmanned U.S. vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, the latest salvo in a new flare-up of fighting]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Family mourns death of 3&#45;year&#45;old girl who died of heatstroke after being left on preschool bus</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/family-mourns-death-of-3-year-old-girl-who-died-of-heatstroke-after-being-left-on-preschool-bus</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/family-mourns-death-of-3-year-old-girl-who-died-of-heatstroke-after-being-left-on-preschool-bus</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The family of a three-year-old girl who died of heatstroke after being left behind on a preschool bus in Makinohara City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2022, gathered at the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:11:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Family, mourns, death, 3-year-old, girl, who, died, heatstroke, after, being, left, preschool, bus</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The family of a three-year-old girl who died of heatstroke after being left behind on a preschool bus in Makinohara City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 2022, gathered at the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kazuma Okamoto leads Blue Jays past Royals 4&#45;3 to pull into tie for last AL wild card</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kazuma-okamoto-leads-blue-jays-past-royals-4-3-to-pull-into-tie-for-last-al-wild-card</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kazuma-okamoto-leads-blue-jays-past-royals-4-3-to-pull-into-tie-for-last-al-wild-card</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kazuma Okamoto had four hits and two RBIs, including a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, as the surging Toronto Blue ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kazuma, Okamoto, leads, Blue, Jays, past, Royals, 4-3, pull, into, tie, for, last, wild, card</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Kazuma Okamoto had four hits and two RBIs, including a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning, as the surging Toronto Blue]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Indonesia cancels flights at Jakarta airport as Anak Krakatau volcano erupts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesia-cancels-flights-at-jakarta-airport-as-anak-krakatau-volcano-erupts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesia-cancels-flights-at-jakarta-airport-as-anak-krakatau-volcano-erupts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia&#039;s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, prompting the cancellation of all flights at Jakarta&#039;s Soekarno-Hat ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Indonesia, cancels, flights, Jakarta, airport, Anak, Krakatau, volcano, erupts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano erupted early Sunday, prompting the cancellation of all flights at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hat]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami becomes 1st Japanese player with 30 HRs in debut MLB yr</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-becomes-1st-japanese-player-with-30-hrs-in-debut-mlb-yr</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-becomes-1st-japanese-player-with-30-hrs-in-debut-mlb-yr</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami became the first Japanese player to hit 30 home runs in his debut MLB season Saturday as the Chicago White Sox lo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, becomes, 1st, Japanese, player, with, HRs, debut, MLB</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami became the first Japanese player to hit 30 home runs in his debut MLB season Saturday as the Chicago White Sox lo]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Putin meets with US envoys at the Kremlin for renewed talks on ending the war in Ukraine</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/putin-meets-with-us-envoys-at-the-kremlin-for-renewed-talks-on-ending-the-war-in-ukraine</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/putin-meets-with-us-envoys-at-the-kremlin-for-renewed-talks-on-ending-the-war-in-ukraine</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on Saturday for renewed talks on ending R ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Putin, meets, with, envoys, the, Kremlin, for, renewed, talks, ending, the, war, Ukraine</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin on Saturday for renewed talks on ending R]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US strikes 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying warships were targeted with ballistic missiles</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-strikes-3-iranian-oil-tankers-after-saying-warships-were-targeted-with-ballistic-missiles</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-strikes-3-iranian-oil-tankers-after-saying-warships-were-targeted-with-ballistic-missiles</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAIRO (AP) -- U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles, the American military said Satur ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>strikes, Iranian, oil, tankers, after, saying, warships, were, targeted, with, ballistic, missiles</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAIRO (AP) -- U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles, the American military said Satur]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Yusei Kikuchi pitches 6 scoreless innings to lead Angels to a 6&#45;1 win over the Pirates</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yusei-kikuchi-pitches-6-scoreless-innings-to-lead-angels-to-a-6-1-win-over-the-pirates</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yusei-kikuchi-pitches-6-scoreless-innings-to-lead-angels-to-a-6-1-win-over-the-pirates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Yusei Kikuchi pitched six scoreless innings and earned his first win of the season as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Pittsburgh Pi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yusei, Kikuchi, pitches, scoreless, innings, lead, Angels, 6-1, win, over, the, Pirates</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Yusei Kikuchi pitched six scoreless innings and earned his first win of the season as the Los Angeles Angels beat the Pittsburgh Pi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rescuers in Nepal pull 2 people alive from the debris 10 days after devastating floods</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rescuers-in-nepal-pull-2-people-alive-from-the-debris-10-days-after-devastating-floods</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rescuers-in-nepal-pull-2-people-alive-from-the-debris-10-days-after-devastating-floods</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Rescuers in Nepal pulled out a Chinese man and a woman in separate operations Saturday, 10 days after devastating floods hit ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rescuers, Nepal, pull, people, alive, from, the, debris, days, after, devastating, floods</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Rescuers in Nepal pulled out a Chinese man and a woman in separate operations Saturday, 10 days after devastating floods hit]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Oasis reunion tour documentary rocks Venice Film Festival</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/oasis-reunion-tour-documentary-rocks-venice-film-festival</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/oasis-reunion-tour-documentary-rocks-venice-film-festival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ VENICE, Italy (AP) -- The Gallagher brothers brought some rock star energy to a sleepy, and sweaty, Venice Film Festival Saturday, where the documenta ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Oasis, reunion, tour, documentary, rocks, Venice, Film, Festival</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[VENICE, Italy (AP) -- The Gallagher brothers brought some rock star energy to a sleepy, and sweaty, Venice Film Festival Saturday, where the documenta]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ohtani out of Dodgers&amp;apos; lineup for 3rd straight day with left knee and right biceps discomfort</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-out-of-dodgers-lineup-for-3rd-straight-day-with-left-knee-and-right-biceps-discomfort</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-out-of-dodgers-lineup-for-3rd-straight-day-with-left-knee-and-right-biceps-discomfort</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani sat out the Los Angeles Dodgers&#039; game against Washington on Saturday as the two-way star deals with left knee and ri ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ohtani, out, Dodgers, lineup, for, 3rd, straight, day, with, left, knee, and, right, biceps, discomfort</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani sat out the Los Angeles Dodgers' game against Washington on Saturday as the two-way star deals with left knee and ri]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Basketball: Japan loses to host Germany in World Cup group stage</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/basketball-japan-loses-to-host-germany-in-world-cup-group-stage</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/basketball-japan-loses-to-host-germany-in-world-cup-group-stage</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BERLIN (Kyodo) -- Japan went down 74-58 against host Germany at the Women&#039;s Basketball World Cup on Saturday as all four teams in Group A sat level on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Basketball:, Japan, loses, host, Germany, World, Cup, group, stage</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BERLIN (Kyodo) -- Japan went down 74-58 against host Germany at the Women's Basketball World Cup on Saturday as all four teams in Group A sat level on]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China cultural festival in Tokyo bustles despite frayed ties</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-cultural-festival-in-tokyo-bustles-despite-frayed-ties</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-cultural-festival-in-tokyo-bustles-despite-frayed-ties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A festival introducing Chinese culture to Japan kicked off Saturday at a Tokyo park, drawing crowds to booths selling Chinese food and panda merchandise even as relations between… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, cultural, festival, Tokyo, bustles, despite, frayed, ties</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A festival introducing Chinese culture to Japan kicked off Saturday at a Tokyo park, drawing crowds to booths selling Chinese food and panda merchandise even as relations between…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uber and city near Mount Fuji join hands in measures against overtourism</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uber-and-city-near-mount-fuji-join-hands-in-measures-against-overtourism</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uber-and-city-near-mount-fuji-join-hands-in-measures-against-overtourism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese unit of U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc and Fujiyoshida city at the foot of Mount Fuji have signed an accord to cooperate in measures against… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Uber, and, city, near, Mount, Fuji, join, hands, measures, against, overtourism</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese unit of U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc and Fujiyoshida city at the foot of Mount Fuji have signed an accord to cooperate in measures against…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Prince Hisahito turns 20 as Japan&amp;apos;s government reinforces male&#45;only succession rules</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/prince-hisahito-turns-20-as-japans-government-reinforces-male-only-succession-rules</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/prince-hisahito-turns-20-as-japans-government-reinforces-male-only-succession-rules</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Prince Hisahito turned 20 on Sunday as he faces growing attention as a future monarch in Japan following the government&#039;s unpopular revision to the Imperial House Law that… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Prince, Hisahito, turns, Japans, government, reinforces, male-only, succession, rules</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Prince Hisahito turned 20 on Sunday as he faces growing attention as a future monarch in Japan following the government's unpopular revision to the Imperial House Law that…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan weather agency warns of intense rain in Tokyo, 6 prefectures through Monday</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-intense-rain-in-tokyo-6-prefectures-through-monday</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-intense-rain-in-tokyo-6-prefectures-through-monday</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s weather agency warned Sunday of intense rain in Tokyo and six other prefectures heading into Monday due to the influence of a typhoon and a weather front.