Japanese News

[2026 Update] A comprehensive guide to determining whether you need to file an inheritance tax return. The number of taxable estates is rising due to the reduction of the basic deduction! We clearly explain key topics—such as the "7-year rule" for lifetime gifting, situations where a return is required even if the tax due is zero, and three inheritance planning strategies you can implement right now.

“Specialty buyback stores” are proliferating at a rate even faster than convenience stores. While they are attracting attention due to the expansion of the reuse market and franchise (FC) systems that allow even inexperienced entrepreneurs to enter the industry, serious risks—such as competition for inventory and cash flow shortages—lurk behind the scenes. This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of everything from the background behind the rapid growth of buyback stores to the five pitfalls that new entrants often fall into, as well as the key factors that distinguish success from failure.

“Disney’s Price Hikes Show No Signs of Stopping.” “Is the Loss of Customers Real?” Based on the latest financial results and visitor trends, this article provides a thorough analysis of the story behind Tokyo Disney Resort’s “high-pricing strategy.” We examine the reality of its performance in the era of 12,000-yen tickets and explore the future risks posed by the decline in young visitors.

Is the 79.8 billion yen in losses from social media-based investment scams in the first half of 2026 really not the “worst on record”? We provide a thorough explanation of when losses actually peaked, the latest and increasingly sophisticated scams, and typical scam scenarios involving YouTube and LINE. We’ll also share specific steps you can take right now to protect your hard-earned assets.

This report examines the tough reality facing Okinawa’s “Junglia” theme park one year after its opening. We’ll conduct a thorough analysis—accompanied by genuine feedback from viewers—covering everything from the factors behind its slumping attendance, such as the challenges of its location, the mismatch with the surrounding natural environment, and the suspension of its flagship attractions, to the park’s prospects for recovery.

Serious concerns about data privacy are behind the fact that 40% of ChatGPT users are leaving the platform. As the “convenience vs. personal information” dichotomy begins to crumble, we’ll explain the “privacy-first innovation” that companies and products must embrace, along with the key to earning trust.

This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the “Social Insurance Tax on Financial Income from Designated Accounts,” a policy decided in May 2024. It thoroughly covers everything from the mechanism behind this “stealth tax hike” that begins for those aged 75 and older, to the extent of the increase in social insurance premiums, the impact on NISA, and four practical steps individuals can take to mitigate the effects.

In this era of extreme yen weakness—with the dollar trading at 163 yen—we explain three key points ordinary people should understand to protect their livelihoods from rising prices. We’ll clearly explain why you should steadfastly continue index investing during periods of yen weakness, the importance of holding foreign-currency-denominated assets, and how to optimize your spending right now.

Akira Toriyama and Go Nagai have been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Eisner Awards, the most prestigious comic book awards in the United States! We’ll explain the details of these awards—often referred to as the “Academy Awards of the comic book world”—as well as the overwhelming impact that the global hits *Dragon Ball* and *Mazinger Z* have had on overseas pop culture, and highlight past Japanese winners.

A thorough explanation of why Saizeriya continues to close stores in central Tokyo. We’ll take a detailed look at the background behind this strategy—including soaring rent, the company’s unique business philosophy of “not raising prices,” and the decision to withdraw from the market even amid strong performance.