Week of Sept. 7, 2025

Japan

Prince Hisahito is the first male royal to reach adulthood in the country in 40 years. 

Due to Japan’s male-only succession tradition, many are concerned about the future of the world’s oldest monarchy. 

Hisahito is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne and will likely become emperor, but after him, no male is left, which begs the question if the country should reverse the 19th rule that no females can serve as emperor.

Mexico

Wellness coffee is now being offered as part of the country’s “Food for Well-Being” strategy, a mission to offer nutritious and affordable food items while supporting national producers. 

Although instant coffee, which is consumed by 84 percent of residents, can contain up to 30 percent non-coffee ingredients, Wellness Coffee is a “pure product,” with no additives, colorings or artificial flavors, according to the program. 

Australia

The government this week announced its plans to ban apps used for stalking and creating deepfake nudes. 

The ban will go into effect by the end of the year, and social media platforms could get slapped with fines of up to $32 million if they don’t comply. 

“Abusive technologies are widely and easily accessible and are causing real and irreparable damage now,” Minister for Communications Anika Wells said. 

Australia also introduced the world’s first ban on minors using social media.

Canada

Famed Canadian author Margaret Atwood debuted a new short story that takes aim at the ban of her bestselling dystopian novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

Atwood said she wrote the satirical story, about two “very, very good children” in response to the province of Alberta’s education ministry ordering school libraries to get rid of “materials containing explicit sexual content,” including her 1985 novel, on which the popular Hulu series starring Elisabeth Moss is based.

Bolivia

An ancient pine tree that was struck by lightning a decade ago has become a symbol of hope. Located in a cemetery in the capital of La Paz, it is now known as the “miracle tree,” and visitors from all over the country stuff coins, flowers, sweets and notes into its bark.

With Post wires