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weather, agency, warns, intense, rain, Tokyo, prefectures, through, Monday</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's weather agency warned Sunday of intense rain in Tokyo and six other prefectures heading into Monday due to the influence of a typhoon and a weather front.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi rejects criticism over revised Imperial House Law</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-rejects-criticism-over-revised-imperial-house-law</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-rejects-criticism-over-revised-imperial-house-law</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday rejected criticism that the revised Imperial House Law blocks female succession to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:50:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, rejects, criticism, over, revised, Imperial, House, Law</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday rejected criticism that the revised Imperial House Law blocks female succession to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Toei denies issuing licenses for &amp;apos;Dragon Ball&amp;apos; theme park in France</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-toei-denies-issuing-licenses-for-dragon-ball-theme-park-in-france</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-toei-denies-issuing-licenses-for-dragon-ball-theme-park-in-france</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PARIS (Kyodo) -- Toei Animation Co. has denied media reports that a theme park inspired by the Japanese manga and anime series &quot;Dragon Ball&quot; will be b ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Toei, denies, issuing, licenses, for, Dragon, Ball, theme, park, France</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PARIS (Kyodo) -- Toei Animation Co. has denied media reports that a theme park inspired by the Japanese manga and anime series "Dragon Ball" will be b]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-temple-bans-visitors-from-wearing-kimono</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-temple-bans-visitors-from-wearing-kimono</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Seiraiin is a temple in Kyoto’s Gion district, founded some 600 years ago and known for its beautiful garden and dynamic white dragon painting on the ceiling of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kyoto, temple, bans, visitors, from, wearing, kimono</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Seiraiin is a temple in Kyoto’s Gion district, founded some 600 years ago and known for its beautiful garden and dynamic white dragon painting on the ceiling of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Cockroach&#45;free&amp;apos; Hokkaido faces rise in insects due to climate change</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cockroach-free-hokkaido-faces-rise-in-insects-due-to-climate-change</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cockroach-free-hokkaido-faces-rise-in-insects-due-to-climate-change</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, long known for its reputation as being largely cockroach free, may begin to see more of the insects as factors including warmer… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:07:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cockroach-free, Hokkaido, faces, rise, insects, due, climate, change</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, long known for its reputation as being largely cockroach free, may begin to see more of the insects as factors including warmer…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>272 lost pet reports filed after Kumamoto quake; less than half found</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/272-lost-pet-reports-filed-after-kumamoto-quake-less-than-half-found</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/272-lost-pet-reports-filed-after-kumamoto-quake-less-than-half-found</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Animal shelters in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto had received 272 reports of missing pets as of Aug 25, after the region was rocked by a magnitude-7.1… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:07:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Animal shelters in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto had received 272 reports of missing pets as of Aug 25, after the region was rocked by a magnitude-7.1…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Foreign Minister Motegi likely to be retained in Cabinet reshuffle</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-foreign-minister-motegi-likely-to-be-retained-in-cabinet-reshuffle</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-foreign-minister-motegi-likely-to-be-retained-in-cabinet-reshuffle</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to retain Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in an upcoming reshuffle of her Cabinet ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Foreign, Minister, Motegi, likely, retained, Cabinet, reshuffle</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to retain Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in an upcoming reshuffle of her Cabinet]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Uber, city near Mt. Fuji join hands in measures against overtourism</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uber-city-near-mt-fuji-join-hands-in-measures-against-overtourism</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uber-city-near-mt-fuji-join-hands-in-measures-against-overtourism</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Japanese unit of U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. and a municipality at the foot of Mt. Fuji signed an acco ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Uber, city, near, Mt., Fuji, join, hands, measures, against, overtourism</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- The Japanese unit of U.S. ride-hailing company Uber Technologies Inc. and a municipality at the foot of Mt. Fuji signed an acco]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: Japan&amp;apos;s justice and education ministries want big budgets for what?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-japans-justice-and-education-ministries-want-big-budgets-for-what</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-japans-justice-and-education-ministries-want-big-budgets-for-what</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 5 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What areas did Japan&#039;s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, Japans, justice, and, education, ministries, want, big, budgets, for, what</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 5 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What areas did Japan's]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Williams sisters reunite their iconic doubles team, losing narrowly but thrilling the New York crowd</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/williams-sisters-reunite-their-iconic-doubles-team-losing-narrowly-but-thrilling-the-new-york-crowd</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/williams-sisters-reunite-their-iconic-doubles-team-losing-narrowly-but-thrilling-the-new-york-crowd</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- &quot;Welcome to the Williams Show,&quot; read one fan&#039;s sign in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night, as Venus and Serena Williams took the cou ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Williams, sisters, reunite, their, iconic, doubles, team, losing, narrowly, but, thrilling, the, New, York, crowd</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- "Welcome to the Williams Show," read one fan's sign in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night, as Venus and Serena Williams took the cou]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s traditional &amp;apos;kendama&amp;apos; cup&#45;and&#45;ball toys capture global attention</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-traditional-kendama-cup-and-ball-toys-capture-global-attention</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-traditional-kendama-cup-and-ball-toys-capture-global-attention</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HATSUKAICHI, Hiroshima -- &quot;Kendama&quot; traditional Japanese cup-and-ball toys made by Iwata Co., the only remaining manufacturer of the models in this we ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, traditional, kendama, cup-and-ball, toys, capture, global, attention</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HATSUKAICHI, Hiroshima -- "Kendama" traditional Japanese cup-and-ball toys made by Iwata Co., the only remaining manufacturer of the models in this we]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>At university in Taiwan, Kansai dialect course explores another voice of Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/at-university-in-taiwan-kansai-dialect-course-explores-another-voice-of-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/at-university-in-taiwan-kansai-dialect-course-explores-another-voice-of-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAIPEI (Mainichi) -- There may be no foreign place where people encounter Japanese on street corners as often as in Taiwan. Signs reading &quot;kawaii&quot; (cu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>university, Taiwan, Kansai, dialect, course, explores, another, voice, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAIPEI (Mainichi) -- There may be no foreign place where people encounter Japanese on street corners as often as in Taiwan. Signs reading "kawaii" (cu]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan weather agency warns of landslides amid heavy rain on Yakushima</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-landslides-amid-heavy-rain-on-yakushima</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-warns-of-landslides-amid-heavy-rain-on-yakushima</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s weather agency on Saturday continued to urge maximum vigilance for landslides caused by heavy rain on Yakushima Island in the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weather, agency, warns, landslides, amid, heavy, rain, Yakushima</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's weather agency on Saturday continued to urge maximum vigilance for landslides caused by heavy rain on Yakushima Island in the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>UN General Assembly endorses a new world map that shows more accurately Africa&amp;apos;s size</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/un-general-assembly-endorses-a-new-world-map-that-shows-more-accurately-africas-size</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/un-general-assembly-endorses-a-new-world-map-that-shows-more-accurately-africas-size</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- The United Nations General Assembly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culminatio ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>General, Assembly, endorses, new, world, map, that, shows, more, accurately, Africas, size</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- The United Nations General Assembly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culminatio]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Blocks installed by local gov&amp;apos;t in Osaka criticized as hostile architecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/blocks-installed-by-local-govt-in-osaka-criticized-as-hostile-architecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/blocks-installed-by-local-govt-in-osaka-criticized-as-hostile-architecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The city of Osaka has recently been inundated with over a hundred inquiries after it installed a series of rectangular objects protru ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Blocks, installed, local, govt, Osaka, criticized, hostile, architecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The city of Osaka has recently been inundated with over a hundred inquiries after it installed a series of rectangular objects protru]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to nominate Hikone Castle for 2028 World Heritage listing</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-nominate-hikone-castle-for-2028-world-heritage-listing</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-nominate-hikone-castle-for-2028-world-heritage-listing</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese council for cultural affairs has selected Hikone Castle, a national treasure, as a candidate for nomination for the 2028 UNESCO World Heritage List.
