SA’s captive lion industry remains legal despite years of promises to phase it out, say animal welfare groups

Surge in Solitary Deaths Reflects Changes in Japan’s Family Structure

The population of Japanese citizens has fallen for 16 straight years, due to both a falling birthrate and rising numbers of deaths.

• Japan's life expectancy at 87.33 years for women and 81.35 years for men.
• Population dipped below 120 million in January 2026 for first time in 42 years.
• 22,222 people died in isolation in 2025, 15,911 aged 65 and older.

1h ago ·nippon.com

Rail Congestion Edges Up in Japan, but Far from Pre-Pandemic Levels

Rail congestion rose again in Japan’s major cities in fiscal 2025, but trains are still far less packed than they were before the pandemic.

• Rail congestion in Tokyo increased to 143% in fiscal 2025, up 4 points from the previous year.
• Osaka and Nagoya congestion rates were 117% and 126%, respectively, with no change for Nagoya.
• Pre-pandemic congestion rates exceeded 160%, now around 20 points lower.

1h ago ·nippon.com

Landslide at Guinea landfill kills 30, government says

Rescue operations were continuing at the site of the landslide.

1h ago ·sabcnews.com