In December 2023, Chef Tomoyoshi Wakiya, known as the "Iron Chef of Chinese Cuisine," opened an entirely new type of Chinese restaurant in Ginza. At 65, the master of Chinese cuisine continues to embrace challenges, though he reflects on his past saying, "I was never outstanding in anything, just an ordinary person without any particular dreams." His path in culinary arts was determined by his father, a fortune teller, who believed "Tomoyoshi is accompanied by the god of food." (News On Japan)
This spring's labor negotiations will see labor unions of three major steel companies, members of the Basic Industry Workers' Federation, compile a policy proposal demanding wage increases of about 30,000 yen per month, which amounts to a base pay raise equivalent and marks the highest level in nearly 50 years. (News On Japan)
The "Study Shogi" beginner's shogi set is now available for purchase on Rakuten for 4,950 yen ⇒ 3,920 yen (tax included). This is the shogi set that even the young Shogi sensation, Sota Fujii Ryuo & Meijin, reportedly used as a child, designed for beginners to easily start playing and quickly learn the rules while having fun. (News On Japan)
In the Kyoto mayoral election, characterized by a fierce competition among five newcomers, former House of Councillors member Koichi Matsui has emerged victorious in his first attempt.
Matsui, an independent candidate endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party, Komeito, the Constitutional Democratic Party, and the Democratic Party for the People, expressed his gratitude for the challenging electoral battle. "It was a tough campaign. I am deeply grateful for the victory, but I also feel the heavy responsibility it entails," Matsui said. (News On Japan)
世界中のファンは常にスポーツを高く評価しており、それは今でもファンを結び付ける最大のものの一つ です。 (News On Japan)
The Kitakyushu edition of the travel guidebook series "The Globe-Trotter's Guide" was released on February 1st, marking a first as it dedicates an entire edition to a single city rather than a prefecture or region. This pioneering edition focuses exclusively on a city, featuring about 400 pages of detailed information on Kitakyushu’s attractions, gourmet spots, and local celebrities like the flamboyantly dressed Miyabi who gained international attention last year. (News On Japan)
Koga City in Fukuoka Prefecture has announced that the "osechi" New Year's meal boxes shipped as rewards for hometown tax donations violated national standards for local products.
The issue involved four types of "osechi" meals produced by Kasuya Town's food manufacturing company, Hisamatsu, not in Koga City but at the company’s main factory in Kasuya Town, thus breaching the guidelines for local products.
(News On Japan)
In an innovative approach to expansion, fast-food chain Burger King is set to launch the "Let's Build Burger King" campaign, inviting the public to assist in identifying vacant properties suitable for new outlets. Contributors whose suggestions lead to a new store will be rewarded with 100,000 yen. (News On Japan)
As concerns mount over aging infrastructure across Japan, six major companies including JR West, the NTT Group, and megabanks have decided to launch a new business to support local governments, by encouraging cooperation between multiple municipalities and assisting with fundraising. (News On Japan)
The Sapporo Snow Festival has commenced, with tourists already enjoying the ice and snow sculptures at Odori Park and other locations.
(News On Japan)
At "Patisserie Printemps" located within a university campus and popular among students, an environmentally friendly sweet, "Creamy Lemon Roll Cake," is available. Yui Kawachi, the person in charge at Patisserie Printemps, said, "We wanted to create a roll cake without using animal fats." (News On Japan)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani, 29, made a highly anticipated appearance at the team's Fan Fest, receiving a warm welcome amidst loud cheers from a stadium adorned in Dodger blue.
Ohtani shared his feelings on donning Dodgers' colors: "Seeing the blue, it feels like a stark contrast to the Angels' red. It’s finally hitting me that I’ve made the move." (News On Japan)
Annually, Osaka attracts around 10 million foreign tourists, boasting popular destinations like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan. A follow-up at the tourist information centers in Osaka reveals these hotspots are just the beginning for travelers. (News On Japan)
With February 3rd marking Setsubun in Japan, a ceremonial rite at the Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture, a World Heritage Site, was conducted, involving wearing demon masks, scattering beans while striking bamboo sticks on the stone steps to drive out bad luck. (News On Japan)
Dengeki Online's serialized feature "Difficult-to-Read Kanji" challenges readers with a range of characters, from those so complex they're almost unimaginable, to seemingly simple ones that are surprisingly tricky to pronounce. The project is spearheaded by "Kyōji Yanagi," a humble calligrapher who lives with his cat. He'll continue to introduce kanji that might not be instantly readable, so let's all think about them together! (News On Japan)
The Japan Nature Conservation Association revealed the results of its nationwide turtle survey on Thursday, February 1, with more than half the collected samples being the 'Red-Eared Slider,' as this invasive species continues to expand its habitat, while there are concerns over the declining population of the native Japanese Pond Turtle. (News On Japan)
In Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, along the shores of Lake Biwa, the early-blooming rapeseed flowers, known as "Kanzaki Hanana," are delighting visitors with their seasonal splendor.
The rapeseed blooms are located in a field near the shore of Lake Biwa in Moriyama City, where approximately 12,000 plants dye the area a vibrant yellow. This stunning display forms a beautiful contrast against the white, snow-covered Hira mountain range in the background. (News On Japan)
A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) survey has revealed that half of the 140 regional railway operators are experiencing a shortage of train drivers, leading to an emergency meeting convened by 172 operators, including major companies, on Friday, February 2. (News On Japan)
For the third consecutive year, the hourly wages of employees at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are set to increase. The operating company of USJ has announced a uniform wage increase of 50 yen for part-time and temporary employees starting from April. (News On Japan)
The annual Odawara Plum Festival is a sign that spring has arrived early this year in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with white plum blossoms already at their peak as of Risshun (the first day of spring in the traditional Japanese calendar) on February 4th. (News On Japan)
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