The government plans… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:43:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, nominate, Hikone, Castle, for, 2028, World, Heritage, listing</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese council for cultural affairs has selected Hikone Castle, a national treasure, as a candidate for nomination for the 2028 UNESCO World Heritage List.
The government plans…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shohei Ohtani gets a night off as his biceps and neck issues linger</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-gets-a-night-off-as-his-biceps-and-neck-issues-linger</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-gets-a-night-off-as-his-biceps-and-neck-issues-linger</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani got the day off Thursday after appearing physically uncomfortable while striking out four times during the Los Angel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shohei, Ohtani, gets, night, off, his, biceps, and, neck, issues, linger</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani got the day off Thursday after appearing physically uncomfortable while striking out four times during the Los Angel]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan PM Takaichi&amp;apos;s social media posts should be preserved as public records</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-pm-takaichis-social-media-posts-should-be-preserved-as-public-records</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-pm-takaichis-social-media-posts-should-be-preserved-as-public-records</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is stepping up her use of the social media platform X. Her posts should be managed as public records so that po ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:30:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, Takaichis, social, media, posts, should, preserved, public, records</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is stepping up her use of the social media platform X. Her posts should be managed as public records so that po]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>391 books by well&#45;known authors missing from libraries in southwestern Japan city</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/391-books-by-well-known-authors-missing-from-libraries-in-southwestern-japan-city</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/391-books-by-well-known-authors-missing-from-libraries-in-southwestern-japan-city</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KITAKYUSHU -- The Kitakyushu Municipal Board of Education reported 391 paperback books missing from two local public libraries on Sept. 3, and both fa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:14:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>391, books, well-known, authors, missing, from, libraries, southwestern, Japan, city</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KITAKYUSHU -- The Kitakyushu Municipal Board of Education reported 391 paperback books missing from two local public libraries on Sept. 3, and both fa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese scientist posthumously wins Ig Nobel prize for nose&#45;blowing study</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-scientist-posthumously-wins-ig-nobel-prize-for-nose-blowing-study</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-scientist-posthumously-wins-ig-nobel-prize-for-nose-blowing-study</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ZURICH (Kyodo) -- The late Japanese researcher Tokuji Unno won this year&#039;s Ig Nobel Prize in medicine on Thursday for his study on how to blow one&#039;s n ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, scientist, posthumously, wins, Nobel, prize, for, nose-blowing, study</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ZURICH (Kyodo) -- The late Japanese researcher Tokuji Unno won this year's Ig Nobel Prize in medicine on Thursday for his study on how to blow one's n]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan quake&#45;hit community holds traditional festival in hope of lifting spirits</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-quake-hit-community-holds-traditional-festival-in-hope-of-lifting-spirits</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-quake-hit-community-holds-traditional-festival-in-hope-of-lifting-spirits</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HIKAWA, Kumamoto -- A festival dedicated to praying for children&#039;s health and well-being was recently held in this town, which was hit by an earthquak ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, quake-hit, community, holds, traditional, festival, hope, lifting, spirits</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HIKAWA, Kumamoto -- A festival dedicated to praying for children's health and well-being was recently held in this town, which was hit by an earthquak]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan FY 2027 budget requests hit record 143 tril. yen amid fiscal concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-fy-2027-budget-requests-hit-record-143-tril-yen-amid-fiscal-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-fy-2027-budget-requests-hit-record-143-tril-yen-amid-fiscal-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Budget requests by Japanese ministries for fiscal 2027 totaled 143 trillion yen ($918 billion), marking a record high for the fourth ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, 2027, budget, requests, hit, record, 143, tril., yen, amid, fiscal, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Budget requests by Japanese ministries for fiscal 2027 totaled 143 trillion yen ($918 billion), marking a record high for the fourth]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>One trapped worker rescued alive from a tunnel in Nepal, official says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/one-trapped-worker-rescued-alive-from-a-tunnel-in-nepal-official-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/one-trapped-worker-rescued-alive-from-a-tunnel-in-nepal-official-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Rescuers in Nepal pulled a second worker alive from a tunnel Friday, Nepal lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane said.He posted the rescu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>One, trapped, worker, rescued, alive, from, tunnel, Nepal, official, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) -- Rescuers in Nepal pulled a second worker alive from a tunnel Friday, Nepal lawmaker Shri Ram Neupane said.He posted the rescu]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan, US commerce chiefs meet, possibly to discuss investment projects</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-commerce-chiefs-meet-possibly-to-discuss-investment-projects</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-commerce-chiefs-meet-possibly-to-discuss-investment-projects</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s trade and industry minister Ryosei Akazawa met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday, with investment ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, commerce, chiefs, meet, possibly, discuss, investment, projects</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japan's trade and industry minister Ryosei Akazawa met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday, with investment]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Football: Ueda scores winner on Lille debut against Toulouse</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/football-ueda-scores-winner-on-lille-debut-against-toulouse</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/football-ueda-scores-winner-on-lille-debut-against-toulouse</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOULOUSE, France (Kyodo) -- Japan forward Ayase Ueda scored on his debut for Lille on Thursday, hitting a winner in their 1-0 victory away to Toulouse ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Football:, Ueda, scores, winner, Lille, debut, against, Toulouse</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOULOUSE, France (Kyodo) -- Japan forward Ayase Ueda scored on his debut for Lille on Thursday, hitting a winner in their 1-0 victory away to Toulouse]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka to tighten rules for private lodgings in wooden buildings over noise concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-to-tighten-rules-for-private-lodgings-in-wooden-buildings-over-noise-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-to-tighten-rules-for-private-lodgings-in-wooden-buildings-over-noise-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- The Osaka Municipal Government is set to submit a bill to revise a relevant ordinance to tighten its own regulations