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<title>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : UPDATES</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rss/category/updates</link>
<description>Konnichiwa Today &#45; : UPDATES</description>
<dc:language>en</dc:language>
<dc:rights>Copyright 2025 Konnichiwa Today News &#45; All Rights Reserved.</dc:rights>

<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi kicks off trip to Vietnam, Australia for summit talks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-kicks-off-trip-to-vietnam-australia-for-summit-talks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-kicks-off-trip-to-vietnam-australia-for-summit-talks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday began a five-day trip to Vietnam and Australia for bilateral summit talks, as Japan seeks to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:42:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, kicks, off, trip, Vietnam, Australia, for, summit, talks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday began a five-day trip to Vietnam and Australia for bilateral summit talks, as Japan seeks to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Half of teenage girls in Japan use AI for advice: gov&amp;apos;t survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/half-of-teenage-girls-in-japan-use-ai-for-advice-govt-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/half-of-teenage-girls-in-japan-use-ai-for-advice-govt-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More than half of teenage girls in Japan who use generative artificial intelligence solicit AI&#039;s advice on personal worries, a recent ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Half, teenage, girls, Japan, use, for, advice:, govt, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More than half of teenage girls in Japan who use generative artificial intelligence solicit AI's advice on personal worries, a recent]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Minamata marks 70th anniversary of recognition of mercury&#45;poisoning disease</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/minamata-marks-70th-anniversary-of-recognition-of-mercury-poisoning-disease</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/minamata-marks-70th-anniversary-of-recognition-of-mercury-poisoning-disease</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A southwestern city on Friday marked the 70th anniversary of the official recognition of the Minamata mercury-poisoning disease, with many aging victims still seeking relief over one of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:31:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Minamata, marks, 70th, anniversary, recognition, mercury-poisoning, disease</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A southwestern city on Friday marked the 70th anniversary of the official recognition of the Minamata mercury-poisoning disease, with many aging victims still seeking relief over one of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to buy back up to 150,000 tons of released stockpiled rice as inventories climb</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-buy-back-up-to-150000-tons-of-released-stockpiled-rice-as-inventories-climb</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-buy-back-up-to-150000-tons-of-released-stockpiled-rice-as-inventories-climb</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan&#039;s agriculture ministry plans to buy back up to 150,000 metric tons of rice in fiscal 2026 from the 590,000 tons it released from stockp ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:26:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, buy, back, 150, 000, tons, released, stockpiled, rice, inventories, climb</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan's agriculture ministry plans to buy back up to 150,000 metric tons of rice in fiscal 2026 from the 590,000 tons it released from stockp]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese travelers to China drastically decrease</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-travelers-to-china-drastically-decrease</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-travelers-to-china-drastically-decrease</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of Japanese travelers to China has drastically decreased after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s November remarks on how Japan might respond to a Taiwan emergency caused relations… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:07:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, travelers, China, drastically, decrease</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of Japanese travelers to China has drastically decreased after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November remarks on how Japan might respond to a Taiwan emergency caused relations…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan ranked 62nd in press freedom, just above U.S.; as Norway tops list</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranked-62nd-in-press-freedom-just-above-us-as-norway-tops-list-55139</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranked-62nd-in-press-freedom-just-above-us-as-norway-tops-list-55139</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Reporters Without Borders placed Japan 62nd among 180 countries and regions in terms of press freedom in its annual global ranking announced Thursday, a slight improvement from last… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ranked, 62nd, press, freedom, just, above, U.S., Norway, tops, list</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Reporters Without Borders placed Japan 62nd among 180 countries and regions in terms of press freedom in its annual global ranking announced Thursday, a slight improvement from last…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan ranked 62nd in press freedom, just above US, as Norway tops list</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranked-62nd-in-press-freedom-just-above-us-as-norway-tops-list</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ranked-62nd-in-press-freedom-just-above-us-as-norway-tops-list</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PARIS (Kyodo) -- Reporters Without Borders placed Japan 62nd among 180 countries and regions in terms of press freedom in its annual global ranking an ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ranked, 62nd, press, freedom, just, above, US, Norway, tops, list</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PARIS (Kyodo) -- Reporters Without Borders placed Japan 62nd among 180 countries and regions in terms of press freedom in its annual global ranking an]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan conducted intervention to stem yen&amp;apos;s fall against dollar: sources</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-conducted-intervention-to-stem-yens-fall-against-dollar-sources</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-conducted-intervention-to-stem-yens-fall-against-dollar-sources</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market on Thursday to stem the yen&#039;s rapid fall to the upper 160 range against the U. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, conducted, intervention, stem, yens, fall, against, dollar:, sources</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese authorities intervened in the currency market on Thursday to stem the yen's rapid fall to the upper 160 range against the U.]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo Fire Department warns of rising heatstroke risk, calls for early precautions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-fire-department-warns-of-rising-heatstroke-risk-calls-for-early-precautions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-fire-department-warns-of-rising-heatstroke-risk-calls-for-early-precautions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Tokyo Fire Department is urging residents to take early precautions against heatstroke, as the summer heat has been intensifying almost e ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, Fire, Department, warns, rising, heatstroke, risk, calls, for, early, precautions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Tokyo Fire Department is urging residents to take early precautions against heatstroke, as the summer heat has been intensifying almost e]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed in morning on tech gains, yen&amp;apos;s surge vs. dollar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-tech-gains-yens-surge-vs-dollar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-tech-gains-yens-surge-vs-dollar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Friday morning, with gains by some heavyweight technology issues trimmed as market sentiment was pressured by ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, morning, tech, gains, yens, surge, vs., dollar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Friday morning, with gains by some heavyweight technology issues trimmed as market sentiment was pressured by]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Beijing bans drone sales to tighten security in capital</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/beijing-bans-drone-sales-to-tighten-security-in-capital</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/beijing-bans-drone-sales-to-tighten-security-in-capital</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Beijing on Friday implemented a ban on drone sales and leases to enhance security in the capital, becoming the first Chinese munici ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Beijing, bans, drone, sales, tighten, security, capital</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Beijing on Friday implemented a ban on drone sales and leases to enhance security in the capital, becoming the first Chinese munici]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Kanuma offers race car as return gift for $200,000 hometown tax donations</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kanuma-offers-race-car-as-return-gift-for-200000-hometown-tax-donations</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kanuma-offers-race-car-as-return-gift-for-200000-hometown-tax-donations</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KANUMA, Tochigi -- This eastern Japan city has added a domestically made, entry-level formula racing car developed by a local company as a new return ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Kanuma, offers, race, car, return, gift, for, 200, 000, hometown, tax, donations</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KANUMA, Tochigi -- This eastern Japan city has added a domestically made, entry-level formula racing car developed by a local company as a new return]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tennis: Japan tennis icon Kei Nishikori announces retirement at season&#45;end</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-japan-tennis-icon-kei-nishikori-announces-retirement-at-season-end</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tennis-japan-tennis-icon-kei-nishikori-announces-retirement-at-season-end</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori said on social media Thursday that he will retire at the end of the seas ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tennis:, Japan, tennis, icon, Kei, Nishikori, announces, retirement, season-end</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Japanese tennis icon and former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori said on social media Thursday that he will retire at the end of the seas]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump administration says its war in Iran has been &amp;apos;terminated&amp;apos; before 60&#45;day deadline</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-administration-says-its-war-in-iran-has-been-terminated-before-60-day-deadline</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-administration-says-its-war-in-iran-has-been-terminated-before-60-day-deadline</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, administration, says, its, war, Iran, has, been, terminated, before, 60-day, deadline</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April, an i]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nissan to scrap US EV production plan amid slowing demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-to-scrap-us-ev-production-plan-amid-slowing-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nissan-to-scrap-us-ev-production-plan-amid-slowing-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co. said Friday it will scrap its plan to produce electric vehicles in the United States as demand is slowing, partly du ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nissan, scrap, production, plan, amid, slowing, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nissan Motor Co. said Friday it will scrap its plan to produce electric vehicles in the United States as demand is slowing, partly du]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Murakami reaches 10 MLB home runs in record time</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-murakami-reaches-10-mlb-home-runs-in-record-time</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-murakami-reaches-10-mlb-home-runs-in-record-time</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On April 22, Munetaka Murakami, a 26-year-old player for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball, hit his 10th home run in a game against the A ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Murakami, reaches, MLB, home, runs, record, time</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On April 22, Munetaka Murakami, a 26-year-old player for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball, hit his 10th home run in a game against the A]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Mountain festival marks spring arrival high above Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mountain-festival-marks-spring-arrival-high-above-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mountain-festival-marks-spring-arrival-high-above-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A centuries-old festival that heralds spring drew hundreds of worshippers to a mountain in Tokyo on Wednesday, as robed Shinto priests led a procession to a sacred shrine… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:43:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mountain, festival, marks, spring, arrival, high, above, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A centuries-old festival that heralds spring drew hundreds of worshippers to a mountain in Tokyo on Wednesday, as robed Shinto priests led a procession to a sacred shrine…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan parliamentary group eyes S. Korea trip in mid&#45;May to meet president</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-parliamentary-group-eyes-s-korea-trip-in-mid-may-to-meet-president</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-parliamentary-group-eyes-s-korea-trip-in-mid-may-to-meet-president</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The new head of a bipartisan group of Japanese lawmakers promoting ties with South Korea is arranging a visit to the country in mid-M ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, parliamentary, group, eyes, Korea, trip, mid-May, meet, president</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The new head of a bipartisan group of Japanese lawmakers promoting ties with South Korea is arranging a visit to the country in mid-M]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Wildfire in Japan&amp;apos;s Iwate Pref. must be put out quickly, residents need help</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-wildfire-in-japans-iwate-pref-must-be-put-out-quickly-residents-need-help</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-wildfire-in-japans-iwate-pref-must-be-put-out-quickly-residents-need-help</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Every effort must be made to quickly extinguish the wildfire in northeast Japan&#039;s Iwate Prefecture, and everything possible done to support residents ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:22:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Wildfire, Japans, Iwate, Pref., must, put, out, quickly, residents, need, help</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Every effort must be made to quickly extinguish the wildfire in northeast Japan's Iwate Prefecture, and everything possible done to support residents]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Fed extends rate pause amid inflation woes, Powell to stay on as governor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fed-extends-rate-pause-amid-inflation-woes-powell-to-stay-on-as-governor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fed-extends-rate-pause-amid-inflation-woes-powell-to-stay-on-as-governor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate steady as the Iran war drives up energy prices and compli ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fed, extends, rate, pause, amid, inflation, woes, Powell, stay, governor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday held its benchmark interest rate steady as the Iran war drives up energy prices and compli]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>News in Easy English: Violinist in Nara becomes curry chef to save favorite restaurant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-violinist-in-nara-becomes-curry-chef-to-save-favorite-restaurant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-violinist-in-nara-becomes-curry-chef-to-save-favorite-restaurant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NARA -- Akio Nozawa, 36, is a violinist in Nara. He also leads an orchestra. But now he has another job too -- he runs a South Indian curry restaurant ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, Easy, English:, Violinist, Nara, becomes, curry, chef, save, favorite, restaurant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NARA -- Akio Nozawa, 36, is a violinist in Nara. He also leads an orchestra. But now he has another job too -- he runs a South Indian curry restaurant]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What&amp;apos;s causing sticker shock among private high school parents?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-causing-sticker-shock-among-private-high-school-parents</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-causing-sticker-shock-among-private-high-school-parents</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 30 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, Whats, causing, sticker, shock, among, private, high, school, parents</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 30 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>USS Ford aircraft carrier will be heading home after record&#45;breaking deployment</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/uss-ford-aircraft-carrier-will-be-heading-home-after-record-breaking-deployment</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/uss-ford-aircraft-carrier-will-be-heading-home-after-record-breaking-deployment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world&#039;s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will be heading home following a record-setting deployment of more th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>USS, Ford, aircraft, carrier, will, heading, home, after, record-breaking, deployment</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, will be heading home following a record-setting deployment of more th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Middle East conflict dampens Japan industrial output in March</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/middle-east-conflict-dampens-japan-industrial-output-in-march</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/middle-east-conflict-dampens-japan-industrial-output-in-march</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s industrial output in March edged down 0.5 percent from the previous month, pressured by the Middle East conflict that affecte ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Middle, East, conflict, dampens, Japan, industrial, output, March</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's industrial output in March edged down 0.5 percent from the previous month, pressured by the Middle East conflict that affecte]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks, yen hurt by surging oil, Middle East concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-yen-hurt-by-surging-oil-middle-east-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-yen-hurt-by-surging-oil-middle-east-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell and the yen was soft against the U.S. dollar Thursday morning after crude oil futures rose past $100 per barrel on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, yen, hurt, surging, oil, Middle, East, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell and the yen was soft against the U.S. dollar Thursday morning after crude oil futures rose past $100 per barrel on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Sugano earns 3rd win as Rockies rout Reds</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-sugano-earns-3rd-win-as-rockies-rout-reds</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-sugano-earns-3rd-win-as-rockies-rout-reds</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Tomoyuki Sugano earned his third win of the season as the Colorado Rockies routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-2 on Wednesday.Sugano (3-1 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Sugano, earns, 3rd, win, Rockies, rout, Reds</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Tomoyuki Sugano earned his third win of the season as the Colorado Rockies routed the Cincinnati Reds 13-2 on Wednesday.Sugano (3-1]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Actor Ken Matsudaira performs signature samba dance in Yokohama to pray for sunny holidays</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/actor-ken-matsudaira-performs-signature-samba-dance-in-yokohama-to-pray-for-sunny-holidays</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/actor-ken-matsudaira-performs-signature-samba-dance-in-yokohama-to-pray-for-sunny-holidays</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA -- Actor Ken Matsudaira performed &quot;Matsuken Samba II&quot; from a platform 15 meters high at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise on April 27, praying ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Actor, Ken, Matsudaira, performs, signature, samba, dance, Yokohama, pray, for, sunny, holidays</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA -- Actor Ken Matsudaira performed "Matsuken Samba II" from a platform 15 meters high at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise on April 27, praying]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hegseth faces a second day of Democrats grilling him over the Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hegseth-faces-a-second-day-of-democrats-grilling-him-over-the-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hegseth-faces-a-second-day-of-democrats-grilling-him-over-the-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a second day of grilling from Democrats on Capitol Hill, with senators getting their first ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hegseth, faces, second, day, Democrats, grilling, him, over, the, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a second day of grilling from Democrats on Capitol Hill, with senators getting their first]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>JAL reports highest sales of 2.01 trillion yen in FY 2025 on strong demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-reports-highest-sales-of-201-trillion-yen-in-fy-2025-on-strong-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jal-reports-highest-sales-of-201-trillion-yen-in-fy-2025-on-strong-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan Airlines Co. said Thursday its revenue rose 9.1 percent from the previous year to reach a record high since its relisting in 20 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:06:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>JAL, reports, highest, sales, 2.01, trillion, yen, 2025, strong, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan Airlines Co. said Thursday its revenue rose 9.1 percent from the previous year to reach a record high since its relisting in 20]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mountain find leads to forgotten WWII crash; links U.S. and Japan families</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mountain-find-leads-to-forgotten-wwii-crash-links-us-and-japan-families</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mountain-find-leads-to-forgotten-wwii-crash-links-us-and-japan-families</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A chance discovery of a metal fragment on a mountainside in southwestern Japan led one man to uncover a forgotten wartime crash -- and reconnect grieving families from… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:03:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mountain, find, leads, forgotten, WWII, crash, links, U.S., and, Japan, families</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A chance discovery of a metal fragment on a mountainside in southwestern Japan led one man to uncover a forgotten wartime crash -- and reconnect grieving families from…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan surname rule spurs matchmaking events for same&#45;name couples</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-surname-rule-spurs-matchmaking-events-for-same-name-couples</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-surname-rule-spurs-matchmaking-events-for-same-name-couples</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is widely regarded as the only country that requires married couples to share a single surname, a rule that continues to shape personal decisions and social debate.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, surname, rule, spurs, matchmaking, events, for, same-name, couples</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is widely regarded as the only country that requires married couples to share a single surname, a rule that continues to shape personal decisions and social debate.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tanker operated by Idemitsu Kosan passes through Strait of Hormuz</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tanker-operated-by-idemitsu-kosan-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tanker-operated-by-idemitsu-kosan-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A tanker operated by a subsidiary of Japanese oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co transited the Strait of Hormuz without paying any toll, a government source said Wednesday.
Japanese… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:03:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tanker, operated, Idemitsu, Kosan, passes, through, Strait, Hormuz</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A tanker operated by a subsidiary of Japanese oil refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co transited the Strait of Hormuz without paying any toll, a government source said Wednesday.
Japanese…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Suspect at large after attacking boy, spraying 3 police officers in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/suspect-at-large-after-attacking-boy-spraying-3-police-officers-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/suspect-at-large-after-attacking-boy-spraying-3-police-officers-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A man who barricaded himself inside his home in Tokyo after allegedly striking a high school student on the head with a hammer and sp ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:34:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Suspect, large, after, attacking, boy, spraying, police, officers, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A man who barricaded himself inside his home in Tokyo after allegedly striking a high school student on the head with a hammer and sp]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Taiwan eyes receiving Okinawa island patients in disasters</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-eyes-receiving-okinawa-island-patients-in-disasters</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-eyes-receiving-okinawa-island-patients-in-disasters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Taiwan is exploring the possibility of receiving patients from remote Okinawan islands for treatment in Taiwan during emergencies and major disasters, a senior Interior Ministry official said Tuesday.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:07:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Taiwan, eyes, receiving, Okinawa, island, patients, disasters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Taiwan is exploring the possibility of receiving patients from remote Okinawan islands for treatment in Taiwan during emergencies and major disasters, a senior Interior Ministry official said Tuesday.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Historical records show Japanese American role in postwar relief efforts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/historical-records-show-japanese-american-role-in-postwar-relief-efforts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/historical-records-show-japanese-american-role-in-postwar-relief-efforts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- A group of Japanese Americans recently highlighted through historical photos and documents the postwar efforts by communities of J ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Historical, records, show, Japanese, American, role, postwar, relief, efforts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- A group of Japanese Americans recently highlighted through historical photos and documents the postwar efforts by communities of J]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan confectioner Chateraise launches chocolate made from Indonesian cacao</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-confectioner-chateraise-launches-chocolate-made-from-indonesian-cacao</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-confectioner-chateraise-launches-chocolate-made-from-indonesian-cacao</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Chateraise Co., one of Japan&#039;s largest confectionery makers, headquartered in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, has begun producing and selling cho ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, confectioner, Chateraise, launches, chocolate, made, from, Indonesian, cacao</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Chateraise Co., one of Japan's largest confectionery makers, headquartered in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, has begun producing and selling cho]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>TEPCO mulls issuing veto&#45;rights share in alliance expansion plan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-mulls-issuing-veto-rights-share-in-alliance-expansion-plan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-mulls-issuing-veto-rights-share-in-alliance-expansion-plan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. is considering issuing the Japanese government a &quot;golden share&quot; to give it veto power over ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>TEPCO, mulls, issuing, veto-rights, share, alliance, expansion, plan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. is considering issuing the Japanese government a "golden share" to give it veto power over]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Man beats boy, injures police before barricading himself in Tokyo home</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/man-beats-boy-injures-police-before-barricading-himself-in-tokyo-home</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/man-beats-boy-injures-police-before-barricading-himself-in-tokyo-home</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A man with a hammer struck a high school student on the head and sprayed an unknown substance at multiple police officers who rushed ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Man, beats, boy, injures, police, before, barricading, himself, Tokyo, home</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A man with a hammer struck a high school student on the head and sprayed an unknown substance at multiple police officers who rushed]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ohtani strikes out 9 over 6 innings in 2nd pitching&#45;only performance for Dodgers</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-strikes-out-9-over-6-innings-in-2nd-pitching-only-performance-for-dodgers</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-strikes-out-9-over-6-innings-in-2nd-pitching-only-performance-for-dodgers</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani struck out nine in six effective innings Tuesday night and did not bat for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his second start ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ohtani, strikes, out, over, innings, 2nd, pitching-only, performance, for, Dodgers</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani struck out nine in six effective innings Tuesday night and did not bat for the Los Angeles Dodgers, his second start]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM vows all&#45;out efforts toward sustained pay hikes at May Day event</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-all-out-efforts-toward-sustained-pay-hikes-at-may-day-event</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-vows-all-out-efforts-toward-sustained-pay-hikes-at-may-day-event</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday her government will do its utmost to help ensure continued wage hikes as the head of the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Wednesday her government will do its utmost to help ensure continued wage hikes as the head of the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&#45;owned oil tanker passes thorough Strait of Hormuz: media</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-owned-oil-tanker-passes-thorough-strait-of-hormuz-media</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-owned-oil-tanker-passes-thorough-strait-of-hormuz-media</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TEHRAN (Kyodo) -- A Japanese-owned tanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil has transited through the Strait of Hormuz after securing permission ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[TEHRAN (Kyodo) -- A Japanese-owned tanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil has transited through the Strait of Hormuz after securing permission]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kodai Senga to IL and Juan Soto (left forearm) limited to DH for Mets</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kodai-senga-to-il-and-juan-soto-left-forearm-limited-to-dh-for-mets</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kodai-senga-to-il-and-juan-soto-left-forearm-limited-to-dh-for-mets</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Kodai Senga went on the 10-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation Tuesday for the struggling New York Mets, who also have gr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kodai, Senga, and, Juan, Soto, left, forearm, limited, for, Mets</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Kodai Senga went on the 10-day injured list with lumbar spine inflammation Tuesday for the struggling New York Mets, who also have gr]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Azaleas delight visitors at garden in Fukuoka Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-azaleas-delight-visitors-at-garden-in-fukuoka-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-azaleas-delight-visitors-at-garden-in-fukuoka-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ An azalea plant taller than people is in bloom with bright red flowers. An azalea festival is being held at Ukidakekohkajuen garden in the city of Ito ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:02:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Azaleas, delight, visitors, garden, Fukuoka, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[An azalea plant taller than people is in bloom with bright red flowers. An azalea festival is being held at Ukidakekohkajuen garden in the city of Ito]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami hits 12th homer to take sole MLB lead</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-12th-homer-to-take-sole-mlb-lead</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-hits-12th-homer-to-take-sole-mlb-lead</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami blasted his 12th homer of the season to take the sole Major League Baseball lead and propel the Chicago White Sox ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, hits, 12th, homer, take, sole, MLB, lead</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami blasted his 12th homer of the season to take the sole Major League Baseball lead and propel the Chicago White Sox]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks mixed, Nikkei down on profit&#45;taking in tech shares</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-nikkei-down-on-profit-taking-in-tech-shares</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-nikkei-down-on-profit-taking-in-tech-shares</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Tuesday, with the Nikkei index falling as investors locked in gains in heavyweight technology shares followi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:54:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, Nikkei, down, profit-taking, tech, shares</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended mixed Tuesday, with the Nikkei index falling as investors locked in gains in heavyweight technology shares followi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi to depart Fri. for 5&#45;day trip to Vietnam, Australia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-to-depart-fri-for-5-day-trip-to-vietnam-australia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-to-depart-fri-for-5-day-trip-to-vietnam-australia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit Vietnam and Australia for talks with their leaders during a five-day trip starting ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:38:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, depart, Fri., for, 5-day, trip, Vietnam, Australia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit Vietnam and Australia for talks with their leaders during a five-day trip starting]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Wildfires &amp;apos;largely under control&amp;apos; in northeastern Japan on 7th day</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-largely-under-control-in-northeastern-japan-on-7th-day</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-largely-under-control-in-northeastern-japan-on-7th-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two wildfires in northeastern Japan are now &quot;largely under control,&quot; the head of a local town said Tuesday, as firefighting continued for a seventh day.
The fires, which… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:35:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wildfires, largely, under, control, northeastern, Japan, 7th, day</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two wildfires in northeastern Japan are now "largely under control," the head of a local town said Tuesday, as firefighting continued for a seventh day.
The fires, which…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan startup seeks approval of cat kidney disease treatment</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-startup-seeks-approval-of-cat-kidney-disease-treatment</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-startup-seeks-approval-of-cat-kidney-disease-treatment</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese startup has filed for approval of a new drug to treat chronic kidney disease in cats, the founder said on Monday, offering hope for a common… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:26:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, startup, seeks, approval, cat, kidney, disease, treatment</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese startup has filed for approval of a new drug to treat chronic kidney disease in cats, the founder said on Monday, offering hope for a common…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Michael Jackson streams skyrocket after &amp;apos;Michael&amp;apos; biopic opening weekend, up 95% in the US</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/michael-jackson-streams-skyrocket-after-michael-biopic-opening-weekend-up-95-in-the-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/michael-jackson-streams-skyrocket-after-michael-biopic-opening-weekend-up-95-in-the-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Michael Jackson once sang &quot;Don&#039;t Stop &#039;Til You Get Enough.&quot; For fans of the King of Pop&#039;s music, it&#039;s words to live by: Streams of hi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Michael, Jackson, streams, skyrocket, after, Michael, biopic, opening, weekend, 95, the</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Michael Jackson once sang "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." For fans of the King of Pop's music, it's words to live by: Streams of hi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan jobless rate in FY 2025 rises to 2.6% as more people enter job market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-jobless-rate-in-fy-2025-rises-to-26-as-more-people-enter-job-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-jobless-rate-in-fy-2025-rises-to-26-as-more-people-enter-job-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s average unemployment rate in fiscal 2025 rose 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier to 2.6 percent, deteriorating for the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, jobless, rate, 2025, rises, 2.6, more, people, enter, job, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's average unemployment rate in fiscal 2025 rose 0.1 percentage point from a year earlier to 2.6 percent, deteriorating for the]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Taiwan court fines Tokyo Electron unit $4.7 million over TSMC data theft</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-court-fines-tokyo-electron-unit-47-million-over-tsmc-data-theft</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwan-court-fines-tokyo-electron-unit-47-million-over-tsmc-data-theft</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- A Taiwanese court on Monday fined the local unit of Japan&#039;s Tokyo Electron Ltd. NT$150 million ($4.7 million) and sentenced a former ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Taiwan, court, fines, Tokyo, Electron, unit, 4.7, million, over, TSMC, data, theft</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- A Taiwanese court on Monday fined the local unit of Japan's Tokyo Electron Ltd. NT$150 million ($4.7 million) and sentenced a former]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s tiniest municipality sells lifetime bathhouse tickets to boost name recognition</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-tiniest-municipality-sells-lifetime-bathhouse-tickets-to-boost-name-recognition</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-tiniest-municipality-sells-lifetime-bathhouse-tickets-to-boost-name-recognition</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUNAHASHI, Toyama -- Japan&#039;s smallest municipality at just 3.47 square kilometers, is selling lifetime bathing rights to a local bathhouse to boost na ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, tiniest, municipality, sells, lifetime, bathhouse, tickets, boost, name, recognition</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUNAHASHI, Toyama -- Japan's smallest municipality at just 3.47 square kilometers, is selling lifetime bathing rights to a local bathhouse to boost na]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>King Charles III to meet Trump and address Congress in bid to spotlight UK&#45;US ties</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/king-charles-iii-to-meet-trump-and-address-congress-in-bid-to-spotlight-uk-us-ties</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/king-charles-iii-to-meet-trump-and-address-congress-in-bid-to-spotlight-uk-us-ties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- King Charles III will embrace some of Washington&#039;s most formal ceremonial trappings on Tuesday as he tries to emphasize a bond betw ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>King, Charles, III, meet, Trump, and, address, Congress, bid, spotlight, UK-US, ties</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- King Charles III will embrace some of Washington's most formal ceremonial trappings on Tuesday as he tries to emphasize a bond betw]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Microsoft cuts OpenAI revenue share in a fresh step to loosen their AI alliance</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/microsoft-cuts-openai-revenue-share-in-a-fresh-step-to-loosen-their-ai-alliance</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/microsoft-cuts-openai-revenue-share-in-a-fresh-step-to-loosen-their-ai-alliance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Microsoft said Monday it will no longer pay a share of its revenue to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, the latest move to untether a close ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Microsoft, cuts, OpenAI, revenue, share, fresh, step, loosen, their, alliance</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Microsoft said Monday it will no longer pay a share of its revenue to ChatGPT maker OpenAI, the latest move to untether a close]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>New York City to hold free World Cup fan events in each borough</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-york-city-to-hold-free-world-cup-fan-events-in-each-borough</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-york-city-to-hold-free-world-cup-fan-events-in-each-borough</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City will hold a series of free events for soccer fans who hope to experience the excitement of the World Cup but can&#039;t the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, York, City, hold, free, World, Cup, fan, events, each, borough</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- New York City will hold a series of free events for soccer fans who hope to experience the excitement of the World Cup but can't the]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: 2 months since attack on Iran, an end needed to world&#45;threatening conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-2-months-since-attack-on-iran-an-end-needed-to-world-threatening-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-2-months-since-attack-on-iran-an-end-needed-to-world-threatening-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two months have passed since the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Although a temporary cease-fire has been agreed ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, months, since, attack, Iran, end, needed, world-threatening, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two months have passed since the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. Although a temporary cease-fire has been agreed]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Osaka Expo 2025 panel eyes split of 32&#45;37 bil. yen surplus between state and local bodies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-expo-2025-panel-eyes-split-of-32-37-bil-yen-surplus-between-state-and-local-bodies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-expo-2025-panel-eyes-split-of-32-37-bil-yen-surplus-between-state-and-local-bodies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A panel reviewing the 2025 Osaka Expo has compiled a draft report calling for any operating surplus, estimated at 32 billion yen to 37 billio ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, Expo, 2025, panel, eyes, split, 32-37, bil., yen, surplus, between, state, and, local, bodies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A panel reviewing the 2025 Osaka Expo has compiled a draft report calling for any operating surplus, estimated at 32 billion yen to 37 billio]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>BOJ leaves policy rate unchanged at 0.75%, sharply raises inflation outlook</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-leaves-policy-rate-unchanged-at-075-sharply-raises-inflation-outlook</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-leaves-policy-rate-unchanged-at-075-sharply-raises-inflation-outlook</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan on Tuesday kept its key interest rate at around 0.75 percent due to uncertainty over the Middle East conflict but s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, leaves, policy, rate, unchanged, 0.75, sharply, raises, inflation, outlook</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan on Tuesday kept its key interest rate at around 0.75 percent due to uncertainty over the Middle East conflict but s]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Weather agency ends 1&#45;week advisory after M7.7 quake in northeastern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/weather-agency-ends-1-week-advisory-after-m77-quake-in-northeastern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/weather-agency-ends-1-week-advisory-after-m77-quake-in-northeastern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The weather agency on Monday ended a weeklong advisory for an increased risk of a strong earthquake after a magnitude 7.7 temblor struck off the Pacific coast in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Weather, agency, ends, 1-week, advisory, after, M7.7, quake, northeastern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The weather agency on Monday ended a weeklong advisory for an increased risk of a strong earthquake after a magnitude 7.7 temblor struck off the Pacific coast in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tsunami survivor battles wildfire to protect hometown in Japan&amp;apos;s northeast</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tsunami-survivor-battles-wildfire-to-protect-hometown-in-japans-northeast</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tsunami-survivor-battles-wildfire-to-protect-hometown-in-japans-northeast</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Ryota Haga was in high school when the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Japan triggered ‌a deadly tsunami and swept away his family home in the quiet northeastern… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:38:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tsunami, survivor, battles, wildfire, protect, hometown, Japans, northeast</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ryota Haga was in high school when the biggest earthquake ever recorded in Japan triggered ‌a deadly tsunami and swept away his family home in the quiet northeastern…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: As nuclear war risks rise, Japan must help push for disarmament</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-as-nuclear-war-risks-rise-japan-must-help-push-for-disarmament</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-as-nuclear-war-risks-rise-japan-must-help-push-for-disarmament</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The danger of nuclear war is growing. The world&#039;s resolve to achieve a &quot;planet free of nuclear weapons&quot; is being tested again. With a series of global ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:33:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, nuclear, war, risks, rise, Japan, must, help, push, for, disarmament</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The danger of nuclear war is growing. The world's resolve to achieve a "planet free of nuclear weapons" is being tested again. With a series of global]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei ends above 60,000 for 1st time on tech gains, Mideast hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes-54783</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes-54783</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:17:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, above, 60, 000, for, 1st, time, tech, gains, Mideast, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>A&#45;bomb survivors march in New York ahead of nuclear treaty review confab</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/a-bomb-survivors-march-in-new-york-ahead-of-nuclear-treaty-review-confab</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/a-bomb-survivors-march-in-new-york-ahead-of-nuclear-treaty-review-confab</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki marched through New York on Sunday, chanting &quot;No more Hiroshimas, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:09:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>A-bomb, survivors, march, New, York, ahead, nuclear, treaty, review, confab</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (Kyodo) -- Survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki marched through New York on Sunday, chanting "No more Hiroshimas,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: 3 Asian elephants make debut at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-3-asian-elephants-make-debut-at-tennoji-zoo-in-osaka</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-3-asian-elephants-make-debut-at-tennoji-zoo-in-osaka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On April 21, three Asian elephants made their debut at Tennoji Zoo in the city of Osaka. It is the first time in eight years for the zoo to keep eleph ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:09:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Asian, elephants, make, debut, Tennoji, Zoo, Osaka</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On April 21, three Asian elephants made their debut at Tennoji Zoo in the city of Osaka. It is the first time in eight years for the zoo to keep eleph]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tanker carrying U.S. oil arrives in Japan for 1st time since Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tanker-carrying-us-oil-arrives-in-japan-for-1st-time-since-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tanker-carrying-us-oil-arrives-in-japan-for-1st-time-since-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A tanker carrying U.S. oil arrived in Japan on Sunday, marking the first such shipment from the United States since the Iran war began in late February.
According… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tanker, carrying, U.S., oil, arrives, Japan, for, 1st, time, since, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A tanker carrying U.S. oil arrived in Japan on Sunday, marking the first such shipment from the United States since the Iran war began in late February.
According…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan bathhouses in deep water as energy costs boil over</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bathhouses-in-deep-water-as-energy-costs-boil-over</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bathhouses-in-deep-water-as-energy-costs-boil-over</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Traditional public bathhouses in Japan are in deep water as soaring energy costs triggered by the Middle East oil supply disruptions threaten to extinguish the fires of a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bathhouses, deep, water, energy, costs, boil, over</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Traditional public bathhouses in Japan are in deep water as soaring energy costs triggered by the Middle East oil supply disruptions threaten to extinguish the fires of a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>M6.1 quake strikes in northern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m61-quake-strikes-in-northern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m61-quake-strikes-in-northern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook part of northern Japan early Monday, but no damage or casualties have been reported.
No tsunami advisory was issued by the Japan Meteorological… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M6.1, quake, strikes, northern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shook part of northern Japan early Monday, but no damage or casualties have been reported.
No tsunami advisory was issued by the Japan Meteorological…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hello Kitty theme park in southwest Japan celebrates 35th anniversary</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hello-kitty-theme-park-in-southwest-japan-celebrates-35th-anniversary</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hello-kitty-theme-park-in-southwest-japan-celebrates-35th-anniversary</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OITA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Hello Kitty theme park in southwestern Japan commemorated its 35th anniversary on Sunday, as over 1,300 fans gathered in the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hello, Kitty, theme, park, southwest, Japan, celebrates, 35th, anniversary</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OITA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Hello Kitty theme park in southwestern Japan commemorated its 35th anniversary on Sunday, as over 1,300 fans gathered in the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against Trump in writings to family</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dc-gala-shooting-suspect-aired-grievances-against-trump-in-writings-to-family</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dc-gala-shooting-suspect-aired-grievances-against-trump-in-writings-to-family</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents&#039; Association dinner railed against Trump administration policies ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/26/20260426p2g00m0in022000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>gala, shooting, suspect, aired, grievances, against, Trump, writings, family</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The man accused of opening fire at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner railed against Trump administration policies]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Accused attacker at Washington media dinner is a tutor and computer engineer from California</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/accused-attacker-at-washington-media-dinner-is-a-tutor-and-computer-engineer-from-california</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/accused-attacker-at-washington-media-dinner-is-a-tutor-and-computer-engineer-from-california</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) -- The California man arrested in the shooting at the White House Correspondents&#039; Association dinner is a highly educated tutor ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Accused, attacker, Washington, media, dinner, tutor, and, computer, engineer, from, California</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) -- The California man arrested in the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner is a highly educated tutor]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Despite Russia&amp;apos;s war, one Ukrainian city still gathers for midnight Chernobyl vigil</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/despite-russias-war-one-ukrainian-city-still-gathers-for-midnight-chernobyl-vigil</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/despite-russias-war-one-ukrainian-city-still-gathers-for-midnight-chernobyl-vigil</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SLAVUTYCH, Ukraine (AP) -- People streamed into the central square of Slavutych in the early hours of Sunday, placing candles on a large radiation haz ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Despite, Russias, war, one, Ukrainian, city, still, gathers, for, midnight, Chernobyl, vigil</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SLAVUTYCH, Ukraine (AP) -- People streamed into the central square of Slavutych in the early hours of Sunday, placing candles on a large radiation haz]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>M6.2 quake hits Japan&amp;apos;s Hokkaido, no tsunami warning issued</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m62-quake-hits-japans-hokkaido-no-tsunami-warning-issued</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m62-quake-hits-japans-hokkaido-no-tsunami-warning-issued</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A quake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Japan&#039;s Hokkaido on Monday, but the country&#039;s weather agency issued no tsunami warning and rul ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/27/20260427p2g00m0na004000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M6.2, quake, hits, Japans, Hokkaido, tsunami, warning, issued</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A quake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Japan's Hokkaido on Monday, but the country's weather agency issued no tsunami warning and rul]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>N. Korea holds opening ceremony of museum honoring troops sent to Russia</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-holds-opening-ceremony-of-museum-honoring-troops-sent-to-russia</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-holds-opening-ceremony-of-museum-honoring-troops-sent-to-russia</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- North Korea held an opening ceremony in Pyongyang on Sunday for a memorial museum dedicated to troops dispatched to aid Moscow in it ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/27/20260427p2g00m0in008000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, holds, opening, ceremony, museum, honoring, troops, sent, Russia</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MOSCOW (Kyodo) -- North Korea held an opening ceremony in Pyongyang on Sunday for a memorial museum dedicated to troops dispatched to aid Moscow in it]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Miyazaki&amp;apos;s new &amp;apos;panorama box&amp;apos; displays show 85&#45;year&#45;old director&amp;apos;s art still evolving</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/miyazakis-new-panorama-box-displays-show-85-year-old-directors-art-still-evolving</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/miyazakis-new-panorama-box-displays-show-85-year-old-directors-art-still-evolving</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki&#039;s latest work will be unveiled in July. However, it is not a movie that fans will line up to see, but rather ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/27/20260427p2a00m0et005000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Miyazakis, new, panorama, box, displays, show, 85-year-old, directors, art, still, evolving</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki's latest work will be unveiled in July. However, it is not a movie that fans will line up to see, but rather]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani hits 6th homer as Dodgers beat Cubs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-hits-6th-homer-as-dodgers-beat-cubs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-hits-6th-homer-as-dodgers-beat-cubs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani hit his sixth homer of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.Batti ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/27/20260427p2g00m0sp014000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, hits, 6th, homer, Dodgers, beat, Cubs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani hit his sixth homer of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.Batti]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>BOJ likely to keep rate steady to assess Iran war, lift inflation forecast</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-likely-to-keep-rate-steady-to-assess-iran-war-lift-inflation-forecast</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/boj-likely-to-keep-rate-steady-to-assess-iran-war-lift-inflation-forecast</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan began a two-day policy meeting on Monday to debate whether to raise its policy rate amid the prospect of inflationa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>BOJ, likely, keep, rate, steady, assess, Iran, war, lift, inflation, forecast</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Bank of Japan began a two-day policy meeting on Monday to debate whether to raise its policy rate amid the prospect of inflationa]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>: Nikkei ends above 60,000 for 1st time on tech gains, Mideast hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-ends-above-60000-for-1st-time-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, ends, above, 60, 000, for, 1st, time, tech, gains, Mideast, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index finished above the 60,000-point line for the first time on Monday, propelled by heavyweight technology shares]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan outbound travel remains at 70% of pre&#45;pandemic levels</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-outbound-travel-remains-at-70-of-pre-pandemic-levels</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-outbound-travel-remains-at-70-of-pre-pandemic-levels</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Overseas travel from Japan has been recovering but remains at more than 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels amid a weak yen, a Kyodo News analysis of government data… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:42:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, outbound, travel, remains, 70, pre-pandemic, levels</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Overseas travel from Japan has been recovering but remains at more than 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels amid a weak yen, a Kyodo News analysis of government data…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan deploys 1,400 firefighters, SDF to battle raging wildfires in Iwate</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-deploys-1400-firefighters-sdf-to-battle-raging-wildfires-in-iwate</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-deploys-1400-firefighters-sdf-to-battle-raging-wildfires-in-iwate</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan has deployed 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force ‌personnel to battle mountain blazes in Iwate Prefecture, with the fires, now burning on Sunday for ‌a fifth straight… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:34:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, deploys, 1, 400, firefighters, SDF, battle, raging, wildfires, Iwate</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan has deployed 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force ‌personnel to battle mountain blazes in Iwate Prefecture, with the fires, now burning on Sunday for ‌a fifth straight…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Protests are also public opinion&amp;apos;: Japan&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;beginner&amp;apos; women driven by alarm over arms buildup</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/protests-are-also-public-opinion-japans-beginner-women-driven-by-alarm-over-arms-buildup</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/protests-are-also-public-opinion-japans-beginner-women-driven-by-alarm-over-arms-buildup</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- As the Japanese government has relaxed rules on weapons exports and increases defense spending, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signals eag ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Protests, are, also, public, opinion:, Japans, beginner, women, driven, alarm, over, arms, buildup</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- As the Japanese government has relaxed rules on weapons exports and increases defense spending, and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signals eag]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Retro Japan: &amp;apos;Herring mansion&amp;apos; in Otaru symbolizes prosperity in Meiji, Taisho eras</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-herring-mansion-in-otaru-symbolizes-prosperity-in-meiji-taisho-eras</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-herring-mansion-in-otaru-symbolizes-prosperity-in-meiji-taisho-eras</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OTARU, Hokkaido -- Perched on a hill in this northern Japan city overlooking the Sea of Japan, the Old Aoyama Villa stands as a testament to the prosp ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/23/20260423p2a00m0et008000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Retro, Japan:, Herring, mansion, Otaru, symbolizes, prosperity, Meiji, Taisho, eras</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OTARU, Hokkaido -- Perched on a hill in this northern Japan city overlooking the Sea of Japan, the Old Aoyama Villa stands as a testament to the prosp]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Okinawa gov. opposing base relocation announces 3rd re&#45;election bid</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-opposing-base-relocation-announces-3rd-re-election-bid</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/okinawa-gov-opposing-base-relocation-announces-3rd-re-election-bid</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, who strongly opposes the relocation of a U.S. base within the southern island prefecture, said Saturday he ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Okinawa, gov., opposing, base, relocation, announces, 3rd, re-election, bid</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, who strongly opposes the relocation of a U.S. base within the southern island prefecture, said Saturday he]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan outbound travel remains at 70% of pre&#45;pandemic levels amid weak yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-outbound-travel-remains-at-70-of-pre-pandemic-levels-amid-weak-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-outbound-travel-remains-at-70-of-pre-pandemic-levels-amid-weak-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Overseas travel from Japan has been recovering but remains at more than 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels amid a weak yen, a Kyodo Ne ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0na033000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, outbound, travel, remains, 70, pre-pandemic, levels, amid, weak, yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Overseas travel from Japan has been recovering but remains at more than 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels amid a weak yen, a Kyodo Ne]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump unharmed after security incident at White House correspondents dinner; no injuries reported</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-unharmed-after-security-incident-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner-no-injuries-reported</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-unharmed-after-security-incident-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner-no-injuries-reported</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/26/20260426p2g00m0in007000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, unharmed, after, security, incident, White, House, correspondents, dinner, injuries, reported</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump was uninjured and other top leaders of the United States were evacuated from an annual dinner of White House]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan violinist who &amp;apos;couldn&amp;apos;t even peel an apple&amp;apos; takes over famed curry shop&amp;apos;s flavor</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-violinist-who-couldnt-even-peel-an-apple-takes-over-famed-curry-shops-flavor</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-violinist-who-couldnt-even-peel-an-apple-takes-over-famed-curry-shops-flavor</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The aroma of spices begins to tease the nose a short walk into Higashimukikita shopping street from Kintetsu Nara Station in the western Japan city of ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/24/20260424p2g00m0li024000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, violinist, who, couldnt, even, peel, apple, takes, over, famed, curry, shops, flavor</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The aroma of spices begins to tease the nose a short walk into Higashimukikita shopping street from Kintetsu Nara Station in the western Japan city of]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Material shortages due to oil crisis halt construction, building repair work in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/material-shortages-due-to-oil-crisis-halt-construction-building-repair-work-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/material-shortages-due-to-oil-crisis-halt-construction-building-repair-work-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- As procurement of various materials grows more difficult due to intensifying tensions in the Middle East, moves are beginning to spread acros ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/24/20260424p2a00m0na012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Material, shortages, due, oil, crisis, halt, construction, building, repair, work, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- As procurement of various materials grows more difficult due to intensifying tensions in the Middle East, moves are beginning to spread acros]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shots fired as gunman charges toward ballroom at White House correspondents&amp;apos; dinner. Trump unharmed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shots-fired-as-gunman-charges-toward-ballroom-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner-trump-unharmed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shots-fired-as-gunman-charges-toward-ballroom-at-white-house-correspondents-dinner-trump-unharmed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- A man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents&#039; Association Dinner attended by President ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/26/20260426p2g00m0in008000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shots, fired, gunman, charges, toward, ballroom, White, House, correspondents, dinner., Trump, unharmed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- A man armed with guns and knives stormed the lobby outside the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner attended by President]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Sasaki earns 1st win of season as Dodgers hammer Cubs 12&#45;4</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-sasaki-earns-1st-win-of-season-as-dodgers-hammer-cubs-12-4</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-sasaki-earns-1st-win-of-season-as-dodgers-hammer-cubs-12-4</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Roki Sasaki earned his first win of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing four runs over five-plus innings in S ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/26/20260426p2g00m0sp011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Sasaki, earns, 1st, win, season, Dodgers, hammer, Cubs, 12-4</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Roki Sasaki earned his first win of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing four runs over five-plus innings in S]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Flame from Hiroshima A&#45;bombed ruins to be used at Pearl Harbor ceremony</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/flame-from-hiroshima-a-bombed-ruins-to-be-used-at-pearl-harbor-ceremony</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/flame-from-hiroshima-a-bombed-ruins-to-be-used-at-pearl-harbor-ceremony</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A symbolic flame kept alive since the aftermath of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima will be installed at a memorial in Pea ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/26/20260426p2g00m0na012000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Flame, from, Hiroshima, A-bombed, ruins, used, Pearl, Harbor, ceremony</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A symbolic flame kept alive since the aftermath of the 1945 U.S. atomic bombing of Hiroshima will be installed at a memorial in Pea]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Akiyoshidai plateau in western Japan added to UNESCO Global Geopark list</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/akiyoshidai-plateau-in-western-japan-added-to-unesco-global-geopark-list</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/akiyoshidai-plateau-in-western-japan-added-to-unesco-global-geopark-list</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s largest karst plateau, Akiyoshidai, and its surrounding area have been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for their landscapes of international geological significance.
The Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Akiyoshidai, plateau, western, Japan, added, UNESCO, Global, Geopark, list</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's largest karst plateau, Akiyoshidai, and its surrounding area have been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark for their landscapes of international geological significance.
The Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan considers strengthening protection of U.S. military facilities</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-considers-strengthening-protection-of-us-military-facilities</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-considers-strengthening-protection-of-us-military-facilities</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is considering proposing in upcoming negotiations that it shoulder costs to strengthen protection of U.S. military facilities as part of its host-nation support for U.S.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, considers, strengthening, protection, U.S., military, facilities</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is considering proposing in upcoming negotiations that it shoulder costs to strengthen protection of U.S. military facilities as part of its host-nation support for U.S.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hundreds of firefighters battle Iwate wildfires</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hundreds-of-firefighters-battle-iwate-wildfires</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hundreds-of-firefighters-battle-iwate-wildfires</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Hundreds of firefighters were battling wildfires in the forests of northern Japan on Saturday, as authorities urged more than 3,200 people to evacuate from their homes, government officials… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:14:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hundreds, firefighters, battle, Iwate, wildfires</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Hundreds of firefighters were battling wildfires in the forests of northern Japan on Saturday, as authorities urged more than 3,200 people to evacuate from their homes, government officials…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Memorial service held for 107 victims of 2005 fatal train derailment in Hyogo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/memorial-service-held-for-107-victims-of-2005-fatal-train-derailment-in-hyogo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/memorial-service-held-for-107-victims-of-2005-fatal-train-derailment-in-hyogo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ West Japan Railway Co (JR West) officials, survivors and relatives of victims of a fatal train derailment in 2005 in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, attended a memorial service on… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:14:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Memorial, service, held, for, 107, victims, 2005, fatal, train, derailment, Hyogo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[West Japan Railway Co (JR West) officials, survivors and relatives of victims of a fatal train derailment in 2005 in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, attended a memorial service on…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to cut passport application fees from July to encourage overseas travel</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cut-passport-application-fees-from-july-to-encourage-overseas-travel</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cut-passport-application-fees-from-july-to-encourage-overseas-travel</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s parliament enacted revisions to the passport law on Friday, lowering application fees in a bid to encourage overseas travel, especially among younger people.
The amendments were approved… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, cut, passport, application, fees, from, July, encourage, overseas, travel</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's parliament enacted revisions to the passport law on Friday, lowering application fees in a bid to encourage overseas travel, especially among younger people.
The amendments were approved…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hot pants: Tokyo government workers swap suits for shorts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hot-pants-tokyo-government-workers-swap-suits-for-shorts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hot-pants-tokyo-government-workers-swap-suits-for-shorts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tokyo&#039;s metropolitan government is encouraging staff to wear shorts to work to cut reliance on air conditioning, an official said Friday, as concerns grow over high energy costs… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hot, pants:, Tokyo, government, workers, swap, suits, for, shorts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tokyo's metropolitan government is encouraging staff to wear shorts to work to cut reliance on air conditioning, an official said Friday, as concerns grow over high energy costs…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ukrainians thought they had reduced the risks at Chernobyl. Then Russia invaded</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ukrainians-thought-they-had-reduced-the-risks-at-chernobyl-then-russia-invaded</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ukrainians-thought-they-had-reduced-the-risks-at-chernobyl-then-russia-invaded</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PRIPYAT, Ukraine (AP) -- The two explosions at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant came decades apart in the dead of night.The first, at 1:23 a.m. on Ap ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0in007000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ukrainians, thought, they, had, reduced, the, risks, Chernobyl., Then, Russia, invaded</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PRIPYAT, Ukraine (AP) -- The two explosions at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant came decades apart in the dead of night.The first, at 1:23 a.m. on Ap]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Mitsubishi Electric weighs turning auto parts unit into JV with Foxconn</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsubishi-electric-weighs-turning-auto-parts-unit-into-jv-with-foxconn</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/mitsubishi-electric-weighs-turning-auto-parts-unit-into-jv-with-foxconn</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said Friday it is considering the possibility of turning its wholly-owned automotive equipment unit into a ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0bu009000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Mitsubishi, Electric, weighs, turning, auto, parts, unit, into, with, Foxconn</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Mitsubishi Electric Corp. said Friday it is considering the possibility of turning its wholly-owned automotive equipment unit into a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Sumo: JSA chief Hakkaku awarded Freedom of the City of London</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/sumo-jsa-chief-hakkaku-awarded-freedom-of-the-city-of-london</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/sumo-jsa-chief-hakkaku-awarded-freedom-of-the-city-of-london</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LONDON (Kyodo) -- Japan Sumo Association chief Hakkaku has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contribution to promot ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0sp023000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Sumo:, JSA, chief, Hakkaku, awarded, Freedom, the, City, London</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LONDON (Kyodo) -- Japan Sumo Association chief Hakkaku has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his contribution to promot]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>In Photos: Pictograms in Japan&amp;apos;s Yamaguchi Pref. aim to boost safety in diverse workplaces</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-pictograms-in-japans-yamaguchi-pref-aim-to-boost-safety-in-diverse-workplaces</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-pictograms-in-japans-yamaguchi-pref-aim-to-boost-safety-in-diverse-workplaces</guid>
<description><![CDATA[  ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/24/20260424hpe00m0na001000q/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Photos:, Pictograms, Japans, Yamaguchi, Pref., aim, boost, safety, diverse, workplaces</media:keywords>
<content:encoded></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Yamaguchi Labor Bureau creates pictograms to boost safety in diverse workplaces</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-yamaguchi-labor-bureau-creates-pictograms-to-boost-safety-in-diverse-workplaces</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-yamaguchi-labor-bureau-creates-pictograms-to-boost-safety-in-diverse-workplaces</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YAMAGUCHI -- The Japanese labor ministry&#039;s Yamaguchi Labor Bureau has developed a set of pictograms to raise safety awareness and prevent workplace ac ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/24/20260424p2a00m0na001000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Yamaguchi, Labor, Bureau, creates, pictograms, boost, safety, diverse, workplaces</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YAMAGUCHI -- The Japanese labor ministry's Yamaguchi Labor Bureau has developed a set of pictograms to raise safety awareness and prevent workplace ac]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>&amp;apos;1% consumption tax&amp;apos; idea emerges in Japan, but feasibility of food&#45;tax workaround unclear</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/1-consumption-tax-idea-emerges-in-japan-but-feasibility-of-food-tax-workaround-unclear</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/1-consumption-tax-idea-emerges-in-japan-but-feasibility-of-food-tax-workaround-unclear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A &quot;workaround&quot; is being discussed for the government&#039;s pledge to cut the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years: setting the rat ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/24/20260424p2a00m0na031000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>1, consumption, tax, idea, emerges, Japan, but, feasibility, food-tax, workaround, unclear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A "workaround" is being discussed for the government's pledge to cut the consumption tax on food and beverages for two years: setting the rat]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump dispatches Witkoff and Kushner to Pakistan for new talks with Iran&amp;apos;s foreign minister</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-dispatches-witkoff-and-kushner-to-pakistan-for-new-talks-with-irans-foreign-minister</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-dispatches-witkoff-and-kushner-to-pakistan-for-new-talks-with-irans-foreign-minister</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ISLAMABAD (AP) -- President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to meet with Iran&#039;s foreign minister, the W ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0in011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, dispatches, Witkoff, and, Kushner, Pakistan, for, new, talks, with, Irans, foreign, minister</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ISLAMABAD (AP) -- President Donald Trump is sending his envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan to meet with Iran's foreign minister, the W]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Athletes thank fans at Japan&amp;apos;s 1st Winter Games parade</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/athletes-thank-fans-at-japans-1st-winter-games-parade</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/athletes-thank-fans-at-japans-1st-winter-games-parade</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese athletes who participated in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics held a parade on Saturday to thank fans for t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Athletes, thank, fans, Japans, 1st, Winter, Games, parade</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese athletes who participated in the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and Paralympics held a parade on Saturday to thank fans for t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Wildfires in northeast Japan continue raging, burning 730 hectares</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-in-northeast-japan-continue-raging-burning-730-hectares</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-in-northeast-japan-continue-raging-burning-730-hectares</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MORIOKA (Kyodo) -- Wildfires in northeastern Japan have continued to rage for a third day and some 730 hectares have burned despite the Self-Defense F ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/25/20260425p2g00m0na013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wildfires, northeast, Japan, continue, raging, burning, 730, hectares</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MORIOKA (Kyodo) -- Wildfires in northeastern Japan have continued to rage for a third day and some 730 hectares have burned despite the Self-Defense F]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan sushi chain sets Guinness record for most expensive tuna at auction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sushi-chain-sets-guinness-record-for-most-expensive-tuna-at-auction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sushi-chain-sets-guinness-record-for-most-expensive-tuna-at-auction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese sushi chain operator has won a Guinness World Records title for the most expensive tuna at auction after paying 510.3 mill ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, sushi, chain, sets, Guinness, record, for, most, expensive, tuna, auction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese sushi chain operator has won a Guinness World Records title for the most expensive tuna at auction after paying 510.3 mill]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Wildfires spread toward center of town in Iwate Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-spread-toward-center-of-town-in-iwate-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfires-spread-toward-center-of-town-in-iwate-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Flames from raging wildfires in northern Japan were spreading toward the center of a town in Iwate Prefecture on Friday, with authorities urging more than 2,500 people to… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:42:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wildfires, spread, toward, center, town, Iwate, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Flames from raging wildfires in northern Japan were spreading toward the center of a town in Iwate Prefecture on Friday, with authorities urging more than 2,500 people to…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2 women in their 20s die after jumping from 19th floor of Osaka building</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2-women-in-their-20s-die-after-jumping-from-19th-floor-of-osaka-building</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2-women-in-their-20s-die-after-jumping-from-19th-floor-of-osaka-building</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two women in their 20s died after they apparently jumped from the 19th floor of a building in the Umeda district of Osaka on Thursday.
According to police,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:42:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>women, their, 20s, die, after, jumping, from, 19th, floor, Osaka, building</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two women in their 20s died after they apparently jumped from the 19th floor of a building in the Umeda district of Osaka on Thursday.
According to police,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei sets new closing high on tech gains, Mideast hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-sets-new-closing-high-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-sets-new-closing-high-on-tech-gains-mideast-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Friday, with the Nikkei stock index setting another record closing high, led by heavyweight technology shares track ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/02/02/20260202p2g00m0bu022000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:37:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, sets, new, closing, high, tech, gains, Mideast, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Friday, with the Nikkei stock index setting another record closing high, led by heavyweight technology shares track]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China to send giant pandas to Atlanta again</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-send-giant-pandas-to-atlanta-again</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-to-send-giant-pandas-to-atlanta-again</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (AP) -- Atlanta will have giant pandas again.China on Friday announced it will send two giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta in the U.S., in Beijing&#039;s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:37:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, send, giant, pandas, Atlanta, again</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (AP) -- Atlanta will have giant pandas again.China on Friday announced it will send two giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta in the U.S., in Beijing's]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to cut passport application fees from July to boost possession</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cut-passport-application-fees-from-july-to-boost-possession</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cut-passport-application-fees-from-july-to-boost-possession</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s parliament enacted revisions to the passport law on Friday, lowering application fees in a bid to boost possession and encour ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, cut, passport, application, fees, from, July, boost, possession</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's parliament enacted revisions to the passport law on Friday, lowering application fees in a bid to boost possession and encour]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Trump&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;gold card&amp;apos; visa starting at $1 million granted to just 1 person so far, White House says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-gold-card-visa-starting-at-1-million-granted-to-just-1-person-so-far-white-house-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-gold-card-visa-starting-at-1-million-granted-to-just-1-person-so-far-white-house-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- President Donald Trump&#039;s &quot;gold card&quot; visa, where a foreigner can shell out at least $1 million to legally live and work in the U.S., has been ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trumps, gold, card, visa, starting, million, granted, just, person, far, White, House, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- President Donald Trump's "gold card" visa, where a foreigner can shell out at least $1 million to legally live and work in the U.S., has been]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Intra&#45;company transfers to Japan tightened for foreigners from April</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/intra-company-transfers-to-japan-tightened-for-foreigners-from-april</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/intra-company-transfers-to-japan-tightened-for-foreigners-from-april</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Immigration Services Agency tightened pre-arrival screenings from April 1 for foreigners moving to the country on intra-compa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Intra-company, transfers, Japan, tightened, for, foreigners, from, April</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Immigration Services Agency tightened pre-arrival screenings from April 1 for foreigners moving to the country on intra-compa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Century&#45;old advertising flyers with treasure ships found in northeast Japan&amp;apos;s Iwate Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/century-old-advertising-flyers-with-treasure-ships-found-in-northeast-japans-iwate-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/century-old-advertising-flyers-with-treasure-ships-found-in-northeast-japans-iwate-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A set of advertising flyers distributed about a century ago has been discovered in the coastal town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Century-old, advertising, flyers, with, treasure, ships, found, northeast, Japans, Iwate, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OTSUCHI, Iwate -- A set of advertising flyers distributed about a century ago has been discovered in the coastal town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Diet oversight indispensable in strengthening Japan&amp;apos;s intel capabilities</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-diet-oversight-indispensable-in-strengthening-japans-intel-capabilities</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-diet-oversight-indispensable-in-strengthening-japans-intel-capabilities</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A national government collects and analyzes information to protect the safety of its people. There must not be any violation of their human rights. Th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Diet, oversight, indispensable, strengthening, Japans, intel, capabilities</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A national government collects and analyzes information to protect the safety of its people. There must not be any violation of their human rights. Th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to host Philippine president as state guest for 4 days from May 26</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-host-philippine-president-as-state-guest-for-4-days-from-may-26</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-host-philippine-president-as-state-guest-for-4-days-from-may-26</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a state guest for four days from May 26, the government said Friday, as ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, host, Philippine, president, state, guest, for, days, from, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will host Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a state guest for four days from May 26, the government said Friday, as]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan bears already entering urban areas, forcing tourist spots to act before Golden Week</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bears-already-entering-urban-areas-forcing-tourist-spots-to-act-before-golden-week</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-bears-already-entering-urban-areas-forcing-tourist-spots-to-act-before-golden-week</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Bears awakened from hibernation are already appearing in urban areas across northeast Japan&#039;s Tohoku region, threatening residents&#039; lives. The pace of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, bears, already, entering, urban, areas, forcing, tourist, spots, act, before, Golden, Week</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Bears awakened from hibernation are already appearing in urban areas across northeast Japan's Tohoku region, threatening residents' lives. The pace of]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Suzuki homers for 3rd game in row as Cubs walk off Phillies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-homers-for-3rd-game-in-row-as-cubs-walk-off-phillies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-suzuki-homers-for-3rd-game-in-row-as-cubs-walk-off-phillies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PHOENIX, Arizona (Kyodo) -- Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki homered for the third straight game on Thursday in an 8-7 walk-off win over the Phila ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Suzuki, homers, for, 3rd, game, row, Cubs, walk, off, Phillies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PHOENIX, Arizona (Kyodo) -- Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki homered for the third straight game on Thursday in an 8-7 walk-off win over the Phila]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Don Quijote operator opens food&#45;focused discount store in central Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/don-quijote-operator-opens-food-focused-discount-store-in-central-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/don-quijote-operator-opens-food-focused-discount-store-in-central-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- The operator of discount retailer chain Don Quijote on Friday opened a food-focused store near Nagoya, central Japan, to help househ ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Don, Quijote, operator, opens, food-focused, discount, store, central, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA (Kyodo) -- The operator of discount retailer chain Don Quijote on Friday opened a food-focused store near Nagoya, central Japan, to help househ]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Visitors enjoy feeding baby sheep at Mother Farm</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-visitors-enjoy-feeding-baby-sheep-at-mother-farm</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-visitors-enjoy-feeding-baby-sheep-at-mother-farm</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ At Mother Farm in the city of Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, an event called &quot;baby sheep milk time,&quot; where visitors can watch baby sheep drinking milk, is ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Visitors, enjoy, feeding, baby, sheep, Mother, Farm</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[At Mother Farm in the city of Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture, an event called "baby sheep milk time," where visitors can watch baby sheep drinking milk, is]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese author Haruki Murakami to release 1st novel in 3 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-author-haruki-murakami-to-release-1st-novel-in-3-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-author-haruki-murakami-to-release-1st-novel-in-3-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Internationally renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami will release his first novel in about three years in July, his publisher said Thursday.
&quot;The Tale of KAHO&quot; centers a 26-year-old… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, author, Haruki, Murakami, release, 1st, novel, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Internationally renowned Japanese author Haruki Murakami will release his first novel in about three years in July, his publisher said Thursday.
"The Tale of KAHO" centers a 26-year-old…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shinkansen operator apologizes for three&#45;minute delay because conductor was napping</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shinkansen-operator-apologizes-for-three-minute-delay-because-conductor-was-napping</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shinkansen-operator-apologizes-for-three-minute-delay-because-conductor-was-napping</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Enough has been said about the extreme punctuality of trains in Japan that it’s become as famous a cultural feature as sushi or decorative manhole lids. It’s so much a part… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shinkansen, operator, apologizes, for, three-minute, delay, because, conductor, was, napping</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Enough has been said about the extreme punctuality of trains in Japan that it’s become as famous a cultural feature as sushi or decorative manhole lids. It’s so much a part…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ground Self&#45;Defense Force member injured in bear attack in Fukushima</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ground-self-defense-force-member-injured-in-bear-attack-in-fukushima</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ground-self-defense-force-member-injured-in-bear-attack-in-fukushima</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force member was attacked by a bear on Wednesday at a training ground in northeastern Japan, leaving him with non-fatal injuries, according to local… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ground, Self-Defense, Force, member, injured, bear, attack, Fukushima</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force member was attacked by a bear on Wednesday at a training ground in northeastern Japan, leaving him with non-fatal injuries, according to local…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Wildfire in northeast Japan spreads, burning over 200 hectares</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfire-in-northeast-japan-spreads-burning-over-200-hectares</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/wildfire-in-northeast-japan-spreads-burning-over-200-hectares</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A wildfire in northeastern Japan continued to spread Thursday and has now burned over 200 hectares, with the Self-Defense Forces joining the firefighting effort, local authorities said.
Since… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:54:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Wildfire, northeast, Japan, spreads, burning, over, 200, hectares</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A wildfire in northeastern Japan continued to spread Thursday and has now burned over 200 hectares, with the Self-Defense Forces joining the firefighting effort, local authorities said.
