Japan is one of the destinations for the relokanty who left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, also due to the presence of a group of compatriots particularly committed to the opposition to Putin and to the demonstrations in favour of peace.

The prestigious award, considered the ‘Nobel of religions’, was awarded this year to an international NGO founded in 2009 and active in dozens of Muslim-majority countries for the promotion of women's rights. ‘It strengthens peaceful coexistence by creating a basis for interfaith dialogue’. The award will be presented in Tokyo on 14 May.

After the slowdown of the pandemic years (and smart working), the number of arrivals in 2024 from other prefectures returned to 2019 levels. Still, despite the Ishiba government’s “revitalisation” plans, non-metropolitan areas continue to lose residents.

The number of suicides among Japanese minors is up despite an overall drop. The PIME missionary runs an outreach centre for hikikomori, people who pull back from society, including minors, victims of bullying and crushed by the pressure to excel.

Rising costs for ingredients and labour are pushing ramen eateries over the edge. According to Teikoku Databank, 34 per cent reported losses in the last fiscal year. Price rises are now inevitable, even if many Japanese seem unwilling to spend more for Japan’s food par excellence.

In his address at the ceremony in Oslo, 92-year-old Terumi Tanaka warned: “[T]here are 4,000 nuclear warheads, ready to be launched immediately.” This means that, “Any one of you could become either a victim or a perpetrator, at any time.”