on private lodging busin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, tighten, rules, for, private, lodgings, wooden, buildings, over, noise, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- The Osaka Municipal Government is set to submit a bill to revise a relevant ordinance to tighten its own regulations on private lodging busin]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Eala, Osaka and Gauff advance, while No. 3 Auger&#45;Aliassime falls at the US Open</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/eala-osaka-and-gauff-advance-while-no-3-auger-aliassime-falls-at-the-us-open</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/eala-osaka-and-gauff-advance-while-no-3-auger-aliassime-falls-at-the-us-open</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Eala and her fans are headed to the weekend at the U.S. Open, along with two-time champion Naomi Osaka and 2023 winner Coco Gauf ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Eala, Osaka, and, Gauff, advance, while, No., Auger-Aliassime, falls, the, Open</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Alex Eala and her fans are headed to the weekend at the U.S. Open, along with two-time champion Naomi Osaka and 2023 winner Coco Gauf]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan passport applications rise across all 47 prefectures after fee cut</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-passport-applications-rise-across-all-47-prefectures-after-fee-cut</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-passport-applications-rise-across-all-47-prefectures-after-fee-cut</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Passport applications increased in all 47 Japanese prefectures in July after a sharp reduction in issuance fees, surging to between 1.5 and 2 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, passport, applications, rise, across, all, prefectures, after, fee, cut</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Passport applications increased in all 47 Japanese prefectures in July after a sharp reduction in issuance fees, surging to between 1.5 and 2]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Children call for traffic safety in Oita Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-children-call-for-traffic-safety-in-oita-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-children-call-for-traffic-safety-in-oita-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ To coincide with the lowering of the speed limit on residential roads to 30 kilometers per hour, children from Kirari Kodomoen, a certified child care ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Children, call, for, traffic, safety, Oita, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[To coincide with the lowering of the speed limit on residential roads to 30 kilometers per hour, children from Kirari Kodomoen, a certified child care]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Elderly couple donates ¥400 million to erect Myaku&#45;Myaku statue in Osaka</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/elderly-couple-donates-400-million-to-erect-myaku-myaku-statue-in-osaka</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/elderly-couple-donates-400-million-to-erect-myaku-myaku-statue-in-osaka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It’s been nearly a year since the closing of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, but its official mascot, the gooey humanoid Myaku-Myaku has managed to secure a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Elderly, couple, donates, ¥400, million, erect, Myaku-Myaku, statue, Osaka</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It’s been nearly a year since the closing of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, but its official mascot, the gooey humanoid Myaku-Myaku has managed to secure a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Indonesian trainee dies after being caught in mixer at Hiroshima plant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesian-trainee-dies-after-being-caught-in-mixer-at-hiroshima-plant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/indonesian-trainee-dies-after-being-caught-in-mixer-at-hiroshima-plant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An Indonesian technical trainee died after being caught in a mixer while working at a plant in Hiroshima Prefecture on Wednesday night, local authorities said.
An emergency call… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:03:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Indonesian, trainee, dies, after, being, caught, mixer, Hiroshima, plant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[An Indonesian technical trainee died after being caught in a mixer while working at a plant in Hiroshima Prefecture on Wednesday night, local authorities said.
An emergency call…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese scientist Shirakawa, co&#45;winner of 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry, dies at 90</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-scientist-shirakawa-co-winner-of-2000-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-dies-at-90</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-scientist-shirakawa-co-winner-of-2000-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-dies-at-90</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese scientist Hideki Shirakawa, co-winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering and developing conductive polymers, has died. He was 90.
The discovery by Shirakawa and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:03:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, scientist, Shirakawa, co-winner, 2000, Nobel, Prize, chemistry, dies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese scientist Hideki Shirakawa, co-winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering and developing conductive polymers, has died. He was 90.
The discovery by Shirakawa and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Fire erupts during demolition of quake&#45;damaged chimney at paper factory in Kumamoto</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-erupts-during-demolition-of-quake-damaged-chimney-at-paper-factory-in-kumamoto</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fire-erupts-during-demolition-of-quake-damaged-chimney-at-paper-factory-in-kumamoto</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A fire broke out Thursday during the demolition of an earthquake-damaged chimney at a paper factory in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto.
Footage on NHK national television showed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 15:03:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fire, erupts, during, demolition, quake-damaged, chimney, paper, factory, Kumamoto</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A fire broke out Thursday during the demolition of an earthquake-damaged chimney at a paper factory in Japan’s southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto.
Footage on NHK national television showed…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed as bond yields fall, Dollar drops sharply vs. yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-as-bond-yields-fall-dollar-drops-sharply-vs-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-as-bond-yields-fall-dollar-drops-sharply-vs-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Thursday, as sentiment improved on falls in Japanese government bond yields and some heavyweight shares, whi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, bond, yields, fall, Dollar, drops, sharply, vs., yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Thursday, as sentiment improved on falls in Japanese government bond yields and some heavyweight shares, whi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>87&#45;year&#45;old man dies after being pinned against pear tree by agricultural transporter</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/87-year-old-man-dies-after-being-pinned-against-pear-tree-by-agricultural-transporter</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/87-year-old-man-dies-after-being-pinned-against-pear-tree-by-agricultural-transporter</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An 87-year-old man died has died after he was pinned against a pear tree by an agricultural transporter at an orchard in Yurihama town, Tottori Prefecture.
According to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:07:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>87-year-old, man, dies, after, being, pinned, against, pear, tree, agricultural, transporter</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[An 87-year-old man died has died after he was pinned against a pear tree by an agricultural transporter at an orchard in Yurihama town, Tottori Prefecture.
