Business & Economy
Japan Switches Tourist Tax-Free Shopping to Refunds
Since November 1, eligible visitors have paid tax-inclusive prices at participating shops, then become eligible for a refund after departure customs verifies the goods are leaving Japan. The change affects travelers, retailers and airport procedures.
Source: Japan Customs / 税関
JAL Revenue Hits a Post-Relisting High as Profit Falls 42%
Japan Airlines reported ¥1.099 trillion in April–September revenue, up 11.7%, but net profit declined 42.2% to about ¥39 billion. Higher fuel costs and a weak yen squeezed margins despite strong travel demand.
Source: JAL Group financial release
Mitsui Fudosan Bets on a British Library Development in London
Mitsui Fudosan is pursuing a major mixed-use property project on land associated with the British Library, with completion reported for 2032. The investment reflects Japanese developers’ international ambitions and the appeal—and risk—of central London projects.
Source: The Japan Times, Nov. 2
Science & Technology
Japanese Study Links Hot Nights to Cardiac-Arrest Admissions
A Science Tokyo analysis of 2011–2021 national data found a 9% higher risk of emergency hospitalization following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest associated with nighttime heat after accounting for daytime conditions. The observational finding supports attention to overnight heat exposure.
Source: 東京科学大学 / Institute of Science Tokyo
DYRK2 Emerges as a Possible Target Against Cancer Drug Resistance
Researchers including Shinshu University found that suppressing DYRK2 reduced growth of experimental Hedgehog-driven tumor cells resistant to the SMO inhibitor vismodegib. Published October 28, the work identifies a laboratory-stage drug target rather than an available therapy.
Source: 信州大学 / Shinshu University
Two Blood Tests Sharpen Colorectal Cancer Recurrence-Risk Assessment
In the National Cancer Center Japan’s prospective PRECISION study, preoperative genomic profiling combined with a postoperative molecular-residual-disease test better stratified recurrence risk after surgery for distant colorectal-cancer metastases. A high-risk combination was associated with a hazard ratio of 13.28, not a prediction of certain recurrence.
Source: National Cancer Center Japan
Communities
Wakayama City Offers a 10% Bonus for Spending Locally
Hashimoto began selling premium digital currency on November 2: a ¥10,000 charge yields ¥11,000 of spending power, but the ¥1,000 bonus is restricted to eligible local merchants. The ¥220 million program is a case study in directing consumer activity toward local business.
Source: 橋本市 / Hashimoto City
Sports
Akie Sakuma Wins by One Stroke, Sets Bogey-Free Streak Record
Akie Sakuma won the Higuchi Hisako Mitsubishi Electric Ladies tournament at 15-under 201, one stroke ahead of Sakura Koiwai. Her 114 consecutive holes without a bogey set a tour record, giving the win significance beyond the leaderboard.
Source: Kyodo / Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun
Yokohama F. Marinos Beat Kawasaki 4–2 in Kanagawa Derby
Yokohama F. Marinos defeated Kawasaki Frontale 4–2 on November 1 at Nissan Stadium in front of 40,738 fans. The six-goal contest underscores the regional rivalry’s continued power to fill stadiums.
Source: J.League official match result
Hiroshima Edges Shimane 74–73 in B.League Thriller
Hiroshima Dragonflies won 74–73 away against Shimane Susanoo Magic on November 1 before 4,687 fans in Matsue. The one-point result was one of the weekend’s closest contests in Japan’s B.League Premier competition.
Source: B.League official box score
Culture
Ghibli Exhibition Opens in Saga, Tracing Television’s Role in Film Culture
The Friday Road Show and Ghibli exhibition opened November 3 at the Saga Prefectural Art and History museums and runs through February 14, 2027. It explores how television broadcasts helped popularize Studio Ghibli films. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Source: Studio Ghibli official exhibition page
Kyoto Art Students Investigate “UFOs” Hiding in Plain Sight
Kyoto University of the Arts announced a November 16–28 exhibition in which first-year art-production students and the collective Fukusanbutsusanten investigate unfamiliar objects around campus. The playful concept uses UFO and cryptid language to encourage close observation, not to report paranormal discoveries.
Source: 京都芸術大学芸術館
Cincinnati Museum’s European Masterpieces Remain on View in Tokyo
The Ueno Royal Museum’s exhibition of 84 European artworks from the Cincinnati Art Museum continues through January 10, 2027. Works associated with artists such as Monet and Renoir offer visitors a look at European art collected in the United States. The exhibition opened October 10 and is not a new November event.
Source: Go Tokyo official tourism arts listing
What was left out
Two proposed briefs were omitted: the Akita–Vietnam landslide-control visit and a profile of a teacher with hearing loss in Kyushu. The available evidence did not adequately substantiate the specific developments for publication in this edition.
Sources and editorial method
Each of the 13 items links directly to an official source or accountable reporting. Preference was given to customs and corporate disclosures, universities, municipalities, sports leagues, and exhibition organizers. No original onsite reporting or interviews were conducted for this digest.