Japan 115 news

CTAO North Adds Four Telescopes in La Palma

Four giant telescopes will be inaugurated on La Palma on 15 October 2026. Construction is ending, but commissioning and formal acceptance will determine when they begin scientific operations.

Spain's 10-Year Bond Yield Hits 13-Year High

Spain's Treasury paid 4.176% to sell 10-year debt at its 1 October auction. Global pressure is pushing up sovereign yields, but Madrid says Spain's own risk remains well below 2013 levels.

Alonso retires in Baku as Honda rejects engine failure

Fernando Alonso retired on lap 21 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after reporting a sharp loss of straight-line speed. Honda says its data showed no engine fault and that it will review the car, power output and energy management.

Mike Leigh takes San Sebastián top prize for his final film

Mike Leigh's Tender Loving Care won the Golden Shell at San Sebastián. The film also received awards for its screenplay and lead performance, while José Luis Rebordinos received a standing ovation at his final edition as festival director.

Olive oil is still the real gold of the Mediterranean

For more than two thousand years, olive oil has been basic to Mediterranean life. Its story runs from ancient Roman trade to today's global markets, shaping land and tradition, and stirring suspicion. Its influence keeps growing.

BepiColombo Faces Pivotal Maneuver Ahead of Mercury Arrival

After nearly a decade and nine planetary flybys, BepiColombo is preparing for a high-risk maneuver: separating its transfer module before the final approach to Mercury. The mission’s science work is not due to begin until 2027, but the next steps are impressive.

Toyota Joins Volvo and Daimler to Double Hydrogen Fuel Cell Lifespan

Toyota has signed a binding agreement with Volvo and Daimler Truck to become an equal partner in cellcentric, aiming to accelerate hydrogen fuel cell development for heavy transport. The new system promises twice the durability and improved efficiency, with a European rollout planned after 2026.

22,000 Join La Tomatina in Buñol Amid Red-Tinged Festivities

Buñol hosted 22,000 people for La Tomatina, where participants threw 150 tons of tomatoes. Most were international visitors. Four people received medical attention after a pepper spray incident. The event also introduced new accessibility measures.

China Becomes First to Approve New Narcolepsy Drug Ahead of US and Japan

China has authorized Orzeyful, a new treatment for narcolepsy type 1, becoming the first country to approve it. Based on two international trials, the drug is approved for patients aged 16 and older and takes a new approach by restoring orexin signaling, setting it apart from existing therapies.

Japan’s 600-Year-Old Tree Pruning Method That Keeps Forests Alive

In the forests near Kyoto, a centuries-old method called Daisugi allows wood to be harvested from living cedar trees. This approach produces straight, knot-free timber while preserving the original tree for generations. Tradition and necessity shaped this sustainable forestry practice.