According to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>News in Easy English: Robots help children join school from home</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-robots-help-children-join-school-from-home</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-robots-help-children-join-school-from-home</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIMOTSUKE, Tochigi -- The local government here will use avatar robots to help children. Some children do not go to school. Some feel strong worry wh ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, Easy, English:, Robots, help, children, join, school, from, home</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIMOTSUKE, Tochigi -- The local government here will use avatar robots to help children. Some children do not go to school. Some feel strong worry wh]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What new mobile phone number prefix is Japan adding?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-new-mobile-phone-number-prefix-is-japan-adding</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-new-mobile-phone-number-prefix-is-japan-adding</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 3 to test your news knowledge. Ready?Which new cellphone num ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, What, new, mobile, phone, number, prefix, Japan, adding</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for Sept. 3 to test your news knowledge. Ready?Which new cellphone num]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise in morning as bond yields fall but weak tech weighs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-as-bond-yields-fall-but-weak-tech-weighs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-as-bond-yields-fall-but-weak-tech-weighs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Thursday morning, as investor sentiment improved on declining Japanese government bond yields, while selling in art ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, morning, bond, yields, fall, but, weak, tech, weighs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Thursday morning, as investor sentiment improved on declining Japanese government bond yields, while selling in art]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Friend&#45;for&#45;hire services gain traction in Thailand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/friend-for-hire-services-gain-traction-in-thailand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/friend-for-hire-services-gain-traction-in-thailand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BANGKOK (Kyodo) -- &quot;Friend-for-hire&quot; services have started taking off in Thailand as the country&#039;s social landscape changes with an aging population a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Friend-for-hire, services, gain, traction, Thailand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BANGKOK (Kyodo) -- "Friend-for-hire" services have started taking off in Thailand as the country's social landscape changes with an aging population a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;voice rights&amp;apos; guidelines a step to prevent violations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-voice-rights-guidelines-a-step-to-prevent-violations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-voice-rights-guidelines-a-step-to-prevent-violations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Ministry of Justice has positioned that &quot;voice rights&quot; are subject to legal protection, and in guidelines has identified acts that could be co ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, voice, rights, guidelines, step, prevent, violations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Ministry of Justice has positioned that "voice rights" are subject to legal protection, and in guidelines has identified acts that could be co]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan police panel urges remote phone analysis to fight anonymous crime groups</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-panel-urges-remote-phone-analysis-to-fight-anonymous-crime-groups</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-police-panel-urges-remote-phone-analysis-to-fight-anonymous-crime-groups</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A Japan police advisory panel has proposed the early introduction of remote analysis of smartphones used by anonymous, fluid crime groups, de ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, police, panel, urges, remote, phone, analysis, fight, anonymous, crime, groups</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A Japan police advisory panel has proposed the early introduction of remote analysis of smartphones used by anonymous, fluid crime groups, de]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to toughen skills test for elderly drivers in bid to curb accidents</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-toughen-skills-test-for-elderly-drivers-in-bid-to-curb-accidents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-toughen-skills-test-for-elderly-drivers-in-bid-to-curb-accidents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The National Police Agency plans to toughen the mandatory skills test for drivers aged 75 or older with a history of certain traffic ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, toughen, skills, test, for, elderly, drivers, bid, curb, accidents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The National Police Agency plans to toughen the mandatory skills test for drivers aged 75 or older with a history of certain traffic]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Yamamoto allows 4 runs as Dodgers suffer come&#45;from&#45;behind loss to Cardinals</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/yamamoto-allows-4-runs-as-dodgers-suffer-come-from-behind-loss-to-cardinals</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/yamamoto-allows-4-runs-as-dodgers-suffer-come-from-behind-loss-to-cardinals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELS (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto surrendered four runs over seven innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered an 8-6 come-from-behind loss to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Yamamoto, allows, runs, Dodgers, suffer, come-from-behind, loss, Cardinals</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELS (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto surrendered four runs over seven innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered an 8-6 come-from-behind loss to]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan &amp;apos;Saint Seiya&amp;apos; manga firms sue ex&#45;director for $18 mil. over alleged embezzlement</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-saint-seiya-manga-firms-sue-ex-director-for-18-mil-over-alleged-embezzlement</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-saint-seiya-manga-firms-sue-ex-director-for-18-mil-over-alleged-embezzlement</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Three companies managing the copyrights of the hit manga &quot;Saint Seiya&quot; filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court on Sept. 2, seeking appr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Saint, Seiya, manga, firms, sue, ex-director, for, 18, mil., over, alleged, embezzlement</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Three companies managing the copyrights of the hit manga "Saint Seiya" filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court on Sept. 2, seeking appr]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan research team develops AI system to detect plastic litter on seabed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-research-team-develops-ai-system-to-detect-plastic-litter-on-seabed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-research-team-develops-ai-system-to-detect-plastic-litter-on-seabed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese team of researchers has developed an artificial intelligence system to better detect marine plastic waste on the seabed, i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, research, team, develops, system, detect, plastic, litter, seabed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese team of researchers has developed an artificial intelligence system to better detect marine plastic waste on the seabed, i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nikkei briefly plunges 3% on higher bond yields, Middle East conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-briefly-plunges-3-on-higher-bond-yields-middle-east-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-briefly-plunges-3-on-higher-bond-yields-middle-east-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks plunged Wednesday, with the Nikkei index briefly dropping more than 3 percent, as Japanese government bond yields rose a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, briefly, plunges, higher, bond, yields, Middle, East, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks plunged Wednesday, with the Nikkei index briefly dropping more than 3 percent, as Japanese government bond yields rose a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM vows to speed up AI, unmanned defense asset introduction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-to-speed-up-ai-unmanned-defense-asset-introduction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-to-speed-up-ai-unmanned-defense-asset-introduction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told senior members of the Self-Defense Forces on Wednesday that Japan wants to speed up the use of art ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, vows, speed, AI, unmanned, defense, asset, introduction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told senior members of the Self-Defense Forces on Wednesday that Japan wants to speed up the use of art]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Japanese idealist behind the last deradicalization NGO in Somalia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-japanese-idealist-behind-the-last-deradicalization-ngo-in-somalia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-japanese-idealist-behind-the-last-deradicalization-ngo-in-somalia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Yosuke Nagai was an idealistic teenager who wanted to help war-torn Somalia. He now runs the only foreign-funded reintegration program for Islamist fighters still operating in the country.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:35:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Japanese, idealist, behind, the, last, deradicalization, NGO, Somalia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Yosuke Nagai was an idealistic teenager who wanted to help war-torn Somalia. He now runs the only foreign-funded reintegration program for Islamist fighters still operating in the country.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Late artist Yayoi Kusama&amp;apos;s A&#45;bomb&#45;themed anti&#45;war work on exhibit at Hiroshima museum</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/late-artist-yayoi-kusamas-a-bomb-themed-anti-war-work-on-exhibit-at-hiroshima-museum</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/late-artist-yayoi-kusamas-a-bomb-themed-anti-war-work-on-exhibit-at-hiroshima-museum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HIROSHIMA -- A Hiroshima museum is showing an artwork about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by Yayoi Kusama, the world-renowned avant-garde artist who ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:14:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Late, artist, Yayoi, Kusamas, A-bomb-themed, anti-war, work, exhibit, Hiroshima, museum</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HIROSHIMA -- A Hiroshima museum is showing an artwork about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima by Yayoi Kusama, the world-renowned avant-garde artist who]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fukushima University rebukes YouTube video comments over nuclear research</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fukushima-university-rebukes-youtube-video-comments-over-nuclear-research</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fukushima-university-rebukes-youtube-video-comments-over-nuclear-research</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUSHIMA -- Fukushima University on Sept. 1 issued a statement regarding a YouTube video filmed on its campus, saying that comments made in the video ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:14:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fukushima, University, rebukes, YouTube, video, comments, over, nuclear, research</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUSHIMA -- Fukushima University on Sept. 1 issued a statement regarding a YouTube video filmed on its campus, saying that comments made in the video]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China opts out of joining other G20 members on rectifying global imbalances</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-opts-out-of-joining-other-g20-members-on-rectifying-global-imbalances</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-opts-out-of-joining-other-g20-members-on-rectifying-global-imbalances</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Kyodo) -- China on Tuesday refused to accept a U.S.