Since…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami homers for 5th game in row, 10th home run at record pace</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-homers-for-5th-game-in-row-10th-home-run-at-record-pace</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-homers-for-5th-game-in-row-10th-home-run-at-record-pace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PHOENIX, Arizona (Kyodo) -- Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami went deep for a fifth consecutive game in Wednesday&#039;s 11-7 loss to the Arizona ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, homers, for, 5th, game, row, 10th, home, run, record, pace</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PHOENIX, Arizona (Kyodo) -- Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami went deep for a fifth consecutive game in Wednesday's 11-7 loss to the Arizona]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ibaraki Prefecture to reward tips on illegal foreign workers from May</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ibaraki-prefecture-to-reward-tips-on-illegal-foreign-workers-from-may</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ibaraki-prefecture-to-reward-tips-on-illegal-foreign-workers-from-may</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A controversial plan to reward people who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect May 11 in a prefecture northeast of Tokyo, the local government said… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:22:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ibaraki, Prefecture, reward, tips, illegal, foreign, workers, from, May</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A controversial plan to reward people who report businesses hiring illegal foreign workers will take effect May 11 in a prefecture northeast of Tokyo, the local government said…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Over 1,000 people urged to evacuate as wildfires rage in northeastern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-1000-people-urged-to-evacuate-as-wildfires-rage-in-northeastern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-1000-people-urged-to-evacuate-as-wildfires-rage-in-northeastern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Wildfires broke out Wednesday at two sites in the same town in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate, while requesting… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 1, 000, people, urged, evacuate, wildfires, rage, northeastern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Wildfires broke out Wednesday at two sites in the same town in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate, while requesting…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Multilingual support with AI avatar assists visitors at city hall in east Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/multilingual-support-with-ai-avatar-assists-visitors-at-city-hall-in-east-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/multilingual-support-with-ai-avatar-assists-visitors-at-city-hall-in-east-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIROI, Chiba -- A guidance device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) was installed at the main entrance of the city hall here on April 20 to imp ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Multilingual, support, with, avatar, assists, visitors, city, hall, east, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIROI, Chiba -- A guidance device powered by artificial intelligence (AI) was installed at the main entrance of the city hall here on April 20 to imp]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan, New Zealand vow closer security ties as diplomatic anniv. nears</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-new-zealand-vow-closer-security-ties-as-diplomatic-anniv-nears</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-new-zealand-vow-closer-security-ties-as-diplomatic-anniv-nears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon agreed in phone talks Wednesday to deepen th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, New, Zealand, vow, closer, security, ties, diplomatic, anniv., nears</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon agreed in phone talks Wednesday to deepen th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Photo Journal: Azaleas surrounding Hiroshima A&#45;bomb Dome in full bloom</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-azaleas-surrounding-hiroshima-a-bomb-dome-in-full-bloom</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-azaleas-surrounding-hiroshima-a-bomb-dome-in-full-bloom</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Visitors take photos of red, white, pink and purple azaleas in full bloom at the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima&#039;s Naka Ward, April 21, 2026. The flower ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Photo, Journal:, Azaleas, surrounding, Hiroshima, A-bomb, Dome, full, bloom</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Visitors take photos of red, white, pink and purple azaleas in full bloom at the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima's Naka Ward, April 21, 2026. The flower]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: So how popular is PM Takaichi&amp;apos;s government right now?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-so-how-popular-is-pm-takaichis-government-right-now</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-so-how-popular-is-pm-takaichis-government-right-now</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 23 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What was the approval ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, how, popular, Takaichis, government, right, now</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 23 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What was the approval]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>China, Cambodia hold 1st &amp;apos;two&#45;plus&#45;two&amp;apos; ministerial talks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-cambodia-hold-1st-two-plus-two-ministerial-talks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-cambodia-hold-1st-two-plus-two-ministerial-talks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ PHNOM PENH (Kyodo) -- China and Cambodia held their first &quot;two-plus-two&quot; meeting of foreign and defense ministers on Wednesday, with Chinese Foreign M ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, Cambodia, hold, 1st, two-plus-two, ministerial, talks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[PHNOM PENH (Kyodo) -- China and Cambodia held their first "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers on Wednesday, with Chinese Foreign M]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan eyes stricter age checks for social media users</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eyes-stricter-age-checks-for-social-media-users</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eyes-stricter-age-checks-for-social-media-users</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s communications ministry plans to require social media platforms to conduct stricter age verification of users to address issu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, eyes, stricter, age, checks, for, social, media, users</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's communications ministry plans to require social media platforms to conduct stricter age verification of users to address issu]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s 2nd &amp;apos;subsequent quake advisory&amp;apos; highlights need for vigilant preparation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-2nd-subsequent-quake-advisory-highlights-need-for-vigilant-preparation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-2nd-subsequent-quake-advisory-highlights-need-for-vigilant-preparation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on April 20, registering an upper 5 on Japan&#039;s 7-point seismic intensity ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, 2nd, subsequent, quake, advisory, highlights, need, for, vigilant, preparation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on April 20, registering an upper 5 on Japan's 7-point seismic intensity]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Shohei Ohtani might be held out of the lineup during more pitching starts, Dodgers manager says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-might-be-held-out-of-the-lineup-during-more-pitching-starts-dodgers-manager-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shohei-ohtani-might-be-held-out-of-the-lineup-during-more-pitching-starts-dodgers-manager-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Dave Roberts is committed to Shohei Ohtani&#039;s health and keeping him fresh to perform both on the mound and at the plate for the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shohei, Ohtani, might, held, out, the, lineup, during, more, pitching, starts, Dodgers, manager, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Dave Roberts is committed to Shohei Ohtani's health and keeping him fresh to perform both on the mound and at the plate for the]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Bill to create new Japan intelligence committee passes lower house</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bill-to-create-new-japan-intelligence-committee-passes-lower-house</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bill-to-create-new-japan-intelligence-committee-passes-lower-house</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A bill to establish a national intelligence committee was passed in Japan&#039;s House of Representatives on Thursday, as part of efforts ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bill, create, new, Japan, intelligence, committee, passes, lower, house</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A bill to establish a national intelligence committee was passed in Japan's House of Representatives on Thursday, as part of efforts]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Nikkei tops 60,000 for 1st time, but ends lower in morning</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-tops-60000-for-1st-time-but-ends-lower-in-morning</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-tops-60000-for-1st-time-but-ends-lower-in-morning</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index on Thursday briefly topped the 60,000 line for the first time, lifted by some heavyweight technology shares, b ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, tops, 60, 000, for, 1st, time, but, ends, lower, morning</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index on Thursday briefly topped the 60,000 line for the first time, lifted by some heavyweight technology shares, b]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Imanaga sharp, Hoerner and Suzuki hit HRs as Cubs beat Phillies 7&#45;4 for 7th straight win</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/imanaga-sharp-hoerner-and-suzuki-hit-hrs-as-cubs-beat-phillies-7-4-for-7th-straight-win</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/imanaga-sharp-hoerner-and-suzuki-hit-hrs-as-cubs-beat-phillies-7-4-for-7th-straight-win</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHICAGO (AP) -- Shota Imanaga pitched seven innings of three-hit ball in his fourth consecutive sharp start and the Chicago Cubs extended their winnin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:37:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Imanaga, sharp, Hoerner, and, Suzuki, hit, HRs, Cubs, beat, Phillies, 7-4, for, 7th, straight, win</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHICAGO (AP) -- Shota Imanaga pitched seven innings of three-hit ball in his fourth consecutive sharp start and the Chicago Cubs extended their winnin]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Woman&amp;apos;s body found in Iwate after possible bear attack</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/womans-body-found-in-iwate-after-possible-bear-attack</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/womans-body-found-in-iwate-after-possible-bear-attack</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The body of a woman was found in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate on Tuesday after a police officer was injured in a bear attack nearby, police said.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:34:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Womans, body, found, Iwate, after, possible, bear, attack</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The body of a woman was found in the northeastern prefecture of Iwate on Tuesday after a police officer was injured in a bear attack nearby, police said.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Tokyo stocks mixed in morning on tech gains, Middle East war speculation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-tech-gains-middle-east-war-speculation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-mixed-in-morning-on-tech-gains-middle-east-war-speculation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Wednesday morning, as some heavyweight technology shares lifted the Nikkei stock index despite uncertainty ov ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, mixed, morning, tech, gains, Middle, East, war, speculation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks were mixed Wednesday morning, as some heavyweight technology shares lifted the Nikkei stock index despite uncertainty ov]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan logs trade deficit in FY 2025 for 5th yr in row, hit by US tariffs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-trade-deficit-in-fy-2025-for-5th-yr-in-row-hit-by-us-tariffs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-trade-deficit-in-fy-2025-for-5th-yr-in-row-hit-by-us-tariffs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan logged a trade deficit of 1.71 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) in the year through March, remaining in the red for the fifth strai ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, logs, trade, deficit, 2025, for, 5th, row, hit, tariffs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan logged a trade deficit of 1.71 trillion yen ($10.7 billion) in the year through March, remaining in the red for the fifth strai]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Condo plan in southwest Japan scrapped amid opposition to foreign occupants</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/condo-plan-in-southwest-japan-scrapped-amid-opposition-to-foreign-occupants</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/condo-plan-in-southwest-japan-scrapped-amid-opposition-to-foreign-occupants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A city in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka said Tuesday a condo project envisioning mostly foreign occupants has been s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Condo, plan, southwest, Japan, scrapped, amid, opposition, foreign, occupants</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A city in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Fukuoka said Tuesday a condo project envisioning mostly foreign occupants has been s]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Taiwan&amp;apos;s Lai suspends trip to Eswatini, blames China pressure</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwans-lai-suspends-trip-to-eswatini-blames-china-pressure</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/taiwans-lai-suspends-trip-to-eswatini-blames-china-pressure</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has suspended a planned visit to African ally Eswatini this week after several countries along the fli ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Taiwans, Lai, suspends, trip, Eswatini, blames, China, pressure</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has suspended a planned visit to African ally Eswatini this week after several countries along the fli]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Trump&amp;apos;s Fed chief nominee vows independence of US monetary policy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-fed-chief-nominee-vows-independence-of-us-monetary-policy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-fed-chief-nominee-vows-independence-of-us-monetary-policy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump&#039;s nominee to serve as the next chair of the Federal Reserve told lawmakers Tuesday that it is &quot;essen ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trumps, Fed, chief, nominee, vows, independence, monetary, policy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee to serve as the next chair of the Federal Reserve told lawmakers Tuesday that it is "essen]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Cross&#45;party group of Japanese lawmakers visits war&#45;linked Yasukuni shrine</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cross-party-group-of-japanese-lawmakers-visits-war-linked-yasukuni-shrine</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cross-party-group-of-japanese-lawmakers-visits-war-linked-yasukuni-shrine</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A cross-party group of over 120 Japanese lawmakers on Wednesday visited Tokyo&#039;s war-linked Yasukuni shrine, regarded as a symbol of t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cross-party, group, Japanese, lawmakers, visits, war-linked, Yasukuni, shrine</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A cross-party group of over 120 Japanese lawmakers on Wednesday visited Tokyo's war-linked Yasukuni shrine, regarded as a symbol of t]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan parties soften stances on tax break on food despite campaign vows</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-parties-soften-stances-on-tax-break-on-food-despite-campaign-vows</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-parties-soften-stances-on-tax-break-on-food-despite-campaign-vows</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s ruling and opposition parties appear to be watering down their election pledges to reduce the consumption tax for two years o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, parties, soften, stances, tax, break, food, despite, campaign, vows</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's ruling and opposition parties appear to be watering down their election pledges to reduce the consumption tax for two years o]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>What to know as Trump extends ceasefire in Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-to-know-as-trump-extends-ceasefire-in-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-to-know-as-trump-extends-ceasefire-in-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JERUSALEM (AP) -- President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire in the Iran war, giving mediators additional time to arrange a ne ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, know, Trump, extends, ceasefire, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[JERUSALEM (AP) -- President Donald Trump has announced an extension of the ceasefire in the Iran war, giving mediators additional time to arrange a ne]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens after winter break</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-opens-after-winter-break</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-tateyama-kurobe-alpine-route-opens-after-winter-break</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On April 15, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a road that runs through the Northern Alps and connects Nagano and Toyama prefectures by buses and cabl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Tateyama, Kurobe, Alpine, Route, opens, after, winter, break</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On April 15, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a road that runs through the Northern Alps and connects Nagano and Toyama prefectures by buses and cabl]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Tokyo elementary school suspends grade&#45;level classes after surge in measles infections</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-elementary-school-suspends-grade-level-classes-after-surge-in-measles-infections</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-elementary-school-suspends-grade-level-classes-after-surge-in-measles-infections</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on April 21 that a public elementary school in the capital&#039;s Shinjuku Ward has implemented a grad ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, elementary, school, suspends, grade-level, classes, after, surge, measles, infections</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on April 21 that a public elementary school in the capital's Shinjuku Ward has implemented a grad]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Man ordered to pay NHK fee for over 10 years after claiming ‘right not to watch&amp;apos; broadcaster</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/man-ordered-to-pay-nhk-fee-for-over-10-years-after-claiming-right-not-to-watch-broadcaster</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/man-ordered-to-pay-nhk-fee-for-over-10-years-after-claiming-right-not-to-watch-broadcaster</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 71-year-old man from Nagoya who has refused to pay NHK subscription fees for over 10 years after his request to cancel his subscription contract was refused has… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Man, ordered, pay, NHK, fee, for, over, years, after, claiming, ‘right, not, watch, broadcaster</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 71-year-old man from Nagoya who has refused to pay NHK subscription fees for over 10 years after his request to cancel his subscription contract was refused has…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Condo plan in Fukuoka Prefecture scrapped amid opposition to foreign occupants</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/condo-plan-in-fukuoka-prefecture-scrapped-amid-opposition-to-foreign-occupants</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/condo-plan-in-fukuoka-prefecture-scrapped-amid-opposition-to-foreign-occupants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A city in Fukuoka Prefecture said Tuesday a condo project envisioning mostly foreign occupants has been scrapped, after opponents of the plan staged a protest and campaigned against… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Condo, plan, Fukuoka, Prefecture, scrapped, amid, opposition, foreign, occupants</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A city in Fukuoka Prefecture said Tuesday a condo project envisioning mostly foreign occupants has been scrapped, after opponents of the plan staged a protest and campaigned against…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Female worker dies after being trapped in equipment at Tokyo Dome park</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/female-worker-dies-after-being-trapped-in-equipment-at-tokyo-dome-park</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/female-worker-dies-after-being-trapped-in-equipment-at-tokyo-dome-park</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A female worker inspecting equipment at an amusement park in Tokyo on Tuesday was trapped for about five hours and later died, police said.
The accident occurred around… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Female, worker, dies, after, being, trapped, equipment, Tokyo, Dome, park</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A female worker inspecting equipment at an amusement park in Tokyo on Tuesday was trapped for about five hours and later died, police said.
The accident occurred around…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office with little political dining, thin LDP ties</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-marks-6-months-in-office-with-little-political-dining-thin-ldp-ties</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-marks-6-months-in-office-with-little-political-dining-thin-ldp-ties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s administration marks six months in office on April 21. After the historic landslide victory of her Liberal De ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:49:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration marks six months in office on April 21. After the historic landslide victory of her Liberal De]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi marks 6 months in office with few meal meetings, thin LDP ties</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-marks-6-months-in-office-with-few-meal-meetings-thin-ldp-ties</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-marks-6-months-in-office-with-few-meal-meetings-thin-ldp-ties</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s administration marks six months in office on April 21. After the historic landslide victory of her Liberal De ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, marks, months, office, with, few, meal, meetings, thin, LDP, ties</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration marks six months in office on April 21. After the historic landslide victory of her Liberal De]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to expand reuse of Fukushima disaster soil at government buildings</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-expand-reuse-of-fukushima-disaster-soil-at-government-buildings</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-expand-reuse-of-fukushima-disaster-soil-at-government-buildings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will begin using 6 cubic meters of soil removed during cleanup after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in flowerbeds at the Defens ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:17:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, expand, reuse, Fukushima, disaster, soil, government, buildings</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will begin using 6 cubic meters of soil removed during cleanup after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in flowerbeds at the Defens]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>M7.5 quake hits off northeastern Japan, triggering tsunami waves</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m75-quake-hits-off-northeastern-japan-triggering-tsunami-waves</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m75-quake-hits-off-northeastern-japan-triggering-tsunami-waves</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, as authorities urged residents to stay away ‌from coastal areas where tsunami waves of up… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M7.5, quake, hits, off, northeastern, Japan, triggering, tsunami, waves</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan on Monday, as authorities urged residents to stay away ‌from coastal areas where tsunami waves of up…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan warns of increased risk of earthquakes at M8.0 or stronger</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-of-increased-risk-of-earthquakes-at-m80-or-stronger</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-of-increased-risk-of-earthquakes-at-m80-or-stronger</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan issued a special advisory on Monday warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, after a powerful jolt rattled the country&#039;s north and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, warns, increased, risk, earthquakes, M8.0, stronger</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan issued a special advisory on Monday warning of an increased risk of earthquakes at magnitude 8.0 or stronger, after a powerful jolt rattled the country's north and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hit reality show helps rev up Japan&amp;apos;s delinquent youth subculture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hit-reality-show-helps-rev-up-japans-delinquent-youth-subculture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hit-reality-show-helps-rev-up-japans-delinquent-youth-subculture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sporting towering Elvis-style hair and a school uniform modified into a rebellious silhouette, 15-year-old Reona worships Japan&#039;s classic bad-boy subculture recently taken global by a hit Netflix dating… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hit, reality, show, helps, rev, Japans, delinquent, youth, subculture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sporting towering Elvis-style hair and a school uniform modified into a rebellious silhouette, 15-year-old Reona worships Japan's classic bad-boy subculture recently taken global by a hit Netflix dating…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Central Tokyo condo prices hit record ¥137.84 mil in FY2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/central-tokyo-condo-prices-hit-record-13784-mil-in-fy2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/central-tokyo-condo-prices-hit-record-13784-mil-in-fy2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average price of a new condominium in central Tokyo rose 18.5 percent in fiscal 2025 from the previous year to a record 137.84 million yen, reflecting soaring… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Central, Tokyo, condo, prices, hit, record, ¥137.84, mil, FY2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average price of a new condominium in central Tokyo rose 18.5 percent in fiscal 2025 from the previous year to a record 137.84 million yen, reflecting soaring…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shizuoka new tea fetches ¥1.18 mil per kg at year&amp;apos;s first auction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-new-tea-fetches-118-mil-per-kg-at-years-first-auction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-new-tea-fetches-118-mil-per-kg-at-years-first-auction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Machine-processed new Japanese tea leaves from central Japan&#039;s Shizuoka Prefecture fetched a top price of 1.18 million yen per kilogram at the season&#039;s inaugural auction on Monday.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Machine-processed new Japanese tea leaves from central Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture fetched a top price of 1.18 million yen per kilogram at the season's inaugural auction on Monday.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What percentage support a woman becoming emperor of Japan?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-percentage-support-a-woman-becoming-emperor-of-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-percentage-support-a-woman-becoming-emperor-of-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 21 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, What, percentage, support, woman, becoming, emperor, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 21 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump offers mixed messages about path ahead for US war against Iran</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-offers-mixed-messages-about-path-ahead-for-us-war-against-iran</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-offers-mixed-messages-about-path-ahead-for-us-war-against-iran</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump offered mixed messages on Monday about the path ahead for the U.S. war against Iran, declaring that he was i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, offers, mixed, messages, about, path, ahead, for, war, against, Iran</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump offered mixed messages on Monday about the path ahead for the U.S. war against Iran, declaring that he was i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Aichi Pref. police urge caution over &amp;apos;blue ticket&amp;apos; bike fine scam</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-aichi-pref-police-urge-caution-over-blue-ticket-bike-fine-scam</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-aichi-pref-police-urge-caution-over-blue-ticket-bike-fine-scam</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- Police announced on April 19 that a man in his 70s was swindled out of 50,000 yen (around $314) in cash by two men posing as police officers ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Aichi, Pref., police, urge, caution, over, blue, ticket, bike, fine, scam</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- Police announced on April 19 that a man in his 70s was swindled out of 50,000 yen (around $314) in cash by two men posing as police officers]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>3 SDF members dead after explosion during training in southwestern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-sdf-members-dead-after-explosion-during-training-in-southwestern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-sdf-members-dead-after-explosion-during-training-in-southwestern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OITA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The unintentional explosion of a tank shell at the Ground Self-Defense Force&#039;s training range in southwestern Japan left three ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>SDF, members, dead, after, explosion, during, training, southwestern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OITA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The unintentional explosion of a tank shell at the Ground Self-Defense Force's training range in southwestern Japan left three]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s Liaoning aircraft carrier sails through Taiwan Strait</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-liaoning-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-liaoning-aircraft-carrier-sails-through-taiwan-strait</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday, several days after a Japan Self-Defense Force vessel d ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, Liaoning, aircraft, carrier, sails, through, Taiwan, Strait</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAIPEI (Kyodo) -- Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday, several days after a Japan Self-Defense Force vessel d]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan warns of follow&#45;up quake risk across 7 prefectures, urges preparedness</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-of-follow-up-quake-risk-across-7-prefectures-urges-preparedness</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-warns-of-follow-up-quake-risk-across-7-prefectures-urges-preparedness</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Cabinet Office on April 20 issued a &quot;Hokkaido-Sanriku offshore follow-up earthquake advisory&quot; a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, warns, follow-up, quake, risk, across, prefectures, urges, preparedness</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and the Cabinet Office on April 20 issued a "Hokkaido-Sanriku offshore follow-up earthquake advisory" a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Renewable energies overtook global electricity demand last year, led by solar growth in China, India</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/renewable-energies-overtook-global-electricity-demand-last-year-led-by-solar-growth-in-china-india</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/renewable-energies-overtook-global-electricity-demand-last-year-led-by-solar-growth-in-china-india</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- Record growth in solar, especially in China and India, was a driving factor for clean energy sources surpassing the world&#039;s strong demand for ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Renewable, energies, overtook, global, electricity, demand, last, year, led, solar, growth, China, India</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- Record growth in solar, especially in China and India, was a driving factor for clean energy sources surpassing the world's strong demand for]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani extends on&#45;base streak to 52 games in win over Rockies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-streak-to-52-games-in-win-over-rockies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-streak-to-52-games-in-win-over-rockies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DENVER (Kyodo) -- Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani logged his 52nd consecutive game reaching base safely on Monday, extending the longest streak by a J ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, extends, on-base, streak, games, win, over, Rockies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DENVER (Kyodo) -- Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani logged his 52nd consecutive game reaching base safely on Monday, extending the longest streak by a J]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan must act wisely to fix chronic lines at women&amp;apos;s public restrooms</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-act-wisely-to-fix-chronic-lines-at-womens-public-restrooms</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-act-wisely-to-fix-chronic-lines-at-womens-public-restrooms</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Japan, it is a common sight to see only women forming a line in front of restrooms at train stations and halls. To eliminate this, the Ministry of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, must, act, wisely, fix, chronic, lines, womens, public, restrooms</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In Japan, it is a common sight to see only women forming a line in front of restrooms at train stations and halls. To eliminate this, the Ministry of]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan to invest 1 trillion yen into recycling metals, plastics by 2030</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-invest-1-trillion-yen-into-recycling-metals-plastics-by-2030</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-invest-1-trillion-yen-into-recycling-metals-plastics-by-2030</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan plans to invest around 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) by 2030 to develop a circular economy for recycling resources such as meta ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, invest, trillion, yen, into, recycling, metals, plastics, 2030</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan plans to invest around 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) by 2030 to develop a circular economy for recycling resources such as meta]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shizuoka new tea fetches 1.18 mil. yen per kg at year&amp;apos;s first auction</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-new-tea-fetches-118-mil-yen-per-kg-at-years-first-auction</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shizuoka-new-tea-fetches-118-mil-yen-per-kg-at-years-first-auction</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHIZUOKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Machine-processed new Japanese tea leaves from central Japan&#039;s Shizuoka Prefecture fetched a top price of 1.18 million yen ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:37:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shizuoka, new, tea, fetches, 1.18, mil., yen, per, years, first, auction</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHIZUOKA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Machine-processed new Japanese tea leaves from central Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture fetched a top price of 1.18 million yen]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise on hopes for breakthrough in Middle East peace talk</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-hopes-for-breakthrough-in-middle-east-peace-talk</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-hopes-for-breakthrough-in-middle-east-peace-talk</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday on hopes for a breakthrough in the Middle East crisis despite a report that Iran had refused to negotiate, w ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:29:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, hopes, for, breakthrough, Middle, East, peace, talk</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday on hopes for a breakthrough in the Middle East crisis despite a report that Iran had refused to negotiate, w]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Osaka yakiniku restaurant&amp;apos;s wagyu &amp;apos;meat bouquet&amp;apos; a hit for Mother&amp;apos;s Day</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-yakiniku-restaurants-wagyu-meat-bouquet-a-hit-for-mothers-day</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/osaka-yakiniku-restaurants-wagyu-meat-bouquet-a-hit-for-mothers-day</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- A barbeque restaurant here is offering a &quot;meat bouquet,&quot; or thinly sliced Japanese wagyu beef arranged like a flower bouquet, as a Mother&#039;s D ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:13:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Osaka, yakiniku, restaurants, wagyu, meat, bouquet, hit, for, Mothers, Day</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- A barbeque restaurant here is offering a "meat bouquet," or thinly sliced Japanese wagyu beef arranged like a flower bouquet, as a Mother's D]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>8 children between the ages of 1 and 12 are dead after a mass shooting in Louisiana, police say</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/8-children-between-the-ages-of-1-and-12-are-dead-after-a-mass-shooting-in-louisiana-police-say</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/8-children-between-the-ages-of-1-and-12-are-dead-after-a-mass-shooting-in-louisiana-police-say</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- Police say the Louisiana gunman who shot up two houses early Sunday killed seven of his own children and wounded their mother, ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>children, between, the, ages, and, are, dead, after, mass, shooting, Louisiana, police, say</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) -- Police say the Louisiana gunman who shot up two houses early Sunday killed seven of his own children and wounded their mother,]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>N. Korea says it tested improved ballistic missiles with cluster munitions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-says-it-tested-improved-ballistic-missiles-with-cluster-munitions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-says-it-tested-improved-ballistic-missiles-with-cluster-munitions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea said Monday it test-fired improved ballistic missiles carrying cluster warheads the previous day, with the country&#039;s le ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, says, tested, improved, ballistic, missiles, with, cluster, munitions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea said Monday it test-fired improved ballistic missiles carrying cluster warheads the previous day, with the country's le]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US Navy seizes an Iranian&#45;flagged ship near Strait of Hormuz and Tehran vows swift response</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-navy-seizes-an-iranian-flagged-ship-near-strait-of-hormuz-and-tehran-vows-swift-response</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-navy-seizes-an-iranian-flagged-ship-near-strait-of-hormuz-and-tehran-vows-swift-response</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship it said had tried to evade a naval blockade near the Strait of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Navy, seizes, Iranian-flagged, ship, near, Strait, Hormuz, and, Tehran, vows, swift, response</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship it said had tried to evade a naval blockade near the Strait of]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan PM takes &amp;apos;omotenashi&amp;apos; hospitality to summit level</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takes-omotenashi-hospitality-to-summit-level</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takes-omotenashi-hospitality-to-summit-level</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been putting her own spin on &quot;omotenashi,&quot; the Japanese concept of hospitality, to build p ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, takes, omotenashi, hospitality, summit, level</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been putting her own spin on "omotenashi," the Japanese concept of hospitality, to build p]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Photo Journal: Production of carp streamers at its peak in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-production-of-carp-streamers-at-its-peak-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-production-of-carp-streamers-at-its-peak-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ As Children&#039;s Day on May 5 approaches, 71-year-old sixth-generation artisan Takeshi Takada is seen hand-painting the final details on carp streamers a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Photo, Journal:, Production, carp, streamers, its, peak, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As Children's Day on May 5 approaches, 71-year-old sixth-generation artisan Takeshi Takada is seen hand-painting the final details on carp streamers a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Over 200 Japanese firms paid ransomware attackers, 60% fail to recover data</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-200-japanese-firms-paid-ransomware-attackers-60-fail-to-recover-data</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-200-japanese-firms-paid-ransomware-attackers-60-fail-to-recover-data</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- At least 222 Japanese companies have paid ransomware attackers in the past, yet about 60 percent of them still failed to recover thei ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 200, Japanese, firms, paid, ransomware, attackers, 60, fail, recover, data</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- At least 222 Japanese companies have paid ransomware attackers in the past, yet about 60 percent of them still failed to recover thei]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>More Japan firms plan to cut new graduate hires for FY 2027 as AI use grows</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/more-japan-firms-plan-to-cut-new-graduate-hires-for-fy-2027-as-ai-use-grows</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/more-japan-firms-plan-to-cut-new-graduate-hires-for-fy-2027-as-ai-use-grows</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More major Japanese companies plan to reduce the number of new graduates they hire from fiscal 2027 despite the country&#039;s labor short ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>More, Japan, firms, plan, cut, new, graduate, hires, for, 2027, use, grows</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- More major Japanese companies plan to reduce the number of new graduates they hire from fiscal 2027 despite the country's labor short]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Support for Japan PM Takaichi&amp;apos;s Cabinet dips to 53%, lowest since launch: Mainichi poll</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/support-for-japan-pm-takaichis-cabinet-dips-to-53-lowest-since-launch-mainichi-poll</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/support-for-japan-pm-takaichis-cabinet-dips-to-53-lowest-since-launch-mainichi-poll</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The approval rating for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s Cabinet dropped to 53% in a nationwide public opinion poll conducted by the Mainichi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Support, for, Japan, Takaichis, Cabinet, dips, 53, lowest, since, launch:, Mainichi, poll</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The approval rating for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Cabinet dropped to 53% in a nationwide public opinion poll conducted by the Mainichi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan must not downplay rising measles cases and take steady action</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-not-downplay-rising-measles-cases-and-take-steady-action</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-must-not-downplay-rising-measles-cases-and-take-steady-action</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of measles patients has surged in Japan, raising concerns about the wider spread of the infection. According to preliminary figures, the to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, must, not, downplay, rising, measles, cases, and, take, steady, action</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of measles patients has surged in Japan, raising concerns about the wider spread of the infection. According to preliminary figures, the to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: &amp;apos;Human shogi&amp;apos; event held in Yamagata Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-human-shogi-event-held-in-yamagata-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-human-shogi-event-held-in-yamagata-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A &quot;human shogi&quot; event was held in the city of Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, on April 11. About 46,000 people came to the venue atop Mount Maizuru, where ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Human, shogi, event, held, Yamagata, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A "human shogi" event was held in the city of Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, on April 11. About 46,000 people came to the venue atop Mount Maizuru, where]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Women&amp;apos;s Day Off: Women strike to narrow Japan&amp;apos;s huge gender gap</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/womens-day-off-women-strike-to-narrow-japans-huge-gender-gap</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/womens-day-off-women-strike-to-narrow-japans-huge-gender-gap</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In 1975, women in Iceland stopped work and household chores to protest gender pay gaps in a male-dominated society. The resulting reforms made the country a leader in… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Womens, Day, Off:, Women, strike, narrow, Japans, huge, gender, gap</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In 1975, women in Iceland stopped work and household chores to protest gender pay gaps in a male-dominated society. The resulting reforms made the country a leader in…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, 8 other economies agree to cut 2026 saury fishing quota by 5%</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-8-other-economies-agree-to-cut-2026-saury-fishing-quota-by-5</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-8-other-economies-agree-to-cut-2026-saury-fishing-quota-by-5</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan, China and the seven other members of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission have agreed to cut their combined saury catch quota by 5 percent from the current… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, other, economies, agree, cut, 2026, saury, fishing, quota</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan, China and the seven other members of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission have agreed to cut their combined saury catch quota by 5 percent from the current…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Bear lurks in residential area in Sendai for hours before being killed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-lurks-in-residential-area-in-sendai-for-hours-before-being-killed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bear-lurks-in-residential-area-in-sendai-for-hours-before-being-killed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A bear about 1.5 meters long spent hours lurking in bushes in a residential area in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Sunday before being killed.
After repeated emergency… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bear, lurks, residential, area, Sendai, for, hours, before, being, killed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A bear about 1.5 meters long spent hours lurking in bushes in a residential area in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Sunday before being killed.
