The Japanese city is “beautifying” itself ahead of hosting the World Expo — not by planting flowers, but by banning cigarettes.

Osaka mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama says the ban will make city ‘safe’. Meanwhile the Osaka region is extending a ban on smoking in restaurants.

The Japanese city of Osaka on Monday imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year's World Expo.

In a study on public psychology with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from Osaka University found no significant differences among regions of Japan regarding either risk perception or infection-prevention behaviors during the “state of emergency,

Smoke rises from a fire site at a commercial building near a famous tourist landmark Tsutenkaku Tower, in Osaka, Japan, January 21, 2025. Kyodo/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN.

Exploring Osaka for the first time—food, fashion, and fitness all in one vlog. From trying authentic Japanese cuisine to discovering the latest fashion trends and staying active in the city, this journey showcases the best of what Osaka has to offer.

My trip included exploring the "golden triangle" of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with day trips to nearby destinations like Nikko, Mount Fuji, Nara, and Himeji. It also included visits to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island, and a week in central Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s goal of getting the annual budget passed – and perhaps the fate of his own political future – is shaping up to be a multi-billion-dollar battle for votes from two mid-sized opposition parties.

Travel well in Osaka, Koyasan and Nara with our ultimate Japan travel guide! We spent a few incredible days exploring Japan’s Kansai region, unearthing some of the very best things to see, do and eat.

Discover the Hungarian Pavilion at Expo 2025, blending architecture, culture, and sustainability in a unique immersive experience.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who is on a four-day visit to Japan to seek investment for the state, visited the Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto on Friday. Show Full Article Invest in Trusted Journalism Your support helps us deliver unbiased,

Every winter Mount Rokko adds a snow park to its many leisure facilities. A short train ride and cable car from downtown Kobe City, Rokko snow park offers beginner-level skiing and snowing facilities, as well as a dedicated play slopes. They also rent snow gear, so there’s no need to layer up on the trip there.