-drafted joint statement summarizing the results of a Group of 20 finance meeting, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, opts, out, joining, other, G20, members, rectifying, global, imbalances</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Kyodo) -- China on Tuesday refused to accept a U.S.-drafted joint statement summarizing the results of a Group of 20 finance meeting,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>SoftBank successfully conducts flying telecom base test over Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/softbank-successfully-conducts-flying-telecom-base-test-over-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/softbank-successfully-conducts-flying-telecom-base-test-over-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- SoftBank Corp. said Wednesday it has achieved communications tests of its flying mobile phone base in preparation for commercializati ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>SoftBank, successfully, conducts, flying, telecom, base, test, over, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- SoftBank Corp. said Wednesday it has achieved communications tests of its flying mobile phone base in preparation for commercializati]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan, Poland agree to coordinate support for Ukraine recovery</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-poland-agree-to-coordinate-support-for-ukraine-recovery</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-poland-agree-to-coordinate-support-for-ukraine-recovery</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese and Polish foreign ministers agreed Monday at their meeting in Slovakia to coordinate support for Ukraine&#039;s recovery and to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Poland, agree, coordinate, support, for, Ukraine, recovery</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese and Polish foreign ministers agreed Monday at their meeting in Slovakia to coordinate support for Ukraine's recovery and to]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Kashima shrine launches once&#45;every&#45;12&#45;yrs Mifune festival with 100&#45;boat flotilla</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kashima-shrine-launches-once-every-12-yrs-mifune-festival-with-100-boat-flotilla</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kashima-shrine-launches-once-every-12-yrs-mifune-festival-with-100-boat-flotilla</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KASHIMA, Ibaraki -- Kashima Jingu shrine in this east Japan city launched its Mifune Matsuri festival water procession on Sept. 2, with a ceremonial b ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Kashima, shrine, launches, once-every-12-yrs, Mifune, festival, with, 100-boat, flotilla</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KASHIMA, Ibaraki -- Kashima Jingu shrine in this east Japan city launched its Mifune Matsuri festival water procession on Sept. 2, with a ceremonial b]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: NPB&amp;apos;s oldest player, Swallows pitcher Ishikawa, 46, to retire</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-npbs-oldest-player-swallows-pitcher-ishikawa-46-to-retire</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-npbs-oldest-player-swallows-pitcher-ishikawa-46-to-retire</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Professional Baseball&#039;s oldest active player, 46-year-old Yakult Swallows pitcher Masanori Ishikawa, will retire at the end of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, NPBs, oldest, player, Swallows, pitcher, Ishikawa, 46, retire</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Professional Baseball's oldest active player, 46-year-old Yakult Swallows pitcher Masanori Ishikawa, will retire at the end of]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hawkish BOJ member calls for &amp;apos;nimble&amp;apos; approach to interest rate hikes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hawkish-boj-member-calls-for-nimble-approach-to-interest-rate-hikes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hawkish-boj-member-calls-for-nimble-approach-to-interest-rate-hikes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan policymaker Hajime Takata on Wednesday stressed the need for an early rate hike, saying the central bank should take ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hawkish, BOJ, member, calls, for, nimble, approach, interest, rate, hikes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan policymaker Hajime Takata on Wednesday stressed the need for an early rate hike, saying the central bank should take]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ to debate rate rise, inflation much closer to 2% target: governor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-to-debate-rate-rise-inflation-much-closer-to-2-target-governor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-to-debate-rate-rise-inflation-much-closer-to-2-target-governor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan chief Kazuo Ueda said Tuesday that underlying inflation in Japan is nearing the central bank&#039;s 2 pe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, debate, rate, rise, inflation, much, closer, target:, governor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (Kyodo) -- Bank of Japan chief Kazuo Ueda said Tuesday that underlying inflation in Japan is nearing the central bank's 2 pe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kobe shifts junior high school club activities to community groups</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kobe-shifts-junior-high-school-club-activities-to-community-groups</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kobe-shifts-junior-high-school-club-activities-to-community-groups</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOBE -- Club activities at municipal junior high schools in this western Japan city were transferred to community-run clubs on Sept. 1. The move mark ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kobe, shifts, junior, high, school, club, activities, community, groups</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOBE -- Club activities at municipal junior high schools in this western Japan city were transferred to community-run clubs on Sept. 1. The move mark]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Female stand&#45;up comics find their voice as China tightens controls</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/female-stand-up-comics-find-their-voice-as-china-tightens-controls</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/female-stand-up-comics-find-their-voice-as-china-tightens-controls</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese comedian Xiao Pa has drawn on a difficult childhood with a father who married repeatedly to tackle painful experiences thro ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Female, stand-up, comics, find, their, voice, China, tightens, controls</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese comedian Xiao Pa has drawn on a difficult childhood with a father who married repeatedly to tackle painful experiences thro]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Summer festival for traffic safety held in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-summer-festival-for-traffic-safety-held-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-summer-festival-for-traffic-safety-held-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department&#039;s Seijo Police Station and others held a summer festival for traffic safety in the capital&#039;s Setagaya Ward on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Summer, festival, for, traffic, safety, held, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Seijo Police Station and others held a summer festival for traffic safety in the capital's Setagaya Ward on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan youth messengers call on world to reduce risks of AI&#45;powered military</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-youth-messengers-call-on-world-to-reduce-risks-of-ai-powered-military</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-youth-messengers-call-on-world-to-reduce-risks-of-ai-powered-military</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A group of Japanese high school students visiting the U.N. office in Geneva on Tuesday called on the world to reduce the risks associated with military uses of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:03:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, youth, messengers, call, world, reduce, risks, AI-powered, military</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A group of Japanese high school students visiting the U.N. office in Geneva on Tuesday called on the world to reduce the risks associated with military uses of…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t seeks major budget hike for immigration control, Japanese language measures</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-seeks-major-budget-hike-for-immigration-control-japanese-language-measures</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-seeks-major-budget-hike-for-immigration-control-japanese-language-measures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan&#039;s Ministry of Justice has earmarked 80.7 billion yen (about $504.3 million) in its initial budget request for fiscal 2027 to cover the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:58:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, seeks, major, budget, hike, for, immigration, control, Japanese, language, measures</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan's Ministry of Justice has earmarked 80.7 billion yen (about $504.3 million) in its initial budget request for fiscal 2027 to cover the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Kanda reelected as ADB chief with unanimous support</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kanda-reelected-as-adb-chief-with-unanimous-support</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kanda-reelected-as-adb-chief-with-unanimous-support</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MANILA (Kyodo) -- The Asian Development Bank said Tuesday that its president, Masato Kanda, Japan&#039;s former top finance diplomat, was reelected to a se ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:50:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Kanda, reelected, ADB, chief, with, unanimous, support</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MANILA (Kyodo) -- The Asian Development Bank said Tuesday that its president, Masato Kanda, Japan's former top finance diplomat, was reelected to a se]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>In Japan&amp;apos;s mountains, a different way to manage bears</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/in-japans-mountains-a-different-way-to-manage-bears</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/in-japans-mountains-a-different-way-to-manage-bears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As a sensor sounded, scientist Akiko Takii hurried to a bear trap deep in the forests of Nagano Prefecture, where rising nationwide attacks have brought fear and resulted… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:39:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, mountains, different, way, manage, bears</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As a sensor sounded, scientist Akiko Takii hurried to a bear trap deep in the forests of Nagano Prefecture, where rising nationwide attacks have brought fear and resulted…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Quake&#45;damaged expressway in Kumamoto to take at least 2 years to repair</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/quake-damaged-expressway-in-kumamoto-to-take-at-least-2-years-to-repair</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/quake-damaged-expressway-in-kumamoto-to-take-at-least-2-years-to-repair</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Repairs to a section of an expressway in Kumamoto Prefecture damaged by a powerful earthquake in July will take at least two years, the road&#039;s operator said.