Japan 'robot wolves' in high demand to scare off bears
A Japanese company making ferocious-looking robot wolves is being swamped by orders after record numbers of fatal bear attacks on humans last year.
Ink shortage turns snacks black-and-white
The packaging on some snacks is turning a sombre black-and-white, as the conflict in Iran disrupts the supply of an ingredient used in coloured ink..
50,000 bear sightings in past year
A record number of bears were sighted and killed in Japan in the 12 months to March this year, preliminary government data showed.
‘Monster Wolf’ bytes back at bears, pests
The demand for a wolf-shaped robot developed by a Hokkaido-based machine parts manufacturer has surged amid an increase in bear attacks and sightings.
Fatal bear attack confirmed as sightings surge
The country confirmed the first fatal bear attack of 2026 after a record 13 deaths last year, with reports pointing to a jump in sightings as the animals emerge hungry from hibernation.
First Russian oil arrives since Iran warFirst Russian oil arrives since Iran war
Delivery of its first shipment of oil from Russia has been received since global supplies were choked off by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the Iran war, reports said.
All bases covered in deals
THE prime ministers of Japan and Australia have agreed to deepen cooperation in a wide range of areas including energy security, defence and critical minerals as the Iran conflict threatens global supply chains.
High school students injured in head-on crash
More than a dozen people, including 10 junior high school students, were injured following a head-on crash between a van and a minivan in the western city of Hikone in Shiga Prefecture, police said.
Iwate wildfire brought under control after 11 days
Wildfires that scorched forests in northern Japan, reportedly the second biggest in over 30 years, have been brought under control after 11 days, officials have said.
Lethal arms sales end pacifist era
THE country has shed its long-pacifist self-imposed ban on lethal weaponry exports, gunning for a prominent place in the global defence trade – a challenging feat that analysts say could take years to achieve.
