Japan

Japan's largest oil refiner, Eneos Holdings, plans to expand its team for oil-derivative trading at overseas offices including Singapore. This initiative aims to boost its presence in major trading hubs amid high volatility in oil markets at the start of the year.

3 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Japan has begun a five-week experiment to extract rare earth minerals from the deep seabed off Minamitorishima Island, aiming to reduce reliance on China for critical materials. The project, aboard the research vessel Chikyu, marks the first prolonged collection effort at such depths and highlights tensions between energy security and environmental risks. Officials hope it will support Japan's carbon neutrality goals by 2050 while bolstering industrial competitiveness.

Global companies from McDonald’s to Lego, Gucci, and Amtrak are increasingly using anime and manga to promote products and convey corporate messages, drawn to the global appeal and low-risk nature of the Japanese art form.

3 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Five Indonesian women working as technical interns in Kumamoto received certificates of appreciation from the Kumamoto Minami Police Station chief for rescuing an elderly woman in her 80s. The incident occurred on January 15 in Minami Ward, where the women pulled the victim from a waterway and ensured her warmth before calling emergency services.