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:39:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Quake-damaged, expressway, Kumamoto, take, least, years, repair</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Repairs to a section of an expressway in Kumamoto Prefecture damaged by a powerful earthquake in July will take at least two years, the road's operator said.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Eruption of Sinabung volcano on Indonesia&amp;apos;s Sumatra island prompts higher alert</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/eruption-of-sinabung-volcano-on-indonesias-sumatra-island-prompts-higher-alert</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/eruption-of-sinabung-volcano-on-indonesias-sumatra-island-prompts-higher-alert</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Mount Sinabung on Indonesia erupted Monday, spewing a column of black ash and smoke 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) from the top ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Eruption, Sinabung, volcano, Indonesias, Sumatra, island, prompts, higher, alert</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Mount Sinabung on Indonesia erupted Monday, spewing a column of black ash and smoke 3,500 meters (11,482 feet) from the top]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s disaster responses can no longer be left to municipalities alone</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-disaster-responses-can-no-longer-be-left-to-municipalities-alone</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-disaster-responses-can-no-longer-be-left-to-municipalities-alone</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Disasters that claim many lives are occurring one after another across Japan, and threats such as a megaquake are also drawing closer. At the same tim ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:26:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, disaster, responses, can, longer, left, municipalities, alone</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Disasters that claim many lives are occurring one after another across Japan, and threats such as a megaquake are also drawing closer. At the same tim]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Toyohiro Akiyama, 1st Japanese to go to space, dies at 84</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyohiro-akiyama-1st-japanese-to-go-to-space-dies-at-84</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyohiro-akiyama-1st-japanese-to-go-to-space-dies-at-84</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese to fly into space and a former journalist, has died, a relative said Tuesday. He was 84.The Toky ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:10:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyohiro, Akiyama, 1st, Japanese, space, dies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese to fly into space and a former journalist, has died, a relative said Tuesday. He was 84.The Toky]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to beef up its defense with drones, AI and missiles, defense budget plans show</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-beef-up-its-defense-with-drones-ai-and-missiles-defense-budget-plans-show</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-beef-up-its-defense-with-drones-ai-and-missiles-defense-budget-plans-show</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan plans to use drones, artificial intelligence and new methods of warfare as it adapts its defense strategies to suit changing times, according to details of an 8.9… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:07:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, beef, its, defense, with, drones, and, missiles, defense, budget, plans, show</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan plans to use drones, artificial intelligence and new methods of warfare as it adapts its defense strategies to suit changing times, according to details of an 8.9…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Gov&amp;apos;t eyes Hitachiomiya as survey site for nuclear waste disposal</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-eyes-hitachiomiya-as-survey-site-for-nuclear-waste-disposal</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/govt-eyes-hitachiomiya-as-survey-site-for-nuclear-waste-disposal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s industry ministry sought Monday to conduct a preliminary survey in a city in Ibaraki Prefecture with a view to selecting the city as a potential disposal site… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Govt, eyes, Hitachiomiya, survey, site, for, nuclear, waste, disposal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's industry ministry sought Monday to conduct a preliminary survey in a city in Ibaraki Prefecture with a view to selecting the city as a potential disposal site…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed on Middle East tensions, capital spending growth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-on-middle-east-tensions-capital-spending-growth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-on-middle-east-tensions-capital-spending-growth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning, with investor sentiment dampened by reports of a resumption of military exchanges between th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, Middle, East, tensions, capital, spending, growth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Tuesday morning, with investor sentiment dampened by reports of a resumption of military exchanges between th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan survey shows lack of toilet access tops disaster concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-survey-shows-lack-of-toilet-access-tops-disaster-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-survey-shows-lack-of-toilet-access-tops-disaster-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- Sept. 1 is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan. Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., an Osaka-based company known for its &quot;Seirogan&quot; gastrointestinal medic ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, survey, shows, lack, toilet, access, tops, disaster, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- Sept. 1 is Disaster Prevention Day in Japan. Taiko Pharmaceutical Co., an Osaka-based company known for its "Seirogan" gastrointestinal medic]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nepal floods expose risks to hydropower in a warming Himalayas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nepal-floods-expose-risks-to-hydropower-in-a-warming-himalayas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nepal-floods-expose-risks-to-hydropower-in-a-warming-himalayas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DHADING, Nepal (AP) -- Workers shoveled thick mud from a flood-ravaged power station in central Nepal this week, trying to restore electricity to more ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nepal, floods, expose, risks, hydropower, warming, Himalayas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DHADING, Nepal (AP) -- Workers shoveled thick mud from a flood-ravaged power station in central Nepal this week, trying to restore electricity to more]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>UN spotlights nuclear weapon states&amp;apos; refusal to ratify test ban treaty at divisive time</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/un-spotlights-nuclear-weapon-states-refusal-to-ratify-test-ban-treaty-at-divisive-time</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/un-spotlights-nuclear-weapon-states-refusal-to-ratify-test-ban-treaty-at-divisive-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- With the U.S., Russia, China and other countries that have nuclear weapons refusing to ratify the treaty that bans atomic testi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>spotlights, nuclear, weapon, states, refusal, ratify, test, ban, treaty, divisive, time</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- With the U.S., Russia, China and other countries that have nuclear weapons refusing to ratify the treaty that bans atomic testi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Suzuki blasts 24th homer among 3 hits as Cubs rout Brewers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-blasts-24th-homer-among-3-hits-as-cubs-rout-brewers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-blasts-24th-homer-among-3-hits-as-cubs-rout-brewers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki had three hits, including his 24th home run of the season, as the Chicago Cubs routed the Milwaukee Brewers 17-3 on Mo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Suzuki, blasts, 24th, homer, among, hits, Cubs, rout, Brewers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Seiya Suzuki had three hits, including his 24th home run of the season, as the Chicago Cubs routed the Milwaukee Brewers 17-3 on Mo]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan 10&#45;year gov&amp;apos;t bond yield hits 3.0%, highest since Oct. 1996</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-10-year-govt-bond-yield-hits-30-highest-since-oct-1996</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-10-year-govt-bond-yield-hits-30-highest-since-oct-1996</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The yield on Japan&#039;s benchmark 10-year government bond jumped to 3.000 percent on Tuesday for the first time since October 1996, amid ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, 10-year, govt, bond, yield, hits, 3.0, highest, since, Oct., 1996</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The yield on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bond jumped to 3.000 percent on Tuesday for the first time since October 1996, amid]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hokkaido and Osaka prefs agree to cooperate toward secondary capital status</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-and-osaka-prefs-agree-to-cooperate-toward-secondary-capital-status</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hokkaido-and-osaka-prefs-agree-to-cooperate-toward-secondary-capital-status</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO -- The governors of Hokkaido and Osaka prefectures met in this northern Japan city on Aug. 31 and signed a cooperation agreement seeking desig ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hokkaido, and, Osaka, prefs, agree, cooperate, toward, secondary, capital, status</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO -- The governors of Hokkaido and Osaka prefectures met in this northern Japan city on Aug. 31 and signed a cooperation agreement seeking desig]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan OKs use of 600 bil. yen in emergency funds for gasoline