After repeated emergency…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Murakami homers for 2nd game in row, White Sox walked off by A&amp;apos;s</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-homers-for-2nd-game-in-row-white-sox-walked-off-by-as</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-murakami-homers-for-2nd-game-in-row-white-sox-walked-off-by-as</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DENVER (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami went deep in back-to-back games for his seventh home run as the Chicago White Sox endured a 7-6 walk-off loss in 1 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:09:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Murakami, homers, for, 2nd, game, row, White, Sox, walked, off, As</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DENVER (Kyodo) -- Munetaka Murakami went deep in back-to-back games for his seventh home run as the Chicago White Sox endured a 7-6 walk-off loss in 1]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan child&#45;rearing homes more burdened with tax than U.S., Europe: gov&amp;apos;t</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-child-rearing-homes-more-burdened-with-tax-than-us-europe-govt-54037</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-child-rearing-homes-more-burdened-with-tax-than-us-europe-govt-54037</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A Japanese government estimate has shown that the proportion of household income spent on taxes and social insurance premiums for Japanese child-rearing households with annual incomes below average… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, child-rearing, homes, more, burdened, with, tax, than, U.S., Europe:, govt</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A Japanese government estimate has shown that the proportion of household income spent on taxes and social insurance premiums for Japanese child-rearing households with annual incomes below average…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>From YouTube to rakugo, Japanese kids explore new forms of expression</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-youtube-to-rakugo-japanese-kids-explore-new-forms-of-expression</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-youtube-to-rakugo-japanese-kids-explore-new-forms-of-expression</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ From pitching ideas as mock diplomats to editing YouTube videos, Japanese children are finding new ways to express themselves as demand grows for communication skills at an early… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, YouTube, rakugo, Japanese, kids, explore, new, forms, expression</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[From pitching ideas as mock diplomats to editing YouTube videos, Japanese children are finding new ways to express themselves as demand grows for communication skills at an early…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Suzuki producing biogas auto fuel from cow dung in India</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/suzuki-producing-biogas-auto-fuel-from-cow-dung-in-india</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/suzuki-producing-biogas-auto-fuel-from-cow-dung-in-india</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BHUKHALA, India (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Suzuki Motor Corp. has been producing biogas for use as vehicle fuel from cow dung in India, a key market for its c ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Suzuki, producing, biogas, auto, fuel, from, cow, dung, India</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BHUKHALA, India (Kyodo) -- Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. has been producing biogas for use as vehicle fuel from cow dung in India, a key market for its c]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan extends financial support to teach foreigners local rules</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-extends-financial-support-to-teach-foreigners-local-rules</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-extends-financial-support-to-teach-foreigners-local-rules</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government has begun financially supporting municipalities&#039; efforts to help foreign residents better understand local co ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, extends, financial, support, teach, foreigners, local, rules</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government has begun financially supporting municipalities' efforts to help foreign residents better understand local co]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chinese ship may have conducted survey in Japan&amp;apos;s EEZ around Senkakus</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-ship-may-have-conducted-survey-in-japans-eez-around-senkakus</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-ship-may-have-conducted-survey-in-japans-eez-around-senkakus</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Chinese marine research vessel was spotted extending a wire-like object into the ocean within Japan&#039;s exclusive economic zone ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, ship, may, have, conducted, survey, Japans, EEZ, around, Senkakus</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAHA, Japan (Kyodo) -- A Chinese marine research vessel was spotted extending a wire-like object into the ocean within Japan's exclusive economic zone]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Iran military says Strait of Hormuz under strict control amid US blockade</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-military-says-strait-of-hormuz-under-strict-control-amid-us-blockade</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-military-says-strait-of-hormuz-under-strict-control-amid-us-blockade</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ISTANBUL (Kyodo) -- Iran&#039;s military said the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state and is under its strict control, as the United States ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, military, says, Strait, Hormuz, under, strict, control, amid, blockade</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ISTANBUL (Kyodo) -- Iran's military said the Strait of Hormuz has reverted to its previous state and is under its strict control, as the United States]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>N. Korea fires ballistic missiles, no damage reported in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-no-damage-reported-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-fires-ballistic-missiles-no-damage-reported-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- North Korea on Sunday launched ballistic missiles, with the projectiles estimated to have fallen outside Japan&#039;s exclusive economic z ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, fires, ballistic, missiles, damage, reported, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- North Korea on Sunday launched ballistic missiles, with the projectiles estimated to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic z]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>What consumers can do as the Iran war impacts the cost and availability of flights</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-consumers-can-do-as-the-iran-war-impacts-the-cost-and-availability-of-flights</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-consumers-can-do-as-the-iran-war-impacts-the-cost-and-availability-of-flights</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- As the U.S. and Israel&#039;s war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travelers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, consumers, can, the, Iran, war, impacts, the, cost, and, availability, flights</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- As the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran squeezes global oil supplies, travelers have valid reasons to worry about the cost and availability of]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>A humanoid robot sprints to victory in Beijing, beating the human half&#45;marathon world record</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/a-humanoid-robot-sprints-to-victory-in-beijing-beating-the-human-half-marathon-world-record</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/a-humanoid-robot-sprints-to-victory-in-beijing-beating-the-human-half-marathon-world-record</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (AP) -- A humanoid robot that won a half-marathon race for robots in Beijing on Sunday ran faster than the human world record in a show of Chi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>humanoid, robot, sprints, victory, Beijing, beating, the, human, half-marathon, world, record</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (AP) -- A humanoid robot that won a half-marathon race for robots in Beijing on Sunday ran faster than the human world record in a show of Chi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>French soldier killed and 3 others wounded in an attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon, Macron says</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/french-soldier-killed-and-3-others-wounded-in-an-attack-on-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-macron-says</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/french-soldier-killed-and-3-others-wounded-in-an-attack-on-peacekeepers-in-lebanon-macron-says</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIRUT (AP) -- A U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon came under attack with small arms fire Saturday morning, leaving one French peacekeeper d ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>French, soldier, killed, and, others, wounded, attack, peacekeepers, Lebanon, Macron, says</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIRUT (AP) -- A U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon came under attack with small arms fire Saturday morning, leaving one French peacekeeper d]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Iran fully closes Strait of Hormuz over US blockade and fires on ships</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-fully-closes-strait-of-hormuz-over-us-blockade-and-fires-on-ships</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-fully-closes-strait-of-hormuz-over-us-blockade-and-fires-on-ships</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAIRO (AP) -- The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalated again Saturday as Iran reversed its reopening of the crucial waterway and fired on ship ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, fully, closes, Strait, Hormuz, over, blockade, and, fires, ships</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAIRO (AP) -- The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz escalated again Saturday as Iran reversed its reopening of the crucial waterway and fired on ship]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Football: Kubo wins 1st trophy with Copa del Rey, Mitoma nets stunner</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/football-kubo-wins-1st-trophy-with-copa-del-rey-mitoma-nets-stunner</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/football-kubo-wins-1st-trophy-with-copa-del-rey-mitoma-nets-stunner</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEVILLE, Spain (Kyodo) -- Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo claimed his first major title as Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties after a 2- ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Football:, Kubo, wins, 1st, trophy, with, Copa, del, Rey, Mitoma, nets, stunner</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEVILLE, Spain (Kyodo) -- Japan attacker Takefusa Kubo claimed his first major title as Real Sociedad beat Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties after a 2-]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What got 30,000 protesters onto the street in Tokyo?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-got-30000-protesters-onto-the-street-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-got-30000-protesters-onto-the-street-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 18 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What were the main sub ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, What, got, 30, 000, protesters, onto, the, street, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 18 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What were the main sub]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Global foreign aid falls record 23% in 2025, weighed by US cuts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/global-foreign-aid-falls-record-23-in-2025-weighed-by-us-cuts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/global-foreign-aid-falls-record-23-in-2025-weighed-by-us-cuts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Global official development assistance fell 23.1 percent in 2025 from a year ago, OECD said, marking its largest annual contraction o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Global, foreign, aid, falls, record, 23, 2025, weighed, cuts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Global official development assistance fell 23.1 percent in 2025 from a year ago, OECD said, marking its largest annual contraction o]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan firms unveil bear&#45;attack helmet with jaw&#45;covering face guard</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-firms-unveil-bear-attack-helmet-with-jaw-covering-face-guard</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-firms-unveil-bear-attack-helmet-with-jaw-covering-face-guard</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HANAMAKI, Iwate -- Two Japanese companies have jointly developed a protective helmet designed to help reduce head and facial injuries from bear attack ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, firms, unveil, bear-attack, helmet, with, jaw-covering, face, guard</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HANAMAKI, Iwate -- Two Japanese companies have jointly developed a protective helmet designed to help reduce head and facial injuries from bear attack]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s &amp;apos;chu&#45;hi&amp;apos; boom hits US as brands chase path to capture world&amp;apos;s biggest market</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-chu-hi-boom-hits-us-as-brands-chase-path-to-capture-worlds-biggest-market</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-chu-hi-boom-hits-us-as-brands-chase-path-to-capture-worlds-biggest-market</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japanese canned &quot;chu-hi&quot; alcoholic beverages are arriving in the United States one after another. Backed by support among younger consumers w ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, chu-hi, boom, hits, brands, chase, path, capture, worlds, biggest, market</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japanese canned "chu-hi" alcoholic beverages are arriving in the United States one after another. Backed by support among younger consumers w]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>M5.0 quake hits Nagano Prefecture in central Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-hits-nagano-prefecture-in-central-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-hits-nagano-prefecture-in-central-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 struck the northern part of Nagano Prefecture in central Japan on Saturday, the cou ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M5.0, quake, hits, Nagano, Prefecture, central, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 struck the northern part of Nagano Prefecture in central Japan on Saturday, the cou]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, Australia conclude frigate development deal</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-australia-conclude-frigate-development-deal</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-australia-conclude-frigate-development-deal</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MELBOURNE (Kyodo) -- Japan and Australia said Saturday they have finalized a contract to jointly develop a new fleet for the Australian navy based on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Australia, conclude, frigate, development, deal</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MELBOURNE (Kyodo) -- Japan and Australia said Saturday they have finalized a contract to jointly develop a new fleet for the Australian navy based on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan child&#45;rearing homes more burdened with tax than US, Europe: gov&amp;apos;t</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-child-rearing-homes-more-burdened-with-tax-than-us-europe-govt</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-child-rearing-homes-more-burdened-with-tax-than-us-europe-govt</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese government estimate has shown that the proportion of household income spent on taxes and social insurance premiums for Jap ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, child-rearing, homes, more, burdened, with, tax, than, US, Europe:, govt</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A Japanese government estimate has shown that the proportion of household income spent on taxes and social insurance premiums for Jap]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz, but threatens to close it again as US maintains its blockade</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-reopens-strait-of-hormuz-but-threatens-to-close-it-again-as-us-maintains-its-blockade</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/iran-reopens-strait-of-hormuz-but-threatens-to-close-it-again-as-us-maintains-its-blockade</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIRUT (AP) -- Iran said it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but questions lingered Saturday about how much freedom ships ac ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Iran, reopens, Strait, Hormuz, but, threatens, close, again, maintains, its, blockade</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIRUT (AP) -- Iran said it fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels, but questions lingered Saturday about how much freedom ships ac]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani extends on&#45;base streak to 49 games in win over Rockies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-streak-to-49-games-in-win-over-rockies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-streak-to-49-games-in-win-over-rockies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DENVER, Colorado (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani extended his remarkable on-base streak to 49 games as the Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered the Colorado Rocki ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, extends, on-base, streak, games, win, over, Rockies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DENVER, Colorado (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani extended his remarkable on-base streak to 49 games as the Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered the Colorado Rocki]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>G7 steps up efforts to break China&amp;apos;s grip on critical minerals</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/g7-steps-up-efforts-to-break-chinas-grip-on-critical-minerals</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/g7-steps-up-efforts-to-break-chinas-grip-on-critical-minerals</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs of the Group of Seven countries agreed Friday to step up cooperation with resource-rich countries and multilatera ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>steps, efforts, break, Chinas, grip, critical, minerals</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs of the Group of Seven countries agreed Friday to step up cooperation with resource-rich countries and multilatera]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>61&#45;year&#45;old Japanese fisherman falls off boat and defies odds to swim to safety</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/61-year-old-japanese-fisherman-falls-off-boat-and-defies-odds-to-swim-to-safety</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/61-year-old-japanese-fisherman-falls-off-boat-and-defies-odds-to-swim-to-safety</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Having an accident at sea is one of the more horrific things to happen to a person. Many people would not be able to overcome that feeling of cold… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>61-year-old, Japanese, fisherman, falls, off, boat, and, defies, odds, swim, safety</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Having an accident at sea is one of the more horrific things to happen to a person. Many people would not be able to overcome that feeling of cold…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Cruelly hot&amp;apos;: Japan devises new term for heatwave days</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cruelly-hot-japan-devises-new-term-for-heatwave-days</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cruelly-hot-japan-devises-new-term-for-heatwave-days</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Blistering temperatures rising to 40C and above will now be branded &quot;cruelly hot&quot; or kokushobi in Japan, the weather agency said Friday, as heatwave days become increasingly frequent… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cruelly, hot:, Japan, devises, new, term, for, heatwave, days</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Blistering temperatures rising to 40C and above will now be branded "cruelly hot" or kokushobi in Japan, the weather agency said Friday, as heatwave days become increasingly frequent…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Skeletal remains found in bushes in Fukuoka park</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/skeletal-remains-found-in-bushes-in-fukuoka-park</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/skeletal-remains-found-in-bushes-in-fukuoka-park</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Skeletonized human remains were found in a park in Fukuoka City on Friday, police said.
A passerby reported to a police officer patrolling the area at around 5… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Skeletal, remains, found, bushes, Fukuoka, park</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Skeletonized human remains were found in a park in Fukuoka City on Friday, police said.
A passerby reported to a police officer patrolling the area at around 5…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Man confesses to strangling 11&#45;year&#45;old stepson in Kyoto Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/man-confesses-to-strangling-11-year-old-stepson-in-kyoto-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/man-confesses-to-strangling-11-year-old-stepson-in-kyoto-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his stepson who had been missing for weeks has confessed to strangling the boy, investigati ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:41:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Man, confesses, strangling, 11-year-old, stepson, Kyoto, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his stepson who had been missing for weeks has confessed to strangling the boy, investigati]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Beloved grandma&amp;apos;s vibrant moss phlox carpet in full bloom in central Japan city</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/beloved-grandmas-vibrant-moss-phlox-carpet-in-full-bloom-in-central-japan-city</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/beloved-grandmas-vibrant-moss-phlox-carpet-in-full-bloom-in-central-japan-city</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GUJO, Gifu -- A vibrant carpet of flowers in colors such as white and pink blooming on a private residential property in this central Japan city has r ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:41:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Beloved, grandmas, vibrant, moss, phlox, carpet, full, bloom, central, Japan, city</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[GUJO, Gifu -- A vibrant carpet of flowers in colors such as white and pink blooming on a private residential property in this central Japan city has r]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>In Photos: 50,000 colorful moss phlox burst into bloom in central Japan city</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-50000-colorful-moss-phlox-burst-into-bloom-in-central-japan-city</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-50000-colorful-moss-phlox-burst-into-bloom-in-central-japan-city</guid>
<description><![CDATA[  ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Photos:, 50, 000, colorful, moss, phlox, burst, into, bloom, central, Japan, city</media:keywords>
<content:encoded></content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, EU business leaders call for robust supply chains for critical items</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eu-business-leaders-call-for-robust-supply-chains-for-critical-items</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-eu-business-leaders-call-for-robust-supply-chains-for-critical-items</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BRUSSELS (Kyodo) -- Japanese and European business leaders called Thursday for their governments to strengthen supply chains for critical products suc ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, business, leaders, call, for, robust, supply, chains, for, critical, items</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BRUSSELS (Kyodo) -- Japanese and European business leaders called Thursday for their governments to strengthen supply chains for critical products suc]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan weather agency adopts &amp;apos;cruelly hot day&amp;apos; as new term for temps upwards of 40 C</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-adopts-cruelly-hot-day-as-new-term-for-temps-upwards-of-40-c</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weather-agency-adopts-cruelly-hot-day-as-new-term-for-temps-upwards-of-40-c</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on April 17 that it has chosen &quot;kokushobi,&quot; which literally means &quot;cruelly hot day,&quot; as a new ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:17:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weather, agency, adopts, cruelly, hot, day, new, term, for, temps, upwards</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced on April 17 that it has chosen "kokushobi," which literally means "cruelly hot day," as a new]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>236 measles cases in Japan since January, up 3.6 times from year earlier</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/236-measles-cases-in-japan-since-january-up-36-times-from-year-earlier</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/236-measles-cases-in-japan-since-january-up-36-times-from-year-earlier</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan has reported 236 measles cases since January, 3.6 times the 66 recorded in the same period last year, a national health research body said.
Medical institutions across… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>236, measles, cases, Japan, since, January, 3.6, times, from, year, earlier</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan has reported 236 measles cases since January, 3.6 times the 66 recorded in the same period last year, a national health research body said.
Medical institutions across…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japanese novelist Kanako Nishi debuts in English translation with &amp;apos;Sakura&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-novelist-kanako-nishi-debuts-in-english-translation-with-sakura</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-novelist-kanako-nishi-debuts-in-english-translation-with-sakura</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kanako Nishi, a seasoned Japanese author and winner of the prestigious Naoki literary award, recently saw one of her books published in English translation for the first time,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, novelist, Kanako, Nishi, debuts, English, translation, with, Sakura</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kanako Nishi, a seasoned Japanese author and winner of the prestigious Naoki literary award, recently saw one of her books published in English translation for the first time,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>G20 finance chiefs agree to help poorer nations hit hard by Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/g20-finance-chiefs-agree-to-help-poorer-nations-hit-hard-by-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/g20-finance-chiefs-agree-to-help-poorer-nations-hit-hard-by-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs of the Group of 20 major economies agreed Thursday on the need to provide financial and humanitarian support for ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>G20, finance, chiefs, agree, help, poorer, nations, hit, hard, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs of the Group of 20 major economies agreed Thursday on the need to provide financial and humanitarian support for]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Figure skating: Japan&amp;apos;s pairs figure skating gold medalists Miura, Kihara to retire</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/figure-skating-japans-pairs-figure-skating-gold-medalists-miura-kihara-to-retire</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/figure-skating-japans-pairs-figure-skating-gold-medalists-miura-kihara-to-retire</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the gold medalists at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, announced their ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Figure, skating:, Japans, pairs, figure, skating, gold, medalists, Miura, Kihara, retire</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese figure skating pair Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, the gold medalists at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, announced their]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Israel, Lebanon agree to 10&#45;day ceasefire</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/israel-lebanon-agree-to-10-day-ceasefire</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/israel-lebanon-agree-to-10-day-ceasefire</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Israel and Lebanon agreed Thursday to a 10-day ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to the leaders of the two count ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Israel, Lebanon, agree, 10-day, ceasefire</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Israel and Lebanon agreed Thursday to a 10-day ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to the leaders of the two count]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan welcomes Israel&#45;Lebanon ceasefire, hopes for Middle East peace</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-welcomes-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-hopes-for-middle-east-peace</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-welcomes-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-hopes-for-middle-east-peace</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Friday welcomed the agreement by Israel and Lebanon to a 10-day ceasefire in talks mediated by the United ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, welcomes, Israel-Lebanon, ceasefire, hopes, for, Middle, East, peace</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Friday welcomed the agreement by Israel and Lebanon to a 10-day ceasefire in talks mediated by the United]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Kawasaki Heavy Ind. reaches settlement over suicide of worker assigned overseas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kawasaki-heavy-ind-reaches-settlement-over-suicide-of-worker-assigned-overseas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kawasaki-heavy-ind-reaches-settlement-over-suicide-of-worker-assigned-overseas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- The family of an engineer who took his own life while on assignment in China has reached a settlement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. in ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Kawasaki, Heavy, Ind., reaches, settlement, over, suicide, worker, assigned, overseas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- The family of an engineer who took his own life while on assignment in China has reached a settlement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. in]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Chinese Embassy in Tokyo says it received 2 terrorist threats in March</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-embassy-in-tokyo-says-it-received-2-terrorist-threats-in-march</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinese-embassy-in-tokyo-says-it-received-2-terrorist-threats-in-march</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Thursday that it received two separate terrorist threats last month from individuals purporting to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinese, Embassy, Tokyo, says, received, terrorist, threats, March</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Thursday that it received two separate terrorist threats last month from individuals purporting to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan diesel sellers ran price cartel through monthly meetings, execs tell prosecutors</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-diesel-sellers-ran-price-cartel-through-monthly-meetings-execs-tell-prosecutors</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-diesel-sellers-ran-price-cartel-through-monthly-meetings-execs-tell-prosecutors</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Eight gas station operators are suspected of repeatedly coordinating diesel fuel prices for corporate customers in Tokyo in a price cartel ca ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, diesel, sellers, ran, price, cartel, through, monthly, meetings, execs, tell, prosecutors</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Eight gas station operators are suspected of repeatedly coordinating diesel fuel prices for corporate customers in Tokyo in a price cartel ca]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US urges nations to back &amp;apos;trade over aid&amp;apos; plan as UN warns against privatizing assistance</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-urges-nations-to-back-trade-over-aid-plan-as-un-warns-against-privatizing-assistance</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-urges-nations-to-back-trade-over-aid-plan-as-un-warns-against-privatizing-assistance</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is urging other nations to back a &quot;trade over aid&quot; initiative at the United Nations as part of the Trump administration&#039;s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>urges, nations, back, trade, over, aid, plan, warns, against, privatizing, assistance</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. is urging other nations to back a "trade over aid" initiative at the United Nations as part of the Trump administration's]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan law review should ban prosecutors from appealing retrial decisions</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-law-review-should-ban-prosecutors-from-appealing-retrial-decisions</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-law-review-should-ban-prosecutors-from-appealing-retrial-decisions</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Voices of opposition have been rising from lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over the government&#039;s bill to revise the Code of Cri ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, law, review, should, ban, prosecutors, from, appealing, retrial, decisions</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Voices of opposition have been rising from lawmakers in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over the government's bill to revise the Code of Cri]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: &amp;apos;Jet balloons&amp;apos; return to Hanshin Koshien Stadium</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-jet-balloons-return-to-hanshin-koshien-stadium</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-jet-balloons-return-to-hanshin-koshien-stadium</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Popular &quot;jet balloons&quot; came back to Hanshin Koshien Stadium in the city of Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, after seven years. They had been suspended s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Jet, balloons, return, Hanshin, Koshien, Stadium</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Popular "jet balloons" came back to Hanshin Koshien Stadium in the city of Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, after seven years. They had been suspended s]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>N. Korea&amp;apos;s nuclear capabilities appear to have advanced: IAEA chief</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-koreas-nuclear-capabilities-appear-to-have-advanced-iaea-chief</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-koreas-nuclear-capabilities-appear-to-have-advanced-iaea-chief</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEOUL (Kyodo) -- The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday that North Korea&#039;s nuclear weapon production capabilities appear t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:37:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Koreas, nuclear, capabilities, appear, have, advanced:, IAEA, chief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEOUL (Kyodo) -- The chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday that North Korea's nuclear weapon production capabilities appear t]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kumamoto marks decade since deadly quakes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kumamoto-marks-decade-since-deadly-quakes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kumamoto-marks-decade-since-deadly-quakes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of a deadly earthquake, the more intensive of a pair of back-to-back quakes that hit the region… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:34:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kumamoto, marks, decade, since, deadly, quakes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of a deadly earthquake, the more intensive of a pair of back-to-back quakes that hit the region…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei index ends at record high on US&#45;Iran peace talk hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high-on-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes-53736</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high-on-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes-53736</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 59,000 points on Thursday on growing optimism about peace negotiations between th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:29:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, index, ends, record, high, US-Iran, peace, talk, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 59,000 points on Thursday on growing optimism about peace negotiations between th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan man admits killing son, moved body several times to evade police search</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-man-admits-killing-son-moved-body-several-times-to-evade-police-search</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-man-admits-killing-son-moved-body-several-times-to-evade-police-search</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his son who had been missing for weeks has admitted to killing the boy and allegedly hid th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:21:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, man, admits, killing, son, moved, body, several, times, evade, police, search</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his son who had been missing for weeks has admitted to killing the boy and allegedly hid th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei index ends at record high on U.S.&#45;Iran peace talk hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high-on-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-ends-at-record-high-on-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 59,000 points on Thursday on growing optimism about peace negotiations between th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:21:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, index, ends, record, high, U.S.-Iran, peace, talk, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index ended at a record high above 59,000 points on Thursday on growing optimism about peace negotiations between th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Police issue warnings to 21 youths in Tokyo&amp;apos;s Kabukicho in bid to prevent crimes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/police-issue-warnings-to-21-youths-in-tokyos-kabukicho-in-bid-to-prevent-crimes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/police-issue-warnings-to-21-youths-in-tokyos-kabukicho-in-bid-to-prevent-crimes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers issued warnings to 21 individuals aged between 13 and 19 around the so-called &quot;Toyoko square&quot; a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:13:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Police, issue, warnings, youths, Tokyos, Kabukicho, bid, prevent, crimes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers issued warnings to 21 individuals aged between 13 and 19 around the so-called "Toyoko square" a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei rises over 2% to fresh intraday high on Mideast peace talk hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-rises-over-2-to-fresh-intraday-high-on-mideast-peace-talk-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-rises-over-2-to-fresh-intraday-high-on-mideast-peace-talk-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index surged over 2 percent Thursday morning to a fresh intraday high on growing optimism for peace negotiations bet ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, rises, over, fresh, intraday, high, Mideast, peace, talk, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index surged over 2 percent Thursday morning to a fresh intraday high on growing optimism for peace negotiations bet]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Southwestern Japan&amp;apos;s Kumamoto marks decade since deadly quakes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/southwestern-japans-kumamoto-marks-decade-since-deadly-quakes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/southwestern-japans-kumamoto-marks-decade-since-deadly-quakes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- The southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of a deadly earthquake, the more i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Southwestern, Japans, Kumamoto, marks, decade, since, deadly, quakes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- The southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto on Thursday marked the 10th anniversary of a deadly earthquake, the more i]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>G7 finance chiefs gather in Washington to discuss Iran war fallout</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/g7-finance-chiefs-gather-in-washington-to-discuss-iran-war-fallout</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/g7-finance-chiefs-gather-in-washington-to-discuss-iran-war-fallout</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs from the Group of Seven industrial powers agreed Wednesday to do everything possible to stabilize the global econ ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>finance, chiefs, gather, Washington, discuss, Iran, war, fallout</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Finance chiefs from the Group of Seven industrial powers agreed Wednesday to do everything possible to stabilize the global econ]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan foreign minister tells Iran upholding ceasefire is most important</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-minister-tells-iran-upholding-ceasefire-is-most-important</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-foreign-minister-tells-iran-upholding-ceasefire-is-most-important</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi conveyed to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday that maintaining the ceas ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, foreign, minister, tells, Iran, upholding, ceasefire, most, important</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi conveyed to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday that maintaining the ceas]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Multifactor review a must as Japan chooses final nuclear waste site</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-multifactor-review-a-must-as-japan-chooses-final-nuclear-waste-site</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-multifactor-review-a-must-as-japan-chooses-final-nuclear-waste-site</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Is it really feasible to build a final disposal site on Japan&#039;s easternmost island for radioactive waste generated at nuclear power stations? The ques ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Multifactor, review, must, Japan, chooses, final, nuclear, waste, site</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Is it really feasible to build a final disposal site on Japan's easternmost island for radioactive waste generated at nuclear power stations? The ques]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Allies of disgraced former presidents lead in Peru presidential election</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/allies-of-disgraced-former-presidents-lead-in-peru-presidential-election</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/allies-of-disgraced-former-presidents-lead-in-peru-presidential-election</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Keiko Fujimori, the conservative daughter of a disgraced former Peruvian president, and Roberto Sanchez, a nationalist congressman ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Allies, disgraced, former, presidents, lead, Peru, presidential, election</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Keiko Fujimori, the conservative daughter of a disgraced former Peruvian president, and Roberto Sanchez, a nationalist congressman]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ohtani skips the bat, keeps the heat: 10 strikeouts as Dodgers send Mets to a 7th straight loss</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-skips-the-bat-keeps-the-heat-10-strikeouts-as-dodgers-send-mets-to-a-7th-straight-loss</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ohtani-skips-the-bat-keeps-the-heat-10-strikeouts-as-dodgers-send-mets-to-a-7th-straight-loss</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani pitched one-run ball over six innings and struck out 10 in which he did not also bat since 2021, and the Los Angeles ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ohtani, skips, the, bat, keeps, the, heat:, strikeouts, Dodgers, send, Mets, 7th, straight, loss</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Shohei Ohtani pitched one-run ball over six innings and struck out 10 in which he did not also bat since 2021, and the Los Angeles]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s GDP grows 5.0% in 1st qtr aided by brisk exports despite Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-gdp-grows-50-in-1st-qtr-aided-by-brisk-exports-despite-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-gdp-grows-50-in-1st-qtr-aided-by-brisk-exports-despite-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- China&#039;s economy in the January-March period grew a real 5.0 percent from a year ago, official data showed Thursday, with the pace o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, GDP, grows, 5.0, 1st, qtr, aided, brisk, exports, despite, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- China's economy in the January-March period grew a real 5.0 percent from a year ago, official data showed Thursday, with the pace o]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dad in Japan allegedly moved boy&amp;apos;s body several times amid police search</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dad-in-japan-allegedly-moved-boys-body-several-times-amid-police-search</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dad-in-japan-allegedly-moved-boys-body-several-times-amid-police-search</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his son who had been missing for weeks has admitted to killing the boy and allegedly hid th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dad, Japan, allegedly, moved, boys, body, several, times, amid, police, search</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO (Kyodo) -- A man arrested for abandoning the body of his son who had been missing for weeks has admitted to killing the boy and allegedly hid th]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>US aircraft carrier breaks record for longest deployment since the Vietnam War</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-aircraft-carrier-breaks-record-for-longest-deployment-since-the-vietnam-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-aircraft-carrier-breaks-record-for-longest-deployment-since-the-vietnam-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world&#039;s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, broke the U.S. record Wednesday for the longest post-Vietnam War depl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>aircraft, carrier, breaks, record, for, longest, deployment, since, the, Vietnam, War</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, broke the U.S. record Wednesday for the longest post-Vietnam War depl]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Alpine route in Toyama opens, showcasing snow walls</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/alpine-route-in-toyama-opens-showcasing-snow-walls</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/alpine-route-in-toyama-opens-showcasing-snow-walls</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A sightseeing route that runs through the Tateyama mountain range in central Japan fully opened Wednesday for this year&#039;s tourist season, featuring tall snow walls.
The Tateyama Kurobe… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Alpine, route, Toyama, opens, showcasing, snow, walls</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A sightseeing route that runs through the Tateyama mountain range in central Japan fully opened Wednesday for this year's tourist season, featuring tall snow walls.
The Tateyama Kurobe…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rattled by Trump, U.S. allies eye Japan&amp;apos;s biggest arms opening since WW2</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rattled-by-trump-us-allies-eye-japans-biggest-arms-opening-since-ww2</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rattled-by-trump-us-allies-eye-japans-biggest-arms-opening-since-ww2</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rattled, Trump, U.S., allies, eye, Japans, biggest, arms, opening, since, WW2</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Two bodies in advanced state of decomposition found in apartment in Aichi</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/two-bodies-in-advanced-state-of-decomposition-found-in-apartment-in-aichi</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/two-bodies-in-advanced-state-of-decomposition-found-in-apartment-in-aichi</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The decaying bodies of two adults, believed to be an 80-year-old woman and her 50-year-old son, have been found in an apartment in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.
The… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:38:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Two, bodies, advanced, state, decomposition, found, apartment, Aichi</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The decaying bodies of two adults, believed to be an 80-year-old woman and her 50-year-old son, have been found in an apartment in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture.
