Yahoo! Japan
09:16
THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Japan for 21.05.2026.
It displays 30 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
21.05.2026 ⇢ The Day the National Power Study Group Swallowed Itself
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The day's dominant story was the launch of the 'National Power Study Group' by LDP lawmakers supporting PM Takaichi, which unexpectedly swelled to over 340 members as non-mainstream factions joined to dilute its impact. Coverage in Asahi, Mainichi, and TBS highlighted low enthusiasm and the risk of the group becoming a 'party within a party,' with some calling it a one-off event. Separately, the Tochigi robbery-murder case continued to develop, with police revealing that the coordinating couple had recruited a high school student to gather accomplices. In the evening, Nvidia's earnings beat expectations, driving the Nikkei up over 3% and briefly above 62,000 yen. The day also saw reports of a possible Xi Jinping visit to North Korea next week, and the US indictment of Cuba's Raul Castro over a 1996 plane downing.
21.05.2026
09:16
09:16
10:07
10:07⇢The Heatstroke Verdict
⌨The newspapers report on a court ruling that rejected a lawsuit by a first-grade girl who asked for tea during a school trip and later was hospitalized for heatstroke, sparking debate on school safety (Sankei Shimbun). Separately, Nvidia's 85% revenue jump and CEO's prediction of billions of AI agents dominate business coverage (Nikkei Asia, Nikkei Shimbun).
11:16
11:16
最大約2千隻の中国漁船が、東シナ海で2024年10月以降、少なくとも4回、巨大な「壁」をつくる特異な行動を繰り返していることがわかった。うち2回は中国軍が台湾を包囲する軍事演習の前後に行われていた。専門家は、中国の「海上民兵」が航路を妨害し…
11:16
11:33
11:33⇢Xi's Pyongyang Visit Imminent
⌨The newspapers report on a possible Xi Jinping visit to North Korea next week for talks with Kim Jong Un, as reported by South Korea's Yonhap (Sankei Shimbun). Separately, a man sprayed a transparent liquid at a police station in Hiratsuka, injuring six officers (TBS News).
11:49
11:49
Kyodo News
Nikkei surges over 3% after Trump says deal with Iran in "final stages"
The Nikkei stock index surged over 3 percent on Thursday, as hopes for a settlement in the Middle East grew after U.
11:49
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12:00
China's 'impression' and US leader's rhetoric reflect fragile bilateral stability
12:00
12:30
12:30
Kyodo News
Tokyo stocks surge, Nikkei up 3%, on Middle East hopes
Tokyo stocks surged on Thursday, with the Nikkei stock index up over 3 percent, as hopes for a settlement in the Middle East conflict grew after U.
12:30
12:36
12:36
Kyodo News
Japan's oil imports from Middle East plunge to record low in April
Japan's crude oil imports from the Middle East plunged over 67 percent in volume in April from a year earlier, the lowest single-month level on record, government data showed Thursday, underscoring severe supply disruptions caused by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
12:36
12:50
12:50⇢Middle East Oil Plunge
⌨The newspapers report on Middle East tensions driving supply chain shifts: Japan's oil imports from the Middle East hit a record low in April (Kyodo News English), while convenience stores like FamilyMart and Lawson adapt packaging to reduce costs (Sankei Shimbun). Separately, the Tochigi robbery-murder case continues with new details on the mastermind's recruitment (TBS News, Yomiuri Shimbun).
13:58
13:58
Tactic for dodging tariffs and easing trade tensions could raise costs, compliance risks
13:58
15:30
15:30⇢Mt. Fuji Rescue Fee Ordinance
⌨The newspapers report on a proposed ordinance by Yamanashi Governor Nagasaki to charge rescue costs to climbers on Mt. Fuji during the closed season, highlighting concerns over reckless climbing (Sankei Shimbun). Separately, a court ruled the February lower house election constitutional (Yahoo News Japan).
16:24
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Danantara subsidiary to review existing contracts for coal, palm oil and nickel
16:24
17:14
17:14
Kyodo News
Japan mulls tapping 500 bil. yen for summer electricity, gas subsidies
Japan is mulling tapping some 500 billion yen ($3.
17:14
17:16
17:16
日本の国旗を傷つける行為を法律で禁じる「国旗損壊罪」の創設に向け、自民党の議論が大詰めを迎えている。長年、強くこだわってきたのは高市早苗首相だ。国旗を思う気持ちを強制することはないと主張するが、表現行為などの萎縮を招くとの指摘がある。真の狙…
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17:18⇢The National Power Study Group Rises
⌨The newspapers report on the launch of the 'National Power Study Group' by LDP lawmakers supporting PM Takaichi, with nearly 350 participants and key posts held by Kato and Hagiuda (Sankei Shimbun). Separately, the Asahi Shimbun reveals that PM Takaichi's push for a 'flag desecration law' is seen as a cost-effective political move. The Mainichi Shimbun discusses energy security amid Middle East tensions, while Nikkei Asia covers Indonesia's new export controls.
18:06
18:06
トヨタ自動車は台湾で日本向け主力乗用車の生産を始める。専用ラインを設け10月から日本へ輸出する。日本では人手不足などから増産余力が乏しく、納期待ちが深刻になっている。海外のサプライチェーン（供給網）を活用して投資リスクを分散する。
トヨタは国内生産を年300万台以上に維持する方針を掲げ、供給網を構築して技術力の確保や雇用の吸収につなげてきた。ただ人件費や物価の高騰で投資コストがかさんでおり、大手…
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Kyodo News
Japan to survey bear populations after surge in attacks on humans
The Environment Ministry will begin surveying bear populations in Japan's northeastern Tohoku region and vicinity in June by setting up about 800 cameras in mountains, it said earlier this week, following a surge in bear attacks on humans.
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20:40
20:40⇢The Faction That Swallowed Itself
⌨The newspapers report on the launch of the 'National Power Study Group' by LDP lawmakers supporting PM Takaichi, with over 340 members, but coverage in Asahi and Mainichi highlights low enthusiasm and a strategy by non-mainstream factions to join and dilute its impact. Separately, Sankei reveals that heated tobacco products may contain more carcinogens than regular cigarettes, potentially influencing passive smoking policy debates.
21:16
21:16
自民党の議員連盟「国力研究会」が21日、初会合を開いた。高市早苗首相（党総裁）を支持する議員による「主流派」形成の狙いがあったが、結果的に衆参の自民議員の8割超が加入。非主流派の抱きつき戦略もあり、当初のもくろみは早くも崩れかけている。 2…
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自民党の議員連盟「国力研究会」が21日、初会合を開いた。高市早苗首相（党総裁）を支持する議員による「主流派」形成の狙いがあったが、結果的に衆参の自民議員の8割超が加入。非主流派の抱きつき戦略もあり、当初のもくろみは早くも崩れかけている。 2…
22:16
23:09
23:09⇢The Faction That Swallowed Itself
⌨The newspapers report on the launch of the 'National Power Study Group' by LDP lawmakers supporting PM Takaichi, with over 340 members, but coverage in Asahi, Mainichi, and TBS highlights low enthusiasm and a strategy by non-mainstream factions to join and dilute its impact. Separately, Sankei reports on Gifu governor's request to rationalize NHK subscription units.
23:19
23:19
Kyodo News
INTERVIEW: Japan envoy in China vows "best efforts" to realize leaders' summit at APEC
Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi has vowed to make his "best efforts" to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in November, to improve bilateral ties that have hit their lowest level in years.
23:19