Recent Articles from MerxWire

Japan’s ongoing demographic decline continues to reshape its labor market, with the number of foreign workers reaching a record 2.57 million. Labor-intensive industries such as manufacturing and services remain the primary sectors employing overseas workers. Foreign workers now make up 4.1% of Japan's total workforce. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - As Japan’s labor...

As the global share of internet users continues to rise, demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and real-time data services is expanding in parallel. Data centres and cloud infrastructure are rapidly becoming key indicators of national digital competitiveness. As billions of people worldwide increasingly rely on digital services, data centres that provide computation must...

In 2025, Japan’s print publishing market dips below ¥1 trillion. Magazines face sharp declines, yet readers continue to favor and visit bookstores for paper books. Japan’s print publishing market falls below ¥1 trillion as magazine sales plunge. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - Japan’s print publishing market is projected to fall below the ¥1...

In an era of rapid geopolitical transformation, the passport has evolved into a primary symbol of national soft power and diplomatic stability. The latest Henley Passport Index reveals a significant redistribution of global mobility: the ascent of Asian and Middle Eastern powers, contrasted by a relative decline among Western nations. This trend is progressively carving...

Japan’s ready-made meal market has surpassed ¥11 trillion, showing growing consumer demand. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative advises consumers to balance convenience with food quality. Ready-made meals have become one of the fastest-growing categories in supermarket sales. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - Japan’s supermarket ready-made meal market continues to expand. According to the 2025...

The organizer Sammy Liu & Jane Liu and the competitors. (Photo via Taiwan Dance Organisation) TAIPEI, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) - The annual highlight of the ballroom dance calendar—the 2026 Asian Dance Tour – Taipei Open—will light up Taipei Arena on February 27–28. The world’s only traveling ballroom dance series re-turns to Taipei for the 15th time,...

Japan’s cedar pollen season is approaching, with high concentrations expected in eastern and northern regions. Travelers are advised to wear protective gear and monitor daily pollen forecasts. Japan’s pollen season is approaching, and overseas travelers are advised to prepare allergy protection in advance. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - Japan’s Ministry of the Environment...

Hokkaido faces record-breaking snowfall, paralyzing transport and stranding travelers. Visitors are advised to monitor flights, check local traffic, and dress warmly. Heavy snowfall has hit many parts of Japan, and overseas travelers are advised to check transportation updates. (Photo via MERXWIRE) HOKKAIDO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - Hokkaido experienced record-breaking snowfall on January 25, with Sapporo receiving...

As Valentine’s Day approaches, department stores across Japan are rolling out chocolate-themed promotions, but this year’s celebrations come with a bitter note. High cocoa prices are driving demand for small, premium chocolates this Valentine’s Day. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - With Valentine’s Day drawing near, Japan’s major department stores have begun their annual...

Obedience does not equal intelligence. While canine IQ has long been defined by a dog’s willingness to follow commands, the latest scientific research reveals that true brilliance lies in social cognition and problem-solving skills, proving that brain volume is not the key to canine intellect. Dogs possess remarkable social learning capabilities, even acquiring new vocabulary...

Rising prices and food waste concerns shadow Japan’s Setsubun ehomaki tradition. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative urges consumers to pre-order, share, and buy responsibly. Many convenience stores are displaying flyers to promote pre-orders of "ehomaki sushi rolls". (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - As Japan’s New Year holidays end, the country prepares for the traditional...

Japan’s tourism sector has reached a historic milestone, as international visitor arrivals surged past 40 million in 2025, setting a new annual record and highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a top global travel destination. Japan breaks monthly and annual records for foreign tourist arrivals. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - According to the...

Labor shortages and rising wages are driving Japan’s shift to self-checkout and unmanned stores, making automated shopping an increasingly common part of daily life. Many Japanese stores expanding overseas also use self-checkout. (Photo via MERXWIRE) TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) - Structural issues such as a declining birthrate and an aging population are reshaping how Japanese consumers...

A recent international survey indicates that global economic and social risks are on the rise. The interplay of economic confrontation, social polarisation, and environmental challenges is impacting prices, employment, and structural stability, leaving the future landscape fraught with uncertainty. According to the World Economic Forum survey, the global landscape in 2026 is expected to be...

The World Happiness Report 2025 compiles subjective assessments of life satisfaction from people around the world and finds that happiness is shaped not only by economic performance, but also by social support systems and a sense of everyday security. Global happiness is influenced not only by economic outcomes, but also by stable social support, health...

With record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists visiti...

The proportion of underweight women among Japan’s young...

Mochi is frequently served during the New Year period, ...

Flexible working hours are increasingly seen as a solut...

Japan will restrict mercury-containing fluorescent lamp...

Group photo of industry experts during ACML 2025, featu...

With food prices hitting record highs, Japanese familie...

New psychological findings reveal that interacting with...

HUALIEN, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) - Hualien continues to stren...

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To celebrate the 140th anniversary of Japanese station ...

Japan is currently grappling with a significant surge i...

Multiple chemical compounds originating from everyday h...

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Japan's healthy snack market is not just growing, it's ...

Japan's healthy snack market is not just growing, it's ...

The number of visitors to Japan exceeded 30 million in ...

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The European Art Editors and Awards Club (EAEAC) welcom...

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The sharp rise in chicken prices has had a significant ...

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AI-driven deepfake fraud is rapidly increasing, threate...

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Japanese animated films have evolved from cultural prod...

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In 2024, box office revenue for Japanese-made films hit...

The FIRE trend is sweeping through Generation Z, with y...

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Fans Door boosts brand reputation on social media throu...

Smartphones have profoundly changed people's lives and ...

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Unmanned stores are rapidly emerging across Japan, with...

The health app market is growing rapidly, and the deman...

Tulips, renowned for their elegant appearance and vibra...