The…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise on US&#45;Iran peace talks hope but rally momentum fades</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-us-iran-peace-talks-hope-but-rally-momentum-fades</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-us-iran-peace-talks-hope-but-rally-momentum-fades</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday on buoyed investor sentiment after reports of a possible resumption of peace talks between the United Sta ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:33:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, US-Iran, peace, talks, hope, but, rally, momentum, fades</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday on buoyed investor sentiment after reports of a possible resumption of peace talks between the United Sta]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Feb. machinery orders jump 13.6% on month</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-feb-machinery-orders-jump-136-on-month</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-feb-machinery-orders-jump-136-on-month</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s core private-sector machinery orders rose 13.6 percent in February from the previous month, driven by large-scale projects in ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Feb., machinery, orders, jump, 13.6, month</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's core private-sector machinery orders rose 13.6 percent in February from the previous month, driven by large-scale projects in]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ex&#45;teacher in Japan handed 2&#45;yr prison term over schoolgirl voyeurism case</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-teacher-in-japan-handed-2-yr-prison-term-over-schoolgirl-voyeurism-case</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-teacher-in-japan-handed-2-yr-prison-term-over-schoolgirl-voyeurism-case</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAGOYA -- The district court here on April 14 sentenced a former municipal junior high school teacher to two years in prison for taking indecent image ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:25:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ex-teacher, Japan, handed, 2-yr, prison, term, over, schoolgirl, voyeurism, case</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAGOYA -- The district court here on April 14 sentenced a former municipal junior high school teacher to two years in prison for taking indecent image]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Toyota&amp;apos;s new basketball robot wows crowd in Tokyo with smooth shooting and dribbling</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/toyotas-new-basketball-robot-wows-crowd-in-tokyo-with-smooth-shooting-and-dribbling</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/toyotas-new-basketball-robot-wows-crowd-in-tokyo-with-smooth-shooting-and-dribbling</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. has recently unveiled its new humanoid basketball-playing robot, &quot;Cue7.&quot; Compared with the earlier &quot;Cue6,&quot; it now performs ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:09:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Toyotas, new, basketball, robot, wows, crowd, Tokyo, with, smooth, shooting, and, dribbling</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. has recently unveiled its new humanoid basketball-playing robot, "Cue7." Compared with the earlier "Cue6," it now performs]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Student assault videos expose new face of bullying in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/student-assault-videos-expose-new-face-of-bullying-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/student-assault-videos-expose-new-face-of-bullying-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A series of viral videos showing students assaulting their peers has triggered police investigations, school interventions and a surge of online abuse, highlighting the growing risks of violence… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Student, assault, videos, expose, new, face, bullying, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A series of viral videos showing students assaulting their peers has triggered police investigations, school interventions and a surge of online abuse, highlighting the growing risks of violence…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan suspends new visas for foreign restaurant workers as quota nears</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-suspends-new-visas-for-foreign-restaurant-workers-as-quota-nears</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-suspends-new-visas-for-foreign-restaurant-workers-as-quota-nears</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government is no longer issuing visas for foreign specified skilled workers in the restaurant sector as the quota of 50,000 has nearly been reached -- the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, suspends, new, visas, for, foreign, restaurant, workers, quota, nears</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government is no longer issuing visas for foreign specified skilled workers in the restaurant sector as the quota of 50,000 has nearly been reached -- the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan to limit power banks on flights to 2 per person from April 24</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-limit-power-banks-on-flights-to-2-per-person-from-april-24</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-limit-power-banks-on-flights-to-2-per-person-from-april-24</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government will limit the number of power banks that can be brought aboard commercial flights to two per passenger following incidents involving such batteries catching fire… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, limit, power, banks, flights, per, person, from, April</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government will limit the number of power banks that can be brought aboard commercial flights to two per passenger following incidents involving such batteries catching fire…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise on tech gains, US&#45;Iran peace talk hopes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-tech-gains-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-on-tech-gains-us-iran-peace-talk-hopes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday morning, led by heavyweight technology shares, as sentiment improved after reports of a possible resumpti ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, tech, gains, US-Iran, peace, talk, hopes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Wednesday morning, led by heavyweight technology shares, as sentiment improved after reports of a possible resumpti]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>7&#45;Eleven expects to close hundreds of its stores in North America this year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-expects-to-close-hundreds-of-its-stores-in-north-america-this-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/7-eleven-expects-to-close-hundreds-of-its-stores-in-north-america-this-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- Convenience chain 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its locations this year.According to earnings filings published last week, 7- ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>7-Eleven, expects, close, hundreds, its, stores, North, America, this, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- Convenience chain 7-Eleven expects to close hundreds of its locations this year.According to earnings filings published last week, 7-]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bessent labels China &amp;apos;unreliable global partner&amp;apos; during Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bessent-labels-china-unreliable-global-partner-during-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bessent-labels-china-unreliable-global-partner-during-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- China has been an &quot;unreliable global partner&quot; since the United States went to war in the Middle East more than a month ago, U.S. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bessent, labels, China, unreliable, global, partner, during, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- China has been an "unreliable global partner" since the United States went to war in the Middle East more than a month ago, U.S.]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Dodgers hand Mets a seventh straight loss, 2&#45;1, as Tucker delivers the go&#45;ahead hit with 2 strikes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/dodgers-hand-mets-a-seventh-straight-loss-2-1-as-tucker-delivers-the-go-ahead-hit-with-2-strikes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/dodgers-hand-mets-a-seventh-straight-loss-2-1-as-tucker-delivers-the-go-ahead-hit-with-2-strikes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (AP) -- World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Nolan McLean dueled through seven innings, Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Dodgers, hand, Mets, seventh, straight, loss, 2-1, Tucker, delivers, the, go-ahead, hit, with, strikes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (AP) -- World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and rookie Nolan McLean dueled through seven innings, Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cherry blossoms bloom beside old diesel train on Noto Line in Japan&amp;apos;s Ishikawa Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cherry-blossoms-bloom-beside-old-diesel-train-on-noto-line-in-japans-ishikawa-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cherry-blossoms-bloom-beside-old-diesel-train-on-noto-line-in-japans-ishikawa-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SUZU, Ishikawa -- Cherry blossom trees are in full bloom next to a diesel train that will never run again along the remnants of the former Noto Railwa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cherry, blossoms, bloom, beside, old, diesel, train, Noto, Line, Japans, Ishikawa, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SUZU, Ishikawa -- Cherry blossom trees are in full bloom next to a diesel train that will never run again along the remnants of the former Noto Railwa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan, S. Korea to launch vice&#45;ministerial foreign, defense dialogue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-s-korea-to-launch-vice-ministerial-foreign-defense-dialogue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-s-korea-to-launch-vice-ministerial-foreign-defense-dialogue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and South Korea plan to launch a vice-ministerial-level foreign affairs and defense dialogue framework, with the first meeting ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Korea, launch, vice-ministerial, foreign, defense, dialogue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and South Korea plan to launch a vice-ministerial-level foreign affairs and defense dialogue framework, with the first meeting]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Public junior high school for truant children opens in Tokyo&amp;apos;s Setagaya Ward</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/public-junior-high-school-for-truant-children-opens-in-tokyos-setagaya-ward</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/public-junior-high-school-for-truant-children-opens-in-tokyos-setagaya-ward</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A school designed to cater to the needs of truant children with flexible curricula has opened in the capital&#039;s Setagaya Ward, welcoming 32 fr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Public, junior, high, school, for, truant, children, opens, Tokyos, Setagaya, Ward</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A school designed to cater to the needs of truant children with flexible curricula has opened in the capital's Setagaya Ward, welcoming 32 fr]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to provide $10 billion to Southeast Asia to ease oil price strain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-provide-10-billion-to-southeast-asia-to-ease-oil-price-strain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-provide-10-billion-to-southeast-asia-to-ease-oil-price-strain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has decided to provide a total of $10 billion in financial support to Southeast Asian nations struggling with surging crude oil ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, provide, 10, billion, Southeast, Asia, ease, oil, price, strain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has decided to provide a total of $10 billion in financial support to Southeast Asian nations struggling with surging crude oil]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: 10 years after Kumamoto quakes, lessons to reduce disaster damage remain</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-10-years-after-kumamoto-quakes-lessons-to-reduce-disaster-damage-remain</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-10-years-after-kumamoto-quakes-lessons-to-reduce-disaster-damage-remain</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It is vital to share the lessons learned from major earthquakes and put them to use in mitigating future disasters.This year marks 10 years since the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, years, after, Kumamoto, quakes, lessons, reduce, disaster, damage, remain</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It is vital to share the lessons learned from major earthquakes and put them to use in mitigating future disasters.This year marks 10 years since the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Speed skater Miho Takagi retires</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-speed-skater-miho-takagi-retires</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-speed-skater-miho-takagi-retires</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Speed skater Miho Takagi, 31, held a news conference in Tokyo on April 6, where she announced her retirement from competition. Takagi won a total of 1 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Speed, skater, Miho, Takagi, retires</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Speed skater Miho Takagi, 31, held a news conference in Tokyo on April 6, where she announced her retirement from competition. Takagi won a total of 1]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s curbing of greenhouse gas emissions slows in FY2024</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-curbing-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-slows-in-fy2024</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-curbing-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-slows-in-fy2024</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in fiscal 2024 as it effectively emitted the equivalent of 994 million tons of carbon dioxide, 15 million tons more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:34:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, curbing, greenhouse, gas, emissions, slows, FY2024</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in fiscal 2024 as it effectively emitted the equivalent of 994 million tons of carbon dioxide, 15 million tons more…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ex&#45;geisha house among 3 historical buildings transformed into lodgings in Japan&amp;apos;s Niigata</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-geisha-house-among-3-historical-buildings-transformed-into-lodgings-in-japans-niigata</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-geisha-house-among-3-historical-buildings-transformed-into-lodgings-in-japans-niigata</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NIIGATA -- A handful of renovated heritage buildings dotting the Furumachi area of this Sea of Japan port city will open to diners, drinkers and overn ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:29:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ex-geisha, house, among, historical, buildings, transformed, into, lodgings, Japans, Niigata</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NIIGATA -- A handful of renovated heritage buildings dotting the Furumachi area of this Sea of Japan port city will open to diners, drinkers and overn]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>N. Korea test&#45;fires cruise, anti&#45;warship missiles from destroyer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-test-fires-cruise-anti-warship-missiles-from-destroyer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-test-fires-cruise-anti-warship-missiles-from-destroyer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea test-fired cruise and anti-warship missiles from a destroyer over the weekend, with leader Kim Jong Un underlining the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, test-fires, cruise, anti-warship, missiles, from, destroyer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- North Korea test-fired cruise and anti-warship missiles from a destroyer over the weekend, with leader Kim Jong Un underlining the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What&amp;apos;s that US base in Okinawa that was supposed to be moved?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-that-us-base-in-okinawa-that-was-supposed-to-be-moved</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-whats-that-us-base-in-okinawa-that-was-supposed-to-be-moved</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 14 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What is the name of th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, Whats, that, base, Okinawa, that, was, supposed, moved</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 14 to test your news knowledge. Ready?What is the name of th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan toilet maker Toto halts some orders due to naphtha shortage</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-toilet-maker-toto-halts-some-orders-due-to-naphtha-shortage</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-toilet-maker-toto-halts-some-orders-due-to-naphtha-shortage</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KITAKYUSHU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Leading Japanese toilet maker Toto Ltd. said Monday it has suspended new orders for some products including modular bathr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, toilet, maker, Toto, halts, some, orders, due, naphtha, shortage</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KITAKYUSHU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Leading Japanese toilet maker Toto Ltd. said Monday it has suspended new orders for some products including modular bathr]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise in morning on renewed hopes for US&#45;Iran peace talks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-renewed-hopes-for-us-iran-peace-talks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-renewed-hopes-for-us-iran-peace-talks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Tuesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index gaining over 2 percent, on renewed hopes for peace talks in the Middle ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, morning, renewed, hopes, for, US-Iran, peace, talks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Tuesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index gaining over 2 percent, on renewed hopes for peace talks in the Middle]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>How a US blockade near the Strait of Hormuz could work and the impact ahead for the global economy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/how-a-us-blockade-near-the-strait-of-hormuz-could-work-and-the-impact-ahead-for-the-global-economy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/how-a-us-blockade-near-the-strait-of-hormuz-could-work-and-the-impact-ahead-for-the-global-economy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- A blockade of Iranian ports that President Donald Trump said began Monday could further disrupt oil prices, has spurred questions about intern ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>How, blockade, near, the, Strait, Hormuz, could, work, and, the, impact, ahead, for, the, global, economy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- A blockade of Iranian ports that President Donald Trump said began Monday could further disrupt oil prices, has spurred questions about intern]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Tochigi Pref. police warn public over &amp;apos;blue ticket&amp;apos; bike fine scam</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-tochigi-pref-police-warn-public-over-blue-ticket-bike-fine-scam</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-tochigi-pref-police-warn-public-over-blue-ticket-bike-fine-scam</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OYAMA, Tochigi -- Oyama Police Station in Tochigi Prefecture announced on April 13 that the newly implemented &quot;blue ticket&quot; system which requires bicy ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Tochigi, Pref., police, warn, public, over, blue, ticket, bike, fine, scam</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OYAMA, Tochigi -- Oyama Police Station in Tochigi Prefecture announced on April 13 that the newly implemented "blue ticket" system which requires bicy]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hezbollah leader urges Lebanon&amp;apos;s government to cancel Israel talks as battle rages in strategic town</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hezbollah-leader-urges-lebanons-government-to-cancel-israel-talks-as-battle-rages-in-strategic-town</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hezbollah-leader-urges-lebanons-government-to-cancel-israel-talks-as-battle-rages-in-strategic-town</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIRUT (AP) -- The leader of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group urged Lebanon on Monday to pull out of direct talks with Israel set to take place i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hezbollah, leader, urges, Lebanons, government, cancel, Israel, talks, battle, rages, strategic, town</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIRUT (AP) -- The leader of the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group urged Lebanon on Monday to pull out of direct talks with Israel set to take place i]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Kumamoto marks 10 years since 2016 double&#45;shock quake that killed 278</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kumamoto-marks-10-years-since-2016-double-shock-quake-that-killed-278</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-kumamoto-marks-10-years-since-2016-double-shock-quake-that-killed-278</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUMAMOTO -- Ten years have passed since the April 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the first in Japan&#039;s observation history to record the maximum seismic int ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Kumamoto, marks, years, since, 2016, double-shock, quake, that, killed, 278</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUMAMOTO -- Ten years have passed since the April 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the first in Japan's observation history to record the maximum seismic int]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s curbing of greenhouse gas emissions slows in FY 2024</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-curbing-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-slows-in-fy-2024</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-curbing-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-slows-in-fy-2024</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in fiscal 2024 as it effectively emitted the equivalent of 994 million tons ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, curbing, greenhouse, gas, emissions, slows, 2024</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions slowed in fiscal 2024 as it effectively emitted the equivalent of 994 million tons]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan ruling parties agree on plan to curb spousal pension benefit system</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ruling-parties-agree-on-plan-to-curb-spousal-pension-benefit-system</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-ruling-parties-agree-on-plan-to-curb-spousal-pension-benefit-system</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japan&#039;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Nippon Ishin (the Japan Innovation Party, JIP) agreed on April 13 to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ruling, parties, agree, plan, curb, spousal, pension, benefit, system</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Nippon Ishin (the Japan Innovation Party, JIP) agreed on April 13 to]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Body believed to be that of missing 11&#45;year&#45;old boy found in Kyoto Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/body-believed-to-be-that-of-missing-11-year-old-boy-found-in-kyoto-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/body-believed-to-be-that-of-missing-11-year-old-boy-found-in-kyoto-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A body believed to be that of a child was found Monday in the woods in Kyoto Prefecture, after a massive search for an 11-year-old boy missing for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Body, believed, that, missing, 11-year-old, boy, found, Kyoto, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A body believed to be that of a child was found Monday in the woods in Kyoto Prefecture, after a massive search for an 11-year-old boy missing for…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&#45;based airlines report record 429 cases of in&#45;flight smoking in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-based-airlines-report-record-429-cases-of-in-flight-smoking-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-based-airlines-report-record-429-cases-of-in-flight-smoking-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Major airlines based in Japan reported a record 429 cases of smoking on board domestic and international flights in 2025, the transport ministry said Monday, with the spread… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan-based, airlines, report, record, 429, cases, in-flight, smoking, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Major airlines based in Japan reported a record 429 cases of smoking on board domestic and international flights in 2025, the transport ministry said Monday, with the spread…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Applications for Japanese&#45;language test close early amid surging demand</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/applications-for-japanese-language-test-close-early-amid-surging-demand</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/applications-for-japanese-language-test-close-early-amid-surging-demand</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Applications for certain levels of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, widely used as a requirement for foreign nationals&#039; employment or study in Japan, have closed ahead of schedule, the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Applications, for, Japanese-language, test, close, early, amid, surging, demand</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Applications for certain levels of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, widely used as a requirement for foreign nationals' employment or study in Japan, have closed ahead of schedule, the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Opinion: In Japan&amp;apos;s swelling antiwar protests, peace chants meet the end of the postwar era</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/opinion-in-japans-swelling-antiwar-protests-peace-chants-meet-the-end-of-the-postwar-era</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/opinion-in-japans-swelling-antiwar-protests-peace-chants-meet-the-end-of-the-postwar-era</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ About 30,000 people gathered outside Japan&#039;s National Diet on the night of March 8. Young people sang and danced as participants waved penlights and r ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:57:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Opinion:, Japans, swelling, antiwar, protests, peace, chants, meet, the, end, the, postwar, era</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[About 30,000 people gathered outside Japan's National Diet on the night of March 8. Young people sang and danced as participants waved penlights and r]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall, Japan gov&amp;apos;t bond hits over 27&#45;year high on oil surge</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-japan-govt-bond-hits-over-27-year-high-on-oil-surge</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-japan-govt-bond-hits-over-27-year-high-on-oil-surge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday, while the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond briefly rose to the highest level in over 27 years on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:49:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, Japan, govt, bond, hits, over, 27-year, high, oil, surge</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday, while the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond briefly rose to the highest level in over 27 years on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ex&#45;day&#45;service worker held over sexual abuse of 5&#45;yr&#45;old disabled girl in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-day-service-worker-held-over-sexual-abuse-of-5-yr-old-disabled-girl-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-day-service-worker-held-over-sexual-abuse-of-5-yr-old-disabled-girl-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A former day-service worker for disabled children has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting and producing child pornography ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:33:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ex-day-service, worker, held, over, sexual, abuse, 5-yr-old, disabled, girl, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A former day-service worker for disabled children has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting and producing child pornography]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s job transfer system built on male solidarity needs changing: scholar</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-job-transfer-system-built-on-male-solidarity-needs-changing-scholar</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-job-transfer-system-built-on-male-solidarity-needs-changing-scholar</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO -- As spring brings new encounters and farewells, it also marks the season of job transfers for company workers in Japan. One researcher argues ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/13/20260413p2a00m0na011000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:33:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, job, transfer, system, built, male, solidarity, needs, changing:, scholar</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO -- As spring brings new encounters and farewells, it also marks the season of job transfers for company workers in Japan. One researcher argues]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Parts of Japan see warm temperatures; 30 C recorded in Shizuoka</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/parts-of-japan-see-warm-temperatures-30-c-recorded-in-shizuoka</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/parts-of-japan-see-warm-temperatures-30-c-recorded-in-shizuoka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Parts of Japan across its east and west saw unseasonably warm weather Saturday, with the city of Shizuoka reaching 30.3 C, a level usually on par with late… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Parts, Japan, see, warm, temperatures, recorded, Shizuoka</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Parts of Japan across its east and west saw unseasonably warm weather Saturday, with the city of Shizuoka reaching 30.3 C, a level usually on par with late…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>As school absentees increase, Japanese dads turn to izakaya support group</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-school-absentees-increase-japanese-dads-turn-to-izakaya-support-group</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-school-absentees-increase-japanese-dads-turn-to-izakaya-support-group</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ In Japan&#039;s izakaya pubs, people drink and discuss the usual topics including sports and politics. But one group of fathers on the outskirts of Tokyo drinks beer while… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>school, absentees, increase, Japanese, dads, turn, izakaya, support, group</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[In Japan's izakaya pubs, people drink and discuss the usual topics including sports and politics. But one group of fathers on the outskirts of Tokyo drinks beer while…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Shoes found in Kyoto Pref. mountains may belong to missing 11&#45;year&#45;old boy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shoes-found-in-kyoto-pref-mountains-may-belong-to-missing-11-year-old-boy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shoes-found-in-kyoto-pref-mountains-may-belong-to-missing-11-year-old-boy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Kyoto Prefectural Police discovered shoes that may belong to a missing boy in the mountains of the Kyoto Prefecture city of Nantan during their search ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/13/20260413p2a00m0na001000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shoes, found, Kyoto, Pref., mountains, may, belong, missing, 11-year-old, boy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Kyoto Prefectural Police discovered shoes that may belong to a missing boy in the mountains of the Kyoto Prefecture city of Nantan during their search]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump lambasts Pope Leo XIV, extending feud over Iran war with first American pontiff</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-lambasts-pope-leo-xiv-extending-feud-over-iran-war-with-first-american-pontiff</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-lambasts-pope-leo-xiv-extending-feud-over-iran-war-with-first-american-pontiff</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media on Sunday, saying the first American pope should &quot;stop catering to the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, lambasts, Pope, Leo, XIV, extending, feud, over, Iran, war, with, first, American, pontiff</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Donald Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media on Sunday, saying the first American pope should "stop catering to the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall in morning as failed US&#45;Iran talks raise uncertainty</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-as-failed-us-iran-talks-raise-uncertainty</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-as-failed-us-iran-talks-raise-uncertainty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning, as sentiment dampened after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace agreement, raising t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, morning, failed, US-Iran, talks, raise, uncertainty</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Monday morning, as sentiment dampened after the United States and Iran failed to reach a peace agreement, raising t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Peru election results delayed after thousands get a one&#45;day voting extension</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/peru-election-results-delayed-after-thousands-get-a-one-day-voting-extension</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/peru-election-results-delayed-after-thousands-get-a-one-day-voting-extension</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Peruvian voters will have to wait until at least Monday to learn the outcome of Sunday&#039;s presidential election after the process wa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Peru, election, results, delayed, after, thousands, get, one-day, voting, extension</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LIMA, Peru (AP) -- Peruvian voters will have to wait until at least Monday to learn the outcome of Sunday's presidential election after the process wa]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: 30 years later, Okinawa still awaits return of US Marines&amp;apos; Futenma base</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-30-years-later-okinawa-still-awaits-return-of-us-marines-futenma-base</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-30-years-later-okinawa-still-awaits-return-of-us-marines-futenma-base</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Thirty years have passed since Japan and the United States agreed to fully return the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefec ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, years, later, Okinawa, still, awaits, return, Marines, Futenma, base</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Thirty years have passed since Japan and the United States agreed to fully return the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefec]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>30 yrs after accord with Japan, return of US Futenma base still far off</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/30-yrs-after-accord-with-japan-return-of-us-futenma-base-still-far-off</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/30-yrs-after-accord-with-japan-return-of-us-futenma-base-still-far-off</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Once thought possible within five to seven years, the return to Japan of land used for a U.S. military base in Okinawa remains a dist ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>yrs, after, accord, with, Japan, return, Futenma, base, still, far, off</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Once thought possible within five to seven years, the return to Japan of land used for a U.S. military base in Okinawa remains a dist]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan hopes US, Iran will quickly reach peace deal for de&#45;escalation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-hopes-us-iran-will-quickly-reach-peace-deal-for-de-escalation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-hopes-us-iran-will-quickly-reach-peace-deal-for-de-escalation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan hopes a &quot;final agreement&quot; will be concluded swiftly between the United States and Iran to de-escalate the Middle East situation ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, hopes, US, Iran, will, quickly, reach, peace, deal, for, de-escalation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan hopes a "final agreement" will be concluded swiftly between the United States and Iran to de-escalate the Middle East situation]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>27% of junior high kids in west Japan&amp;apos;s Kinki region suffer violence from parent: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/27-of-junior-high-kids-in-west-japans-kinki-region-suffer-violence-from-parent-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/27-of-junior-high-kids-in-west-japans-kinki-region-suffer-violence-from-parent-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO -- Nearly 30% of the 1,820 junior high school students in western Japan&#039;s Kinki region reported experiencing some form of physical violence from ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>27, junior, high, kids, west, Japans, Kinki, region, suffer, violence, from, parent:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO -- Nearly 30% of the 1,820 junior high school students in western Japan's Kinki region reported experiencing some form of physical violence from]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Hikonyan, Japan&amp;apos;s beloved samurai helmet&#45;wearing cat mascot, turns 20</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hikonyan-japans-beloved-samurai-helmet-wearing-cat-mascot-turns-20</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hikonyan-japans-beloved-samurai-helmet-wearing-cat-mascot-turns-20</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OTSU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Hikonyan, Japan&#039;s beloved samurai helmet-wearing cat mascot from Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, turned 20 on Monday, with a specia ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hikonyan, Japans, beloved, samurai, helmet-wearing, cat, mascot, turns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OTSU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Hikonyan, Japan's beloved samurai helmet-wearing cat mascot from Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, turned 20 on Monday, with a specia]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Deer captured in Osaka nicknamed &amp;apos;Shikayan&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-deer-captured-in-osaka-nicknamed-shikayan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-deer-captured-in-osaka-nicknamed-shikayan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Nose Onsen, an accommodation facility in the town of Nose, Osaka Prefecture, has taken in a deer that was captured in late March within the city of Os ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/10/20260410p2a00m0na025000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Deer, captured, Osaka, nicknamed, Shikayan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Nose Onsen, an accommodation facility in the town of Nose, Osaka Prefecture, has taken in a deer that was captured in late March within the city of Os]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Retro Japan: Cultural hall in Kurume remains an acoustic treasure after 6 decades</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-cultural-hall-in-kurume-remains-an-acoustic-treasure-after-6-decades</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-cultural-hall-in-kurume-remains-an-acoustic-treasure-after-6-decades</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KURUME, Fukuoka -- The Ishibashi Cultural Hall in this southwestern Japan city is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and exceptional acoustics. Its ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Retro, Japan:, Cultural, hall, Kurume, remains, acoustic, treasure, after, decades</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KURUME, Fukuoka -- The Ishibashi Cultural Hall in this southwestern Japan city is celebrated for its elegant simplicity and exceptional acoustics. Its]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Over 70% of Japan highschoolers use AI, mostly as study assistant: survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-70-of-japan-highschoolers-use-ai-mostly-as-study-assistant-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-70-of-japan-highschoolers-use-ai-mostly-as-study-assistant-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A total of 73.7 percent of Japanese high school students are using conversational artificial intelligence, with the most common purpo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 70, Japan, highschoolers, use, AI, mostly, study, assistant:, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A total of 73.7 percent of Japanese high school students are using conversational artificial intelligence, with the most common purpo]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>US Vice President JD Vance says talks with Iran ended after 21 hours without reaching agreement</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-vice-president-jd-vance-says-talks-with-iran-ended-after-21-hours-without-reaching-agreement</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-vice-president-jd-vance-says-talks-with-iran-ended-after-21-hours-without-reaching-agreement</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ISLAMABAD (AP) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said negotiations ended early Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal after the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vice, President, Vance, says, talks, with, Iran, ended, after, hours, without, reaching, agreement</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ISLAMABAD (AP) -- U.S. Vice President JD Vance said negotiations ended early Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal after the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan gets 1st new bird species in 45 years after taxonomic split</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gets-1st-new-bird-species-in-45-years-after-taxonomic-split</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-gets-1st-new-bird-species-in-45-years-after-taxonomic-split</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) --  A songbird population that breeds on remote islands in southwestern Japan has been recognized as genetically distinct, giving the co ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, gets, 1st, new, bird, species, years, after, taxonomic, split</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) --  A songbird population that breeds on remote islands in southwestern Japan has been recognized as genetically distinct, giving the co]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Fukuoka materials firm develops ready&#45;to&#45;eat risotto inspired by Kumamoto quake relief</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/fukuoka-materials-firm-develops-ready-to-eat-risotto-inspired-by-kumamoto-quake-relief</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/fukuoka-materials-firm-develops-ready-to-eat-risotto-inspired-by-kumamoto-quake-relief</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUOKA -- For people enduring harsh conditions in disaster shelters, access to satisfying food is vital. Yet few households in Japan maintain adequat ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Fukuoka, materials, firm, develops, ready-to-eat, risotto, inspired, Kumamoto, quake, relief</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUOKA -- For people enduring harsh conditions in disaster shelters, access to satisfying food is vital. Yet few households in Japan maintain adequat]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Western Japan city&amp;apos;s artificial flowers bloom as sustainable gift</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/western-japan-citys-artificial-flowers-bloom-as-sustainable-gift</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/western-japan-citys-artificial-flowers-bloom-as-sustainable-gift</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NABARI, Mie -- Long-lasting and environmentally friendly artificial flowers made in this western Japan city are gaining popularity as sustainable gift ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Western, Japan, citys, artificial, flowers, bloom, sustainable, gift</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NABARI, Mie -- Long-lasting and environmentally friendly artificial flowers made in this western Japan city are gaining popularity as sustainable gift]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Hungarian election rivals Orban and Magyar make final push for votes on eve of poll</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/hungarian-election-rivals-orban-and-magyar-make-final-push-for-votes-on-eve-of-poll</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/hungarian-election-rivals-orban-and-magyar-make-final-push-for-votes-on-eve-of-poll</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) -- The leaders of Hungary&#039;s two biggest parties held their final election rallies on Saturday to close a turbulent campaign tha ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Hungarian, election, rivals, Orban, and, Magyar, make, final, push, for, votes, eve, poll</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) -- The leaders of Hungary's two biggest parties held their final election rallies on Saturday to close a turbulent campaign tha]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani extends on&#45;base record with awaited Dodger Stadium homer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-record-with-awaited-dodger-stadium-homer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-extends-on-base-record-with-awaited-dodger-stadium-homer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani launched his first leadoff home run of the season and extended his record on-base streak for a Japanese-born majo ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/12/20260412p2g00m0sp017000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, extends, on-base, record, with, awaited, Dodger, Stadium, homer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani launched his first leadoff home run of the season and extended his record on-base streak for a Japanese-born majo]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Artemis II&amp;apos;s moon&#45;traveling astronauts return home to cheers after a record&#45;breaking trip</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-iis-moon-traveling-astronauts-return-home-to-cheers-after-a-record-breaking-trip</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-iis-moon-traveling-astronauts-return-home-to-cheers-after-a-record-breaking-trip</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HOUSTON (AP) -- Still marveling over their moon mission, the Artemis II astronauts received a thunderous welcome home Saturday from hundreds who took ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Artemis, IIs, moon-traveling, astronauts, return, home, cheers, after, record-breaking, trip</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HOUSTON (AP) -- Still marveling over their moon mission, the Artemis II astronauts received a thunderous welcome home Saturday from hundreds who took]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>From &amp;apos;BuddhaBot&amp;apos; to $1.99 chats with AI Jesus, the faith&#45;based tech boom is here</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-buddhabot-to-199-chats-with-ai-jesus-the-faith-based-tech-boom-is-here</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-buddhabot-to-199-chats-with-ai-jesus-the-faith-based-tech-boom-is-here</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) -- For some evangelical Christians, faith is about having a personal relationship with Jesus. At $1.99 per minute, the tech com ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, BuddhaBot, 1.99, chats, with, Jesus, the, faith-based, tech, boom, here</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAMARILLO, Calif. (AP) -- For some evangelical Christians, faith is about having a personal relationship with Jesus. At $1.99 per minute, the tech com]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan Rail Pass targeting foreign tourists to cost more from October</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-rail-pass-targeting-foreign-tourists-to-cost-more-from-october</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-rail-pass-targeting-foreign-tourists-to-cost-more-from-october</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ JR group companies will raise prices for its Japan Rail Pass, a ticket aimed at foreign tourists that allows unlimited travel on trains across Japan, including most shinkansen… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Rail, Pass, targeting, foreign, tourists, cost, more, from, October</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[JR group companies will raise prices for its Japan Rail Pass, a ticket aimed at foreign tourists that allows unlimited travel on trains across Japan, including most shinkansen…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Parts of Japan sees warm temperatures; 30 C recorded in Shizuoka</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/parts-of-japan-sees-warm-temperatures-30-c-recorded-in-shizuoka</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/parts-of-japan-sees-warm-temperatures-30-c-recorded-in-shizuoka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Parts of Japan across its east and west saw unseasonably warm weather Saturday, with the city of Shizuoka reaching 30.3 C, a level usually on par with late… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Parts, Japan, sees, warm, temperatures, recorded, Shizuoka</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Parts of Japan across its east and west saw unseasonably warm weather Saturday, with the city of Shizuoka reaching 30.3 C, a level usually on par with late…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t OKs additional 632 bil. yen support for Rapidus over chips</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-oks-additional-632-bil-yen-support-for-rapidus-over-chips</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-oks-additional-632-bil-yen-support-for-rapidus-over-chips</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Saturday approved the disbursement of an additional 631.5 billion yen ($4 billion) to state-backed Rapidus ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:57:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, OKs, additional, 632, bil., yen, support, for, Rapidus, over, chips</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Saturday approved the disbursement of an additional 631.5 billion yen ($4 billion) to state-backed Rapidus]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to withdraw MSDF from Antarctic mission amid growing security demands</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-withdraw-msdf-from-antarctic-mission-amid-growing-security-demands</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-withdraw-msdf-from-antarctic-mission-amid-growing-security-demands</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan plans to withdraw the Maritime Self-Defense Force from operating its Antarctic research vessel in the early 2030s, transferring responsibility for transporting personnel and supplies to a state-backed… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, withdraw, MSDF, from, Antarctic, mission, amid, growing, security, demands</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan plans to withdraw the Maritime Self-Defense Force from operating its Antarctic research vessel in the early 2030s, transferring responsibility for transporting personnel and supplies to a state-backed…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan OKs new 3&#45;year aid plan for &amp;apos;employment ice age&amp;apos; generation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oks-new-3-year-aid-plan-for-employment-ice-age-generation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-oks-new-3-year-aid-plan-for-employment-ice-age-generation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government on Friday approved a new three-year plan to support people in their 40s to 50s who fell victim to Japan&#039;s &quot;employment ice age&quot; following the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, OKs, new, 3-year, aid, plan, for, employment, ice, age, generation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government on Friday approved a new three-year plan to support people in their 40s to 50s who fell victim to Japan's "employment ice age" following the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: What percent of local gov&amp;apos;ts want laws on disaster misinformation?