subsidies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oks-use-of-600-bil-yen-in-emergency-funds-for-gasoline-subsidies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oks-use-of-600-bil-yen-in-emergency-funds-for-gasoline-subsidies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Cabinet on Tuesday decided to use 616.0 billion yen ($3.9 billion) in emergency reserve funds for the current fiscal year for ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, OKs, use, 600, bil., yen, emergency, funds, for, gasoline, subsidies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Cabinet on Tuesday decided to use 616.0 billion yen ($3.9 billion) in emergency reserve funds for the current fiscal year for]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>New 30&#45;kph speed limit takes effect on Japan&amp;apos;s residential roads</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-30-kph-speed-limit-takes-effect-on-japans-residential-roads</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-30-kph-speed-limit-takes-effect-on-japans-residential-roads</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A revised enforcement ordinance under the Road Traffic Act took effect on Sept. 1 across Japan, lowering the statutory maximum speed on gener ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:02:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, 30-kph, speed, limit, takes, effect, Japans, residential, roads</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A revised enforcement ordinance under the Road Traffic Act took effect on Sept. 1 across Japan, lowering the statutory maximum speed on gener]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t eyes city near Tokyo as possible nuclear waste disposal site</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-eyes-city-near-tokyo-as-possible-nuclear-waste-disposal-site</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-eyes-city-near-tokyo-as-possible-nuclear-waste-disposal-site</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s industry ministry sought Monday to conduct a preliminary survey in a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, with a view to s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:54:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, eyes, city, near, Tokyo, possible, nuclear, waste, disposal, site</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industry ministry sought Monday to conduct a preliminary survey in a city in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, with a view to s]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks end mixed as late tech buying pares earlier losses</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-end-mixed-as-late-tech-buying-pares-earlier-losses</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-end-mixed-as-late-tech-buying-pares-earlier-losses</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Monday, as late buying of some tech stocks helped pare earlier losses.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, end, mixed, late, tech, buying, pares, earlier, losses</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Monday, as late buying of some tech stocks helped pare earlier losses.The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average fel]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>3 killed, 3 injured in head&#45;on crash between car and truck in Japan&amp;apos;s Shiga Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-killed-3-injured-in-head-on-crash-between-car-and-truck-in-japans-shiga-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-killed-3-injured-in-head-on-crash-between-car-and-truck-in-japans-shiga-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAKASHIMA, Shiga -- Three people were killed and three others were injured after a passenger car and a truck collided head-on in this central Japan ci ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:46:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>killed, injured, head-on, crash, between, car, and, truck, Japans, Shiga, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAKASHIMA, Shiga -- Three people were killed and three others were injured after a passenger car and a truck collided head-on in this central Japan ci]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to buy back 210,000 tons of emergency rice to prevent price collapse</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-buy-back-210000-tons-of-emergency-rice-to-prevent-price-collapse</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-buy-back-210000-tons-of-emergency-rice-to-prevent-price-collapse</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is considering buying back 210,000 tons of the emergency rice it released last year, sources close to the matter said ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, buy, back, 210, 000, tons, emergency, rice, prevent, price, collapse</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government is considering buying back 210,000 tons of the emergency rice it released last year, sources close to the matter said]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Truck&#45;car head&#45;on collision leaves 3 dead, 3 injured in Shiga</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/truck-car-head-on-collision-leaves-3-dead-3-injured-in-shiga</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/truck-car-head-on-collision-leaves-3-dead-3-injured-in-shiga</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three people died, and three others were injured in a head-on collision in western Japan between a truck and a car, local police said Monday.
The three killed,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:35:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Truck-car, head-on, collision, leaves, dead, injured, Shiga</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Three people died, and three others were injured in a head-on collision in western Japan between a truck and a car, local police said Monday.
The three killed,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>35% of unmarried young people in Japan say they do not plan to marry: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/35-of-unmarried-young-people-in-japan-say-they-do-not-plan-to-marry-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/35-of-unmarried-young-people-in-japan-say-they-do-not-plan-to-marry-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Thirty-five percent of unmarried young people in Japan say they do not plan to marry, a government survey showed Monday, with many citing concerns about income and changes… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:35:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>35, unmarried, young, people, Japan, say, they, not, plan, marry:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Thirty-five percent of unmarried young people in Japan say they do not plan to marry, a government survey showed Monday, with many citing concerns about income and changes…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan output ekes out 4th straight rise in July but quake impact unclear</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-output-ekes-out-4th-straight-rise-in-july-but-quake-impact-unclear</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-output-ekes-out-4th-straight-rise-in-july-but-quake-impact-unclear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s industrial output in July edged up 0.1 percent for the fourth straight monthly rise, helped by gains in semiconductor-related ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, output, ekes, out, 4th, straight, rise, July, but, quake, impact, unclear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial output in July edged up 0.1 percent for the fourth straight monthly rise, helped by gains in semiconductor-related]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall in morning as bond yields rise after Fed chief&amp;apos;s speech</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-as-bond-yields-rise-after-fed-chiefs-speech</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-as-bond-yields-rise-after-fed-chiefs-speech</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning, with the Nikkei stock index briefly sinking below 65,000, amid rising bond yields after U.S. Federa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, morning, bond, yields, rise, after, Fed, chiefs, speech</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning, with the Nikkei stock index briefly sinking below 65,000, amid rising bond yields after U.S. Federa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan AI system enabling simulated talks with A&#45;bomb survivors set for full rollout</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ai-system-enabling-simulated-talks-with-a-bomb-survivors-set-for-full-rollout</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ai-system-enabling-simulated-talks-with-a-bomb-survivors-set-for-full-rollout</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KITAKYUSHU -- An event allowing participants to engage in simulated dialogue with hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, through an artificial intellige ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, system, enabling, simulated, talks, with, A-bomb, survivors, set, for, full, rollout</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KITAKYUSHU -- An event allowing participants to engage in simulated dialogue with hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivors, through an artificial intellige]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>35% of unmarried youth in Japan say they do not plan to marry: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/35-of-unmarried-youth-in-japan-say-they-do-not-plan-to-marry-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/35-of-unmarried-youth-in-japan-say-they-do-not-plan-to-marry-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Thirty-five percent of unmarried young people in Japan say they do not plan to marry, a government survey showed Monday, with many ci ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>35, unmarried, youth, Japan, say, they, not, plan, marry:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Thirty-five percent of unmarried young people in Japan say they do not plan to marry, a government survey showed Monday, with many ci]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Okamoto hits 28th homer as Blue Jays rout Mariners</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-hits-28th-homer-as-blue-jays-rout-mariners</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-okamoto-hits-28th-homer-as-blue-jays-rout-mariners</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ANAHEIM, California (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 28th home run of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays routed the Seattle Mariners 7-0 on Sunday.O ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Okamoto, hits, 28th, homer, Blue, Jays, rout, Mariners</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ANAHEIM, California (Kyodo) -- Kazuma Okamoto hit his 28th home run of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays routed the Seattle Mariners 7-0 on Sunday.O]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US strikes Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in first military action in weeks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-strikes-iranian-rocket-launchers-on-the-strait-of-hormuz-in-first-military-action-in-weeks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-strikes-iranian-rocket-launchers-on-the-strait-of-hormuz-in-first-military-action-in-weeks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in their first military action in a month on Sunday, breaking a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - Senior News Editor</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>strikes, Iranian, rocket, launchers, the, Strait, Hormuz, first, military, action, weeks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in their first military action in a month on Sunday, breaking a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

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