Japan's weather officials will stop observations of about 90 percent of plants and animals that have continued for nearly 70 years.
The Meteorological Agency began observing the flowering of plants and the first chirping of animals in 1953 to report changes in season and climate.
NHK has learned that Japan's immigration authority will allow some foreigners who have refused deportation orders to stay with family members or supporters, outside of government facilities, if they meet certain conditions.
The Immigration Services Agency is working on a draft revision of the laws on immigration and deportation.
Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has instructed his Cabinet to accelerate work to submit a bill to set up a new government agency in charge of digitalization during the Diet session that opens early next year.
The first meeting on one of the prime minister's signature policies was held on Wednesday. All the Cabinet ministers took part.
Olympic hammer throwing gold medalist Murofushi Koji is assuming the post of Japan's Sports Agency commissioner.
The education and sports ministry said on Friday that Murofushi will replace current commissioner Suzuki Daichi on October 1.
Japan's Meteorological Agency has apologized for a false earthquake alert issued for a wide area of eastern Japan on Thursday, blaming it on a technical glitch.
At around 9:38 a.m., the agency issued the alert for a strong earthquake that would hit Tokyo and its surrounding regions of Kanto, Koshin-etsu and Tokai, as well as Fukushima Prefecture, with an expected intensity of 4 to 5-plus on a scale of 0 to 7. It was said to be centered in the Pacific Ocean, south of the Boso Peninsula, near Tokyo.
Japan's leading talent agency, Johnny & Associates, will supply thousands of pieces of medical gear to hospitals struggling with the coronavirus pandemic and suffering a chronic shortage of such equipment.
The agency says it is making use of the ties it has fostered with the Chinese people over the years to purchase equipment from the country.
On March 23, actress Kuriyama Chiaki (35) opened her official Twitter account and announced that she has left her agency that she belonged to for 30 years. According to persons concerned, the actress left the agency on March 10 and will be launching her own office.
Kuriyama tweeted, "At this time, I, Kuriyama Chiaki, have left Space Craft Entertainment and will be going independent. I am only grateful to the agency that has guided me for 30 years."
Japan's Imperial Household Agency says Emperor Emeritus Akihito fainted on Wednesday evening.
Agency officials say the 86-year-old Emperor Emeritus fell at his residence in the Imperial Palace compound.
On January 22, 'Bunshun Online' reported that actor Higashide Masahiro (31) and wife, actress Anne (33) are currently separated. On the same day, Higashide's agency confirmed the reports, stating, "We've confirmed that the things that have been written [in the article] are almost all true," then continued, "However, we have heard that the separation is not a step toward divorce, but a cooling-off period in order to mend their relationship."
According to 'Bunshun Online,' the couple have separated and is on the verge of a divorce. More details are published on 'Shukan Bunshun' reporting on Higashide's affair with a minor and photographs of the actor together with an 'innocent actress.'