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-percent-of-local-govts-want-laws-on-disaster-misinformation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-what-percent-of-local-govts-want-laws-on-disaster-misinformation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 11 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a Mainich ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, What, percent, local, govts, want, laws, disaster, misinformation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 11 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a Mainich]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Vinyl records carry Japanese seniors back to soundtrack of their youth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/vinyl-records-carry-japanese-seniors-back-to-soundtrack-of-their-youth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/vinyl-records-carry-japanese-seniors-back-to-soundtrack-of-their-youth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUI, Japan (Kyodo) -- Nostalgia is driving a revival in Japan, with younger generations rediscovering the charm of old cameras and many older adults ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Vinyl, records, carry, Japanese, seniors, back, soundtrack, their, youth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUI, Japan (Kyodo) -- Nostalgia is driving a revival in Japan, with younger generations rediscovering the charm of old cameras and many older adults]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan hotel with ex&#45;Takarazuka Revue star as manager marks 100th anniv. with diverse plans</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-hotel-with-ex-takarazuka-revue-star-as-manager-marks-100th-anniv-with-diverse-plans</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-hotel-with-ex-takarazuka-revue-star-as-manager-marks-100th-anniv-with-diverse-plans</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo -- Takarazuka Hotel, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding on May 14 this year, has been beloved both as the of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, hotel, with, ex-Takarazuka, Revue, star, manager, marks, 100th, anniv., with, diverse, plans</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo -- Takarazuka Hotel, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding on May 14 this year, has been beloved both as the of]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo&amp;apos;s horseback police charm children at safety campaigns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-horseback-police-charm-children-at-safety-campaigns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyos-horseback-police-charm-children-at-safety-campaigns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The mounted unit of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is gaining popularity at traffic safety events hosted by police stations across ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyos, horseback, police, charm, children, safety, campaigns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The mounted unit of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is gaining popularity at traffic safety events hosted by police stations across]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Calligraphy believed to be brushed by Hirobumi Ito surfaces in S. Korea</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/calligraphy-believed-to-be-brushed-by-hirobumi-ito-surfaces-in-s-korea</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/calligraphy-believed-to-be-brushed-by-hirobumi-ito-surfaces-in-s-korea</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEOUL (Kyodo) -- A hanging scroll with calligraphy believed to have been brushed by Hirobumi Ito, Japan&#039;s first prime minister and the architect of it ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Calligraphy, believed, brushed, Hirobumi, Ito, surfaces, Korea</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEOUL (Kyodo) -- A hanging scroll with calligraphy believed to have been brushed by Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first prime minister and the architect of it]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan, U.S. officials plant cherry tree saplings in Washington</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-officials-plant-cherry-tree-saplings-in-washington</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-us-officials-plant-cherry-tree-saplings-in-washington</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japanese and U.S. officials on Friday planted cherry tree saplings together in Washington to demonstrate the close friendship be ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, U.S., officials, plant, cherry, tree, saplings, Washington</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Japanese and U.S. officials on Friday planted cherry tree saplings together in Washington to demonstrate the close friendship be]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>US&#45;Iran talks set to bring together Vance and Iranian officials in Pakistan as ceasefire strains</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-iran-talks-set-to-bring-together-vance-and-iranian-officials-in-pakistan-as-ceasefire-strains</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-iran-talks-set-to-bring-together-vance-and-iranian-officials-in-pakistan-as-ceasefire-strains</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ISLAMABAD (AP) -- A U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is headed to Pakistan for high-level talks with Iranian representatives for the fir ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>US-Iran, talks, set, bring, together, Vance, and, Iranian, officials, Pakistan, ceasefire, strains</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ISLAMABAD (AP) -- A U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance is headed to Pakistan for high-level talks with Iranian representatives for the fir]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ichiro Suzuki statue unveiled, but bat snaps during ceremony</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ichiro-suzuki-statue-unveiled-but-bat-snaps-during-ceremony</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ichiro-suzuki-statue-unveiled-but-bat-snaps-during-ceremony</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SEATTLE (Kyodo) -- A bronze statue of Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese member of the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame, was unveiled near the home stadium o ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ichiro, Suzuki, statue, unveiled, but, bat, snaps, during, ceremony</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SEATTLE (Kyodo) -- A bronze statue of Ichiro Suzuki, the first Japanese member of the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame, was unveiled near the home stadium o]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kumamoto Castle hosts panel exhibition marking 10 years since quakes</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kumamoto-castle-hosts-panel-exhibition-marking-10-years-since-quakes</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kumamoto-castle-hosts-panel-exhibition-marking-10-years-since-quakes</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- A panel exhibition opened Saturday in front of Kumamoto Castle to mark 10 years since a pair of major earthquakes hit the s ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kumamoto, Castle, hosts, panel, exhibition, marking, years, since, quakes</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- A panel exhibition opened Saturday in front of Kumamoto Castle to mark 10 years since a pair of major earthquakes hit the s]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani sets 44&#45;game on&#45;base record for Japanese&#45;born player</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-sets-44-game-on-base-record-for-japanese-born-player</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-sets-44-game-on-base-record-for-japanese-born-player</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani set the record for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born Major League Baseball player at 44 consecutive g ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:01:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, sets, 44-game, on-base, record, for, Japanese-born, player</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani set the record for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born Major League Baseball player at 44 consecutive g]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Number of correspondence university students in Japan doubles over 5 years to 40,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-correspondence-university-students-in-japan-doubles-over-5-years-to-40000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/number-of-correspondence-university-students-in-japan-doubles-over-5-years-to-40000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A growing number of young people in Japan are choosing correspondence universities as a path after high school. According to the Ministry of ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:21:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Number, correspondence, university, students, Japan, doubles, over, years, 40, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A growing number of young people in Japan are choosing correspondence universities as a path after high school. According to the Ministry of]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Kyoto Univ. Hospital launches multidisciplinary &amp;apos;Itch Center&amp;apos; to treat chronic cases</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-univ-hospital-launches-multidisciplinary-itch-center-to-treat-chronic-cases</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-univ-hospital-launches-multidisciplinary-itch-center-to-treat-chronic-cases</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO -- Kyoto University Hospital in this city&#039;s Sakyo Ward has established an Itch Center to provide multidisciplinary care for patients suffering f ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:21:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kyoto, Univ., Hospital, launches, multidisciplinary, Itch, Center, treat, chronic, cases</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO -- Kyoto University Hospital in this city's Sakyo Ward has established an Itch Center to provide multidisciplinary care for patients suffering f]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to ban gene&#45;edited embryos aimed at creating &amp;apos;designer babies&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-ban-gene-edited-embryos-aimed-at-creating-designer-babies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-ban-gene-edited-embryos-aimed-at-creating-designer-babies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is set to outlaw research and treatments involving the genetic modification of human fertilized eggs using genome editing technology and their subsequent implantation into human or animal… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:10:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, ban, gene-edited, embryos, aimed, creating, designer, babies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is set to outlaw research and treatments involving the genetic modification of human fertilized eggs using genome editing technology and their subsequent implantation into human or animal…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Gene Simmons of Kiss visits Detroit Rock City to open new restaurant location</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/gene-simmons-of-kiss-visits-detroit-rock-city-to-open-new-restaurant-location</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/gene-simmons-of-kiss-visits-detroit-rock-city-to-open-new-restaurant-location</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) -- Gene Simmons visited Detroit Rock City on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a restaurant co-founded by him and his K ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:12 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Gene, Simmons, Kiss, visits, Detroit, Rock, City, open, new, restaurant, location</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) -- Gene Simmons visited Detroit Rock City on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of a restaurant co-founded by him and his K]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Niigata Pref. Police warn of fake arrest warrants being sent by post</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-niigata-pref-police-warn-of-fake-arrest-warrants-being-sent-by-post</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-niigata-pref-police-warn-of-fake-arrest-warrants-being-sent-by-post</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NIIGATA -- Niigata Prefectural Police are urging the public to be aware of a new type of special fraud in which fake &quot;arrest warrants&quot; are sent by mai ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:11 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Niigata, Pref., Police, warn, fake, arrest, warrants, being, sent, post</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NIIGATA -- Niigata Prefectural Police are urging the public to be aware of a new type of special fraud in which fake "arrest warrants" are sent by mai]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cambodia&amp;apos;s alleged scam group execs suspected of money laundering in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cambodias-alleged-scam-group-execs-suspected-of-money-laundering-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cambodias-alleged-scam-group-execs-suspected-of-money-laundering-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two senior executives of Prince Holding Group, a Cambodian conglomerate accused of being one of Asia&#039;s largest transnational criminal ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:10 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cambodias, alleged, scam, group, execs, suspected, money, laundering, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Two senior executives of Prince Holding Group, a Cambodian conglomerate accused of being one of Asia's largest transnational criminal]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China&amp;apos;s Xi meets with Taiwan opposition leader, 1st such talks in decade</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-xi-meets-with-taiwan-opposition-leader-1st-such-talks-in-decade</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chinas-xi-meets-with-taiwan-opposition-leader-1st-such-talks-in-decade</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks in Beijing with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan&#039;s main opposition Nationalist Part ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:09 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chinas, meets, with, Taiwan, opposition, leader, 1st, such, talks, decade</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday held talks in Beijing with Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Part]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: 80 yrs after granting suffrage, Japan must do more to make women&amp;apos;s voices heard</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-80-yrs-after-granting-suffrage-japan-must-do-more-to-make-womens-voices-heard</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-80-yrs-after-granting-suffrage-japan-must-do-more-to-make-womens-voices-heard</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan on April 10 marked 80 years since women first gained the right to vote in the country. Public awareness of women&#039;s participation in politics has ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:08 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, yrs, after, granting, suffrage, Japan, must, more, make, womens, voices, heard</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan on April 10 marked 80 years since women first gained the right to vote in the country. Public awareness of women's participation in politics has]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Rutte the &amp;apos;Trump whisperer&amp;apos; faces a fresh test as the US leader turns on NATO over Iran</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rutte-the-trump-whisperer-faces-a-fresh-test-as-the-us-leader-turns-on-nato-over-iran</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rutte-the-trump-whisperer-faces-a-fresh-test-as-the-us-leader-turns-on-nato-over-iran</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BRUSSELS (AP) -- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declined to say Thursday whether President Donald Trump had repeated his threat to quit the militar ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rutte, the, Trump, whisperer, faces, fresh, test, the, leader, turns, NATO, over, Iran</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BRUSSELS (AP) -- NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte declined to say Thursday whether President Donald Trump had repeated his threat to quit the militar]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Honda to launch new compact EV in May with feel of engine&#45;powered vehicle</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-launch-new-compact-ev-in-may-with-feel-of-engine-powered-vehicle</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/honda-to-launch-new-compact-ev-in-may-with-feel-of-engine-powered-vehicle</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Honda Motor Co. said Friday it will roll out a new compact electric vehicle in Japan in late May that creates the feel of an engine-p ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Honda, launch, new, compact, May, with, feel, engine-powered, vehicle</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Honda Motor Co. said Friday it will roll out a new compact electric vehicle in Japan in late May that creates the feel of an engine-p]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan downgrades description of China in annual diplomatic report</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-downgrades-description-of-china-in-annual-diplomatic-report</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-downgrades-description-of-china-in-annual-diplomatic-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has downgraded its description of China in its 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook released Friday, reflecting strained ties following Pri ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, downgrades, description, China, annual, diplomatic, report</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan has downgraded its description of China in its 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook released Friday, reflecting strained ties following Pri]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Baby storks hatched at school in Shimane Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-storks-hatched-at-school-in-shimane-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-storks-hatched-at-school-in-shimane-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Chicks of the Oriental white stork, a national special natural monument, have hatched at the Unnan Municipal Nishi Elementary School in Shimane Prefec ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Baby, storks, hatched, school, Shimane, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Chicks of the Oriental white stork, a national special natural monument, have hatched at the Unnan Municipal Nishi Elementary School in Shimane Prefec]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Photo Journal: 50,000 tulips in full bloom in Chiba Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-50000-tulips-in-full-bloom-in-chiba-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-photo-journal-50000-tulips-in-full-bloom-in-chiba-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Tulips of different colors are seen in full bloom during the Sosa tulip festival at Nosaka Hana-no Hiroba flower park in the city of Sosa, Chiba Prefe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Photo, Journal:, 50, 000, tulips, full, bloom, Chiba, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tulips of different colors are seen in full bloom during the Sosa tulip festival at Nosaka Hana-no Hiroba flower park in the city of Sosa, Chiba Prefe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese town sours on crowds coming to see cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-town-sours-on-crowds-coming-to-see-cherry-blossoms-and-mount-fuji</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-town-sours-on-crowds-coming-to-see-cherry-blossoms-and-mount-fuji</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The trouble started with a beautiful photo.
Social media was soon awash with the lovely view of Japan&#039;s snow-capped Mount Fuji looming over a red pagoda and the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, town, sours, crowds, coming, see, cherry, blossoms, and, Mount, Fuji</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The trouble started with a beautiful photo.
Social media was soon awash with the lovely view of Japan's snow-capped Mount Fuji looming over a red pagoda and the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>1 in 5 Japanese in their late teens see immigration as key issue</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/1-in-5-japanese-in-their-late-teens-see-immigration-as-key-issue</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/1-in-5-japanese-in-their-late-teens-see-immigration-as-key-issue</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Some 19.2 percent of teenagers aged 17 to 19 in Japan consider the &quot;increase of immigrants&quot; as a key national issue, almost triple that of two years ago,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, their, late, teens, see, immigration, key, issue</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Some 19.2 percent of teenagers aged 17 to 19 in Japan consider the "increase of immigrants" as a key national issue, almost triple that of two years ago,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan mulls extra 20 days worth of oil release with Hormuz passage unclear</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-mulls-extra-20-days-worth-of-oil-release-with-hormuz-passage-unclear</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-mulls-extra-20-days-worth-of-oil-release-with-hormuz-passage-unclear</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is considering an additional release of its oil reserves providing 20 days of domestic consumption in May, as uncertainties remain over safe passage through the Strait of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, mulls, extra, days, worth, oil, release, with, Hormuz, passage, unclear</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is considering an additional release of its oil reserves providing 20 days of domestic consumption in May, as uncertainties remain over safe passage through the Strait of…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Workman dies after falling from power transmission tower</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/workman-dies-after-falling-from-power-transmission-tower</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/workman-dies-after-falling-from-power-transmission-tower</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 44-year-old man died after he fell about 13 meters to the ground while working on a power transmission tower in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, on Thursday.
The incident… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:38:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Workman, dies, after, falling, from, power, transmission, tower</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 44-year-old man died after he fell about 13 meters to the ground while working on a power transmission tower in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, on Thursday.
The incident…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>What does the Iran ceasefire deal mean? It depends on which side you talk to</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/what-does-the-iran-ceasefire-deal-mean-it-depends-on-which-side-you-talk-to</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/what-does-the-iran-ceasefire-deal-mean-it-depends-on-which-side-you-talk-to</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- A tenuous ceasefire deal in the Iran war allowing negotiations for a longer-term peace between the United States and Iran appears t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>What, does, the, Iran, ceasefire, deal, mean, depends, which, side, you, talk</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- A tenuous ceasefire deal in the Iran war allowing negotiations for a longer-term peace between the United States and Iran appears t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Proposed citizenship rule for hiring in Mie sparks controversy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/proposed-citizenship-rule-for-hiring-in-mie-sparks-controversy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/proposed-citizenship-rule-for-hiring-in-mie-sparks-controversy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A proposal by a local government in central Japan to reinstate a rule requiring its employees to hold Japanese citizenship is facing controversy after a survey of randomly… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Proposed, citizenship, rule, for, hiring, Mie, sparks, controversy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A proposal by a local government in central Japan to reinstate a rule requiring its employees to hold Japanese citizenship is facing controversy after a survey of randomly…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ocean protections clash with mining pressure in Indonesia&amp;apos;s most diverse marine ecosystem</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ocean-protections-clash-with-mining-pressure-in-indonesias-most-diverse-marine-ecosystem</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ocean-protections-clash-with-mining-pressure-in-indonesias-most-diverse-marine-ecosystem</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MISOOL, Indonesia (AP) -- There is an explosion of color beneath the surface in Raja Ampat, a remote archipelago in eastern Indonesia where sharks, ma ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ocean, protections, clash, with, mining, pressure, Indonesias, most, diverse, marine, ecosystem</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MISOOL, Indonesia (AP) -- There is an explosion of color beneath the surface in Raja Ampat, a remote archipelago in eastern Indonesia where sharks, ma]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall in morning on profit&#45;taking, ceasefire uncertainty</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-on-profit-taking-ceasefire-uncertainty</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-in-morning-on-profit-taking-ceasefire-uncertainty</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Thursday morning on profit-taking following the previous day&#039;s surge and uncertain prospects for the ceasefire betw ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, morning, profit-taking, ceasefire, uncertainty</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks fell Thursday morning on profit-taking following the previous day's surge and uncertain prospects for the ceasefire betw]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Solitary mangrove creates striking views on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/solitary-mangrove-creates-striking-views-on-ishigaki-island-in-okinawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/solitary-mangrove-creates-striking-views-on-ishigaki-island-in-okinawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ ISHIGAKI, Okinawa -- A Mainichi Shimbun reporter visited Ishigaki Island, located about 400 kilometers southwest of Okinawa&#039;s main island, in late Mar ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Solitary, mangrove, creates, striking, views, Ishigaki, Island, Okinawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[ISHIGAKI, Okinawa -- A Mainichi Shimbun reporter visited Ishigaki Island, located about 400 kilometers southwest of Okinawa's main island, in late Mar]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>In Photos: Life, landscapes around lone mangrove on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-life-landscapes-around-lone-mangrove-on-ishigaki-island-in-okinawa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/in-photos-life-landscapes-around-lone-mangrove-on-ishigaki-island-in-okinawa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[  ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Photos:, Life, landscapes, around, lone, mangrove, Ishigaki, Island, Okinawa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded></content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Artemis II astronauts follow Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-follow-apollo-tradition-of-naming-lunar-features-after-loved-ones</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-follow-apollo-tradition-of-naming-lunar-features-after-loved-ones</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HOUSTON (AP) -- Lunar love knows no bounds.Now hurtling home from the moon, the Artemis II astronauts took a poignant page from Apollo 8 earlier this ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Artemis, astronauts, follow, Apollo, tradition, naming, lunar, features, after, loved, ones</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HOUSTON (AP) -- Lunar love knows no bounds.Now hurtling home from the moon, the Artemis II astronauts took a poignant page from Apollo 8 earlier this]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Cherry blossom viewing starts at Japan Mint in Osaka</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cherry-blossom-viewing-starts-at-japan-mint-in-osaka</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cherry-blossom-viewing-starts-at-japan-mint-in-osaka</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- An annual cherry blossom viewing event began Thursday at the Japan Mint in Osaka, attracting visitors with its &quot;cherry blossom passag ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Cherry, blossom, viewing, starts, Japan, Mint, Osaka</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- An annual cherry blossom viewing event began Thursday at the Japan Mint in Osaka, attracting visitors with its "cherry blossom passag]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani makes quality start, ties Ichiro&amp;apos;s on&#45;base streak in loss</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-makes-quality-start-ties-ichiros-on-base-streak-in-loss</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-makes-quality-start-ties-ichiros-on-base-streak-in-loss</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani allowed just one unearned run over six innings, but the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen could not hold onto the lead in a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, makes, quality, start, ties, Ichiros, on-base, streak, loss</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani allowed just one unearned run over six innings, but the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen could not hold onto the lead in a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Opinion: Donald Trump doesn&amp;apos;t understand nuclear semantics. History does</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/opinion-donald-trump-doesnt-understand-nuclear-semantics-history-does</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/opinion-donald-trump-doesnt-understand-nuclear-semantics-history-does</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ By James ReidIn 1945, Kantaro Suzuki, then premier of the Imperial Japanese Empire, was asked his thoughts on the developments of the recent Potsdam C ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Opinion:, Donald, Trump, doesnt, understand, nuclear, semantics., History, does</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[By James ReidIn 1945, Kantaro Suzuki, then premier of the Imperial Japanese Empire, was asked his thoughts on the developments of the recent Potsdam C]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Court overturn of Japanese school&amp;apos;s decertification over abuse finalized</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/court-overturn-of-japanese-schools-decertification-over-abuse-finalized</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/court-overturn-of-japanese-schools-decertification-over-abuse-finalized</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A high court decision to overturn a central government order decertifying a Japanese language school over the physical abuse of a V ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Court, overturn, Japanese, schools, decertification, over, abuse, finalized</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUOKA (Kyodo) -- A high court decision to overturn a central government order decertifying a Japanese language school over the physical abuse of a V]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>30,000 rally near Diet as protests against Constitution revision gain traction across Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/30000-rally-near-diet-as-protests-against-constitution-revision-gain-traction-across-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/30000-rally-near-diet-as-protests-against-constitution-revision-gain-traction-across-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Large-scale demonstrations opposing moves to revise the Constitution are continuing across Japan. On the evening of April 8, approximately 30 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>30, 000, rally, near, Diet, protests, against, Constitution, revision, gain, traction, across, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Large-scale demonstrations opposing moves to revise the Constitution are continuing across Japan. On the evening of April 8, approximately 30]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Kyoto Univ. president urges new students to write in own words, seek global experiences</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-univ-president-urges-new-students-to-write-in-own-words-seek-global-experiences</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/kyoto-univ-president-urges-new-students-to-write-in-own-words-seek-global-experiences</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KYOTO -- Kyoto University held its entrance ceremony on April 7, welcoming 2,942 new students across 10 faculties. President Nagahiro Minato emphasize ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:53:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Kyoto, Univ., president, urges, new, students, write, own, words, seek, global, experiences</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KYOTO -- Kyoto University held its entrance ceremony on April 7, welcoming 2,942 new students across 10 faculties. President Nagahiro Minato emphasize]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Still no trace of missing 11&#45;year&#45;old boy after 16 days</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/still-no-trace-of-missing-11-year-old-boy-after-16-days</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/still-no-trace-of-missing-11-year-old-boy-after-16-days</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Police in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, on Wednesday continued their search for an 11-year-old boy who has been missing since March 23.
Yuki Adachi, a fifth-grade student at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:42:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Still, trace, missing, 11-year-old, boy, after, days</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Police in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, on Wednesday continued their search for an 11-year-old boy who has been missing since March 23.
Yuki Adachi, a fifth-grade student at…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>AI agents draw attention in China, with 24&#45;hour work potential</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-agents-draw-attention-in-china-with-24-hour-work-potential</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ai-agents-draw-attention-in-china-with-24-hour-work-potential</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHANGHAI (Kyodo) -- Artificial intelligence agents that can work in place of humans are drawing attention in China, as their ability to run personal c ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:37:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>agents, draw, attention, China, with, 24-hour, work, potential</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHANGHAI (Kyodo) -- Artificial intelligence agents that can work in place of humans are drawing attention in China, as their ability to run personal c]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan logs current account surplus of 3.93 tril. yen in February</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-current-account-surplus-of-393-tril-yen-in-february</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-logs-current-account-surplus-of-393-tril-yen-in-february</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s current account surplus edged down 0.1 percent from the previous year to 3.93 trillion yen ($24.8 billion) in February, the F ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, logs, current, account, surplus, 3.93, tril., yen, February</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's current account surplus edged down 0.1 percent from the previous year to 3.93 trillion yen ($24.8 billion) in February, the F]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks surge, Nikkei up 5%, after US&#45;Iran cease&#45;fire agreement</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-nikkei-up-5-after-us-iran-cease-fire-agreement</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-nikkei-up-5-after-us-iran-cease-fire-agreement</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index briefly rising more than 5 percent, as concerns over the Middle Ea ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, surge, Nikkei, 5, after, US-Iran, cease-fire, agreement</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index briefly rising more than 5 percent, as concerns over the Middle Ea]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Russia and China veto watered&#45;down UN resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/russia-and-china-veto-watered-down-un-resolution-aimed-at-reopening-the-strait-of-hormuz</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/russia-and-china-veto-watered-down-un-resolution-aimed-at-reopening-the-strait-of-hormuz</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been rep ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Russia, and, China, veto, watered-down, resolution, aimed, reopening, the, Strait, Hormuz</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- Russia and China on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz that had been rep]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Death toll rises to 3 after scaffolding collapse near Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-rises-to-3-after-scaffolding-collapse-near-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/death-toll-rises-to-3-after-scaffolding-collapse-near-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- A third worker has been confirmed dead after a roughly 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed at a demolition site near Tokyo, while ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Death, toll, rises, after, scaffolding, collapse, near, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- A third worker has been confirmed dead after a roughly 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed at a demolition site near Tokyo, while]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Inside a huge compound on Thailand&#45;Cambodia border where 10,000 workers scammed people globally</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/inside-a-huge-compound-on-thailand-cambodia-border-where-10000-workers-scammed-people-globally</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/inside-a-huge-compound-on-thailand-cambodia-border-where-10000-workers-scammed-people-globally</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ O&#039;SMACH, Cambodia (AP) -- I have often used the word industrial-scale in my own writing to describe the scam compounds that dot the region.But the wei ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Inside, huge, compound, Thailand-Cambodia, border, where, 10, 000, workers, scammed, people, globally</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[O'SMACH, Cambodia (AP) -- I have often used the word industrial-scale in my own writing to describe the scam compounds that dot the region.But the wei]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Diet dysfunction alarming as PM Takaichi&amp;apos;s admin pushes budget through</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-diet-dysfunction-alarming-as-pm-takaichis-admin-pushes-budget-through</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-diet-dysfunction-alarming-as-pm-takaichis-admin-pushes-budget-through</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s fiscal 2026 main budget, the first to be drafted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi&#039;s administration, was enacted after the new fiscal year had ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Diet, dysfunction, alarming, Takaichis, admin, pushes, budget, through</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's fiscal 2026 main budget, the first to be drafted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration, was enacted after the new fiscal year had]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>N. Korea launches another suspected ballistic missile</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-launches-another-suspected-ballistic-missile</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/n-korea-launches-another-suspected-ballistic-missile</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile, the Japanese government said Wednesday, adding that it appears to have already fa ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Korea, launches, another, suspected, ballistic, missile</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- North Korea launched a suspected ballistic missile, the Japanese government said Wednesday, adding that it appears to have already fa]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Dodgers&amp;apos; Yamamoto earns 2nd win in dominant start vs. Blue Jays</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-dodgers-yamamoto-earns-2nd-win-in-dominant-start-vs-blue-jays</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-dodgers-yamamoto-earns-2nd-win-in-dominant-start-vs-blue-jays</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto held the Toronto Blue Jays to a run over six-plus innings to earn the win Tuesday as the Los Angeles Dodgers pre ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Dodgers, Yamamoto, earns, 2nd, win, dominant, start, vs., Blue, Jays</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto held the Toronto Blue Jays to a run over six-plus innings to earn the win Tuesday as the Los Angeles Dodgers pre]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM Takaichi cites diverse outreach amid media access concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-cites-diverse-outreach-amid-media-access-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-cites-diverse-outreach-amid-media-access-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to reporters on April 7 regarding concerns about fewer media engagement opportunities compared to pre ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, cites, diverse, outreach, amid, media, access, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded to reporters on April 7 regarding concerns about fewer media engagement opportunities compared to pre]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: School backpacks given to Kurdish kids in Saitama Pref.</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-school-backpacks-given-to-kurdish-kids-in-saitama-pref</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-school-backpacks-given-to-kurdish-kids-in-saitama-pref</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ About 2,000 Kurdish people are said to live in the cities of Kawaguchi and Warabi in Saitama Prefecture. On March 28, a group that teaches Japanese to ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, School, backpacks, given, Kurdish, kids, Saitama, Pref.</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[About 2,000 Kurdish people are said to live in the cities of Kawaguchi and Warabi in Saitama Prefecture. On March 28, a group that teaches Japanese to]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Deer that appeared in downtown Osaka gets a new home, a new name, and a lot of snacks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/deer-that-appeared-in-downtown-osaka-gets-a-new-home-a-new-name-and-a-lot-of-snacks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/deer-that-appeared-in-downtown-osaka-gets-a-new-home-a-new-name-and-a-lot-of-snacks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Both the business and academic year start in spring in Japan, so right now is what’s known as the shin seikatsu, or “new lifestyle,” season, as new workers and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Deer, that, appeared, downtown, Osaka, gets, new, home, new, name, and, lot, snacks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Both the business and academic year start in spring in Japan, so right now is what’s known as the shin seikatsu, or “new lifestyle,” season, as new workers and…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>3 workers dead, one missing after scaffolding at site in Kawasaki collapses</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-workers-dead-one-missing-after-scaffolding-at-site-in-kawasaki-collapses</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-workers-dead-one-missing-after-scaffolding-at-site-in-kawasaki-collapses</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A third worker has been confirmed dead after a roughly 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed at a demolition site  in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, while one worker who likely fell into… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>workers, dead, one, missing, after, scaffolding, site, Kawasaki, collapses</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A third worker has been confirmed dead after a roughly 40-meter-high scaffolding collapsed at a demolition site  in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, while one worker who likely fell into…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo confirms Japanese national held by Iran freed</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-confirms-japanese-national-held-by-iran-freed</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-confirms-japanese-national-held-by-iran-freed</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Iran freed a Japanese national held since January, Tokyo said Tuesday, with Kyodo News reporting that the person was believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of broadcaster… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:46:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, confirms, Japanese, national, held, Iran, freed</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Iran freed a Japanese national held since January, Tokyo said Tuesday, with Kyodo News reporting that the person was believed to be the Tehran bureau chief of broadcaster…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Multiple bear sightings reported in city in Fukushima Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/multiple-bear-sightings-reported-in-city-in-fukushima-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/multiple-bear-sightings-reported-in-city-in-fukushima-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A series of bear sightings have been reported in residential areas and a park in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, on Monday and Tuesday, prompting police to maintain a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:46:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Multiple, bear, sightings, reported, city, Fukushima, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A series of bear sightings have been reported in residential areas and a park in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, on Monday and Tuesday, prompting police to maintain a…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Realistic robot modeled after ancient marine reptile swims at west Japan museum</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/realistic-robot-modeled-after-ancient-marine-reptile-swims-at-west-japan-museum</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/realistic-robot-modeled-after-ancient-marine-reptile-swims-at-west-japan-museum</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KAINAN, Wakayama -- A demonstration of a robot modeled after the newly discovered ancient mosasaur species &quot;Wakayama Soryu&quot; took place at the Wakayama ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Realistic, robot, modeled, after, ancient, marine, reptile, swims, west, Japan, museum</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KAINAN, Wakayama -- A demonstration of a robot modeled after the newly discovered ancient mosasaur species "Wakayama Soryu" took place at the Wakayama]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise slightly ahead of US&#45;Iran cease&#45;fire deadline</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-slightly-ahead-of-us-iran-cease-fire-deadline</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-slightly-ahead-of-us-iran-cease-fire-deadline</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher Tuesday, amid a wait-and-see mood ahead of the deadline for cease-fire negotiations set by U.S. Pr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, slightly, ahead, US-Iran, cease-fire, deadline</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher Tuesday, amid a wait-and-see mood ahead of the deadline for cease-fire negotiations set by U.S. Pr]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>TEPCO restarts cooling of spent fuel pool at Fukushima Daini plant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-restarts-cooling-of-spent-fuel-pool-at-fukushima-daini-plant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-restarts-cooling-of-spent-fuel-pool-at-fukushima-daini-plant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Cooling of a spent fuel pool at the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant, which is due to be decommissioned, restarted late Monday, fo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:33:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>TEPCO, restarts, cooling, spent, fuel, pool, Fukushima, Daini, plant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Cooling of a spent fuel pool at the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant, which is due to be decommissioned, restarted late Monday, fo]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>City near Tokyo introduces &amp;apos;Crayon Shin&#45;chan&amp;apos; characters on children&amp;apos;s safe house plates</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/city-near-tokyo-introduces-crayon-shin-chan-characters-on-childrens-safe-house-plates</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/city-near-tokyo-introduces-crayon-shin-chan-characters-on-childrens-safe-house-plates</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KASUKABE, Saitama -- This eastern Japan city north of Tokyo has changed the design of its children&#039;s &quot;110 safe house&quot; plates to characters from the po ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:09:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>City, near, Tokyo, introduces, Crayon, Shin-chan, characters, childrens, safe, house, plates</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KASUKABE, Saitama -- This eastern Japan city north of Tokyo has changed the design of its children's "110 safe house" plates to characters from the po]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Ex&#45;apprentice alleges modern &amp;apos;slavery&amp;apos; in Kyoto geisha world</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-apprentice-alleges-modern-slavery-in-kyoto-geisha-world</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ex-apprentice-alleges-modern-slavery-in-kyoto-geisha-world</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ When Kiyoha Kiritaka left Kyoto&#039;s geisha district in 2016, she says she was escaping what she now calls &quot;a system of slavery,&quot; exposing a darker reality behind one… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:06:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ex-apprentice, alleges, modern, slavery, Kyoto, geisha, world</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When Kiyoha Kiritaka left Kyoto's geisha district in 2016, she says she was escaping what she now calls "a system of slavery," exposing a darker reality behind one…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani goes deep in back&#45;to&#45;back games as Dodgers beat Blue Jays</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-goes-deep-in-back-to-back-games-as-dodgers-beat-blue-jays</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-goes-deep-in-back-to-back-games-as-dodgers-beat-blue-jays</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani blasted a home run in back-to-back games for his third of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers cruised to a 14-2 vic ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, goes, deep, back-to-back, games, Dodgers, beat, Blue, Jays</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TORONTO (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani blasted a home run in back-to-back games for his third of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers cruised to a 14-2 vic]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan Feb. household spending falls 1.8% on year on weak spending on food</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-feb-household-spending-falls-18-on-year-on-weak-spending-on-food</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-feb-household-spending-falls-18-on-year-on-weak-spending-on-food</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s household spending in February fell a real 1.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the third consecutive monthly drop, partl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Feb., household, spending, falls, 1.8, year, weak, spending, food</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's household spending in February fell a real 1.8 percent from a year earlier, marking the third consecutive monthly drop, partl]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s gasoline subsidy fund may run dry in 2 months as oil prices surge</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gasoline-subsidy-fund-may-run-dry-in-2-months-as-oil-prices-surge</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-gasoline-subsidy-fund-may-run-dry-in-2-months-as-oil-prices-surge</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Estimates by the Japanese government indicate that its subsidies to cap gasoline and other fuel prices will require about 500 billion yen (ar ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, gasoline, subsidy, fund, may, run, dry, months, oil, prices, surge</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Estimates by the Japanese government indicate that its subsidies to cap gasoline and other fuel prices will require about 500 billion yen (ar]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Ruling LDP membership falls by 25,000, declines for 3rd straight year</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ruling-ldp-membership-falls-by-25000-declines-for-3rd-straight-year</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ruling-ldp-membership-falls-by-25000-declines-for-3rd-straight-year</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said Monday that its membership fell by about 25,000 i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Ruling, LDP, membership, falls, 25, 000, declines, for, 3rd, straight, year</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said Monday that its membership fell by about 25,000 i]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Artemis II astronauts set new human record for distance from Earth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-set-new-human-record-for-distance-from-earth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-set-new-human-record-for-distance-from-earth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HOUSTON, Texas (Kyodo) -- The astronauts of NASA&#039;s Artemis II mission set a new distance record Monday for human travel away from Earth as their space ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Artemis, astronauts, set, new, human, record, for, distance, from, Earth</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HOUSTON, Texas (Kyodo) -- The astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission set a new distance record Monday for human travel away from Earth as their space]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Unreleased photos from Beatles&amp;apos; 1966 Japan concerts verified</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/unreleased-photos-from-beatles-1966-japan-concerts-verified</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/unreleased-photos-from-beatles-1966-japan-concerts-verified</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Budokan said Monday it has verified the negatives of 102 unpublished photographs taken during the Beatles&#039; 1966 Japan tour, af ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Unreleased, photos, from, Beatles, 1966, Japan, concerts, verified</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Budokan said Monday it has verified the negatives of 102 unpublished photographs taken during the Beatles' 1966 Japan tour, af]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan aims to strengthen national defense readiness with dual&#45;use tech</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-aims-to-strengthen-national-defense-readiness-with-dual-use-tech</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-aims-to-strengthen-national-defense-readiness-with-dual-use-tech</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Monday outlined plans to promote dual-use technologies to strengthen its ability to sustain combat operati ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, aims, strengthen, national, defense, readiness, with, dual-use, tech</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government on Monday outlined plans to promote dual-use technologies to strengthen its ability to sustain combat operati]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan needs to promote AI understanding in education while weighing risks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-needs-to-promote-ai-understanding-in-education-while-weighing-risks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-needs-to-promote-ai-understanding-in-education-while-weighing-risks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading rapidly, and Japan&#039;s education system can no longer wait to respond.The results of textbook scree ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, needs, promote, understanding, education, while, weighing, risks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is spreading rapidly, and Japan's education system can no longer wait to respond.The results of textbook scree]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump&amp;apos;s threatened destruction of Iran&amp;apos;s power plants could be considered a war crime, experts say</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-threatened-destruction-of-irans-power-plants-could-be-considered-a-war-crime-experts-say</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trumps-threatened-destruction-of-irans-power-plants-could-be-considered-a-war-crime-experts-say</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- In his news conference on Monday, President Donald Trump threatened to blow up every bridge and power plant in Iran, a declaration ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trumps, threatened, destruction, Irans, power, plants, could, considered, war, crime, experts, say</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- In his news conference on Monday, President Donald Trump threatened to blow up every bridge and power plant in Iran, a declaration]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>40% of Japan local gov&amp;apos;ts want legal regulations on disaster fake info: Mainichi survey</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/40-of-japan-local-govts-want-legal-regulations-on-disaster-fake-info-mainichi-survey</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/40-of-japan-local-govts-want-legal-regulations-on-disaster-fake-info-mainichi-survey</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- About 40% of prefectural governments and ordinance-designated major cities in Japan believe the spread of false information on social media a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>40, Japan, local, govts, want, legal, regulations, disaster, fake, info:, Mainichi, survey</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- About 40% of prefectural governments and ordinance-designated major cities in Japan believe the spread of false information on social media a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Imperial family visits Fukushima to inspect recovery efforts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/imperial-family-visits-fukushima-to-inspect-recovery-efforts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/imperial-family-visits-fukushima-to-inspect-recovery-efforts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on Monday to inspect the recovery efforts since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that triggered a… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:42:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Imperial, family, visits, Fukushima, inspect, recovery, efforts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on Monday to inspect the recovery efforts since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that triggered a…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>TEPCO halts cooling of spent fuel pool at Fukushima Daini plant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-halts-cooling-of-spent-fuel-pool-at-fukushima-daini-plant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tepco-halts-cooling-of-spent-fuel-pool-at-fukushima-daini-plant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The operator of the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant being decommissioned said Sunday it halted cooling of a spent fuel ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>TEPCO, halts, cooling, spent, fuel, pool, Fukushima, Daini, plant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The operator of the Fukushima Daini nuclear power plant being decommissioned said Sunday it halted cooling of a spent fuel]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s imperial family visit Fukushima to inspect recovery efforts</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-imperial-family-visit-fukushima-to-inspect-recovery-efforts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-imperial-family-visit-fukushima-to-inspect-recovery-efforts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on Monday to inspect the recov ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, imperial, family, visit, Fukushima, inspect, recovery, efforts</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko visited Fukushima Prefecture on Monday to inspect the recov]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks rise in morning on easing worries over oil product supply</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-easing-worries-over-oil-product-supply</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-rise-in-morning-on-easing-worries-over-oil-product-supply</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday morning on easing worries about the procurement of naphtha after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, rise, morning, easing, worries, over, oil, product, supply</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks rose Monday morning on easing worries about the procurement of naphtha after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan arranging talks with Iranian leader as Middle East tension grows</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-arranging-talks-with-iranian-leader-as-middle-east-tension-grows</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-arranging-talks-with-iranian-leader-as-middle-east-tension-grows</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government is arranging summit talks with Iran, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday, with tensions mounting in the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, arranging, talks, with, Iranian, leader, Middle, East, tension, grows</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government is arranging summit talks with Iran, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday, with tensions mounting in the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Imabari welcomes 30 new ALTs from Philippines at ceremony</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-imabari-welcomes-30-new-alts-from-philippines-at-ceremony</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-imabari-welcomes-30-new-alts-from-philippines-at-ceremony</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ IMABARI, Ehime -- A kickoff ceremony for a group of 30 new assistant language teachers (ALTs) set to work at local public schools was held in this wes ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Imabari, welcomes, new, ALTs, from, Philippines, ceremony</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[IMABARI, Ehime -- A kickoff ceremony for a group of 30 new assistant language teachers (ALTs) set to work at local public schools was held in this wes]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Over 200 defects, trouble with construction found at Chinese nuclear plants</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/over-200-defects-trouble-with-construction-found-at-chinese-nuclear-plants</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/over-200-defects-trouble-with-construction-found-at-chinese-nuclear-plants</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese authorities found at least 200 cases of defective construction or trouble at the country&#039;s nuclear plants between 2011 and ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Over, 200, defects, trouble, with, construction, found, Chinese, nuclear, plants</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[BEIJING (Kyodo) -- Chinese authorities found at least 200 cases of defective construction or trouble at the country's nuclear plants between 2011 and]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan gov&amp;apos;t denies online claim of naphtha shortage</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-denies-online-claim-of-naphtha-shortage</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-govt-denies-online-claim-of-naphtha-shortage</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s top government spokesman denied on Monday an online claim that Japan would be unable to secure naphtha, a raw material derive ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, govt, denies, online, claim, naphtha, shortage</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's top government spokesman denied on Monday an online claim that Japan would be unable to secure naphtha, a raw material derive]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Unseasonal summer heat sweeps Japan amid peak cherry blossom season</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/unseasonal-summer-heat-sweeps-japan-amid-peak-cherry-blossom-season</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/unseasonal-summer-heat-sweeps-japan-amid-peak-cherry-blossom-season</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A high-pressure system blanketed a wide swath of western to eastern Japan on April 5, sending temperatures soaring and bringing unseasonably ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Unseasonal, summer, heat, sweeps, Japan, amid, peak, cherry, blossom, season</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A high-pressure system blanketed a wide swath of western to eastern Japan on April 5, sending temperatures soaring and bringing unseasonably]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>From digging coal to selling noodles? China&amp;apos;s mining workers face change</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-digging-coal-to-selling-noodles-chinas-mining-workers-face-change</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-digging-coal-to-selling-noodles-chinas-mining-workers-face-change</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ DATONG, China (AP) -- Yang Haiming didn&#039;t stop working when he retired from the coal mines at age 60. Instead, he jumped into a new industry.Yang is p ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, digging, coal, selling, noodles, Chinas, mining, workers, face, change</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[DATONG, China (AP) -- Yang Haiming didn't stop working when he retired from the coal mines at age 60. Instead, he jumped into a new industry.Yang is p]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Controlled burning held at marsh in Oita Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-controlled-burning-held-at-marsh-in-oita-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-controlled-burning-held-at-marsh-in-oita-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Controlled burning was carried out at the Bogatsuru Marsh in the city of Taketa, Oita Prefecture. When the dry grass was set on fire, the marsh was qu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:05:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Controlled, burning, held, marsh, Oita, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Controlled burning was carried out at the Bogatsuru Marsh in the city of Taketa, Oita Prefecture. When the dry grass was set on fire, the marsh was qu]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rewards for reporting illegal foreign workers in Ibaraki spark controversy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rewards-for-reporting-illegal-foreign-workers-in-ibaraki-spark-controversy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rewards-for-reporting-illegal-foreign-workers-in-ibaraki-spark-controversy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A local government&#039;s plan to reward people with around 10,000 yen for reporting businesses hiring illegal foreign workers has sparked controversy, with some concerned that it could foster… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:02:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rewards, for, reporting, illegal, foreign, workers, Ibaraki, spark, controversy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A local government's plan to reward people with around 10,000 yen for reporting businesses hiring illegal foreign workers has sparked controversy, with some concerned that it could foster…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Revelers parade giant penises to dash stigma in Japan&amp;apos;s fertility festival</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/revelers-parade-giant-penises-to-dash-stigma-in-japans-fertility-festival</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/revelers-parade-giant-penises-to-dash-stigma-in-japans-fertility-festival</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Showcasing phallus-shaped portable shrines and pink penis candies, Japan&#039;s annual fertility festival teemed Sunday with tourists, couples and families elated by its open display of sex.
