In 2025, Japan experienced many historic events, including the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the blockbuster movie "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie," and the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. In this article, we introduce the most talked-about news and trends in Japan in 2025.
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[2025] Big News That Made Headlines in Japan!
Here are the major news stories that made headlines in Japan in 2025, along with the most-read articles on FUN! JAPAN.
The Osaka-Kansai Expo and the Popular Character Myaku-Myaku
From Sunday, April 13 to Monday, October 13, the Osaka-Kansai Expo was held for 184 days at Yumeshima, Osaka. This was the first time in 20 years that the Expo was held in Japan since the 2005 Aichi Expo, and the second time in Osaka since the 1970 Osaka Expo. According to the official announcement, the number of visitors reached approximately 25.29 million (as of October 12, 2025), making it a huge topic both domestically and internationally. The biggest highlight was the "Grand Roof Ring," the world's largest wooden structure registered in the Guinness World Records. Both international and domestic pavilions were full of attractions, and there were many enthusiastic Expo fans who visited the venue again and again.
The official mascot, Myaku-Myaku, gained a passionate following for its adorable appearance and unique presence. Myaku-Myaku is a mysterious creature born from the fusion of cells and water, and its true identity remains shrouded in mystery. (Source: EXPO2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Official Website) Even among children, it became so popular that they respectfully called it "Myaku-Myaku-sama." Related merchandise also received high praise, and collaboration products with other popular characters became a major talking point.
The official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, Myaku-Myaku, is also a huge hit! 👉What are "Myaku-Myaku Summoning Goods"? A Thorough Guide to Their Fun and Appeal
Check out these articles about Osaka's popular gourmet food "takoyaki" and the Kansai dialect!
👉[2025 Latest] 8 Recommended Takoyaki Shops in Dotonbori and Namba, Osaka | Tried Them All!
Nintendo Switch 2 Released!
On June 5, Nintendo released the long-awaited new video game console "Nintendo Switch 2," eagerly anticipated by gamers around the world. The new model is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a larger screen, more powerful processing speed and graphics, and new play styles that have become major attractions. It has drawn in fans of the previous model and further energized the Japanese gaming market. Since it was sold through a lottery system, many fans were eager to get their hands on it and play as soon as possible.
🎮 For more articles about games, click here 👉
Japan’s All-Time Highest Temperature Shattered!
The summer of 2025 saw Japan gripped by an unprecedented heatwave, resulting in a record-breaking scorching season. This year, Japan’s all-time highest temperature was shattered. In Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, a new national record of 41.8°C was recorded. In addition, the number of locations nationwide recording extremely hot days (35°C or higher) and temperatures above 40°C broke previous records, making for an exceptionally harsh summer. Even in Hokkaido, which is usually relatively cool, a string of extremely hot days led to a surge in air conditioner orders, despite the region’s traditionally low air conditioner installation rate. This abnormal weather has also had a significant impact on agriculture, with the intense heat causing a drop in rice harvests and resulting in a sharp rise in rice prices—a situation dubbed Japan’s “Reiwa Rice Riots.” Furthermore, poor harvests of nuts in the mountains and water shortages have driven a sharp increase in bear encounters as they descended into populated areas in search of food, leading to a surge in human-wildlife conflicts.
🌻 Check out these popular articles for the hot summer:
👉13 Unique Local Ice Creams & Soft Serves from Across Japan: Types and Features Explained
Worldwide Box Office No.1! The Latest “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Movie “Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 – Akaza Returns”
On July 18, the latest film in the globally popular “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” series, “Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 – Akaza Returns,” was released, dominating headlines in the film industry. This new installment achieved phenomenal box office success, and as of September 24, 2025, it set a new record as the highest-grossing Japanese film worldwide, including Japan. The “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc” has been announced as a trilogy, and anticipation remains high among passionate fans for the remaining two films.
Where is the setting of “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”? Read the article here
🏨Book your hotel with JTB 👉Ashinomaki Onsen “Ookawaso”
Record-Breaking Number of Visitors to Japan! Recommended Facilities by FUN! JAPAN
In 2025, the number of inbound tourists to Japan soared to an all-time high, thanks in part to the weak yen and the hosting of international events. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan from January to August reached 28,383,600. This marks an astonishing 18.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Many visitors are coming to Japan for a wide range of reasons, including experiencing Japanese culture, enjoying Japanese cuisine, and making anime pilgrimages. (Source: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO))
Introducing recommended spots to experience Japanese culture! Check them out here:
Latest Trends and Fads of 2025
Here are some of the trends, "oshi-katsu" (fan activities), and sweets that became popular in Japan.
2025 Trend Ranking
Let’s look back at the words, things, foods, favorite artists/idols, actors, cosmetics, and fashion that were popular in Japan in 2025 through FUN!JAPAN articles. Check them out here:
Oshikatsu (Fan Activities)
The uniquely Japanese culture of "oshikatsu," where people actively support their favorite idols, singers, or even anime characters — their "oshi" — has become even more diverse and evolved. Activities to express love for one’s "oshi" have become a defining keyword of Japanese culture.
Check out articles related to oshikatsu here:
👉A uniquely Japanese culture!? The "oshi-katsu" boom of chasing your favorite idols and singers
👉What do "hako-oshi," "kaiwai," and "totoi" mean? A complete guide to oshi-katsu terminology!
👉"Ita-bag" is a must-have for oshi-katsu! A thorough guide to the basics and how to make one
Acai Bowl
With the growing focus on health, the popularity of healthy and colorful acai bowls has skyrocketed. Praised for both their beauty and health benefits, acai bowls have become widely available not only at Tokyo cafes but also at convenience stores.
Check out articles about acai bowls here:
👉What’s all the buzz about acai bowls? How to enjoy them & 7 popular shops in Tokyo!
Mille Crêpes
Mille crêpes, a dessert that actually originated in Japan, made a big comeback in 2025. More shops and specialty stores selling mille crêpes have opened, and it has been rediscovered amid the retro boom. Its simple structure yet beautifully layered cross-section makes it popular for sharing on social media.
Check out articles about mille crêpes that originated in Japan here:
👉How many do you know? 14 sweets and breads that actually originated in Japan
Travel Made Easy! New Tourist Spots in Tokyo and Osaka Opened in 2025
With international events and large-scale redevelopment, new landmarks have been popping up one after another. Here are some of the new spots in Tokyo and Osaka.
【2025 Latest】Summary of New Tourist Spots & Hotels Opened in Tokyo
There are many new spots that opened in Tokyo in 2025, such as TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, which is directly connected to Takanawa Station, and Fairmont Tokyo.
Check out articles with the latest information on spots that can be your base for your next trip to Tokyo here:
👉[2025 Latest] Summary of Newly Opened Tourist Attractions & Hotels in Tokyo
[2025 Latest] Newest Spots & Newly Opened Facilities in Osaka
With upcoming international events, a number of new entertainment facilities opened in Osaka City, including the new commercial complex "Umekita Green Place," Japan's premier activity park "GRAVITATE OSAKA (GODA BRIDGE)," and the country's longest suspension bridge. 2025 has brought a lot of exciting news.
For more information on the latest spots in Osaka, check out this article:
👉[2025] Summary of Osaka's Latest Spots & Newly Opened Commercial Facilities
Reference: Nintendo Official Site https://www.nintendo.com/jp/switch2/index.html
Japan Meteorological Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/2509/05b/kentoukai20250905.html
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