NHK has learned the Japanese government will likely boost economic aid for remote, inhabited islands close to the country's maritime borders.
Seventy-one remote islands have the government's special designation as areas that should be kept inhabited to help protect Japan's territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.
When cooking steak at home, lean meat is a recommended choice.
Parts labeled as "beef round" ("momo") or "rump" ("rampu") are lean meat fit for steak. While the round is simple and light, the rump covering the hip to the rump is richer and softer.
Flower farmers in Japan are facing a difficult time as the coronavirus outbreak dampens demand for flowers.
The Sukiya restaurant chain has decided to sell carnations for Mother's Day at about 700 of their 2,000 beef bowl restaurants across Japan.
A Japanese industry group that manages the Kobe beef brand has expressed sadness about the death of US basketball star Kobe Bryant, whose name is said to come from the famous meat product.
Tetsunori Tanimoto of the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association said he was shocked to hear Bryant had been killed in a helicopter accident.