The spring… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Revelers, parade, giant, penises, dash, stigma, Japans, fertility, festival</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Showcasing phallus-shaped portable shrines and pink penis candies, Japan's annual fertility festival teemed Sunday with tourists, couples and families elated by its open display of sex.
The spring…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Police officer top dream job for boys in Japan; cake shop worker for girls</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/police-officer-top-dream-job-for-boys-in-japan-cake-shop-worker-for-girls-52638</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/police-officer-top-dream-job-for-boys-in-japan-cake-shop-worker-for-girls-52638</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Police officer was the most desired profession for boys in Japan, while girls continued to prefer working in a cake shop or bakery, an annual survey of new… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Police, officer, top, dream, job, for, boys, Japan, cake, shop, worker, for, girls</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Police officer was the most desired profession for boys in Japan, while girls continued to prefer working in a cake shop or bakery, an annual survey of new…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rail closures total 1,366 km in Japan over 30 years amid depopulation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rail-closures-total-1366-km-in-japan-over-30-years-amid-depopulation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rail-closures-total-1366-km-in-japan-over-30-years-amid-depopulation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Railway services on 1,366 kilometers of track among 68 sections, or 5 percent of Japan&#039;s total network, have been discontinued over the past three decades, a Kyodo News… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:38:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rail, closures, total, 1, 366, Japan, over, years, amid, depopulation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Railway services on 1,366 kilometers of track among 68 sections, or 5 percent of Japan's total network, have been discontinued over the past three decades, a Kyodo News…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan weighs steps to curb oil demand amid supply concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-steps-to-curb-oil-demand-amid-supply-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-weighs-steps-to-curb-oil-demand-amid-supply-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan will consider policy steps to curb demand for oil amid growing concern that supply disruptions from the war in Iran could be prolonged and hurt the economy,… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, weighs, steps, curb, oil, demand, amid, supply, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan will consider policy steps to curb demand for oil amid growing concern that supply disruptions from the war in Iran could be prolonged and hurt the economy,…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2nd Japan&#45;related vessel passes through Strait of Hormuz</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2nd-japan-related-vessel-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2nd-japan-related-vessel-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A second Japan-related vessel passed safety through the Strait of Hormuz since its effective closure amid the Iran war, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the transport ministry said Saturday.… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>2nd, Japan-related, vessel, passes, through, Strait, Hormuz</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A second Japan-related vessel passed safety through the Strait of Hormuz since its effective closure amid the Iran war, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and the transport ministry said Saturday.…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Pokémon Centers across Japan cancel April events after stabbing in Tokyo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/pokemon-centers-across-japan-cancel-april-events-after-stabbing-in-tokyo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/pokemon-centers-across-japan-cancel-april-events-after-stabbing-in-tokyo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ On March 26, a female employee at the Pokémon Center store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district was stabbed and killed. The shocking incident prompted the store’s management, as well as that of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Pokémon, Centers, across, Japan, cancel, April, events, after, stabbing, Tokyo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 26, a female employee at the Pokémon Center store in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district was stabbed and killed. The shocking incident prompted the store’s management, as well as that of…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>2nd Japan&#45;related vessel passes through Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/2nd-japan-related-vessel-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/2nd-japan-related-vessel-passes-through-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A second Japan-related vessel passed safety through the Strait of Hormuz since its effective closure amid the Iran war, Mitsui O.S.K. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>2nd, Japan-related, vessel, passes, through, Strait, Hormuz, amid, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A second Japan-related vessel passed safety through the Strait of Hormuz since its effective closure amid the Iran war, Mitsui O.S.K.]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japanese firms embrace pet&#45;friendly benefits to balance work and animal care</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-firms-embrace-pet-friendly-benefits-to-balance-work-and-animal-care</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-firms-embrace-pet-friendly-benefits-to-balance-work-and-animal-care</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- More companies in Japan are introducing pet-friendly policies, including sick leave, care leave and bereavement leave for pets, allowing empl ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, firms, embrace, pet-friendly, benefits, balance, work, and, animal, care</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- More companies in Japan are introducing pet-friendly policies, including sick leave, care leave and bereavement leave for pets, allowing empl]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Retro Japan: Country&amp;apos;s 1st buttress dam reminiscent of Western castle wall</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-countrys-1st-buttress-dam-reminiscent-of-western-castle-wall</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/retro-japan-countrys-1st-buttress-dam-reminiscent-of-western-castle-wall</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ HAKODATE, Hokkaido -- With the beauty and grandeur of a Western castle wall, the Sasanagare Dam in this northern Japan city celebrated its 100th anniv ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Retro, Japan:, Countrys, 1st, buttress, dam, reminiscent, Western, castle, wall</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[HAKODATE, Hokkaido -- With the beauty and grandeur of a Western castle wall, the Sasanagare Dam in this northern Japan city celebrated its 100th anniv]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easter eggs can be dyed and still eaten. Just follow these tips to make sure it&amp;apos;s safe</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easter-eggs-can-be-dyed-and-still-eaten-just-follow-these-tips-to-make-sure-its-safe</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easter-eggs-can-be-dyed-and-still-eaten-just-follow-these-tips-to-make-sure-its-safe</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Easter is around the corner, and it&#039;s time to start thinking about how to decorate your eggs.Whether you&#039;re dying eggs for y ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easter, eggs, can, dyed, and, still, eaten., Just, follow, these, tips, make, sure, its, safe</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Easter is around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about how to decorate your eggs.Whether you're dying eggs for y]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>As Trump orders UFO data released, a question hangs: If aliens exist, what would they think of us?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/as-trump-orders-ufo-data-released-a-question-hangs-if-aliens-exist-what-would-they-think-of-us</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/as-trump-orders-ufo-data-released-a-question-hangs-if-aliens-exist-what-would-they-think-of-us</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- For generations, human beings have wondered: What would alien life from another planet be like? But we rarely ask the opposite: What would the ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, orders, UFO, data, released, question, hangs:, aliens, exist, what, would, they, think, us</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- For generations, human beings have wondered: What would alien life from another planet be like? But we rarely ask the opposite: What would the]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Mitsubishi Electric develops AI to detect drunk driving from drivers&amp;apos; faces</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-mitsubishi-electric-develops-ai-to-detect-drunk-driving-from-drivers-faces</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-mitsubishi-electric-develops-ai-to-detect-drunk-driving-from-drivers-faces</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA -- Major Japanese electronics maker Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has developed artificial intelligence (AI) that determines whether a driver is int ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Mitsubishi, Electric, develops, detect, drunk, driving, from, drivers, faces</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA -- Major Japanese electronics maker Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has developed artificial intelligence (AI) that determines whether a driver is int]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Rail closures total 1,366 km in Japan over 30 yrs amid depopulation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rail-closures-total-1366-km-in-japan-over-30-yrs-amid-depopulation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rail-closures-total-1366-km-in-japan-over-30-yrs-amid-depopulation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Railway services on 1,366 kilometers of track among 68 sections, or 5 percent of Japan&#039;s total network, have been discontinued over t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rail, closures, total, 1, 366, Japan, over, yrs, amid, depopulation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Railway services on 1,366 kilometers of track among 68 sections, or 5 percent of Japan's total network, have been discontinued over t]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Astros&amp;apos; Imai earns 1st MLB win as Murakami hits 250th pro homer</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-astros-imai-earns-1st-mlb-win-as-murakami-hits-250th-pro-homer</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-astros-imai-earns-1st-mlb-win-as-murakami-hits-250th-pro-homer</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SACRAMENTO, California (Kyodo) -- Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai got his first win in MLB on Saturday after throwing 5-2/3 shutout innings in an 1 ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Astros, Imai, earns, 1st, MLB, win, Murakami, hits, 250th, pro, homer</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SACRAMENTO, California (Kyodo) -- Houston Astros rookie Tatsuya Imai got his first win in MLB on Saturday after throwing 5-2/3 shutout innings in an 1]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>US service member missing after Iran shot down jet rescued</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/us-service-member-missing-after-iran-shot-down-jet-rescued</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/us-service-member-missing-after-iran-shot-down-jet-rescued</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said that a U.S. service member who was missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been found in a rescue invo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>service, member, missing, after, Iran, shot, down, jet, rescued</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said that a U.S. service member who was missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been found in a rescue invo]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>3&#45;year&#45;old girl dies after being hit by car in Kitakyushu</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/3-year-old-girl-dies-after-being-hit-by-car-in-kitakyushu</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/3-year-old-girl-dies-after-being-hit-by-car-in-kitakyushu</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A three-year-old girl of Pakistani nationality was struck and killed by a car while running on a pedestrian crossing in Kitakyushu City on Friday.
The incident occurred at… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:18:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>3-year-old, girl, dies, after, being, hit, car, Kitakyushu</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A three-year-old girl of Pakistani nationality was struck and killed by a car while running on a pedestrian crossing in Kitakyushu City on Friday.
The incident occurred at…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Collapse of Tokyo&amp;apos;s aging cherry blossom trees during viewing season raises safety concerns</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/collapse-of-tokyos-aging-cherry-blossom-trees-during-viewing-season-raises-safety-concerns</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/collapse-of-tokyos-aging-cherry-blossom-trees-during-viewing-season-raises-safety-concerns</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Many of Tokyo&#039;s popular and iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees were planted during Japan&#039;s postwar advancement in the 1960s, and are now getting old and frail.
Some… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:10:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Collapse, Tokyos, aging, cherry, blossom, trees, during, viewing, season, raises, safety, concerns</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Many of Tokyo's popular and iconic Somei Yoshino cherry blossom trees were planted during Japan's postwar advancement in the 1960s, and are now getting old and frail.
Some…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Myanmar junta leader elected president, cementing grip on power</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-junta-leader-elected-president-cementing-grip-on-power</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-junta-leader-elected-president-cementing-grip-on-power</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAYPYITAW (Kyodo) -- Myanmar&#039;s parliament on Friday elected junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing president of a new military-backed administration ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Myanmar, junta, leader, elected, president, cementing, grip, power</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAYPYITAW (Kyodo) -- Myanmar's parliament on Friday elected junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing president of a new military-backed administration]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump weighs replacing Commerce Secretary Lutnick: report</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-weighs-replacing-commerce-secretary-lutnick-report</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-weighs-replacing-commerce-secretary-lutnick-report</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is considering replacing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is coming under scrutiny due to his ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/04/04/20260404p2g00m0in021000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, weighs, replacing, Commerce, Secretary, Lutnick:, report</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is considering replacing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is coming under scrutiny due to his]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: How much support is there for sending the SDF to the Middle East?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-how-much-support-is-there-for-sending-the-sdf-to-the-middle-east</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-how-much-support-is-there-for-sending-the-sdf-to-the-middle-east</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 4 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent M ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, How, much, support, there, for, sending, the, SDF, the, Middle, East</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 4 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to a recent M]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Museum dedicated to founder of Sanrio, best known for Hello Kitty, opens</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/museum-dedicated-to-founder-of-sanrio-best-known-for-hello-kitty-opens</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/museum-dedicated-to-founder-of-sanrio-best-known-for-hello-kitty-opens</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- A museum dedicated to the founder of Sanrio Co., the company best known as the creator of the global pop icon Hello Kitty, open ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Museum, dedicated, founder, Sanrio, best, known, for, Hello, Kitty, opens</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KOFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- A museum dedicated to the founder of Sanrio Co., the company best known as the creator of the global pop icon Hello Kitty, open]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Young ramen entrepreneur in Sapporo&amp;apos;s Susukino breaks industry norms, expands overseas</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/young-ramen-entrepreneur-in-sapporos-susukino-breaks-industry-norms-expands-overseas</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/young-ramen-entrepreneur-in-sapporos-susukino-breaks-industry-norms-expands-overseas</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO -- In Susukino, Sapporo&#039;s competitive ramen district, a young entrepreneur is rewriting the rules. Daichi Mori, 25, founded his company Ichi a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Young, ramen, entrepreneur, Sapporos, Susukino, breaks, industry, norms, expands, overseas</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO -- In Susukino, Sapporo's competitive ramen district, a young entrepreneur is rewriting the rules. Daichi Mori, 25, founded his company Ichi a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Crystal clear soy sauce from Japan&amp;apos;s Kumamoto a global hit, tops 1.6 million bottles sold</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/crystal-clear-soy-sauce-from-japans-kumamoto-a-global-hit-tops-16-million-bottles-sold</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/crystal-clear-soy-sauce-from-japans-kumamoto-a-global-hit-tops-16-million-bottles-sold</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KUMAMOTO -- A clear-as-water soy sauce that offers full flavor and aroma despite its transparency has become an unexpected global hit, selling more th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Crystal, clear, soy, sauce, from, Japans, Kumamoto, global, hit, tops, 1.6, million, bottles, sold</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KUMAMOTO -- A clear-as-water soy sauce that offers full flavor and aroma despite its transparency has become an unexpected global hit, selling more th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Pasona to open new facility allowing visitors to relive Osaka expo</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-pasona-to-open-new-facility-allowing-visitors-to-relive-osaka-expo</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-pasona-to-open-new-facility-allowing-visitors-to-relive-osaka-expo</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Staffing firm Pasona Group Inc. said Friday it will open a new complex this fall where visitors can experience the exhibition it pres ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Pasona, open, new, facility, allowing, visitors, relive, Osaka, expo</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[OSAKA (Kyodo) -- Staffing firm Pasona Group Inc. said Friday it will open a new complex this fall where visitors can experience the exhibition it pres]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&#45;made fishing gear proving popular in China</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-made-fishing-gear-proving-popular-in-china</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-made-fishing-gear-proving-popular-in-china</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SHANGHAI (Kyodo) -- Exports to China of fishing gear made in Japan have increased sharply in recent years amid the rising popularity of the activity i ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan-made, fishing, gear, proving, popular, China</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SHANGHAI (Kyodo) -- Exports to China of fishing gear made in Japan have increased sharply in recent years amid the rising popularity of the activity i]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>9 divers rescued after being swept away in northern Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/9-divers-rescued-after-being-swept-away-in-northern-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/9-divers-rescued-after-being-swept-away-in-northern-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- Nine divers were rescued after being swept away off Benten Island in the northern Japan city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido, on Saturday, th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>divers, rescued, after, being, swept, away, northern, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SAPPORO (Kyodo) -- Nine divers were rescued after being swept away off Benten Island in the northern Japan city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido, on Saturday, th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>China aims to show global leadership with Iran war diplomacy. US appears uninterested</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/china-aims-to-show-global-leadership-with-iran-war-diplomacy-us-appears-uninterested</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/china-aims-to-show-global-leadership-with-iran-war-diplomacy-us-appears-uninterested</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ WASHINGTON (AP) -- China is stepping up its diplomacy on the Iran war, putting forward a five-point proposal with Pakistan, rallying support from Gulf ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>China, aims, show, global, leadership, with, Iran, war, diplomacy., appears, uninterested</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[WASHINGTON (AP) -- China is stepping up its diplomacy on the Iran war, putting forward a five-point proposal with Pakistan, rallying support from Gulf]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan moves to end lifetime adult guardianship</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-moves-to-end-lifetime-adult-guardianship</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-moves-to-end-lifetime-adult-guardianship</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese cabinet on Friday approved a draft revision to the Civil Code to scrap the lifetime appointment principle in the adult guardianship system and make it more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, moves, end, lifetime, adult, guardianship</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese cabinet on Friday approved a draft revision to the Civil Code to scrap the lifetime appointment principle in the adult guardianship system and make it more…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japanese, French and Omani vessels cross Strait of Hormuz</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-french-and-omani-vessels-cross-strait-of-hormuz</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japanese-french-and-omani-vessels-cross-strait-of-hormuz</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait ‌of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran&#039;s policy to allow… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japanese, French, and, Omani, vessels, cross, Strait, Hormuz</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait ‌of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran's policy to allow…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to require language proficiency proof for engineer, specialist in humanities visa</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-require-language-proficiency-proof-for-engineer-specialist-in-humanities-visa</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-require-language-proficiency-proof-for-engineer-specialist-in-humanities-visa</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has decided to require proof of Japanese language proficiency for individuals seeking the visa status of engineer, specialist in humanities or international services for work… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, require, language, proficiency, proof, for, engineer, specialist, humanities, visa</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has decided to require proof of Japanese language proficiency for individuals seeking the visa status of engineer, specialist in humanities or international services for work…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan governor defends plan to award whistleblowers for reporting foreigners&amp;apos; illegal work</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-governor-defends-plan-to-award-whistleblowers-for-reporting-foreigners-illegal-work</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-governor-defends-plan-to-award-whistleblowers-for-reporting-foreigners-illegal-work</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MITO -- Ibaraki Gov. Kazuhiko Oigawa on April 2 indicated his intention to swiftly launch a &quot;whistleblower reward program&quot; that seeks information on e ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:57:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, governor, defends, plan, award, whistleblowers, for, reporting, foreigners, illegal, work</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MITO -- Ibaraki Gov. Kazuhiko Oigawa on April 2 indicated his intention to swiftly launch a "whistleblower reward program" that seeks information on e]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on Iran conflict mediation</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cooperate-with-saudi-arabia-on-iran-conflict-mediation</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-cooperate-with-saudi-arabia-on-iran-conflict-mediation</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told his Saudi counterpart Thursday that Japan will further cooperate with the Middle Eastern coun ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:33:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, cooperate, with, Saudi, Arabia, Iran, conflict, mediation</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told his Saudi counterpart Thursday that Japan will further cooperate with the Middle Eastern coun]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan travel costs during Golden Week holidays to mark 1st drop in 6 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-travel-costs-during-golden-week-holidays-to-mark-1st-drop-in-6-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-travel-costs-during-golden-week-holidays-to-mark-1st-drop-in-6-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The average spending on domestic travel during the upcoming Golden Week holidays is expected to be 46,000 yen per person, marking the first decline since 2020, when the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, travel, costs, during, Golden, Week, holidays, mark, 1st, drop, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The average spending on domestic travel during the upcoming Golden Week holidays is expected to be 46,000 yen per person, marking the first decline since 2020, when the…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Cabinet OKs demand&#45;based rice output policy, boosts shortage measures</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/cabinet-oks-demand-based-rice-output-policy-boosts-shortage-measures</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/cabinet-oks-demand-based-rice-output-policy-boosts-shortage-measures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese cabinet on Friday approved a shift in its rice policy, moving toward a demand-aligned output strategy and introducing new measures to prevent shortages, as prices for… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:06:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese cabinet on Friday approved a shift in its rice policy, moving toward a demand-aligned output strategy and introducing new measures to prevent shortages, as prices for…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Geisha spectacle in Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/geisha-spectacle-in-kyoto-celebrates-arrival-of-spring</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/geisha-spectacle-in-kyoto-celebrates-arrival-of-spring</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Against a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, a group of geishas elegantly shuffle onto a stage in Japan&#039;s Kyoto city to begin a centuries-old performance celebrating the arrival… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:06:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Against a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, a group of geishas elegantly shuffle onto a stage in Japan's Kyoto city to begin a centuries-old performance celebrating the arrival…]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Japan PM Takaichi, French President Macron strike &amp;apos;Dragon Ball&amp;apos; pose after talks</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-french-president-macron-strike-dragon-ball-pose-after-talks</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-takaichi-french-president-macron-strike-dragon-ball-pose-after-talks</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron ended a joint news conference at the State Guest House, Akasaka P ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Takaichi, French, President, Macron, strike, Dragon, Ball, pose, after, talks</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron ended a joint news conference at the State Guest House, Akasaka P]]> </content:encoded>
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<title>Police officer top dream job for boys in Japan, cake shop worker for girls</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/police-officer-top-dream-job-for-boys-in-japan-cake-shop-worker-for-girls</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/police-officer-top-dream-job-for-boys-in-japan-cake-shop-worker-for-girls</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Police officer was the most desired profession for boys in Japan, while girls continued to prefer working in a cake shop or bakery, a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Police officer was the most desired profession for boys in Japan, while girls continued to prefer working in a cake shop or bakery, a]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around Earth</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-rocket-toward-the-moon-after-spending-a-day-around-earth</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/artemis-ii-astronauts-rocket-toward-the-moon-after-spending-a-day-around-earth</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around EarthBy MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace WriterCAPE CANA ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Artemis II astronauts rocket toward the moon after spending a day around EarthBy MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace WriterCAPE CANA]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan finance chief says ready to take all possible steps on yen volatility</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-finance-chief-says-ready-to-take-all-possible-steps-on-yen-volatility</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-finance-chief-says-ready-to-take-all-possible-steps-on-yen-volatility</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Friday the Japanese government is ready to take all necessary steps to curb the yen&#039;s volatili ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, finance, chief, says, ready, take, all, possible, steps, yen, volatility</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Friday the Japanese government is ready to take all necessary steps to curb the yen's volatili]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan Cabinet OKs demand&#45;based rice output policy, boosts shortage measures</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cabinet-oks-demand-based-rice-output-policy-boosts-shortage-measures</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-cabinet-oks-demand-based-rice-output-policy-boosts-shortage-measures</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese Cabinet on Friday approved a shift in its rice policy, moving toward a demand-aligned output strategy and introducing ne ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese Cabinet on Friday approved a shift in its rice policy, moving toward a demand-aligned output strategy and introducing ne]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Microsoft to make $10 billion AI&#45;related investment in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/microsoft-to-make-10-billion-ai-related-investment-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/microsoft-to-make-10-billion-ai-related-investment-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Microsoft Corp. will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) in Japan over the four years through 2029 to reinforce infrastructure rela ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Microsoft, make, 10, billion, AI-related, investment, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Microsoft Corp. will invest 1.6 trillion yen ($10 billion) in Japan over the four years through 2029 to reinforce infrastructure rela]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Trump unveils 100% tariff on some patented drugs on &amp;apos;Liberation Day&amp;apos; anniversary</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-unveils-100-tariff-on-some-patented-drugs-on-liberation-day-anniversary</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/trump-unveils-100-tariff-on-some-patented-drugs-on-liberation-day-anniversary</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NEW YORK (AP) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could slap long-threatened pharmaceutical tariffs of up to 100% on som ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Trump, unveils, 100, tariff, some, patented, drugs, Liberation, Day, anniversary</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NEW YORK (AP) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday that could slap long-threatened pharmaceutical tariffs of up to 100% on som]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>From bottle caps to bright creations: First grader in Fukuoka Pref. inspires recycling drive</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-bottle-caps-to-bright-creations-first-grader-in-fukuoka-pref-inspires-recycling-drive</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-bottle-caps-to-bright-creations-first-grader-in-fukuoka-pref-inspires-recycling-drive</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ FUKUCHI, Fukuoka -- A recycling company based in the town of Fukuchi, Fukuoka Prefecture, has turned vibrant colored bottle caps into a range of recyc ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, bottle, caps, bright, creations:, First, grader, Fukuoka, Pref., inspires, recycling, drive</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[FUKUCHI, Fukuoka -- A recycling company based in the town of Fukuchi, Fukuoka Prefecture, has turned vibrant colored bottle caps into a range of recyc]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan lacks sense of urgency over SDF officer&amp;apos;s intrusion into Chinese Embassy</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-lacks-sense-of-urgency-over-sdf-officers-intrusion-into-chinese-embassy</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-lacks-sense-of-urgency-over-sdf-officers-intrusion-into-chinese-embassy</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A second lieutenant based at the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)&#039;s Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture was arrested on suspicion of trespassin ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, lacks, sense, urgency, over, SDF, officers, intrusion, into, Chinese, Embassy</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A second lieutenant based at the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)'s Camp Ebino in Miyazaki Prefecture was arrested on suspicion of trespassin]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: &amp;apos;Spider&amp;apos; heavy machine shown in Ibaraki Prefecture</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-spider-heavy-machine-shown-in-ibaraki-prefecture</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-spider-heavy-machine-shown-in-ibaraki-prefecture</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A heavy machine called &quot;Spider,&quot; which has four legs and four tires, was demonstrated in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. Because each leg can ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Spider, heavy, machine, shown, Ibaraki, Prefecture</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A heavy machine called "Spider," which has four legs and four tires, was demonstrated in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. Because each leg can]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks fall as Trump speech rekindles concern over Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-as-trump-speech-rekindles-concern-over-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-fall-as-trump-speech-rekindles-concern-over-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks dropped sharply Thursday, with the Nikkei stock index ending over 2 percent lower, as a sell-off accelerated after U.S. ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:37:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, fall, Trump, speech, rekindles, concern, over, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks dropped sharply Thursday, with the Nikkei stock index ending over 2 percent lower, as a sell-off accelerated after U.S.]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Chubu Electric admits rigging quake&#45;resistance data at nuclear plant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-admits-rigging-quake-resistance-data-at-nuclear-plant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/chubu-electric-admits-rigging-quake-resistance-data-at-nuclear-plant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The operator of a nuclear power plant in central Japan has admitted that its civil engineering department had manipulated quake-resistance data from no later than 2012, with more… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:34:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Chubu, Electric, admits, rigging, quake-resistance, data, nuclear, plant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The operator of a nuclear power plant in central Japan has admitted that its civil engineering department had manipulated quake-resistance data from no later than 2012, with more…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan to add numeric standards to clarify &amp;apos;dangerous driving&amp;apos;</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-add-numeric-standards-to-clarify-dangerous-driving</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-to-add-numeric-standards-to-clarify-dangerous-driving</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The Japanese government has approved a draft bill to revise a law on &quot;dangerous driving&quot; resulting in death or injury to set numeric standards for excessive speed and… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:34:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, add, numeric, standards, clarify, dangerous, driving</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Japanese government has approved a draft bill to revise a law on "dangerous driving" resulting in death or injury to set numeric standards for excessive speed and…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>From digital execs to future projections, Japan firms introduce AI at new&#45;hire ceremonies</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/from-digital-execs-to-future-projections-japan-firms-introduce-ai-at-new-hire-ceremonies</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/from-digital-execs-to-future-projections-japan-firms-introduce-ai-at-new-hire-ceremonies</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- As Japan&#039;s new business year began April 1, some entrance ceremonies across the country took on a futuristic tone. Amid the growing focus on ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:21:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>From, digital, execs, future, projections, Japan, firms, introduce, new-hire, ceremonies</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- As Japan's new business year began April 1, some entrance ceremonies across the country took on a futuristic tone. Amid the growing focus on]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>April Fools? Japanese food maker Kiyoken launches &amp;apos;Giyouza&amp;apos; shiumai&#45;style dumplings</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/april-fools-japanese-food-maker-kiyoken-launches-giyouza-shiumai-style-dumplings</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/april-fools-japanese-food-maker-kiyoken-launches-giyouza-shiumai-style-dumplings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ YOKOHAMA -- Kiyoken Co., a food company based in Yokohama, said on its X account on April 1 that it will begin selling a product the following day tha ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:13:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>April, Fools, Japanese, food, maker, Kiyoken, launches, Giyouza, shiumai-style, dumplings</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[YOKOHAMA -- Kiyoken Co., a food company based in Yokohama, said on its X account on April 1 that it will begin selling a product the following day tha]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>News in Easy English: New bicycle fines in Japan worry parents who carry children</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-new-bicycle-fines-in-japan-worry-parents-who-carry-children</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/news-in-easy-english-new-bicycle-fines-in-japan-worry-parents-who-carry-children</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- In April, Japan started using the &quot;blue ticket&quot; system for bicycles. This means police can give fines for some bicycle rule violations. Some ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>News, Easy, English:, New, bicycle, fines, Japan, worry, parents, who, carry, children</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- In April, Japan started using the "blue ticket" system for bicycles. This means police can give fines for some bicycle rule violations. Some]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>The Mainichi News Quiz: How much less do dispatch ALTs make than JET ALTs?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-how-much-less-do-dispatch-alts-make-than-jet-alts</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/the-mainichi-news-quiz-how-much-less-do-dispatch-alts-make-than-jet-alts</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 2 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to recent rep ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>The, Mainichi, News, Quiz:, How, much, less, dispatch, ALTs, make, than, JET, ALTs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[How closely have you been following events in Japan? Try The Mainichi News Quiz for April 2 to test your news knowledge. Ready?According to recent rep]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Astronauts head for Moon flyby in 1st manned exploration since Apollo era</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/astronauts-head-for-moon-flyby-in-1st-manned-exploration-since-apollo-era</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/astronauts-head-for-moon-flyby-in-1st-manned-exploration-since-apollo-era</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Kyodo) -- A U.S. spacecraft carrying four astronauts was launched Wednesday for a flight around the Moon in the first manned ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Astronauts, head, for, Moon, flyby, 1st, manned, exploration, since, Apollo, era</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (Kyodo) -- A U.S. spacecraft carrying four astronauts was launched Wednesday for a flight around the Moon in the first manned]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Coupon for 10&#45;yr Japan gov&amp;apos;t bond raised to 2.4%, highest in over 28 yrs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/coupon-for-10-yr-japan-govt-bond-raised-to-24-highest-in-over-28-yrs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/coupon-for-10-yr-japan-govt-bond-raised-to-24-highest-in-over-28-yrs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Finance Ministry on Thursday raised the coupon rate for a new 10-year Japanese government bond issuance to 2.4 percent, the highe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Coupon, for, 10-yr, Japan, govt, bond, raised, 2.4, highest, over, yrs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Finance Ministry on Thursday raised the coupon rate for a new 10-year Japanese government bond issuance to 2.4 percent, the highe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Nikkei index extends losses, down over 2% in early afternoon trading</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-extends-losses-down-over-2-in-early-afternoon-trading</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-index-extends-losses-down-over-2-in-early-afternoon-trading</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index dropped over 2% in early afternoon trading Thursday, extending losses as a market sell-off continued after dis ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, index, extends, losses, down, over, early, afternoon, trading</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index dropped over 2% in early afternoon trading Thursday, extending losses as a market sell-off continued after dis]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan needs a sleep disorder care system patients can trust</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-needs-a-sleep-disorder-care-system-patients-can-trust</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japan-needs-a-sleep-disorder-care-system-patients-can-trust</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Sleep deprivation brings a range of health risks. In Japan in particular, many people struggle with sleep-related problems.Departments named &quot;sleep di ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japan, needs, sleep, disorder, care, system, patients, can, trust</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Sleep deprivation brings a range of health risks. In Japan in particular, many people struggle with sleep-related problems.Departments named "sleep di]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan emphasizes diplomacy for Iran resolution after Trump speech</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-emphasizes-diplomacy-for-iran-resolution-after-trump-speech</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-emphasizes-diplomacy-for-iran-resolution-after-trump-speech</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan on Thursday emphasized the importance of diplomacy for a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran after U.S. President Dona ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, emphasizes, diplomacy, for, Iran, resolution, after, Trump, speech</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan on Thursday emphasized the importance of diplomacy for a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran after U.S. President Dona]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Baseball: Yamamoto takes his 1st loss of season as Dodgers fall to Guardians</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-yamamoto-takes-his-1st-loss-of-season-as-dodgers-fall-to-guardians</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-yamamoto-takes-his-1st-loss-of-season-as-dodgers-fall-to-guardians</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed six solid innings of two-run ball but took his first loss of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers fe ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Yamamoto, takes, his, 1st, loss, season, Dodgers, fall, Guardians</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Yoshinobu Yamamoto tossed six solid innings of two-run ball but took his first loss of the season as the Los Angeles Dodgers fe]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>New Zealand, Cook Islands sign defense, security declaration</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/new-zealand-cook-islands-sign-defense-security-declaration</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/new-zealand-cook-islands-sign-defense-security-declaration</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a defense and security declaration in Rarotonga on Thursday, clarifying how the two nations ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>New, Zealand, Cook, Islands, sign, defense, security, declaration</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[SYDNEY (Kyodo) -- New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a defense and security declaration in Rarotonga on Thursday, clarifying how the two nations]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan sees record cannabis&#45;related police probes in 2025</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sees-record-cannabis-related-police-probes-in-2025</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-sees-record-cannabis-related-police-probes-in-2025</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese police investigated a record 6,832 individuals in cannabis-related cases in Japan in 2025, up 754 from the previous year, po ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, sees, record, cannabis-related, police, probes, 2025</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese police investigated a record 6,832 individuals in cannabis-related cases in Japan in 2025, up 754 from the previous year, po]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan lands 1st catch of year as whaling season begins off Hokkaido</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-lands-1st-catch-of-year-as-whaling-season-begins-off-hokkaido</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-lands-1st-catch-of-year-as-whaling-season-begins-off-hokkaido</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan landed the year&#039;s first minke whale catch on Wednesday as the commercial whaling season began off Hokkaido, with two females landed at Nemuro port, according to an… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:02:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan landed the year's first minke whale catch on Wednesday as the commercial whaling season began off Hokkaido, with two females landed at Nemuro port, according to an…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan begins day care system regardless of parental employment status</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-begins-day-care-system-regardless-of-parental-employment-status</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-begins-day-care-system-regardless-of-parental-employment-status</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan began implementing a public system on Wednesday that allows children to attend day care for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of parental employment status, as… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, begins, day, care, system, regardless, parental, employment, status</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan began implementing a public system on Wednesday that allows children to attend day care for up to 10 hours per month, regardless of parental employment status, as…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>20 local governments including Hokkaido introduce new lodging tax</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/20-local-governments-including-hokkaido-introduce-new-lodging-tax</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/20-local-governments-including-hokkaido-introduce-new-lodging-tax</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Twenty local governments including Hokkaido and Hiroshima prefectures on Wednesday introduced a new lodging tax for people staying in hotels and other accommodations.
