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Spain’s Embassy in Japan has stirred debate on social media after publishing a warning to Spanish travellers about theft laws in the country, with many users criticising the tone and implications of the message. The tweet, posted this week, cautioned that what may seem “unimportant” -such as taking items without paying- is considered a serious crime in Japan and can lead to significant legal consequences. The message urged visitors to “enjoy your trip with respect and responsibility,” but quickly triggered a wave of reactions online. A large number of replies questioned the framing of the warning, with some users sarcastically…

India has stepped up its regional diplomatic outreach in Japan with a series of high-level meetings in Osaka, underscoring growing interest in strengthening ties with one of the country’s most dynamic economic regions. India’s Ambassador to Japan, Nagma M. Mallick, met with Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura to discuss avenues for closer cooperation between Osaka Prefecture and India, with a focus on economic, technological and regional exchange. During the visit, the ambassador also held talks with Osaka Prefectural Assembly Speaker Katsunori Kinjo, expressing appreciation for the Assembly’s India–Japan Friendship Association and its role in strengthening bilateral ties at the subnational level.…

Ambassador Lucy Duncan hosted a reception at her residence in Tokyo bringing together Pacific Islands ambassadors to formally welcome two new diplomatic appointments in Japan: Australia’s new ambassador, H.E. Andrew Shearer, and Fiji’s new ambassador, H.E. Kemueli Naiqama. The meeting gathered representatives of Pacific Island nations based in Tokyo in a gesture of regional coordination and continuity. The event highlighted the importance of maintaining close diplomatic ties among members of the Pacific Islands Forum. Discussions centred on shared priorities in the region, including economic resilience, maritime security, and climate-related challenges, areas where Pacific states and Japan have increasingly aligned interests.…

The embassy of Mexico has issued a reminder to travelers about the importance of preserving the integrity of their passports, warning that unofficial stamps can render the document invalid. According to guidance shared by Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, passports are official documents and must not be altered under any circumstances. Adding decorative or tourist stamps —often offered at temples, landmarks or transport hubs— may be considered a modification that compromises their legal validity. Authorities caution that such alterations could lead to serious travel disruptions. Airlines and immigration officials may refuse boarding or deny entry if a passport is deemed damaged…

In a vibrant celebration of academic exchange and cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of Belgium in Japan, in collaboration with BLCCJ Starters, hosted a formal welcome reception for the latest cohort of Belgian exchange students arriving in the Land of the Rising Sun.The event, which has become a cherished tradition within the local community, served as much more than a simple orientation. It provided a strategic platform for these young ambassadors to connect with established professionals and members of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ).Through a series of insightful presentations and a networking cocktail, the students were introduced to…

The Norway-Japan Society will once again support the annual Norway Friendship Yacht Race, set to take place on April 19 in Enoshima, bringing together members of the international community in a setting that blends sport, diplomacy and coastal leisure. Hosted in collaboration with the Enoshima Yacht Club, the event offers participants the opportunity to experience the race from onboard vessels, departing from the historic sailing hub just south of Tokyo. Now in its latest edition, the race has become a recurring fixture in the Norway–Japan cultural calendar, fostering informal exchanges between professionals, diplomats and members of both communities. Participants will…

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo has issued a renewed warning to American citizens regarding Japan’s strict regulations on CBD products, cautioning travelers against bringing such items into the country. While some CBD products are technically legal in Japan, authorities enforce a zero-tolerance policy on THC, meaning that even trace amounts — commonly found in products sold abroad — can result in legal consequences. As a result, embassy officials advise that the safest option is to avoid carrying CBD altogether when entering Japan. Under Japanese law, all forms of marijuana and THC remain illegal, including for medical purposes. This extends to…

A pre-departure event scheduled later this month in Tokyo will bring together Japanese students preparing to study in Sweden and alumni who have already experienced academic life there, reflecting a steady rise in educational exchange between the two countries. Organized with the support of the Embassy of Sweden in Japan, the initiative aims to provide practical guidance to outgoing students while fostering direct interaction with peers who have studied abroad. Embassy representatives will offer advice on residence permits and daily life, alongside presentations from alumni sharing first-hand academic and professional experiences. The event, set to take place on April 23…

The Consulate General of Peru in Tokyo has finalized the establishment of four strategic voting centers to facilitate the 2026 Peruvian General Elections on Sunday, April 12. This logistical operation ensures that the Peruvian diaspora, a significant community within Japan’s international landscape, can exercise its democratic rights. The polling stations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., serving eligible citizens across various prefectures, from Hokkaido to Shizuoka. To manage the turnout efficiently, the consulate has decentralized the process across four key hubs. The Belle Salle Shiodome in Tokyo will accommodate the largest demographic, covering the capital and northern…

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Tokyo transformed into a vibrant cultural hub to host international superstars Jakub Józef Orliński and Michał Biel. Organized by the Polish Cultural Institute in collaboration with the music agency Tempo Primo, the press conference introduced the celebrated countertenor and pianist to the Japanese public ahead of their highly anticipated debut tour in the country. The duo’s upcoming performances at the Hyogo Performing Arts Center and the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre served as the focal point of the gathering. Guests were treated to a live preview of Purcell’s songs from their 2026 album If…