The move more than doubles… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>local, governments, including, Hokkaido, introduce, new, lodging, tax</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Twenty local governments including Hokkaido and Hiroshima prefectures on Wednesday introduced a new lodging tax for people staying in hotels and other accommodations.
The move more than doubles…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Will &amp;apos;bicycles are a nuisance&amp;apos; mindset change among drivers in Japan under new rules?</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/will-bicycles-are-a-nuisance-mindset-change-among-drivers-in-japan-under-new-rules</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/will-bicycles-are-a-nuisance-mindset-change-among-drivers-in-japan-under-new-rules</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Bicycles are popular across generations in Japan, yet for many drivers they have long been considered &quot;obstacles on the road&quot; because of unpr ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:57:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Will, bicycles, are, nuisance, mindset, change, among, drivers, Japan, under, new, rules</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Bicycles are popular across generations in Japan, yet for many drivers they have long been considered "obstacles on the road" because of unpr]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Foreign students in need of Japanese language training up 3&#45;fold in 20 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-students-in-need-of-japanese-language-training-up-3-fold-in-20-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/foreign-students-in-need-of-japanese-language-training-up-3-fold-in-20-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The number of foreign national students attending public schools in need of Japanese language training has tripled over the past 20 years, a Kyodo News analysis of government… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:38:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Foreign, students, need, Japanese, language, training, 3-fold, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The number of foreign national students attending public schools in need of Japanese language training has tripled over the past 20 years, a Kyodo News analysis of government…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Narita airport operator considers land expropriation for runway development</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/narita-airport-operator-considers-land-expropriation-for-runway-development</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/narita-airport-operator-considers-land-expropriation-for-runway-development</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The operator of Narita airport, east of Tokyo, is considering compulsory land acquisition to advance its stalled plan to build ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:33:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Narita, airport, operator, considers, land, expropriation, for, runway, development</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CHIBA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The operator of Narita airport, east of Tokyo, is considering compulsory land acquisition to advance its stalled plan to build]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks surge, Nikkei index up 5%, on hopes for end to Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-nikkei-index-up-5-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-nikkei-index-up-5-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday, with the Nikkei stock index ending over 5 percent higher, after investor sentiment improved on reports ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:25:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, surge, Nikkei, index, 5, hopes, for, end, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday, with the Nikkei stock index ending over 5 percent higher, after investor sentiment improved on reports]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Easy Japanese news in translation: Baby spotted seals born at aquarium in Hokkaido</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-spotted-seals-born-at-aquarium-in-hokkaido</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/easy-japanese-news-in-translation-baby-spotted-seals-born-at-aquarium-in-hokkaido</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Two baby spotted seals have been born at Noshappu Aquarium in the city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido. Covered in fluffy white fur, they look adorable. In two ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:09:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Easy, Japanese, news, translation:, Baby, spotted, seals, born, aquarium, Hokkaido</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Two baby spotted seals have been born at Noshappu Aquarium in the city of Wakkanai, Hokkaido. Covered in fluffy white fur, they look adorable. In two]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Nikkei extends gains, up over 5% on hopes for end to Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-extends-gains-up-over-5-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nikkei-extends-gains-up-over-5-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index extended its gains on Wednesday, briefly rising over 5 percent, after investor sentiment improved on reports t ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:09:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Nikkei, extends, gains, over, hopes, for, end, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nikkei stock index extended its gains on Wednesday, briefly rising over 5 percent, after investor sentiment improved on reports t]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Shibuya introduces on&#45;the&#45;spot fines for littering and mandatory trash bins in stores</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/shibuya-introduces-on-the-spot-fines-for-littering-and-mandatory-trash-bins-in-stores</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/shibuya-introduces-on-the-spot-fines-for-littering-and-mandatory-trash-bins-in-stores</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Shibuya Ward in Tokyo will partially revise and enforce the  Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together from Wednesday.
In a statement, the ward said the revision is a landmark initiative… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Shibuya, introduces, on-the-spot, fines, for, littering, and, mandatory, trash, bins, stores</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Shibuya Ward in Tokyo will partially revise and enforce the  Ordinance for Creating a Clean Shibuya Together from Wednesday.
In a statement, the ward said the revision is a landmark initiative…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Bill to allow joint custody after divorce goes into effect</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/bill-to-allow-joint-custody-after-divorce-goes-into-effect</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/bill-to-allow-joint-custody-after-divorce-goes-into-effect</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A revised law in Japan allowing joint parental custody after divorce went into effect Wednesday, with the aim of enabling both parents to play a role in child-rearing… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Bill, allow, joint, custody, after, divorce, goes, into, effect</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A revised law in Japan allowing joint parental custody after divorce went into effect Wednesday, with the aim of enabling both parents to play a role in child-rearing…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>M5.0 quake jolts eastern Japan; no tsunami warning issued</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-jolts-eastern-japan-no-tsunami-warning-issued-52196</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-jolts-eastern-japan-no-tsunami-warning-issued-52196</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ n earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 rattled eastern Japan on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued, according to the weather agency.
The 10:06 a.m. quake struck… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:06:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M5.0, quake, jolts, eastern, Japan, tsunami, warning, issued</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[n earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 rattled eastern Japan on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued, according to the weather agency.
The 10:06 a.m. quake struck…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>&amp;apos;Multicultural coordinators&amp;apos; promote coexistence with foreigners in Japan&amp;apos;s Kitakyushu</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/multicultural-coordinators-promote-coexistence-with-foreigners-in-japans-kitakyushu</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/multicultural-coordinators-promote-coexistence-with-foreigners-in-japans-kitakyushu</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ KITAKYUSHU -- The Kitakyushu Municipal Government has begun assigning &quot;multicultural community coordinators&quot; to support the coexistence of locals and ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Multicultural, coordinators, promote, coexistence, with, foreigners, Japans, Kitakyushu</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[KITAKYUSHU -- The Kitakyushu Municipal Government has begun assigning "multicultural community coordinators" to support the coexistence of locals and]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>M5.0 quake jolts eastern Japan, no tsunami warning issued</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-jolts-eastern-japan-no-tsunami-warning-issued</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/m50-quake-jolts-eastern-japan-no-tsunami-warning-issued</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 rattled eastern Japan on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued, according to th ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>M5.0, quake, jolts, eastern, Japan, tsunami, warning, issued</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.0 rattled eastern Japan on Wednesday, with no tsunami warning issued, according to th]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Movie Review: Wahoo! &amp;apos;The Super Mario Galaxy Movie&amp;apos; levels up the magic</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/movie-review-wahoo-the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-levels-up-the-magic</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/movie-review-wahoo-the-super-mario-galaxy-movie-levels-up-the-magic</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ (AP) -- There are some things you might expect, even count on, in a Super Mario Galaxy movie. The introduction of the celestial Princess Rosalina? Che ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Movie, Review:, Wahoo, The, Super, Mario, Galaxy, Movie, levels, the, magic</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[(AP) -- There are some things you might expect, even count on, in a Super Mario Galaxy movie. The introduction of the celestial Princess Rosalina? Che]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Football: Japan beat England for 1st time with Mitoma winner at Wembley</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/football-japan-beat-england-for-1st-time-with-mitoma-winner-at-wembley</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/football-japan-beat-england-for-1st-time-with-mitoma-winner-at-wembley</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LONDON (Kyodo) -- Kaoru Mitoma scored the winner as Japan beat England for the first time in men&#039;s football on Tuesday, securing a memorable 1-0 victo ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Football:, Japan, beat, England, for, 1st, time, with, Mitoma, winner, Wembley</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LONDON (Kyodo) -- Kaoru Mitoma scored the winner as Japan beat England for the first time in men's football on Tuesday, securing a memorable 1-0 victo]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo stocks surge in morning on hopes for end to Iran war</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-in-morning-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-stocks-surge-in-morning-on-hopes-for-end-to-iran-war</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index rising over 4 percent, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street fol ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, stocks, surge, morning, hopes, for, end, Iran, war</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo stocks surged Wednesday morning, with the Nikkei stock index rising over 4 percent, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street fol]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan big manufacturers&amp;apos; confidence rises in March but Middle East weighs</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-big-manufacturers-confidence-rises-in-march-but-middle-east-weighs</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-big-manufacturers-confidence-rises-in-march-but-middle-east-weighs</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers improved to 17 in March from 16 three months earlier, but the outlook is overs ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, big, manufacturers, confidence, rises, March, but, Middle, East, weighs</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Business confidence among major Japanese manufacturers improved to 17 in March from 16 three months earlier, but the outlook is overs]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Editorial: Children&amp;apos;s welfare the priority as post&#45;divorce joint custody starts in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-childrens-welfare-the-priority-as-post-divorce-joint-custody-starts-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-childrens-welfare-the-priority-as-post-divorce-joint-custody-starts-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The revised Civil Code that allows divorced parents in Japan to share custody of their children has taken effect. Authorities must ensure that the sys ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Childrens, welfare, the, priority, post-divorce, joint, custody, starts, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The revised Civil Code that allows divorced parents in Japan to share custody of their children has taken effect. Authorities must ensure that the sys]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>ANA, JAL to raise fuel surcharges from June amid Middle East conflict</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-jal-to-raise-fuel-surcharges-from-june-amid-middle-east-conflict</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/ana-jal-to-raise-fuel-surcharges-from-june-amid-middle-east-conflict</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Airlines Co. are expected to raise fuel surcharges significantly on international flights from June, as a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>ANA, JAL, raise, fuel, surcharges, from, June, amid, Middle, East, conflict</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Airlines Co. are expected to raise fuel surcharges significantly on international flights from June, as a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Baseball: Ohtani wins 1st pitching start of season with 6 shutout innings</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-wins-1st-pitching-start-of-season-with-6-shutout-innings</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/baseball-ohtani-wins-1st-pitching-start-of-season-with-6-shutout-innings</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani threw six scoreless innings to win his season debut on the mound as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cleveland Gu ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Baseball:, Ohtani, wins, 1st, pitching, start, season, with, shutout, innings</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[LOS ANGELES (Kyodo) -- Shohei Ohtani threw six scoreless innings to win his season debut on the mound as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cleveland Gu]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Child&#45;rearing support levy, bicycle traffic fines among changes in Japan from April 1</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/child-rearing-support-levy-bicycle-traffic-fines-among-changes-in-japan-from-april-1</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/child-rearing-support-levy-bicycle-traffic-fines-among-changes-in-japan-from-april-1</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan is undergoing various system and policy changes affecting daily life from April 1, ranging from the start of a child and child-rearing support l ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Child-rearing, support, levy, bicycle, traffic, fines, among, changes, Japan, from, April</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan is undergoing various system and policy changes affecting daily life from April 1, ranging from the start of a child and child-rearing support l]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan spots Chinese survey ship operating in disputed waters</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-spots-chinese-survey-ship-operating-in-disputed-waters</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-spots-chinese-survey-ship-operating-in-disputed-waters</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Coast Guard said it had confirmed a ‌Chinese marine research vessel was operating in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) west-northwest of Uotsuri ‌Island on Monday and ⁠had… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:42:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, spots, Chinese, survey, ship, operating, disputed, waters</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Coast Guard said it had confirmed a ‌Chinese marine research vessel was operating in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) west-northwest of Uotsuri ‌Island on Monday and ⁠had…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>No. of food items hit with price hikes in Japan,  in April to top 2,000</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-food-items-hit-with-price-hikes-in-japan-in-april-to-top-2000</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/no-of-food-items-hit-with-price-hikes-in-japan-in-april-to-top-2000</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Price hikes in Japan for food and beverage items in April will total 2,798 products, exceeding 2,000 for the first time since October ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:37:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>No., food, items, hit, with, price, hikes, Japan, April, top, 2, 000</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Price hikes in Japan for food and beverage items in April will total 2,798 products, exceeding 2,000 for the first time since October]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Long&#45;range counterstrike missiles become operational at 2 GSDF bases</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/long-range-counterstrike-missiles-become-operational-at-2-gsdf-bases</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/long-range-counterstrike-missiles-become-operational-at-2-gsdf-bases</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japan&#039;s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases in the country.
The deployment of… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:34:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Long-range, counterstrike, missiles, become, operational, GSDF, bases</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japan's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two Ground Self-Defense Force bases in the country.
The deployment of…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>23&#45;year&#45;old police officer apparently commits suicide with handgun</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/23-year-old-police-officer-apparently-commits-suicide-with-handgun</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/23-year-old-police-officer-apparently-commits-suicide-with-handgun</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A 23-year-old male police officer was found bleeding from a bullet wound to his head in the dormitory of Tamagawa Police Station in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward on Monday,… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:34:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>23-year-old, police, officer, apparently, commits, suicide, with, handgun</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A 23-year-old male police officer was found bleeding from a bullet wound to his head in the dormitory of Tamagawa Police Station in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward on Monday,…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>43% say Japan education minister should be replaced over affair report: Mainichi poll</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/43-say-japan-education-minister-should-be-replaced-over-affair-report-mainichi-poll</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/43-say-japan-education-minister-should-be-replaced-over-affair-report-mainichi-poll</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- Forty-three percent of respondents think Japan&#039;s education minister Yohei Matsumoto should be replaced following reports of an extramarital a ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2a00m0na016000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:21:01 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>43, say, Japan, education, minister, should, replaced, over, affair, report:, Mainichi, poll</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- Forty-three percent of respondents think Japan's education minister Yohei Matsumoto should be replaced following reports of an extramarital a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Worker in Japan fired 4 days after revealing autism left discontented after court win</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/worker-in-japan-fired-4-days-after-revealing-autism-left-discontented-after-court-win</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/worker-in-japan-fired-4-days-after-revealing-autism-left-discontented-after-court-win</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- An individual in their 40s living in Yokohama was dismissed from their job four days after disclosing that they have autism spectrum disorder ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2a00m0na013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:13:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Worker, Japan, fired, days, after, revealing, autism, left, discontented, after, court, win</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- An individual in their 40s living in Yokohama was dismissed from their job four days after disclosing that they have autism spectrum disorder]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s Feb. jobless rate falls to 2.6%, 1st drop in 7 months</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-feb-jobless-rate-falls-to-26-1st-drop-in-7-months</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-feb-jobless-rate-falls-to-26-1st-drop-in-7-months</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s unemployment rate in February fell to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent the previous month, improving for the first time in seven ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2g00m0bu019000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, Feb., jobless, rate, falls, 2.6, 1st, drop, months</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's unemployment rate in February fell to 2.6 percent from 2.7 percent the previous month, improving for the first time in seven]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Tokyo gov&amp;apos;t unveils design for energy&#45;saving ride replacing Ueno zoo monorail</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-govt-unveils-design-for-energy-saving-ride-replacing-ueno-zoo-monorail</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/tokyo-govt-unveils-design-for-energy-saving-ride-replacing-ueno-zoo-monorail</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revealed details of a new transport system to replace the monorail that used to run inside Ueno Zoologi ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2a00m0et003000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Tokyo, govt, unveils, design, for, energy-saving, ride, replacing, Ueno, zoo, monorail</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has revealed details of a new transport system to replace the monorail that used to run inside Ueno Zoologi]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>NASA begins the countdown for humanity&amp;apos;s first launch to the moon in 53 years</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/nasa-begins-the-countdown-for-humanitys-first-launch-to-the-moon-in-53-years</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/nasa-begins-the-countdown-for-humanitys-first-launch-to-the-moon-in-53-years</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA began the countdown Monday for humanity&#039;s first launch to the moon in 53 years.The 32-story Space Launch System rock ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2g00m0sc013000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>NASA, begins, the, countdown, for, humanitys, first, launch, the, moon, years</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA began the countdown Monday for humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years.The 32-story Space Launch System rock]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM willing to cooperate with Asian nations to secure oil products</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-willing-to-cooperate-with-asian-nations-to-secure-oil-products</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-willing-to-cooperate-with-asian-nations-to-secure-oil-products</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday expressed her willingness to cooperate with other Asian nations to secure petroleum ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/31/20260331p2g00m0na027000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, willing, cooperate, with, Asian, nations, secure, oil, products</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday expressed her willingness to cooperate with other Asian nations to secure petroleum]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan finance chief says currency market &amp;apos;very speculative&amp;apos; amid weak yen</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-finance-chief-says-currency-market-very-speculative-amid-weak-yen</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-finance-chief-says-currency-market-very-speculative-amid-weak-yen</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Tuesday that the currency market is making &quot;very speculative&quot; moves, expressing readi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, finance, chief, says, currency, market, very, speculative, amid, weak, yen</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said Tuesday that the currency market is making "very speculative" moves, expressing readi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Myanmar junta chief steps down, likely to become president</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-junta-chief-steps-down-likely-to-become-president</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/myanmar-junta-chief-steps-down-likely-to-become-president</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ NAYPYITAW (Kyodo) -- Myanmar&#039;s military leadership changed Monday, with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who has ruled the country for more than five year ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Myanmar, junta, chief, steps, down, likely, become, president</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[NAYPYITAW (Kyodo) -- Myanmar's military leadership changed Monday, with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who has ruled the country for more than five year]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Long&#45;range counterstrike missiles become operational at 2 Japan GSDF bases</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/long-range-counterstrike-missiles-become-operational-at-2-japan-gsdf-bases</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/long-range-counterstrike-missiles-become-operational-at-2-japan-gsdf-bases</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan&#039;s Defense Ministry said Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Long-range, counterstrike, missiles, become, operational, Japan, GSDF, bases</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Defense Ministry said Tuesday that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service at two]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>5 sent to hospital after pipe rupture at particle observatory in Japan</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/5-sent-to-hospital-after-pipe-rupture-at-particle-observatory-in-japan</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/5-sent-to-hospital-after-pipe-rupture-at-particle-observatory-in-japan</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ GIFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Five people were sent to hospital Tuesday following an accident at a next-generation neutrino detector under construction in Gi ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>sent, hospital, after, pipe, rupture, particle, observatory, Japan</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[GIFU, Japan (Kyodo) -- Five people were sent to hospital Tuesday following an accident at a next-generation neutrino detector under construction in Gi]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Japan&amp;apos;s ruling parties dodge the real issue of social security reform</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-ruling-parties-dodge-the-real-issue-of-social-security-reform</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-japans-ruling-parties-dodge-the-real-issue-of-social-security-reform</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ It is astonishingly irresponsible for political leaders to discuss only tax cuts and cash handouts while claiming to address the sustainability of Jap ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Japans, ruling, parties, dodge, the, real, issue, social, security, reform</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[It is astonishingly irresponsible for political leaders to discuss only tax cuts and cash handouts while claiming to address the sustainability of Jap]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan, Indonesia to promote economic ties, cooperate on Middle East</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-indonesia-to-promote-economic-ties-cooperate-on-middle-east</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-indonesia-to-promote-economic-ties-cooperate-on-middle-east</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed on Tuesday to promote concrete cooperation in ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:05:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, Indonesia, promote, economic, ties, cooperate, Middle, East</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed on Tuesday to promote concrete cooperation in]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s cherry blossom season dazzles locals and tourists</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-cherry-blossom-season-dazzles-locals-and-tourists</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-cherry-blossom-season-dazzles-locals-and-tourists</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Japanese locals and tourists packed the country&#039;s most stunning cherry blossom spots on Monday to enjoy the dazzling flowers at full bloom.
The tiny white and pink petals… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:02:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, cherry, blossom, season, dazzles, locals, and, tourists</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Japanese locals and tourists packed the country's most stunning cherry blossom spots on Monday to enjoy the dazzling flowers at full bloom.
The tiny white and pink petals…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Japan&amp;apos;s school backpack sales start early; prices keep rising</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-school-backpack-sales-start-early-prices-keep-rising</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japans-school-backpack-sales-start-early-prices-keep-rising</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ The shopping season for traditional school backpacks for first graders in spring 2027 has begun early in department stores and supermarkets in Japan -- more than a year… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:02:03 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japans, school, backpack, sales, start, early, prices, keep, rising</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[The shopping season for traditional school backpacks for first graders in spring 2027 has begun early in department stores and supermarkets in Japan -- more than a year…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Editorial: Subsidies alone won&amp;apos;t solve oil issues for Japan amid Middle East crisis</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-subsidies-alone-wont-solve-oil-issues-for-japan-amid-middle-east-crisis</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/editorial-subsidies-alone-wont-solve-oil-issues-for-japan-amid-middle-east-crisis</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Growing tensions in the Middle East are threatening Japan&#039;s economy. With crude oil prices expected to remain high for an extended period, the country ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/30/20260330p2g00m0in053000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:41:02 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Editorial:, Subsidies, alone, wont, solve, oil, issues, for, Japan, amid, Middle, East, crisis</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Growing tensions in the Middle East are threatening Japan's economy. With crude oil prices expected to remain high for an extended period, the country]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>Rucksack of missing 11&#45;year&#45;old Kyoto boy found in mountainous area</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/rucksack-of-missing-11-year-old-kyoto-boy-found-in-mountainous-area</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/rucksack-of-missing-11-year-old-kyoto-boy-found-in-mountainous-area</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A rucksack belonging to an 11-year-old boy who has been missing since March 23 in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, was found Sunday in a mountainous area of ​​the… ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:38:04 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Rucksack, missing, 11-year-old, Kyoto, boy, found, mountainous, area</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A rucksack belonging to an 11-year-old boy who has been missing since March 23 in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, was found Sunday in a mountainous area of ​​the…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>75% of Japan&amp;apos;s prefectures boosting programs for coexistence with foreigners</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/75-of-japans-prefectures-boosting-programs-for-coexistence-with-foreigners</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/75-of-japans-prefectures-boosting-programs-for-coexistence-with-foreigners</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ Around 75 percent of Japan&#039;s prefectures have allocated funds in their initial budget proposals for the new fiscal year starting Wednesday to establish initiatives or expand existing programs… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>75, Japans, prefectures, boosting, programs, for, coexistence, with, foreigners</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Around 75 percent of Japan's prefectures have allocated funds in their initial budget proposals for the new fiscal year starting Wednesday to establish initiatives or expand existing programs…]]> </content:encoded>
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<item>
<title>JR limited express train stops after alarm warns of open door</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/jr-limited-express-train-stops-after-alarm-warns-of-open-door</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/jr-limited-express-train-stops-after-alarm-warns-of-open-door</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ A limited express train that left Yamanashi Prefecture for Tokyo ran with an open door on Saturday, the transport ministry said, classifying the case as a serious incident.… ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://japantoday.com/images/japan-today-social.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:06:07 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>limited, express, train, stops, after, alarm, warns, open, door</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[A limited express train that left Yamanashi Prefecture for Tokyo ran with an open door on Saturday, the transport ministry said, classifying the case as a serious incident.…]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Man in north Japan in critical condition after eating toxic monkshood plant</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/man-in-north-japan-in-critical-condition-after-eating-toxic-monkshood-plant</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/man-in-north-japan-in-critical-condition-after-eating-toxic-monkshood-plant</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO -- A man in his 50s living in the Aomori Prefecture county of Higashitsugaru is in critical condition after he reportedly consumed monkshood, a ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Man, north, Japan, critical, condition, after, eating, toxic, monkshood, plant</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO -- A man in his 50s living in the Aomori Prefecture county of Higashitsugaru is in critical condition after he reportedly consumed monkshood, a]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>Japan PM considering top&#45;level talks with Iran if in national interest</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-considering-top-level-talks-with-iran-if-in-national-interest</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/japan-pm-considering-top-level-talks-with-iran-if-in-national-interest</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday she will consider holding talks with the Iranian leadership at an &quot;appropriate&quot; ti ]]></description>
<enclosure url="https://cdn.mainichi.jp/vol1/2026/03/30/20260330p2g00m0na040000p/0c10.jpg" length="49398" type="image/jpeg"/>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:01:06 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>Japan, considering, top-level, talks, with, Iran, national, interest</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday she will consider holding talks with the Iranian leadership at an "appropriate" ti]]> </content:encoded>
</item>

<item>
<title>White Sox&amp;apos;s Murakami joins Guardians&amp;apos; DeLauter in exclusive club with HRs in first 3 MLB games</title>
<link>https://konnichiwa.today/white-soxs-murakami-joins-guardians-delauter-in-exclusive-club-with-hrs-in-first-3-mlb-games</link>
<guid>https://konnichiwa.today/white-soxs-murakami-joins-guardians-delauter-in-exclusive-club-with-hrs-in-first-3-mlb-games</guid>
<description><![CDATA[ MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox and Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians have accomplished something in the last wee ]]></description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:01:05 +0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator>Tomas Kauer - News Writer and Moderator</dc:creator>
<media:keywords>White, Soxs, Murakami, joins, Guardians, DeLauter, exclusive, club, with, HRs, first, MLB, games</media:keywords>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox and Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians have accomplished something in the last wee]]> </content:encoded>
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